Falling for the Goddess

Did You Make This Just for Her?

When Sara Hart woke up, the sky outside was dark, and a warm yellow lamp illuminated the living room. Adrian Blake sat beneath it, his laptop open on the table as he worked.

She blinked a few times, still feeling weak, her body heavy and unresponsive. Her gaze drifted to Adrian. His focus was intense, his features serious as his long fingers occasionally flipped through a file or tapped on the keyboard.

After what felt like an eternity of watching him, Adrian finally turned his head, noticing her. "You're awake?"

"Mm," Sara replied, her cheeks flushed from sleep. She still seemed a little dazed. "What time is it?"

Adrian glanced at his watch. "19:30. Are you hungry? Let's eat."

Closing his laptop, he stood and went to the kitchen to retrieve the dishes he'd kept warm. He placed them neatly on the dining table.

Sara pulled off the blanket draped over her, only to realize she didn't have any shoes. As she hesitated, Adrian noticed.

Without saying a word, he walked to the entryway, fetched her slippers, and set them by her feet. Straightening, he asked, "Can you walk on your own?"

Sara avoided the topic, murmuring a vague response.

When she reached the dining table, she was surprised to see the spread. The meal was simple but hearty: millet porridge, steamed sea bass, braised pork ribs, stir-fried greens, and a plate of chilled vegetables. It was light, nutritious, and looked delicious.

Adrian served her a bowl of porridge, placing it in front of her. "It's still warm. Eat."

"Thank you," Sara said softly.

She tasted the porridge first. The millet was soft, thick, and slightly sweet—just the right amount of flavor. She picked up a piece of fish next. The meat was tender, the seasoning enhancing its natural freshness.

As she ate, she remembered something: Aunt Alice once mentioned that Adrian didn't eat fish.

Did he make this just for her?

Her gaze flickered to him. Sure enough, the fish was untouched on his side, except for the portion she had taken.

The two ate quietly. The only sounds were the gentle clinking of porcelain and the occasional scrape of chopsticks against plates.

Adrian's cooking was excellent, and Sara's appetite had returned. She finished a bowl of porridge, a bowl of soup, and a generous portion of fish and vegetables.

As she put down her chopsticks, Adrian asked, "Are you full?"

"Yes, thank you." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Adrian stood and began clearing the table. Sara, feeling a little guilty, got up as well. "Let me wash the dishes."

"You're still recovering," Adrian replied, stacking the plates and carrying them to the sink. "Go rest."

His tone left no room for negotiation. Seeing that he had no intention of letting her help, Sara reluctantly returned to the couch.

The kitchen was semi-open, so from where she sat, she could see Adrian as he washed the dishes. His tall figure bent slightly over the sink, and the warm light cast soft shadows across his face. It lent a domestic charm to his usually distant aura.

Her understanding of Adrian had always come piecemeal—from snippets of conversations with classmates, fleeting encounters on campus, and stories in the news. She had pieced together fragments to form an image of him, filling in the gaps with her imagination.

Every small discovery about him had once filled her with joy, making her feel like she knew him better than anyone else.

But now, he was here, within arm's reach. She could see him, hear him, touch him if she dared. This proximity gave her a chance to truly know him—and perhaps to let him know her in return.

Two years was the agreed time, and only a few months had passed. She couldn't afford to give up now.

Being misunderstood and judged unfairly was painful, but she reminded herself that Adrian didn't know her yet. Their relationship had never been equal; she had known that from the start.

The one who loved in silence didn't have the right to complain.

She had chosen this path willingly.

Sara took a deep breath, trying to convince herself. There had been progress. They were no longer strangers. She was gradually getting closer to him, step by step. That was something to be grateful for, wasn't it?

As Adrian finished cleaning up, the doorbell rang.

Sara frowned slightly. Who would visit at this hour?

Adrian gestured for her to stay seated and went to open the door.

"Grandma, why are you here so late?" Adrian asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

Sara immediately rose from the couch. "Grandma..."

Supported by Alice Miller, Grandma Blake smiled warmly as she entered. "I couldn't relax without seeing how things were myself."

She walked straight to Sara, motioning for her to sit back down. "How are you feeling now?"

"I'm much better. Thank you for worrying about me."

Grandma Blake pressed the back of her hand to Sara's forehead. "The fever seems to have gone down. That's good."

"Grandma..." Sara hesitated, feeling guilty for making her worry and come all this way.

Grandma Blake patted her hand gently, her tone filled with warmth. "Sara, last night's misunderstanding was my fault. I didn't handle things well, and you ended up getting hurt. I'm so sorry."

Sara shook her head quickly. "No, please don't say that."

She understood that Grandma Blake had meant well. The real issue lay between her and Adrian—his lack of trust in her, their fragile connection. The events of last night had merely been the spark.

Grandma Blake tucked the blanket around her and held her hand. "Sara, no matter how upset you are, you mustn't neglect your health. What if you had fainted alone at home? It's too dangerous."

"If you're angry, just send Adrian away next time. Don't punish yourself, alright?"

Sara's chest tightened. Grandma Blake's warm tone and gentle touch reminded her of her grandmother, who used to say similar things.

"I understand, Grandma."

Grandma Blake stayed for a while, chatting with Sara before preparing to leave.

"It's too late. Why don't you stay here tonight?" Adrian offered.

Grandma Blake waved him off. "No need. I sleep better in my own bed."

Before leaving, she reminded Sara, "Take care of yourself, alright? I'll come back during the day to see you."

"Okay, Grandma. Thank you for coming."

Adrian walked Grandma Blake to the car. As she rolled down the window, she looked at him with a serious expression. "Adrian, if you take the time to truly know Sara, you'll understand why I chose her for you."

"It's not as hard as you think to open up. You just have to take that first step."

Adrian lowered his gaze, his voice subdued. "I understand, Grandma."

"Good. Now, go back inside. I'll see you both soon."

Adrian watched as the car drove off, disappearing into the quiet night.