Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Too Good

Chapter 69 Too Good

A soft breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of freshgrass and blooming flowers. It was the perfect day to be outside.

And Alexei was making the most of it.

Noelle barely had time to react before the little boy launched himself at her with arms outstretched and laughter spilling from his lips. “Noelle! You can’t catch me!” he squealed, dashing across the lawn with the speed of a child who had nothing but pure energy in his tiny body.

Noelle gasped dramatically, placing her hands on her hips. “Oh, you little rascal! You think you can get away that easily?”

Alexei turned back, grinning mischievously before sticking out his tongue. “Try me!”

With a playful smirk, Noelle took off after him, her laughter blending with his as they zigzagged through the garden. Every time she got close, Alexei would let out a high–pitched giggle and dart away just in time, his small legs moving as fast as they could.

“You’re too slow!” he teased, looking over his shoulder–only to yelp when Noelle suddenly lunged, scooping him up

effortlessly.

“Gotcha!” she cheered, spinning him around as he squealed in delight.

“No fair!” Alexei giggled between gasps of laughter. “You tricked me!”

“All’s fair in love and tag,” Noelle said, poking his tiny nose, making him scrunch his face with a pout.

Determined not to be outdone, Alexei wriggled in her grasp until she finally let him go, only for him to grab her hand and pull her toward the soft grass. “Come on, Noelle! Let’s make flower crowns!”

She laughed, letting him drag her along as they plopped down in a shaded spot. Alexei immediately got to work, carefully selecting small daisies and clovers while his tiny fingers fumbled slightly as he tried to weave them together.

Noelle watched him with a fond smile. “You’re really good at that, Alexei,” she said, threading a flower into the crown he was

making.

He beamed. “I wanna make one for you!”

“For me?” she gasped, feigning surprise. “I’d be honored.”

After a few more minutes of intense concentration, Alexei finally held up his masterpiece. It was slightly lopsided, and a few petals had fallen off in the process, but to Noelle, it was the most beautiful crown she had ever seen.

“For the princess,” Alexei announced, gently placing it on her head.

Noelle clapped her hands together dramatically. “Why, thank you, kind sir! Do I look royal?”

Alexei nodded enthusiastically. “The prettiest princess ever!”

Just then, a deep chuckle interrupted them.

Both turned their heads to see Valerian standing at the front steps of the estate with arms crossed and an amused smirk playing

on his lips.

“What’s this?” he drawled, walking toward them. “A coronation?”

Alexei grinned and puffed out his chest. “I made Noelle a flower crown! She’s the princess now.”

Valerian crouched down beside them. His eyes gleamed softly as he glanced at Noelle. “A princess, huh?” He reached out, adjusting the crooked crown on her head. “Fitting.”

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Chapter 69 Too Good

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Noelle fell warmth creep up her neck but quickly covered it up with playful scoff. “I suppose that makes Alexei my royal advisor.”

“And me?” Valerian arched a brow.

Alexei, without hesitation, grinned. “You’re the knight!”

Valerian chuckled, ruffling the boy’s hair. “I can live with that,”

Noelle watched as Alexei plopped down into Valerian’s lap, excitedly rambling about their game. And for a moment, she just watched.

Valerian noticed her silence and smiled.

“Эй, малыш, почему бы тебе не уделить мне и твоей мамочке Ноэль минутку, а?” [Hey little man, why don’t you give me and your mommy Noelle a moment, hm?]

Alexei’s silver–grey eyes blinked up at him before immediately nodding in understanding. Without another word, the little boy took off, dashing toward the mansion so fast it left Noelle momentarily stunned.

“Wait–where are you going, Alexei?” she called after him, but he was already inside.

She sighed, shaking her head with a soft chuckle before turning back–only to find Valerian watching her.

There was something unreadable in his gaze, something quieter than usual.

“Noelle…” he finally spoke, his voice deep but gentle. “How are you?”

Her fingers curled against her lap, fidgeting as she lowered her gaze. “I… I’m good now,” she answered. “I’m feeling better.”

Valerian hummed in a sound of approval, though he didn’t miss the slight hesitation in her words. She was healing, but something still weighed on her.

And he wouldn’t push.

Valerian was not a man who stumbled over his words, nor was he the type to hesitate when he wanted something. But as much as he loved her, he knew she wasn’t ready to hear it. Not yet.

He didn’t want to burden her with his feelings, nor did he want her to feel obligated to return them.

So instead, he exhaled quietly and leaned back, resting both hands behind him as he tilted his head toward the sky.

“How was your stay here so far?” he asked casually, keeping his tone light. “Do you like it here?”

It was easier this way–for now.

Because no matter how much he wanted her, he would wait.

Noelle glanced at him, surprised by the question. She hadn’t expected small talk, not from him.

But she appreciated it.

She shifted slightly, tucking her knees under her and resting her hands on her lap. “It’s… nice,” she admitted as her fingers absentmindedly.traced invisible patterns on her dress. “Peaceful.”

Valerian hummed again while his gaze was still fixed on the sky as if memorizing the way the clouds drifted lazily above them.

“Good,” he murmured. “I wanted it to be.”

Noelle blinked, glancing at him. “You wanted it to be?”

“For you.” He turned his head slightly. “I wanted you to feel safe here.”

Her breath hitched at his words.

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Chapter 69. Too Good

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‘Safe.‘

Noelle lowered her gaze, swallowing past the lump in her throathank you for everything you have done to a stranger like me. I can still remember how I treated both you and Alexel back then.. she awkwardly chuckled.

“I was so rude to both of you.”

But Valerian only shrugged. “I deserved that. I… really deserved that.” He laughed lightly.

“So… Has Alexei been good to you?” He asked and finally looked at her, unexpectedly meeting her gaze.

Noelle blinked, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress as she quickly looked away.

She hadn’t expected him to look at her like that. That calm, patient and steady watchful eyes. And for some reason, it made her uncomfortable. Not because she disliked it, but because she didn’t feel worthy of it.

Valerian was good. Too good.

And she… wasn’t.

She looked away, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress as a heavy weight settled in her chest.

Her heart was demanding something more she didn’t deserve. And it felt like a sin to desire for him after everything she went through.

She felt dirty.‘

The thought alone made her stomach churn.

“L.. want to go…” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Valerian stilled.

His entire body tensed as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He sat up straight, his silver–grey eyes searching her face.

“What?”

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Chapter 70: Rebuilt