Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72: Antics

Chapter 72: Antics

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Valerian slowly pulled away, his breath uneven as he fought to restain himself from wanting more. His hands remained cradling her face, his thumb gently tracing slow circles against her skin.

Instead of pulling away completely, he leaned in once more—this time, resting his forehead against hers. His eyes fluttered shut while a soft smile tugged at his lips as he exhaled deeply, savoring the moment.

“You… are so brave to trust someone again,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with admiration.

Noelle’s breath hitched at his words. Her fingers, still curled into the fabric of his coat, tightened just slightly. She wasn’t sure why, but hearing him say that–acknowledging just how much it took for her to get here–made something deep inside her ache.

Valerian slowly opened his eyes, watching her with a gaze so tender it made her chest tighten. He lifted a hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch as delicate as if he were handling something fragile.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he added softly. “I just want you to know that I see you, Noelle. And I will never take this for granted.”

Noelle swallowed hard as her throat tightened with emotions she wasn’t sure how to put into words. She had spent so long carrying the heaviness in her heart, convinced that no one could ever truly understand the scars she bore.

But Valerian saw her.

Not as someone broken, not as someone who needed fixing, but as someone who had survived.

“…I was scared,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought… I wasn’t capable of trusting anyone again. That I’d always be running, always looking over my shoulder.”

Valerian listened in silence, his thumb absently tracing slow circles on her hand, silently reassuring her that he was here, that he was listening. .

“But I don’t want to run anymore,” she whispered. “Not from you.

Valerian’s eyes softened. His lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but instead, he simply exhaled and cupped her cheek, his fingers warm against her skin.

“You never had to run from me,” he sincerely said. “But I’ll wait, Noelle. No matter how long it takes, I’ll always wait for you.”

Noelle let out a shaky breath as a small, faint laugh slipped past her lips. “You’re too patient.”

Valerian smiled, tilting his head slightly. “Only for you.”

A warmth spread through her chest, one she didn’t try to push away this time. Slowly and hesitantly, she leaned into his touch, allowing herself to bask in the comfort of him.

And for the first time in a long time… Noelle felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Just as the moment lingered between them, a small voice suddenly piped up from behind:

“Ohhhhhh…”

Both Noelle and Valerian froze.

Slowly, they turned their heads toward the entrance of the shop, where Alexei stood with wide, curious eyes. His tiny hands were gripping the straps of his little backpack, and his lips were parted in exaggerated realization.

Noelle quickly stepped back, her face burning. Valerian, on the other hand, let out a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Alexei’s eyes darted between the two adults as his tiny face twisted into a look of sheer betrayal.

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Chapter 72: Anties

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“Mommy Noelle…” he whispered dramatically, clutching his chess if she had just stabbed him. “You… picked him? Him???”

Noelle who was still flustered, blinked at him in confusion. “W–wat?”

But Alexei wasn’t having it. He staggered back a step, shaking his ad like a heartbroken lover. “After everything we’ve been through? I thought we had something special!”

Valerian who had been holding back a laugh this entire time finally smirked and crossed his arms. “Looks like someone’s upset.

“1

Alexei spun around to face him, eyes blazing with playful defiance. He pointed an accusing finger. “You tricked her!”

Valerian arched a brow, amused. “Oh? And how exactly did I do that?”

The little boy huffed. “You used your handsome face and fancy words to steal her heart!”

Noelle nearly choked, while Valerian grinned. “So you admit I’m handsome?”

“THAT’S NOT THE POINT!” Alexei stomped his foot. “I was supposed to marry mommy Noelle when I grow up!”

Valerian let out a low chuckle. “Were you now?”

Alexei nodded furiously. “Yes! We had a bond!” He turned to Noelle while his lips trembled like a sulking puppy. “Mommy Noelle… was I just a joke to you?”

Noelle groaned, covering her face. “Oh, for the love of -Alexei, please act your age.”

Alexei gasped as if the final dagger had been thrust into his tiny heart. “You are betraying me!”

Valerian, completely entertained, crouched down to the little boy’s level. “Well, nephew, what do you propose we do about this?

“1

Alexei glared at him. “We have to compete for mommy Noelle’s love.”

“Alright, I’m listening.” Noelle let out a suffering sigh, while Valerian smirked.

Alexei narrowed his eyes. “We’ll do three challenges. If I win, Noelle has to marry me instead.”

“And if I win?” Valerian asked, tilting his head.

Alexei frowned before crossing his arms with a pout. “Then… I guess you can keep her.”

Valerian grinned, glancing at Noelle. “Sounds fair.”

“No, it does not,” Noelle muttered.

Valerian and Alexei shook hands, sealing their absurd deal like two businessmen closing a million–dollar contract.

“I’ll prove to you that I’m the better choice, Mommy Noelle,” Alexei declared, his tiny fists clenched in determination.

Valerian smirked, tilting his head. “And what exactly are these challenges?”

Alexei squinted up at him, thinking hard. Then, with a dramatic gasp, he pointed at Valerian’s chest. “A strength test! We’ll see who’s stronger!”

Valerian chuckled. “I think that one’s a bit unfair.”

Alexei huffed. “Fine! A smartness test, then! We’ll both answer questions, and mommy Noelle will decide who’s the smartest!”

Noelle crossed her arms, raising a brow. “I don’t remember agreeing to this.”

“Too late!” Alexei said, puffing out his chest. “And the last challenge…” He paused, eyes glinting with mischief. “A love test.”

Valerian arched a brow, clearly amused. “A love test?”

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Chapter 22 Antios

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Alexed nodded firmly. “Whoever loves mommy Noelle the most, gl

Noelle nearly choked. “What does that even mean?”

Alexei turned to her with the most innocent, serious expression.” means we both show you how much we love you, and you pick who loves you the most.”

Valerian hummed thoughtfully. “Interesting.”

Noelle shot him a glare. “Don’t encourage him.”

But it was too late. Alexei was already running in circles, hyping himself up like a tiny warrior preparing for battle. “I got this. I got this.”

Valerian chuckled, standing up to his full height. He slid his hands into his pockets, watching the little boy with an indulgent smirk before turning to Noelle.

“Well, mommy Noelle,” he mused in a voice dripping with amusement. “I hope you’re ready for the most ridiculous competition of your life.” He shrugged.

Noelfe couldn’t help but end up lightheartedly laughing to their antics.