Falling for the Goddess

No Need for That

On her way back to the villa, Sara Hart was still thinking about what she should say to Adrian Blake later that evening, hoping to start a conversation that wouldn't feel awkward or irritate him. If she had decided to try, she knew she had to make an effort.

However, as soon as she got home, Aunt Miller brought her some unexpected news: "The Young Master has gone on a business trip. He probably won't be back for a few days."

It was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head, instantly extinguishing the courage she had just built up.

She should've known. This was going to be the reality of her life from now on.

The idea of seeing Adrian Blake every day, having dinner with him at the same table - it was nothing more than a foolish dream.

Seeing the disappointment on her face, Aunt Miller quickly tried to comfort her. "Don't worry, Young Mistress. The Young Master is just busy with work. He'll be back once the trip is over. Have you eaten yet? I can make something for you."

"No need, Aunt Miller. I ate at school," Sara Hart said with a faint smile. "I'll be going to school every day starting tomorrow, and I'll have dinner there as well. You should go back and take care of Grandma."

"But the villa..." Aunt Miller hesitated. She didn't feel comfortable leaving Sara Hart alone, but she also didn't want to leave the Old Madam without her care.

"I'll be at school all day and only coming home to sleep. I don't need anyone to take care of me. You can come back once Adrian Blake returns."

"If you're sure..." Aunt Miller said, still somewhat reluctant but understanding. She needed to be with Grandma Blake.

"Alright, I'll head upstairs," Sara Hart said with a gentle nod.

"Rest well, Young Mistress," Aunt Miller replied.

Sara Hart entered the bedroom and turned on the light. The room was bathed in a soft, warm glow.

Everything was neat and spotless, just as it had been before. There were no signs of anyone actually living in the room. Apart from the walk-in closet, there was no trace of Adrian Blake's presence.

It was as though his very existence had been erased.

Sara Hart sat on the edge of the bed and checked her phone. There were no missed calls, no messages.

She opened her contact list, looking at the last call—two days ago, from Adrian Blake. It was when he had called her to have dinner with Grandma at the old house. It was the first time he had ever called her, and she had immediately saved his number. At least now she had a way to reach him.

But when he went on a business trip, she only learned about it from someone else.

Sara Hart lay down on the bed, her cheek pressed against the cool, silky sheets. She closed her eyes.

She had told herself countless times not to be greedy, to take things slow. But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. She couldn't help wanting more. There was an ache in her chest—a dull, lingering pain.

After lying there for about ten minutes, she sat back up. Opening her suitcase, she began unpacking her clothes, folding them neatly and placing them in the closet. She put her laptop and research materials on the desk.

Once everything was in order, she went to take a shower.

Later, when she got into bed, she stayed on her side of the bed, not touching Adrian Blake's pillow or blanket.

Aunt Miller went back to take care of Grandma Blake, and Sara Hart resumed her old routine of spending her days in the lab. She left the villa at 8 a.m. and didn't return until 8 or 9 p.m.

Since Adrian Blake was away, Grandma had arranged for Uncle Li to drive Sara Hart to and from school, and she sent Aunt Wang to look after her at home.

Even though Sara Hart rarely ate at the villa, Aunt Wang worried that she wasn't doing her job properly. To ease her concerns, Sara Hart made it a point to have breakfast at home each morning before heading to school.

Several days passed without a word from Adrian Blake.

Then, on Friday afternoon, Adrian Blake called.

Sara Hart's heart skipped a beat when she saw his name flash on the screen. She quickly answered. "Hello?"

"Are you free this evening? We're going to visit my father," Adrian Blake's cool voice came through the line, sounding more like a request than a question.

"Yes, I'm free."

"Are you at school?" Adrian Blake asked. He was at the villa, and the house was completely empty.

"Yes, I'm still at school."

"I'll pick you up at five."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Sara Hart exhaled a sigh of relief. It was a little after 3 p.m. She tidied up her workspace, and by 4:30, she shut down her lab equipment and got ready.

The lab building was a short distance from the main gate, and as she walked, she noticed how the campus was starting to buzz with new students and their families. School was about to start, and the place was busy with freshman orientation.

After waiting at the gate for a few minutes, Adrian Blake arrived.

Sara Hart opened the car door and climbed in. Adrian Blake turned the car around and headed off in the opposite direction.

He had mentioned that they were going to visit his father, not Grandma Blake, so that meant they were headed to his father, Thomas Blake's house.

"I didn't buy anything as a gift," Sara Hart said, suddenly realizing. "Should we stop by the mall and get something? It wouldn't be right to show up empty-handed for my first time meeting him."

"There's no need for that," Adrian Blake said curtly.

Sara Hart looked over at him, surprised. His jaw was clenched, his expression icy. He didn't look happy.

Biting her lip, Sara Hart fell silent. She wasn't sure if she had said something wrong, or if the thought of visiting his father had put Adrian Blake in a bad mood.

She had heard that Adrian Blake and his father didn't have the best relationship.

The rest of the drive was tense, with Adrian Blake saying nothing and the atmosphere in the car feeling heavy.

When they arrived at the Blake residence, Sara Hart could sense the tension radiating from Adrian Blake. His entire body seemed taut, like a bowstring pulled tight, ready to snap at any moment.

Thomas had moved out of the Blake family's old estate after starting his own family and had lived in this villa ever since.

As they approached the front door, a small black-haired child came barreling out, throwing his arms around Adrian Blake's leg. Looking up with wide, innocent eyes, the boy said in a sweet voice, "Big brother! You're finally back! I haven't seen you in forever!"

The boy was adorable, with chubby cheeks and big eyes like black grapes. He clung to Adrian Blake's leg, as if afraid he might run away again.

"Jimmy, you shouldn't be rude," a middle-aged woman stepped out behind the boy. She was elegant and well-groomed, with a warm smile on her face.

"Adrian, you're home!" she said, her voice filled with affection. Then, her eyes shifted to Sara Hart. "And this must be Sara. Please, come in."