Falling for the Goddess

Drunken Confusion

Sara Hart looked up and saw a young woman with meticulously applied makeup blocking her path. Seeing that Sara Hart had stopped, the woman retracted her hand, crossed her arms, and lazily leaned against the wall.

The woman was wearing a silver sequin camisole paired with a black bodycon skirt. Her long, wavy brown hair fell over her chest, partially covering her ample curves. Despite her seductive attire, her overly heavy makeup gave her a somewhat tacky appearance.

Sara Hart paused, her face showing confusion. She didn't recognize the woman.

The woman noticed Sara Hart's blank expression and sneered, "You don't remember me?"

Her voice was dripping with disdain. "Weren't you always the righteous one? So, what are you doing here now?"

She gave Sara Hart a once-over, a mocking smile appearing on her lips. "Still playing that innocent, pure act, huh? Does that still work on men?"

She continued, bitterness evident in her voice. "Some guys do like that kind of thing, after all. You were really smug back when you stole my boyfriend."

Sara Hart's brow furrowed slightly, her gaze becoming colder. The woman's familiar face stirred up old memories she hadn't thought of in a long time.

High school. Sara Hart hadn't thought about those days in ages.

"I'll say it again: I never stole your boyfriend," Sara Hart said calmly, her voice icy.

"Oh please," the woman retorted. "If you hadn't thrown yourself at him, why would he have dumped me?"

Her voice was sharp, brimming with anger and hatred.

"Lisa Moore," Sara Hart responded, her tone flat, "whether you believe me or not, the truth remains the same. I had nothing to do with your breakup."

Sara Hart had no desire to argue further. She sidestepped the woman and started to walk back toward the private room.

Lisa Moore didn't stop her, but she turned and glared at Sara Hart's retreating figure, her eyes filled with spite.

Once she reached the end of the hallway, Sara Hart stood by a window for a moment, letting the cool autumn breeze wash over her face. She wasn't someone who dwelled on the past, and things that didn't matter to her rarely affected her mood.

Yet, seeing Lisa Moore again had momentarily dragged her back to those darker times in high school, stirring up unpleasant memories she had long since buried.

More importantly, her good mood had been ruined.

Tonight had been pleasant - she had even felt a growing sense of comfort with Adrian Blake. She didn't want to let an irrelevant person ruin her evening.

After a moment, Sara Hart took a deep breath, steadied herself, and returned to the private room.

Kyle Thorne and Lucas Graves were back, drinking with Xavier Graves. Across the room, Adrian Blake seemed to be engaged in a low-voiced conversation with Eric Thorne, a rare warmth in his expression.

Sara Hart resumed her seat and grabbed a drink, downing it in one go. Though she tried to shake off the encounter, she couldn't deny a lingering sense of discontent—like a flawless painting marred by a few careless splashes of ink.

She continued to drink quietly, while over in the corner, Kyle Thorne and Lucas Graves were trying to stop Xavier Graves from drinking too much.

"You've had enough already," Lucas Graves said, snatching the glass from Xavier Graves's hand. "You came here just to drink yourself into a stupor?"

Xavier Graves glanced over toward Sara Hart, his gaze filled with reluctant longing. "What's the deal between her and Third Brother? Are they actually together, or just flirting?"

Lucas Graves knocked him lightly on the head. "No matter what, it's got nothing to do with you. Don't get any ideas, understand?"

"If things go south, don't say I didn't warn you."

Xavier Graves stared blankly in Sara Hart's direction. "But if Third Brother doesn't like her, then maybe I have a chance..."

"No 'if.' Regardless of his feelings, she's off-limits," Lucas Graves interrupted. "This is the first time you've seen her, and you're already smitten?"

Xavier Graves poured himself another drink. "You don't get it. The moment she walked into the room, my heart started racing. All my past girlfriends suddenly seem irrelevant..."

Lucas Graves rolled his eyes. "That's what you say about every new girl you meet."

Meanwhile, Kyle Thorne was lost in his thoughts. Lucas Graves tapped his shoulder, startling him.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Kyle Thorne replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

He glanced at Sara Hart, his mind in turmoil. He'd overheard part of the conversation between Sara Hart and Lisa Moore by accident, but he decided not to bring it up.

The group drank a bit more, and by the time they were ready to leave, it was nearing midnight.

"I guess that's it for tonight," someone suggested.

"Yeah, we'll meet again soon," another agreed.

Lucas Graves supported a thoroughly drunk Xavier Graves, grumbling, "If you puke on me, I'm leaving you on the curb!"

The group laughed as they prepared to head out. Adrian Blake and Kyle Thorne were leaving together, but Sara Hart remained seated, slumped on the sofa.

"Sara?" Kyle Thorne called, but there was no response.

Adrian Blake turned around, spotting Sara, who appeared to be asleep on the couch.

"Sara?" Adrian Blake tried again, but she didn't respond, only furrowing her brows slightly.

Adrian Blake glanced at the empty glasses on the table and realized she had mistakenly consumed several cocktails.

"You let her drink alcohol?" Adrian Blake asked Kyle Thorne, his tone displeased.

"I didn't! She was drinking juice the whole time," Kyle Thorne explained, approaching to take a closer look. He saw that Sara Hart had indeed drunk several cocktails, which she must have mistaken for juice.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Noah Ashford and Eric Thorne remained seated, watching the scene unfold with interest.

"Looks like she's quite drunk," one of them remarked.

Adrian Blake frowned, leaning over to gently shake Sara Hart's shoulder. She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her usually clear almond eyes were now misty, as if covered by a soft haze, making her look confused and vulnerable.

Her cheeks were flushed, and a faint scent of fruit lingered around her.

"Can you walk?" Adrian Blake asked.

Sara tilted her head slightly, still looking disoriented. It was unclear if she even understood the question.

Everyone else stayed silent, their eyes fixed on the two of them.

Adrian Blake sighed, realizing he had no other choice. He slipped an arm around Sara's shoulders and another under her knees, lifting her up.

With her nestled in his arms, Adrian's expression softened just a touch. He carried her with ease, the weight in his arms feeling unexpectedly familiar.