Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Swing

The night air greeted them with a soft breeze as they stepped out of the restaurant. The jazz faded behind them and was replaced by the distant hum of the city settling into itself. The fairy lights strung over the awning glowing lightly over the sidewalk, and the faint scent of roasted garlic and herbs still clung to the air.

Grace walked beside Keegan with slow and unhurried steps. She looked lighter… like something had been lifted off her shoulders. Meanwhile, Keegan stayed close with one hand tucked in his pocket and the other occasionally brushing near hers, as if wanting to hold it again but not willing to disturb the quiet spell she was under.

“That was…” Grace trailed off, searching for the word.

“Perfect?” Keegan offered, glancing at her with a smile that reached his eyes.

She laughed softly. “Yeah. Perfect.”

They walked in silence for a few more paces. Storefronts were closing up, windows dimming one by one. Somewhere nearby, a street musician plucked a soft melody from an old guitar. It was a very gentle and comfortable night for her.

Then, almost shyly, Grace spoke. “Keegan?”

He looked over immediately with a response. “Hmm?”

Grace hesitated, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it’s late, but… there’s this place I’ve always wanted to go.”

His brow lifted slightly, curious.

“Not far, I think,” she added quickly, as if afraid he’d say no. “Just… a playground. I used to see it from the car’s window when I was little. I always imagined what it would be like to… play there barefoot.”

Keegan stopped walking at her words.

Grace took another step before she noticed he’d halted. She turned to him with a cautious expression, already pulling back.

But he wasn’t staring in confusion or skepticism. He was staring like her words had cracked open something inside him. His gaze softened, and without a word, he stepped toward her and took her hand,

“Lead the way,” he said.

She blinked, “What?”

1/3

Chapter 129 Swing

+15 BONUS

“You want to go?” He asked excitedly. “Then we go. Show me.”

A slow smile began to bloom on her lips at his response. She glanced down at their joined hands, then nodded once and turned in the direction of the park.

And Keegan walked beside her, every step as if sacred, every breath quiet with awe. Because to him, this wasn’t her demanding. It was Grace-wanting, asking, and trusting.

And he would’ve followed her anywhere.

When the two arrived, the playground was already empty. The swings swayed gently in the breeze, creaking faintly, as if they remembered the laughter of children long gone to bed.

Grace slowed her steps when they reached the gate. Her eyes scanned the place with an awe of a child… like she was standing before something delightful. A low fence bordered the park, and beyond it were soft wood chips lined the paths between slides, monkey bars, and a carousel that turned lazily in the wind.

“I used to dream about this,” she murmured, as if speaking too loud might scare the memory away. “I’d press my forehead to the window when the guards weren’t looking. Watch the kids run around. Wonder what it would feel like to just… exist in a place like this.”

Keegan stood a step behind her, letting her have the moment. His hands were tucked into his coat pockets, but his eyes never left her.

“Want to try it?” he asked softly.

She turned to him, and the look on her face was something fragile. Not out of disbelief but of excitement.

“I don’t even know how to swing,” she admitted with a breathless laugh.

“I’ll teach you,” Keegan said, already moving to open the gate.

Grace followed him in slowly, like she was crossing into a dream. Her sandals pressed into the wood chips awkwardly, and with a small grimace she bent down and slipped them off, letting her bare feet sink into the soft ground.

Keegan raised an eyebrow. “Barefoot now, are we?”

She smiled. “I said I always imagined running barefoot, didn’t I?”

He chuckled. “Then do it. No one’s stopping you now.”

Grace gave him a look then suddenly took off across the playground. Her laughter rang out, unguarded and light, like windchimes stirred for the first time in years. She twirled once with her arms open to the stars, before stopping in front of the swing set.

–2/3

Chapter 129 Swing

+15 BONUS

Keegan walked over slowly while his heart pounded not from the pace, but from the sight of her. She looked alive and… free.

She sat on the swing and glanced at him expectantly.

“Well?” she said. “Teach me.”

He stepped behind her, gently wrapping his hands around the chains, then paused.

“Lean back just a bit,” he murmured. “Let your legs stretch forward when you swing up, tuck them in as you come down. I’ll start you off.”

She did as he said, and he gave her a gentle push. The swing moved, tentative at first, then steadier as she found the rhythm.

Grace began to laugh again quietly at first, then louder, richer. Her hair streamed behind her, her face tilted up toward the sky.

And Keegan… he watched her with genuine happiness.

Like every sound that escaped her lips was a hymn, every movement a prayer answered. His hands remained loose at his sides, itching to steady her but knowing she didn’t need it…she was flying. And he wouldn’t dare interrupt her flight.

His lips curled into a smile that was silent but unshakable. There was no pride in it nor any sense of accomplishment for himself. It was simply just this steady, overwhelming warmth in his chest that came from witnessing her joy. From knowing she was safe enough, free enough, to laugh like this.

She looked over her shoulder mid-swing, eyes shining with a little mischief. “What?” she asked, breathless and glowing.

Keegan just shook his head, hands slipping into his pockets. “Nothing,” he said softly. “Just… don’t stop.”

Her smile lingered, smaller now but more intimate, as she slowed the swing gradually with the drag of her feet. When she finally came to a gentle stop, she looked at him as though she were seeing him differently…as though something had completely shifted between them.

Before Keegan even realized it, Grace stood up to face him and swiftly grabbed the lapels of his coat… and kissed him.