Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Spark

The event was lively, Parents and children mingled in clusters, chatting and admiring the bright flowers scattered throughout the space.

Valerian walked beside Noelle like he owned the room. He had that effortless presence–refined, poised, and impossible to ignore.

Noelle, on the other hand, kept her gaze straight ahead, trying to block out the whispers that followed her. Eyes lingered, but she focused on Alexei, who tugged at her hand.

“Come on, mama! The games are starting!” he said, practically dragging her toward the courtyard.

Valerian chuckled. “He’s excited.”

“Is he always like this?” she asked with a quick glance and a tight smile.

Outside, a wide lawn stretched before them, lined with colorful tents and activity stations. At the far end, a small stage stood beneath a banner:

“Family Day: Strengthening Bonds, Creating Memories”

Picnic tables, games, and laughter filled the air. It wasn’t just a school event–it felt like a performance. Parents were expected to prove how connected they were with their children.

How am I supposed to fake this? Noelle thought.

Before she could worry further, Alexei dragged her to the first game. It was simple: build a tower together using oversized blocks.

An attendant greeted them. “Welcome, Mr. Vasiliev. Ready to begin?”

Valerian nodded.

The attendant turned to Noelle. “And you must be Mrs. Vasiliev?”

She stiffened, then offered a polite nod. “Yes, that’s me.”

Valerian met her eyes, his tone warm. “Relax, Noelle. Let’s have some fun.”

Hearing her name like that caught her off guard. It sounded… affectionate. And oddly calming.

The game began. Alexei grabbed a block with both hands. “I’m the builder!” he announced proudly.

Noelle crouched beside him, stacking another. Slowly, her nerves faded.

Valerian watched them for a moment, then knelt down. “Need help?” he asked, grinning.

“By all means,” she replied, smiling.

He picked up a block. Their fingers brushed. Noelle stilled, feeling a faint warmth at the contact.

“You’re both so good at this!” Alexei cheered. “We’ll win for sure!

Valerian smirked. “We can’t disappoint the little one, milaya.”

Noelle rolled her eyes but kept building. Valerian wasn’t as cold as he pretended to be. He had a way of slipping into moments, making things lighter.

When the tower stood tall, Alexei clapped. “We did it!”

“Perfect teamwork,” the attendant said. “Well done, Mr. and Mrs. Vasiliev.”

Noelle found herself smiling for real. For the first time today, she was enjoying herself.

Chapter 27: Spark

Valerian leaned closer and whispered, “Told you. You’re a natural tower builder.”

She gave him a half–hearted glare, but her smile softened as they moved to the next game.

The next station was a relay race. Simple rules: father starts, mother runs second, child finishes.

Noelle looked down at her flats and sighed. She wasn’t a runner–especially not in a dress.

Valerian leaned over. “Second thoughts, sweetheart?”

She shot him a sideways look. “Just hoping I don’t faceplant.”

He smirked. “No pressure. I don’t intend to lose.”

+25 BONUS

The whistle blew. Valerian launched forward with long, effortless strides. He ran like he was made for it–strong, smooth, fast.

He reached Noelle quickly, passing the baton with a deliberate brush of his fingers. “Go.”

She ran. Not gracefully, not fast—but determined. She focused on Alexei ahead, waiting, bouncing in place.

“Come on, mama!” he called.

She reached him and handed off the baton, breathless.

Alexei bolted, legs pumping, arms flailing. “Faster, Alexei!” she shouted, cheering him on.

Caught in the moment, she jumped–then winced as pain shot through her toes. Her flats had no cushion, but sh pain aside, clapping hard.

Beside her, Valerian walked calmly, arms crossed, watching.

“Almost there, sweetheart! You’ve got this!” she cried out.

Alexei ran with all his might. The other kids were close, but he held his lead. His eyes locked on the finish line.

Noelle held her breath.

With one last push, he crossed the line first.

The crowd cheered. The whistle blew.

“We won!” Alexei yelled, beaming. He spun around and dashed toward them.

Noelle gasped, arms wide. “That’s my boy!” She caught him in a tight hug as he laughed against her chest.

Valerian approached, crouched down, and ruffled his hair. “Well done.”

“Did you see me? I was fast!” Alexei beamed.

Valerian nodded with subtle pride. “You were a rocket.”

the

Noelle, still holding Alexei close, glanced up at Valerian. For a brief second, their eyes met, and a tiny spark passed between

them.

But before she could dwell on it, the event organizer approached with a bright smile. “Congratulations! That was an incredible race, Mr. and Mrs. Vasiliev. Your family has won first place!”

Chapter 28: Victorious