Falling for the Goddess

Moth to a Flame

At the Blake family's old estate, Madame Blake sat listening intently as Alice Miller updated her on the happenings at the villa.

"So, they're still sleeping in separate rooms?" Madame Blake asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Alice Miller nodded. "I can tell the young master's attitude towards Sara has softened. They even chat a little, but... in the bedroom, it's still one bed each, with space between them."

Madame Blake sighed, a cloud of worry crossing her face. "That poor child, Sara, is so honest and gentle. And knowing both of their personalities, they could very well settle into a life of polite companionship without ever taking things further." She paused, looking out the window at the overcast sky and the jasmine petals scattered across the lawn. "It's not that I need them to have children right away. I just worry about Adrian..."

Alice Miller tried to reassure her, saying, "Mrs. Sara is a wonderful young lady. Given time, I'm sure they'll be just fine together."

Madame Blake, however, seemed lost in thought. "Time is what I fear I'm running out of," she murmured. "I'm worried that, after I'm gone, there won't be anyone by his side, and Adrian will be left on his own."

Her gaze grew more determined. "It seems I'll have to get involved."

---

In recent weeks, Sara Hart and Adrian Blake had become closer, even if not yet in the way that a typical couple might. Still, Sara felt their relationship had reached the level of friendship, at least on her part.

They would leave for work together each day, with Adrian dropping her off at school, and though their evening schedules didn't always align, they'd find time to talk. Sara Hart would tell him little stories from her day, and he would always listen with patience. For her, this was enough, more than she'd dared to hope.

That afternoon, just as she was wrapping up her work in the lab, she received a call from Madame Blake, inviting her to come back for dinner. Sara finished her experiment early and bought a small bouquet of blue lisianthus from a vendor on her way out.

When she stepped outside, Adrian Blake's black Maybach pulled up, and he honked twice to get her attention. She turned, smiling, and slid into the passenger seat.

Adrian's gaze lingered for a second on the flowers in her hands. "Lisianthus today?"

"Yes," she nodded, buckling her seatbelt. "I saw an elderly woman selling them by the gate."

Sara had taken to bringing fresh flowers back to the villa every few days - tulips, sunflowers, champagne roses, jasmine. Their presence had added a subtle warmth to the villa, and Adrian had grown used to seeing the vibrant blooms in the living room. Somehow, they made the place feel lived-in, even alive.

As Adrian drove, he glanced over to see her holding the bouquet up to her nose, inhaling its fragrance, a soft smile touching her lips. The sight caused something in him to pause, his breath hitching slightly.

"You seem to be in a good mood today," he remarked.

Her smile widened. "I finally submitted my paper. Getting the results'll take some time, but at least I've hit one of my goals."

She seemed to glow when talking about her studies, her passion lighting up her entire expression.

"That's worth celebrating," he said, catching some of her enthusiasm.

"Are you busy today?" she asked.

He tapped his fingers idly on the steering wheel, his expression thoughtful. "I am. I've been dealing with a merger, but Grandmother called to ensure I brought you back to the villa for dinner."

Sara chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "Looks like Grandmother's word holds sway."

Adrian didn't refute her.

Traffic was heavy during rush hour, and they didn't reach the villa until after six. Madame Blake greeted them warmly, relief evident in her smile as they walked in together.

"Welcome back," she said, beaming.

"Grandmother."

"Grandmother."

"Now, come, wash up and let's have dinner."

The three of them sat at the table, filled with all sorts of delicious dishes. As they settled in, Adrian Blake looked over at Madame Blake.

"If you'd like to see us, we can always visit the old estate. There's no need to go to the trouble of coming here yourself."

Madame Blake waved his comment away, ladling soup into bowls for them both. "You two are always busy. I'd rather come here and have a meal together. I'm just an old woman - don't worry about me."

"Grandmother..."

"No more of that," she scolded. "Company dinners and cafeteria food can't compare with a good home-cooked meal. Now, eat up. I've been fussing over this food since the afternoon."

"Thank you, Grandma." Sara Hart accepted the soup with a smile, then returned the favor by filling her bowl.

Madame Blake chuckled warmly, noting the gesture with approval. "I'm watching my blood pressure, so I'll stick to a light meal. But you two should have as much as you like."

As they ate, Madame Blake kept refilling their bowls and piling food onto their plates. By the time they finished, both Adrian and Sara felt thoroughly stuffed.

After dinner, Adrian Blake excused himself to tend to some work upstairs while Sara accompanied Madame Blake on a stroll through the garden. She gently supported the older woman's arm as they walked.

"Are you settling in well at the villa, Sara?" Madame Blake asked.

"Yes, very well, Grandma."

"Good, good," she said, glancing up at the sky. "Autumn's setting in. Remember to wear something warm."

"I will." Sara nodded dutifully.

When they reached the lantern-lit garden path, Madame Blake suddenly paused and turned to look at Sara Hart, her voice softer. "Sara, do you still feel the same way about Adrian as you did before?"

Sara hesitated, surprised by the directness of the question. But she had nothing to hide.

"Yes," she admitted quietly. "Like a moth to a flame."

Her feelings had never changed; in fact, her hope for something more with every passing day only grew.

Madame Blake gave her hand an affectionate pat. "There are things I know about Adrian that I could tell you. But I imagine you'd prefer to hear them from him."

Sara nodded. "Thank you, Grandma. I understand." Then she glanced at the deepening dusk and added, "It's getting chilly. Let's head back inside."

As they reached the front of the villa, the car was already waiting to take Madame Blake home. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Alice Miller, who nodded then stepped into the car.

Sara Hart turned to go upstairs when Alice Miller called out to her, holding a glass of warm milk. "Mrs Sara, could you take this up to the young master?"

"Of course."

Upstairs, Sara met Adrian in the hallway just as he was shutting down his laptop for the night.

"Done with work?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes."

"Here's some milk." She held out the glass.

Adrian was feeling a bit thirsty, so he took it without hesitation, drinking a few sips before he glanced back at her.