Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Undone

Chapter 34: Undone

Chapter 34: Undone

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Valerian drove through town, deciding to have his lunch at the restaurant where Noelle worked. It was a rare sight. There was no convoy, no guards, no black–suited men trailing behind him like shadows. Today, he had left them all behind.

He had his men stationed at Alexei’s academy to ensure his nephew’s safety while Valerian attended to a more… pressing matter.

It had only been a few hours since he last saw Noelle, but for some reason, she lingered in his thoughts far more than he cared to admit. She had left an imprint on him, one that refused to fade. He wasn’t used to such distractions, and yet, here he was on his way to actually see her.

He steered the car toward the familiar restaurant where she worked while his sharp eyes scanned the small but lively place as he pulled into an empty parking spot nearby. The scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling food wafted through the open windows, mixing with the chatter of customers enjoying their afternoon meals.

‘She should be here.‘ He thought.

He stepped out of the car and adjusted the cuffs of his dark dress shirt as he made his way to the entrance. His presence, as always, drew attention. A few heads turned and whispers were exchanged between customers and staff alike. Unlike Adrian, whose fame came from flashing lights and cameras, Valerian’s reputation carried a different kind of burden.

But that did not matter at the moment. He wasn’t here to intimidate. He was here for her.

He scanned the restaurant as his gaze immediately landed on the counter where she usually worked. But Noelle wasn’t

His brow furrowed slightly.

Peter who was the restaurant owner, noticed him and quickly wiped his hands on a towel before stepping forward with a polite smile. “Mr. Vasiliev, welcome,” he greeted. “Are you here for lunch?”

“Something like that,” he replied smoothly. His silver–grey eyes swept over the restaurant once more before settling back on Peter. “Where is Noelle?”

The question made the older man hesitate. It was quick and barely noticeable but Valerian caught it immediately.

Peter’s polite smile faltered for just a second before he forced it back into place. “Ah, Noelle…” he started, clearing his throat.” She’s not in today.”

Valerian paused for a moment and raised a brow.

“Not in?” he echoed with a deceptively neutral tone.

Peter glanced toward the kitchen, where his wife, Evelyn wringing the towel in her hands.

“She hasn’t come to work. We don’t know why. She must be sick.” Peter concluded that made Valerian remember Noelle’s state yesterday. But her foot was not injured. Her feet had been sore, yes but nothing severe enough to make her bedridden.

A subtle crease formed between his brows.

Was she really unwell? Or was she simply the type to push through pain until it caught up with her?

The thought didn’t sit well with him.

“It’s probably nothing serious. She just didn’t show up this morning. I’m sure she’ll be back soon.” Peter reassured.

But Valerian had already made up his mind.

“I see,” he said, though his gaze was distant.

He had come here for lunch to see her but suddenly, the thought of sitting down for a meal without her felt meaningless.

Chapter 34: Undone

+25 BONUS

Without another word, he turned away that confused Peter.

“Mr. Vasiliev? You’re not staying?” He asked.

“No. I need to go and check on her.” Valerian answered referring to Noelle.

Peter and Evelyn exchanged a brief glance, but neither of them tried to stop him. After all, Valerian was already on his way out almost in a rush. He quickly headed back to his car and slid into the driver’s seat before starting the engine with one smooth motion.

His fingers tightened around the wheel as he pulled onto the road with a stern look on his face.

Noelle had barely tolerated his presence yesterday, and now he was going to show up uninvited to check on her?

She wouldn’t like it.

But he didn’t care.

She could argue all she wanted. She could glare at him, cross her arms, and insist she was fine.

But Valerian needed to see for himself.

So when he finally pulled up in front of her building, he immediately stepped out of the car. He then shut the door behind him and quickly made his way up to the entrance. The old wooden door creaked slightly as he pushed it open and saw Mrs. Ellis at the front desk, flipping through a newspaper.

But the moment she spotted him, her brows lifted in surprise.

“Well, this is unexpected,” she mused, setting the paper down. “Twice in one day? I might start thinking people actua this place.” She chuckled.

Valerian didn’t bother with pleasantries.

“I’m here for Noelle,” he stated firmly.

The light humor on Mrs. Ellis‘ face faded. Her brows lifted slightly, clearly surprised by the directness of his visit.

The older woman exhaled, staring at him for a long moment before finally speaking.

“I’m sorry, but she’s not here.”

like

Valerian’s brow twitched as he felt confused. Mrs. Ellis‘ words unsettled him in a way he didn’t quite understand and didn’t like.

His silver–grey eyes darkened as he breathed. “What do you mean? Where did she go? I’ll pick her up.” His voice was calm and measured, but it was sharp almost like a warning that he was not in the mood for riddles.

Mrs. Ellis exhaled. “Well, that’s the thing…” she paused and sadly looked down before looking back up at him once again. “She packed up and left in a rush just an hour after you dropped her off here yesterday.”

For a moment, those words made Valerian stop. He remained still, as if they had not yet reached him.

But they had.

They sank into his mind heavily which pressed down on him like a weight he had not expected to bear. Noelle had left. He somehow hoped she had just skipped worked or simply stayed in bed to rest. But no, she had packed up and disappeared.

Without a word.

Without hesitation.

Without him.

Did she hate him that much for her to suddenly leave? Has he been too forceful when in fact he has been the most gentle towards her?

Chapter 34. Undone

+25 BONUS

An unfamiliar sensation instantly settled in his chest at the realization.

Valerian Vasiliev was not a man easily caught off guard. He was always three steps ahead, always in control of every situation. And yet, here he was, standing in the middle of an old apartment lobby, being told that his Noelle had left him.

His fingers curled into loose fists at his sides, though his face betrayed nothing. Years of discipline allowed him to keep his expression unreadable and his posture composed.

But beneath the surface, his frustration gnawed at him.

He had expected to see her again. Had expected to find her at the restaurant, perhaps scolding him for showing up unannounced. He had anticipated her usual stubbornness, the way she would cross her arms and insist she was fine, even when

she wasn’t.

But this?

This, he had not anticipated.

She had left. Not just him, but Alexei who had clung to her hand, who had trusted her in a way he rarely trusted anyone. She had made him believe she would stay, had smiled at him so genuinely and then she had walked away without so much as a goodbye.

His gaze drifted past Mrs. Ellis and landed on a distant point on the wall with his thoughts turning into a storm behind. eyes.

He barely know anything about her, but she’s already gone almost as quickly as she arrived.

ま

Did she resent him so much that she would rather vanish than face him again? Had he been too forceful and too dema when in truth, he had been nothing but patient and gentle with her?

He was not a man accustomed to handling others with care, but with her–he had tried. He had given her space, had not pressed when she stiffened under his gaze, and even restrained himself when every instinct in him told him to pull her closer.

And still, she had run.

And that was something Valerian Mikhail Vasiliev was not willing to accept. 1

Chapter 35: Silhouette