Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: A Caged Bird’s Plea

Chapter 40: A Caged Bird’s Plea

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Noelle stood before the open window with her hands resting limply at her sides as the salty breeze brushed against her skin. The wind was warm that carried the scent of the sea, of freedom mocking her with something she could not reach.

The view before her stretched endlessly. The ocean shimmered under the golden light of the rising sun as its surface shifted between shades of deep blue and silver. Waves gently rolled in before crashing against the jagged rocks below, creating a foamy white embrace that dissolved just as quickly as it appeared.

It was beautiful. A sight that should have filled her with peace.

But Noelle felt nothing.

Her heart was heavy and her mind was clouded with hopelessness so thick she could barely breathe.

The rustling of fabric and the soft scraping of measuring tape against skin barely registered in her consciousness. The woman taking her measurements moved methodically with her cold hands’as she adjusted the tape around Noelle’s waist, noting each number as if she were preparing a doll to be dressed.

Noelle’s stomach twisted at the thought.

It was almost laughable, how easily she had been swept into this nightmare. How quickly she had gone from escaping one prison only to find herself trapped in another.

Her chest rose and fell slowly as her breathing shook. But she had to be calm. Somehow she just felt like she had to. Because the moment she let herself break, there would be nothing left.

She should fight.

She wanted to fight.

But would be the point? There was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.

Her throat burned as she swallowed back the thick knot of despair clawing its way up. Her eyes remained fixed on the waves beyond the ledge, watching them rise and fall, rise and fall–free to move wherever they wished.

Unlike her.

Her lips trembled as she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Please…”

The word slipped from her lips like a fragile and empty dying breath.

“…help me.”

It was a plea.

To the woman beside her.

To the sea.

To anyone who could hear her.

But the only answer she received was the crash of waves below, as indifferent as the world that had already left her behind.

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Chapter 40: A Caged Bird’s Plea

+25 BONUS

The women began to move with precision as they sifted through the dresses Adrian had selected. No hesitation, no second–guessing—just a silent understanding that their task was not to consider her wishes, but to ensure she looked perfect for him.

Noelle barely breathed as they finally settled on a gown.

The dress was a masterpiece that was crafted from the finest silk, flowing like liquid moonlight with every movement. The bodice hugged her frame delicately. It was adorned with intricate embroidery of silver and white thread, forming patterns of blooming roses and curling vines, as if nature itself had woven the gown for her. Tiny pearls and glistening crystals were carefully sewn into the fabric, catching the light with every slight shift, making her shimmer like a celestial vision.

The off–shoulder sleeves were sheer, made of the softest tulle that draped elegantly over her arms. A delicate lace trim bordered the neckline, dipping slightly at the center, drawing attention without being bold but refined, regal, and perfect. It’s skirt cascaded down in layers of the finest chiffon, light as air. When she moved even slightly, the fabric flowed gracefully around her feet, pooling onto the floor.

And yet, despite its breathtaking beauty, despite how effortlessly it fit her as if destiny itself had woven it in anticipation of this day–Noelle felt nothing.

As their hands were on her, they lifted her arms, guided her body like she was something inanimate. Like she was a doll meant to be dressed, not a woman with a will of her own. The bodice slipped over her shoulders and the soft brush of fabric against her skin sent a shiver down her spine not from warmth, but from the overwhelming emptiness that filled her chest.

Her body was turned, positioned, adjusted. Skilled hands tugged the dress into place, smoothing out every imperfection, pinning and fastening with careful precision

But Noelle did not resist.

Because what was the point?

So, she let them move her, let them twist her hair into delicate waves, let them arrange the curls and pin them with sparkling jewels. She felt the cool touch of fingers grazing her neck as a necklace was clasped in place as it felt like a chain suffocating her.

Soft murmurs of approval then filled the atmosphere around her.

“Beautiful.”

“Perfect.”

“He’ll be pleased.”

Noelle stared blankly ahead, unblinking.

Somewhere deep inside her, a voice screamed to run, fight, and do something.

But her body refused to move, because she knew the truth.

It didn’t matter how much she struggled, how much she wanted to tear the dress from her skin and throw it into the fire–nothing would change,

As everyone busied themselves with the final touches, the door to the room suddenly swung open. The sharp sound startled the women inside and their hands froze mid–motion.

All except Noelle.

She didn’t flinch. Didn’t turn. Didn’t react.

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Chapter 40 A Caged Bind’s Plea

She simply stood there, staring blankly ahead, as if the world around her had ceased to exist.

A slow, deliberate set of footsteps echoed through the room

“Is she done?” Calix asked.

The women exchanged nervous glances before nodding in unison.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Now get out.”

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There was no room for hesitation. In an instant, they abandoned their work and scurried toward the exit. Their movements were hurried, almost silent, as if even the smallest sound might draw his attention in the wrong way. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving only him and Noelle alone.

Noelle remained where she was while Calix took a slow step forward, his head tilting as he regarded her with mild amusement.

“So, you’re the boss’s soon–to–be wife, huh?”

Noelle didn’t respond.

She couldn’t.

The words barely registered in her mind, drowned out by the deafening silence in her head.

Calix let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Damn. You look the part, I’ll give you that. The dress, the hair, the whole fragile, helpless thing you’ve got going on–yeah, you’re exactly his type.”

His gaze flicked over her, slow and assessing, his smirk widening

“You know, I actually expected more from you,” he mused. You ran once. That takes guts. Figured you had some fire in you, some survival instinct. But looking at you now?” He clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment.” You’re pathetic. You’re standing there, dressed up like some perfect little bride, and for what? To be handed over against your will?”

Noelle’s fingers twitched at his words, but she remained still.

Calix took another step closer as his voice dropped slightly. ‘I bet you think you’re special, huh? That because you caught his attention, you actually mean something. But let me tell you something, sweetheart…” He then leaned towards her as he slipped his gun into her hand. 1

“You’re nothing but a powerless woman.”

Chapter 41: Rescue