Chapter 31 A Simple Menu Chapter 31 A Simple Menu 6220 +10 Free Coins " You're just a useless leech ! You can't even survive a second without a man . Might as well just let Austin marry you already , so you don't ruin someone else's life ! " Anna fired off her insults fast , not caring at all that Sydney's face kept changing color . She then grabbed Dawn and pulled her away . Sydney froze , her face turning ghostly white . She had never been humiliated like this before , someone literally pointing at her and cursing her out ! Dawn ! Two salesgirls had watched the whole scene like it was a live show , their eyes wide . One of them carefully asked , " Ms. Peay ... um , do you still want this bag ? " " Want it ? Heck no ! " Sydney felt as if her dignity had been stomped on . She couldn't stay another second . She snatched her purse from the couch , spun around , and stormed out of the store . " Did you see her face ? It turned red , pale , and purple - all in seconds . Almost like a rainbow . " Thinking about Sydney looking so pathetic made Anna laugh until her stomach hurt . When she finally caught her breath , she gave Dawn a mock - serious warning . " The next time you see her , don't show any mercy , okay ? You need to treat women like that harshly . If you're too nice , they just get worse . " Dawn sighed . " I get it . It's not that I can't argue with her . I just think ... it's not worth wasting time and energy on someone like that . " Anna thought about it and nodded . " True . " She curled her lip . " Next time , just treat her like background noise . Austin doesn't believe you now , but one day , he'll see her for who she really is . And when that happens ? That'll be the real show . " Dawn turned her head , and the two shared a knowing smile . 1/3 15:50 Mon , Sep 15 Chapter 31 A Simple Menu They wandered around the mall for two hours but didn't buy much . 200 +10 Free Coins They had planned to grab dinner before heading back , but Anna's phone suddenly rang . Dawn noticed something flash across her friend's eyes and asked , " Why aren't you answering ? " " It's ... just some spam call . " Anna muted it quickly and pulled her along . " C'mon , I'm taking you to this place tonight . Their grilled steak is next level . " But the ringtone kept following them . Dawn frowned , " Whoever it is sounds desperate . Just pick up . " Anna's expression tightened . She pulled out her phone and glanced at it carefully , as if she didn't want Dawn to see . She still didn't answer , just sighed . " Ugh , so annoying . I gotta take care of something ... I'll take a rain check , okay ? I'll make it up to you . " Dawn laughed and nudged her . " Go handle your stuff . We can hang out anytime - I'm always free . " Anna hugged her and hurried off while muttering curses under her breath . Dawn watched her go and glanced at the time . Ethan should be off work soon . He'd been taking care of her so much lately . Thinking about the hungry look in his eyes the other night , she decided to pick up a cake for him . Luck was on her side - the trendy bakery wasn't crowded . Dawn chose a cute little cartoon cake , grabbed it , and hopped into a cab . She got home by 6:30 p.m. In the elevator , she pulled out her phone and texted Ethan on WhatsApp , asking when he'd be back . After thinking a second , she added , " I'll cook dinner and wait for you . " She hadn't really cooked before , but ... how hard could it be ? Ethan replied quickly , " Be home in 30 minutes . " 2/3 Chapter 21 A Simple Meng Reading that gave Dawn a rush of confidence . She exited WhatsApp , opened her browser , and pulled up we recipes . She thought about the groceries she bought yesterday and picked a simple menu . Scrambled eggs with cheese , pan - fried pork chops , tangy coleslaw , and a fresh cucumber salad . They were all easy dishes . She figured there was no way she could mess that up . Feeling hyped , she stepped into the apartment and set the cake on the table before marching into the kitchen . She tied on an apron and flashed a victory sign at her reflection in the glass door . Then she got to work . She laid out the groceries and prepped the ingredients . Now ... what's next again ? Dawn paused , then reopened the cooking tutorial on her phone , setting it nearby before she started cutting the meat . " This is way harder than it looks ... Why does Ethan make it look so easy ? Hey - don't run away ! " The pork kept sliding under her fingers , and she muttered nonstop , brow furrowed , trying not to get frustrated . Just as she was about to lose patience , a strong hand slid past her shoulder and took the knife . Then the man's arms wrapped around her waist , lifting her slightly and moving her aside . His voice was warm and gentle . " Stay put , I've got this ." Dawn froze , her mind blank for a moment . Then she leaned in beside him as he sliced the meat and asked , " When did you get home ? How did I not hear you come in ? " 15:59 Mon , Sep 15 @ Chapter Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!