Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Victorious

Alexei cheered, bouncing with excitement as he rushed toward the stage to claim his reward, tugging his uncle eagerly behind him.

Noelle didn’t follow.

The adrenaline of the race had faded, and in its place came the dull relentless throb in her feet. She winced, subtly shifting her weight. Running in flats? A terrible idea.

She glanced around, scanning for somewhere quieter–somewhere away from the crowd. A moment to breathe. A moment to let the pain subside. Fortunately, a small bench under a tree near the courtyard’s edge caught her eye. She made her way over and sank down with a quiet sigh of relief.

“What a day…”

Noelle gently slipped off her shoes, wincing as she did, and checked her feet. No real damage–thankfully–but the angry red marks spoke volumes. She exhaled again, grateful for the moment of stillness.

But peace didn’t last long.

“Excuse me.”

The voice made her jump.

She looked up to find a man standing in front of her, smiling easily holding out two bottles of cold water.

“Oh, uh–yes?” she responded, caught slightly off guard but masking it with polite composure.

The man, who looked to be around her age, stepped a little closer and offered her a bottle. “Want one?”

“Thank you,” she said quickly, taking it without hesitation. She twisted off the cap and took a long, much–needed sip. As she drank, she stole a glance at him–his face open, kind, a touch of humor behind his eyes.

“I’m guessing you’re one of the family’s staff?” he asked playfully

Noelle gave a soft chuckle. “You could say that.”

He sat on the edge of the bench, leaving space between them, but close enough to talk easily. “It’s funny,” he said, glancing toward the crowd. “People assume these rich families are picture–perfect.”

“I know what you mean,” Noelle said, sipping again.

The man studied her with a raised brow. “So… helper? Mard?”

Noelle blinked, surprised at his bluntness. She looked down at her plain dress and flats, suddenly self–conscious. “Uh… yeah. Just helping out for the day.”

He nodded, a knowing smile on his lips. “Tobias,” he offered, extending a hand. “Also helping out. Not really family, but I’m playing the part.”

“Wait, really? You too?” She shook his hand, laughing softly. “Nice to meet you, Tobias. Looks like we’re in the same boat.”

“Pretty much.” He chuckled. “The young miss’s parents didn’t want to attend, so her maid and I–her driver–had to fill in.” He gestured loosely toward the crowd.

“So… you’re pretending to be her parents?”

“Not exactly. The school doesn’t require real parents to show up. Just someone to represent the family. It’s more about appearances and fundraising.”

Noelle went still.

1/3

Chapter 28: Victorious

+25 BONUS

So Valerian and Alexel tricked me?

Those two!

To keep from fuming, she took another sip of water and pretended to be unbothered.

“I’ve been looking for you. And here you are… talking to another man?”

She choked on her drink.

Tobias looked past her, and his expression shifted instantly. When he saw the towering figure behind her, his smile vanished.

“Sir Vasiliev-“Tobias immediately stood and bowed his head. “didn’t realize–I apologize.”

Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

Noelle let out a sharp breath, gripping the water bottle a little tighter. She looked up.

Valerian stood there, arms crossed, gaze sharp.

“You scared him off,” she muttered, feigning nonchalance.

Valerian didn’t answer right away. He stepped closer, eyes flicking down to her bare feet. His expression softened.

“Why aren’t you wearing your shoes?”

“They were hurting,” she murmured, glancing at the flats beside the bench.

Without a word, he crouched in front of her and reached for her foot.

She jerked back. “W–What are you—”

“Stay still,” he said, firm but not unkind.

Her breath caught as his hand gently took her ankle. His fingers brushed over the red, irritated skin with surprising care. His touch was warm–rough palms, but careful movements. She stared at him, startled by the tenderness.

“It’s not that bad,” she murmured.

He didn’t look up. “It is if you’re in pain.”

That simple response made her chest tighten, but she quickly shook it off.

“I’ll be fine. Just a little sore.”

He didn’t argue. Instead, he stood and pulled out his phone.

“Bring the car around,” he said, then hung up.

She frowned. “What are you doing?”

“We’re leaving.”

“What? No! Alexei’s still enjoying the event, you can’t just-”

“He got his prize. He’ll stay. You’re leaving.”

She blinked, irritated. “Excuse me?“.

“You’re hurting. You can’t stand without wincing.” His tone softened slightly. “So I’m taking you home.”

Noelle hesitated. As much as she hated to admit it… he wasn’t wrong.

Still, she crossed her arms. “And if I refuse?”

Chapter 28: Victorious

+25 BONUS

Valerian leaned in, holding her gaze. “Then I’ll carry you.”

Her breath caught. “You wouldn’t.”

He smirked. “You think I won’t throw you over my shoulder in front of all these people?”

She did think that–or at least she hoped so. But his expression made her second–guess everything.

With a huff, she gripped the bottle tightly and exhaled. “Fine. But I’m going because I want to.”

His smirk deepened, but he said nothing. Instead, he offered his hand.

Noelle stared at it, then reluctantly placed her hand in his. He helped her to her feet–but the second she put weight down, she winced and stumbled.

Valerian’s arm wrapped around her waist instantly, steadying her.

“Careful,” he murmured near her ear.

She stiffened, pulse jumping. She tried to pull away, but his grip didn’t loosen.

“Valerian, I can walk—”

“And I can ignore you,” he replied smoothly.

Noelle scowled but stayed quiet. She knew she wasn’t winning this one.

Valerian, noticing her silence, chuckled–very pleased with himself.

Chapter 29: Hide and Seek