Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Move In

Chapter 16: Move In

Noelle stood still, letting the soft warmth of the sun kiss her skin. She closed her eyes for a moment, just letting herself breathe in the fresh air. It had been years since she had a long travel and seeing a new sight somehow lightened the

burden.

The petals of the flower beneath her fingers were delicate, and the vibrant colors seemed to reflect a kind of peace she hadn’t known she was craving. She had come here to find herself, or maybe just a moment to escape. But now as she

stood there, she wasn’t sure it mattered. She was exactly where she needed to be, even if she didn’t know what that

meant yet.

As the breeze danced around her, she let out a soft sigh.

“Maybe I do deserve to be happy,” she whispered to the flower in her hand, as if seeking confirmation.

For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to believe it. It was a small victory, but for Noelle, it was everything. She smiled

softly, holding the flower to her chest as she turned her gaze toward the horizon.

The setting sun painted the sky in the distance with shades of orange and pink, and Noelle felt peace settle within her. There was no going back, but maybe there was a future that didn’t involve the pain, the past, or Adrian.

She was here, she was free, and that was enough for her.

“Now, let’s look for a place to stay.”

Noelle’s gaze swept over the town once more, scanning for any signs of an inn or guesthouse. It was quiet and peaceful. Exactly the kind of place she could slip into without anyone noticing. The streets were lined with quaint shops, some closed for the afternoon while others were beginning to pull their shades down, signaling the end of a workday. The soft

hum of the town around her felt calm and comforting.

She then passed by a small cafe with a flickering neon sign and paused, glancing through the window at the warm, inviting interior. The soft murmur of voices and clinking cups seemed like the perfect sanctuary. But she wasn’t here for

comfort. Noelle was searching for something simpler. A place to rest, a space where she could gather her thoughts, away

from everything and everyone.

She turned to a corner and spotted a modest sign that read Apartments for Rent hanging above a small, rustic building. Her heart gave a subtle flutter of hope. The exterior looked slightly worn but full of character. For Noelle, it was a place

where she could be alone without anyone asking questions.

And so Noelle approached as the soft crunch of gravel underfoot accompanied her thoughts. With a push of the door, she

entered. The air smelled faintly of wood and something sweet, like fresh linens or old books. A bell chimed softly above her, and a friendly-looking woman behind the counter looked up, greeting her with a smile.

“Hello there,” the woman said warmly. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for a place to stay.” Noelle replied kindly. She didn’t want to reveal too much, didn’t want to seem like she was

running, though, in many ways, that’s exactly what she was doing.

“Do you have anything available?”

The woman studied her for a moment, then nodded. “We’ve got a small apartment upstairs. Nothing fancy, but it’s quiet and private. Perfect for someone who’s looking for some peace.”

Noelle felt a small but welcome sigh of relief escape her lips. “I’ll take it.”

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Chapter 16 Move in

*18 Points >

“Great,” the woman said, handing over a key. “It’s just up those stairs. Feel free to make yourself at home. I’ll hand over a few documents I needed you to sign after you’re done moving in.”

Noelle took the key from the woman with her fingers brushing lightly against the cool metal. “Thank you,” she said, giving a soft, polite smile before heading for the staircase.

The steps creaked under her weight as she made her way up to the second floor. The hallway was dimly lit and the light from a small window at the end casted long shadows. She found the door to the room easily, marked with a simple brass

plate. She turned the handle and stepped inside with a small, relieved breath.

The room was modest but welcoming. A queen-sized bed with a soft floral duvet lay beneath the window, and a small

wooden dresser stood against one wall. There was a cozy armchair by the window, and a few potted plants in the corner

added a touch of life to the otherwise simple decor. A soft lamp on the nightstand illuminated the room with a warm glow,

and for a moment, it felt like the world outside had quieted down.

Noelle set her bag by the door and wandered around the bed while running her hand over the cool linen. It wasn’t much,

but it was hers for the moment. A place she could breathe.

She briefly closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath to center herself. She could already feel the tension in her shoulders

easing just from being here, in this quiet space. This was her time to settle, to figure out what she was going to do next.

After a moment, she stood and walked back downstairs, making sure to lock the door behind her. She passed by the

small hallway mirror, catching her reflection for the first time that day. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and there was a

faint trace of exhaustion on her face, but she didn’t mind. She looked… different in a good way. A small, almost

imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she descended the last few steps.

The woman behind the counter looked up, startled. “Oh! I was about to bring you the documents. Here you go. Just a few

things to sign for the rental agreement,” she explained.

Noelle took the papers, scanning them quickly before sitting down at the counter to sign them. The pen moved smoothly

across the paper as each stroke felt like another small step away from the life she’d left behind. When she finished, she

handed the documents back.

“All done,” she said with a small sense of satisfaction in her voice.

The woman smiled and nodded. “You’re all set, then. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Noelle gave a grateful nod and made her way back to her room, her heart a little lighter now. The town outside felt like a new chapter, one she was ready to start even if she didn’t know exactly where it would take her. For now, it was enough.

She locked the door behind her once more as the soft click echoed in the room. After the long journey here, she was finally alone just as she had wanted. She kicked off her shoes and sat on the edge of the bed, letting the peacefulness envelop her.

It wasn’t a perfect life. It wasn’t even the life she had planned. But for the first time in a long while, it felt like it could be something of her own. And that, at least, was a good place to start.