Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Family Day

Chapter 26: Family Day

Noelle barely had time to process everything before Alexei was tugging her toward the car with his tiny fingers wrapped tightly

around hers,

“W–Wait, Alexei-!” she tried to protest, but the little boy was surprisingly strong for his size, determined to pull her along.

Valerian who was walking beside them with his usual unbothered grace, opened the car door for her. “After you, dorogaya,” he said smoothly as his silver eyes glinted with amusement.

Noelle hesitated. And yet, she couldn’t exactly run away.

Not with Alexei beaming up at her expectantly with his small hand squeezing hers.

With a resigned sigh, she ducked inside the car, sliding onto the plush leather seat. The scent of expensive cologne and something subtly smoky filled the air. It was too luxurious, making her painfully aware of how out of place she felt.

She remembered the day Adrian’s mother had arrived at her flower shop in a sleek, black limousine. That day, Noelle had felt painfully small. Her feet barely touched the floor knowing well her presence was an unwelcome stain in their world.

Mrs. Blackwood had barely spared her a glance but when she did, it was as if her eyes was determined to make her feel doesn’t belong and that she was not worthy.

Alexei scrambled in after her, plopping down with a grin that somehow pulled her out of her reverie, while Valerian slid in last, shutting the door behind him. The moment it clicked shut, the car smoothly pulled away from the curb.

Silence settled for a moment while Noelle fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

“This is… a lot,” she muttered, finally voicing her thoughts.

Alexei tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

She gave him a sheepish smile. “I guess I didn’t expect this kind of ride to a school event.”

The little boy hummed thoughtfully before looking at Valerian. “Uncle, I told you we should have brought the most expensive car.”

Valerian let out a chuckle. “This one is already more than enough, malen’kiy,” he mused, resting an arm over the back of the seat. His silver–grey eyes flickered toward Noelle clearly amused. Unless, of course, Noelle prefers something even grander?”

She blinked, thrown off by the way he so easily included her in the conversation. “No, no, this is already too much,” she quickly said, shaking her head. “I’m just… not used to it.”

Alexei grinned, swinging his legs back and forth. “That’s okay, milaya,” he chirped, “you’ll get used to it soon!”

Noelle paused. There it was again, another unfamiliar word. She had noticed it before, the way Valerian occasionally slipped into a language she didn’t understand.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she turned to Valerian. “What does that mean? Milaya?”

Valerian was caught off guard at her using the endearment. He thought she was using it back at him. And so he met her gaze for a moment with a baffled expression before his lips curved into a teasing smile. “It means something nice,” he answered vaguely.

Noelle narrowed her eyes at him. “That’s not an answer.”

“It is,” he countered smoothly.

Alexei giggled beside her, clearly entertained.

“You keep calling me that. If you’re going to keep saying it, I should at least know what it means.”

1/3

Chapter 26: Family Day

+25 BONUS

Valerian tilted his head slightly, his fingers tapping idly against his knee. “If I told you, you might run away,” he said in a light tone, but which, she couldn’t quite decipher.

That only made her more curious. “Now I really

Yet he only chuckled again, feeling th

y want to know.”

indulgent. “Then I suppose you’ll have to earn the answer, milaya.”

Noelle groaned, dropping her head back against”

“Adorable,” Valerian muttered smoothly

the seat while Alexei giggled even more. “Unbelievable,” she muttered.

The rest of the drive passed in a mix

of esilence and Alexei’s occasional excited chatter about the event. Noelte,

despite herself, found her nerves easing until the car made a slowrn and rolled through the grand, wrought–iron gates of the academy.

Her breath hitched slightly as she took in the sight before her.

This wasn’t just a school. It was an architectural masterpiece. A sprawling modern campus with towering glass buildings that reflected the morning sun, landscaped gardens perfectly arranged between pathways, and sports fields so pristine they looked untouched. The main building ahead was a sleek fusion of steel and glass, its contemporary design screaming wealth and prestige./

Luxury cars filled the drop–off zone, each one gleaming and high–end, their occupants stepping out in designer suits elegant dresses. Well–dressed staff members guided students and parents toward the entrance, their uniforms pres perfection.

Noelle swallowed hard. This is a school?

“This is a school?” she blurted out, still staring in disbelief.

Alexei grinned proudly. “Only the best!”

Valerian hummed, unbuckling his seatbelt with effortless ease. “I take it you’re impressed?”

She shot him a dry look. “More like overwhelmed.”

The car rolled to a smooth stop, and before Noelle could fully gather her thoughts, a uniformed attendant swiftly approached, pulling the door open. Alexei hopped out first, his small shoes clicking against the polished pavement.

Noelle hesitated.

Everywhere she looked, there were parents in designer ensembles, sleek handbags slung over their arms, watches that cost more than her entire savings. Mothers in elegant dresses exchanged polite conversations, while fathers in tailored suits checked their expensive timepieces.

She swallowed hard.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out, immediately feeling the weight of a few curious glances

Valerian emerged last, and the shift in atmosphere was instant.

A few heads turned, whispers exchanged in hushed tones. Whether it was because of the line of black cars that had escorted them or the commanding presence Valerian exuded, Noelle wasn’t sure.

Her grip on her small purse tightened.

“This feels…” she started, but hesitated.

“Overwhelming?” Valerian finished for her, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. His voice was smooth, effortlessly calm, as if none of this was new to him.

She sighed. “Tha

one way to put it.”

Chapter 26: Family Day

+25 BONUS

He tilted his head slightly, casting her a sidelong glance. “Relax, ilaya. Cкоpо Tы привыкнешь к моему миру.” [You’ll get used to my world soon.]

“Huh? What did you say?” Noelle innocently asked while her eyes remained admiring the world outside.

Valerian’s gaze lingered on her amusedly.

1 you need to worry about, milaya,” he said smoothly.

Noelle tore her gaze away from the academy grounds to squint at m. “That soundciously like something I should be

worried about.”

Alexei, still clutching her hand, giggled. “Un explains them.”

always talks like that. He says things that make people wonder but never

Noelle arched a brow at Valerian. “So, you’re just mysterious on purpose?”

Valerian smirked. “It keeps things interesting.”

She huffed, crossing her arms. “Or maybe you just enjoy being cryptic.”

He didn’t deny it. Instead, he leaned slightly closer as his voice dropped to a near whisper. “Curious about me?”

Her face instantly warmed, and she quickly looked away, waving a hand dismissively. “Curious? Please. I’m just making conversation.”

Valerian chuckled again, his amusement evident. “Of course.”

Before she could protest further, Alexei tugged her hand again, pulling her out of the car.

“Mama, come on! We have to sign in before it starts!”

Noelle stumbled slightly at the title, heat creeping up her neck. But before she could even process it, she caught the way Valerian’s smirk deepened, as if thoroughly entertained by her reaction.

She shot him a glare.

But he only lifted a brow. “Better hurry, дорогaя.” [Darling.] Noelle scowled. “I want to know that one as well,” she muttered.

Valerian simply smiled as he stepped out of the car after the two.

Jupes 27. Spark