Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Beautiful

Chapter 21: Beautiful

Noelle woke up with a soft yawn, stretching her arms wide as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the gaps in her curtains. She slipped out of bed then made her way to the bathroom and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. There was still a bit of sleep lingering in her eyes, but her smile was bright nonetheless. She turned on the tap and let the cool water run over her hands before splashing her face, feeling it awaken her senses. Then, she stepped into the shower letting the warmth of the water envelop her body. As the steam rose around her, she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. She allowed the water to ease away any lingering drowsiness, taking her time as the steam filled the bathroom. Each drop of water that trickled down her skin felt like a gentle release, relaxing her muscles and clearing her

mind.

After a few minutes, she stepped out, feeling completely awake and refreshed. She wrapped the soft cotton towel around her body letting herself dry off. Noelle went to her closet and pulling out her favorite floral dress. It was a simple, light piece with delicate flowers that seemed to dance across the fabric. The soft cotton felt comforting against her skin as

she slipped it on.

It was a Sunday, and the easy, effortless look felt just right for the day ahead. She stood in front of the mirror for a moment, braiding her hair into a neat plait that trailed down her back. She left the ends loose, letting them fall naturally, and admired her reflection. She wore no makeup like always-just her bare, natural face since it was something she’d always felt comfortable with. She smiled at herself, feeling light and free.

Excitement bubbled up inside her as she grabbed her bag from the chair by the door. She slung it over her shoulder and finally headed out.

Her first stop was the library. It was her favorite place to visit on days like this. Quiet, peaceful, and full of the comforting smell of old pages and ink. She loved the feeling of getting lost in a book, the way the hours would slip by unnoticed as she read. She was looking forward to spending a few hours there before heading to her shift at the restaurant later.

With a skip in her step, she made her way to the direction of the library.

The peaceful day ahead seemed promising. Until her eyes landed on something-or rather, someone who looked familiar.

Her heart stuttered in her chest as she froze in place. Just up ahead, standing by the sidewalk where she had walked last night, were the boy and his father. The same man with the cold, silver-grey eyes. Noelle’s stomach dropped, and her hand shot up instinctively, clutching her purse in front of her face as if to shield herself from their view.

The boy was with his father, and flanking them were several suited men, all sharp and imposing. They seemed to be scanning the area, looking for something, or someone and Noelle’s breath hitched. She didn’t want to meet those two, especially the boys father who looked every bit the judgmental man that he is.

“Okay… maybe not the library for today.” Noelle muttered under her breath as her nerves tightened. She was about to pivot and head in the opposite direction when a loud voice pierced through her hiding.

“Noelle!” Evelyn’s voice rang out cheerfully, as if she were calling her name at a party.

Noelle’s heart leaped into her throat. She straightened, instinctively lowering her purse and trying her best to act natural despite the heavy presence of the men just a few meters behind her.

The older woman was making her way toward Noelle, her steps light and carefree. Noelle exhaled shakily and plastered on a smile, turning her attention away from the boy and his father to face the older woman.

“Oh, God…” Noelle muttered under her breath, hoping Evelyn wouldn’t notice her discomfort. She forced herself to speak

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normally, clearing her throat.

“Where are you off to?” Evelyn asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as a smile stretched across her face.

Noelle hesitated for a moment, trying to push the anxiety out of her chest. She needed to keep things casual.

“Ah… well, I… I’m heading to the restaurant!” she said, offering a nervous, awkward laugh as she fidgeted with the strap of

her purse.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, amused. “What are you talking about, silly? The restaurant isn’t open yet. My husband and I are still heading to the market to buy meat and vegetables for today’s menu.”

Noelle blinked, caught off guard. Her cheeks flushed as she mentally cursed herself for forgetting that the restaurant didn’t open until later. Evelyn’s casual comment helped ground her, but Noelle couldn’t shake the fact that she could feel the stares from behind. She was suddenly aware of the boy’s father and his men whose attention were now on her.

But still, she forced herself to smile at Evelyn, praying the woman wouldn’t notice how her thoughts were scattered. “Right… of course. Silly me,” Noelle replied, trying to laugh it off, but her thoughts were miles away.

Still, there was no avoiding it.

“Oh well, I’ll see you later at 10. Don’t be late.” The older reminded her before leaving.

And when Noelle thought she could finally leave, before she could even take another step, the little boy’s voice already

called out to her with a “Hey!”

“Hey! Ha ha…” Noelle awkwardly laughed trying her best to act casual, but her body had already stiffened. She knew she had been caught.

Slowly, she turned around, pasting on the most innocent smile she could manage. “Oh! It’s you!..” she said, her voice

slightly too high.

The little boy was staring right at her, his silver-grey eyes wide with recognition. He took a step forward while his expression was filled with childish certainty. “You’re the lady from last night! Do you remember me?”

Noelle’s stomach twisted. She forced another laugh, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh? I think you must be mistaken,

sweetheart. I-”

But before she could finish, the boy turned to the man whom she scolded last night. “Uncle! I found her!”

Her breath hitched.’

Uncle??? I thought he was his father?’ Noelle thought almost slapping herself mentally.

The man, who had been standing a few steps behind, looked at her. His sharp silver-grey eyes locked onto hers,

assessing her from head to toe which somehow made her anxious. He was tall and imposing, his expensive black coat

clearly told Noelle he wasn’t an ordinary man. The men surrounding him remained still, but their presence alone sent a

prickle of unease down Noelle’s spine.

‘Now I can clearly see I messed up. What’s gotten into me last night?!’

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The noise of the street seemed distant, muffled by the rush of blood in her ears. She was painfully aware of how easily she could be cornered.

Noelle swallowed hard, gripping her purse tighter. She needed to think fast.

“I-uh, sorry, I really have to go!” She blurted out, taking a quick step back. But the boy wasn’t letting her off so easily.

“Wait! You helped me last night! Remember? When I was cold you gave me your cardigan?” His voice was insistent, filled with excitement rather than suspicion.

Chapter 21. Beautiful

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Noelle’s heart pounded. The little boy was innocent, but the man standing behind him was not. His gaze never left her.

She let out a nervous chuckle, glancing around for an escape. “Ohhh, right! Last night! You were cold-yes, yes, I remember now!” She clapped her hands together as if the memory had just clicked. “I’m so glad you’re alright! What a

relief!”

The boy beamed, his small hands gripping the hem of his uncle’s coat. “You got scolded by her last night, uncle.” The little boy teased, laughing with a grin on his face.

Noelle’s stomach dropped. ‘Oh, God.’

She quickly forced a strained laugh, waving her hands. “Oh, well, you know… kids say the funniest things!”

The little boy pouted. “But I’m not lying-”

“Okay! Anyway!” She cut him off, taking another step back. “I really have to go! Work calls, you know how it is!”

She was just about to turn when the man finally spoke.

“Miss McGrath.”

Noelle instantly froze.

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned back to face him. “…Uh, do I know you?”

His lips slowly curved into a charming smile that caught Noelle off guard.

‘How dare this man look so… beautiful?!!’