Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You ? 82 +10 Free Coins The two of them in the study snapped back into reality . Dawn quickly stood up , ignoring the sharp ache in her ankle as she moved to the side . Austin's expression was dark and unreadable ; he gave no sign of what was going through his mind . Sydney rushed into the room , standing between them . Her eyes flicked nervously between the two , her voice quivering with tension . " Wh - what were you two just doing ? " Dawn quickly composed herself and answered indifferently , " I almost fell , and Uncle Austin just helped me . " " Almost fell ? " Sydney had seen everything clearly moments before . The way their eyes were locked , it looked like they were about to kiss ! She scoffed . " Well , your hand sure was steady . You were about to fall , yet you still managed to hold onto that tray , and Austin just happened to be right there ." Dawn opened her mouth to respond , but then realized there was no need to explain herself . Instead , she said , " I've already said what I needed to . If you still have questions , you can ask Uncle Austin yourself ." Her ankle still throbbed , confirming that she had indeed twisted it . She turned toward the door , taking careful steps . Sydney saw her limping and immediately her temper flared . " You're not going anywhere ! You " Enough ! " Austin's voice cut through sharply , and he grabbed Sydney's wrist , pulling her back . Dawn hesitated for only a moment before picking up her pace to leave . " Why are you letting her go ? " Sydney's eyes were red with frustration . She had always kept her cool because she had no real proof , but now , finally catching them " in the act , " she was determined to make it count . " Austin , I really thought you two only had a simple uncle - niece relationship . I never imagined ... " " Never imagined what ? " 1/4 22:02 Sun , Sep 14 d Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You ? 82 +10 Free Coins Austin's voice was quiet , but firm . His hair fell over his forehead , hiding his expression , but when he looked up at Sydney , his gaze was cold and steady . " What else do you think we have , besides an uncle - niece relationship ? " Sydney stared at his unyielding eyes and found herself at a loss for words . " I raised her . She almost fell , so of course I had to catch her . Was I supposed to just let her fall ? " Austin's patience was wearing thin . He let go of Sydney's hand and said firmly , " Sydney , I don't know what you're thinking , but Dawn is just a kid . Can you stop treating her like an enemy ? " Sydney heard the change in his tone , and her heart sank . She softened her voice . " I didn't mean it like that . I was just a little startled by what I saw . " She walked closer to him , draping her arm around his , trying to sound playful . " I just needed you to explain it to me nicely . I'm not unreasonable . " " Now that I've explained to you , are you still upset ? " " Not anymore . " Sydney shook her head . " I'll apologize to Dawn tomorrow . Does that sound good ? " A dark glint flashed in her eyes , betraying her true thoughts . Apologize ? As if ! The girl is lucky I'm not ripping her apart . I know she's been harboring feelings for Austin for a long time . Austin might not think that way , but I'm sure Dawn fell into his arms on purpose ! She spoke so casually , wanting us to think she's given up , but in reality , she's planning something else . Sydney was determined to handle Dawn , once and for all . The next morning . Dawn had just gotten up when she saw Sydney in the hallway . Sydney was dressed casually in homewear , her long hair flowing lazily over her shoulders . The sunlight streamed through the window , giving her an almost ethereal glow . " Good morning , Dawn ." Sydney smiled as she walked toward her . " Austin already explained everything about last night . I'm really sorry that I misunderstood you . Please don't be mad at me , okay ? " Dawn wasn't sure what was going on with Sydney , but she hadn't been upset about the incident in the first place , so she replied casually , " You're overthinking it , Ms. Peay . I'm not mad . " 2/4 22:02 Sun , Sep 14 d Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You ? " I'm glad . " Sydney sighed with relief . " I've been so worried all night that I couldn't sleep . 82 +10 Free Coins " By the way , I heard from Austin ... that the Virgin Mary pendant he gave me was something your mother left for you . I didn't know that before . Wait here , I'll get it for you ." Dawn eyed her with suspicion . What is Sydney up to now ? Why is she offering to return the pendant to me ? A few moments later , Sydney returned , holding the jewelry box . Her face was sincere , and her voice soft as she said , " Dawn , I know I've probably hurt you before , but let's clear things up today and get along from now on , okay ? " Dawn scrutinized her for a moment before speaking . " Are you sure you're okay ? " Sydney's lips twitched . " I'm just returning your things ." But just as Dawn reached for the jewelry box , Sydney cleverly moved her hand , causing the box to slip and fall to the floor with a loud thud . " Oh , no ! Why didn't you catch it ? " She blinked innocently . Dawn's heartbeat skipped for a moment . Her hand froze in mid - air . It had fallen ... and that pendant was the only thing her mother had left her ! Dawn slowly clenched her fist , bent down , and carefully picked up the box . She opened it - her precious Virgin Mary pendant was now in three broken pieces , a crack running right through Mary's smiling face . Tears welled up in her eyes , but she remained silent . Sydney watched from above , a flicker of satisfaction flashing in her eyes . " Dawn , didn't you say you treasured that pendant ? How come you couldn't hold onto it ? Now look , your mother's last gift to you is ruined ... Before she could say more , the girl on the floor suddenly stood up . A sharp slap rang out , echoing through the room . Sydney was caught off guard , stumbling to the side , holding her cheek , her eyes wide with 3/4 22:02 Sun , Sep 14 d Chapter 16 Am 1 Not Allowed to Hit You ? shock . " H - how dare you hit me ! " 82 +10 Free Coins " Why ? Am I not allowed to hit you ? " Dawn's eyes were bloodshot , but there were no more tears . She glared at Sydney coldly , speaking each word clearly , " This is the last time . If you mess with me again , you'll get to see if the rumors about me being arrogant and overbearing are true ." If she wants Austin , fine , she can have him . But she's made one big mistake - she used my mother's keepsake to provoke me . Dawn tightened her grip on the jewelry box and walked past Sydney . She suddenly stopped , and Sydney flinched instinctively . Dawn smirked sarcastically . " Sydney , you're pathetic . Your tricks are so basic , it's embarrassing . If I were a man , I'd rather stay single forever than end up with someone like you . " That was probably the greatest insult to a woman . Sydney stood frozen , staring at the spot where Dawn had been , her mind racing . This psycho ... Has she lost her mind ?! 4/4 22:02 Sun , Sep 14 d Chapter 17 Do You Really Think You're So Great ? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!