Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Weakness

Noelle let out a sigh as they finally arrived in front of her apartment building. The familiar sight of the slightly worn–down structure gave her a sense of relief after the overwhelming day she had endured. But before she could fully process that comfort, Valerian was already out of the car waiting for her.

He had stepped ahead of her while his sharp eyes followed her every move.

Noelle ignored his stare and focused instead on Alexei, who waved enthusiastically from inside the car.

“Bye, Noelle!” he called out. His voice was muffled slightly as the car door remained open as few of Valerian’s men had taken the seats besides the little boy

Noelle forced a small smile. “Bye, Alexei,” she said softly.

The car door closed shut and silence settled between her and Valerian.

She didn’t acknowledge him. She didn’t even spare him a glance as she turned toward her building, limping. But before she could take another step, his voice cut through the quiet.

“Why don’t you get back in the car and stay at my place?” he suddenly offered. “I’m responsible for what happened to you

anyway.

“I’m fine,” she resisted, but a sharp sting shot up her foot made her flinch which Valerian noticed and his gaze immediately darkened.

“You’re not.”

Before Noelle could even think of a response, he moved towards her that startled her. In one swift motion, he bent downd scooped her up as if she weighed like a feather.

“Valerian-!” Noelle gasped with her hands instantly flying to his shoulders as instinct took over.

“If you won’t take care of yourself,” he said smoothly, “then I will

Her face burned at the sheer audacity. She struggled slightly, but it was pointless. His hold was firm, his grip was steady as if carrying her was the most natural thing in the world.

“Put me down!” she hissed, throwing an embarrassed glance around them.

Valerian barely spared her a glance. “No.”

Her mortification only deepened when they passed the front desk, where Mrs. Ellis sat comfortably in her usual spot.

The old woman beamed while eyes twinkled with mischief as she took in the sight. “Oh, young man! Thank you for bringing her back safely.”

Noelle groaned internally as Mrs. Ellis giggled, waving them away as if they were a newlywed couple returning home.

Valerian gave a polite nod before carrying Noelle straight toward the stairs.

This was officially the most humiliating moment of her life.

What was worse is that no matter how much she wanted to ignore the warmth radiating from him or the steady rise and fall of his chest, it was impossible when she was quite literally pressed against him.

And when he finally reached the top, he looked down at her with his eyes looking expectant. “Where is your room?”

Noelle huffed, feeling utterly powerless in his arms. She reluctantly pointed toward the end of the hall. “That one.”

Without hesitation, Valerian headed straight for it.

“Valerian, I can walk,” she muttered, attempting to protest.

Chapter 30: Weakness

“You’ve made it clear you can’t,” he countered smoothly.

+25 BONUS

Noelle let out a frustrated sigh, but there was no winning against in. He carried her like it was his right, completely unfazed by her protests.

As soon as they entered her room, he gently set her down to the couch with his gaze flicking to her feet. “Where’s your first–aid kit?”

Noelle blinked, still stunned. “I told you, it’s not that serious.”

His silver–grey eyes met hers in a more serious manner. “Where, Noelle?”

“Bathroom cabinet.” She sighed.

Valerian didn’t waste a second. Without another word, he turned and disappeared down the narrow hall of her room. Noelle sat frozen on the couch, still processing the fact that he had just carried her into her own apartment like she had no say in the matter.

She groaned, running a hand down her face. ‘I have a weakness for this kind of men… God, please… I just went through a heartbreak

She had barely pieced herself back together, barely found a sliver of peace after everything, and now he was barging into her life acting all caring, which made it impossible for her to ignore.

She should have been furious.

She was furious.

But her heart had other ideas, judging by the way it pounded whenever he got too close.

A moment later, she heard the bathroom cabinet open, followed by the rustling of supplies. She had half a mind to get up and tell him off, but before she could even attempt it, Valerian was already back with first–aid kit in hand.

He knelt in front of her, setting the kit down on the table before reaching for her foot.

Noelle instinctively jerked back. “I can do it myself.”

Valerian arched a brow at her, completely overwhelming her, which made Noelle press her lips together to stop herself from

saying more.

“Exactly.” He took her ankle with firm but gentle hands.

Noelle exhaled sharply as his fingers brushed over her skin. His touch was careful, deliberate and far too soft for someone with big, slightly rough hands.

As he examined the redness, his brows furrowed slightly. “You shouldn’t have walked on it,” he murmured.

“I didn’t have a choice,” she muttered, crossing her arms.

“You always have a choice,” he said simply. Then, as if the conversation was over, he opened the first–aid kit and pulled out an

ointment.

Noelle eyed him warily. “You really don’t have to-‘

“I

“Stay still,” he ordered smoothly, dabbing a bit of the ointment onto his fingertips.

She tensed as he carefully applied it. The cool sensation began spreading over her sore skin and Noelle bit the inside of her cheek. She tried to focus on anything other than how warm his hands felt against her.

“You do this o

she asked, trying to distract herself.

Valerian didn’t look up but managed to answer. “I’ve handled worse.”

Chapter 30: Weakness

‘That… wasn’t exactly comforting.‘ She thought.

When he finished, he finally met her gaze. “Better?”

Noelle glanced at her sore feet and then sighed. “Yes. Thank you.”

A small, satisfied smirk tugged at his lips. “Good.”

+25 BONUS

But he didn’t move. He was still kneeling in front of her, still watching her while his hands rested lightly on his knees as if waiting for something.

Noelle swallowed, feeling her heartbeat pick up.

She should tell him to leave.

But for some reason… she didn’t.

“What?” Noelle asked.

Valerian sighed and straightened to his full height. “I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.”

“That’s not necessary.” She frowned.

His silver–grey eyes darkened slightly at her response. “It is. You’re hurt because of me.”

She scoffed, feeling somewhat unsatisfied with his answer. She wanted to hear something else but she chose not to make obvious. “You didn’t force me to run.”

“No,” he admitted, tilting his head. “But I did put you in a position where you had to.”

Noelle opened her mouth to argue but hesitated. He wasn’t wrong. If he hadn’t roped her into pretending to be Alexei’s mother for the day, she wouldn’t have been running in flats like her life depended on it.

Seeing her silence, Valerian chuckled. “Oh, milaya.”

“You can’t just decide things on your own.” She opposed.

“I just did.” He hummed in satisfaction, then suddenly leaned down as his face hovered dangerously close to hers.

Noelle instantly stiffened as her breath hitched. “What are you—‘

“Have a good rest, wife.” His smirk deepened as he whispered the last word, his voice dripping with amusement.

Before she could react, he straightened and turned toward the door, leaving her sitting there—dumbfounded, flustered, and cursing the traitorous heat creeping up her neck.

Noelle pressed a hand over her face, willing her heartbeat to settle

No… no, no, no. Do not start catching feelings again. Do not.

This was Valerian being Valerian. Confident, pushy, aggravating.

That’s all.

…Right?

Before she could spiral further, a sudden knock at her door made her jump.

Chapter 31: The Game Has Begun

Chapter 31: The Game Has Begun