Falling for the Goddess

The Candy from Adrian

Thanks to the cold medicine making her drowsy, Sara Hart slept deeply and woke up to bright daylight. The heavy sweat from the snug blanket seemed to have done her good—her body felt lighter, and the weighty fog in her head had lifted.

Adrian Blake was already awake when she came downstairs. Sitting at the dining table with his laptop open, he was engrossed in work. Hearing her approach, he looked up. "You're up?"

"Mm-hmm," Sara replied.

"There's porridge in the kitchen."

"Okay."

She wandered into the kitchen and was greeted by the aroma of seafood porridge simmering in a clay pot. Lifting the lid, the scent wafted up, making her stomach rumble.

She ladled herself a bowl, then hesitated before calling out, "Do you want me to get you a bowl too?"

"I've already eaten," Adrian replied.

"Oh, alright." Sara flushed slightly, feeling a little embarrassed for sleeping in so late—nearly 9:30.

Sitting at the table with her porridge, Sara stole a glance at Adrian, who was still focused on his work. Unable to hold back her curiosity, she asked, "Aren't you going to the office today?"

Adrian turned his head slightly toward her. "There's nothing particularly urgent. I can handle things from home."

"Oh." Sara lowered her gaze and quietly continued eating her porridge.

When breakfast ended, it was time for the dreaded task—taking her medication. She hadn't mentioned it but felt like she was almost recovered and thought maybe she didn't need it anymore.

However, Adrian, punctual as ever, remembered the doctor's instructions. Half an hour after their meal, he brought her a glass of water and the pills, neatly prepared.

Sara's face scrunched up immediately at the sight of the medicine, her distaste evident. Adrian noticed and, with a faint smile, left her to it without a word.

Sitting on the couch with a water glass in one hand and the pills in the other, Sara tried to psych herself up. When Adrian returned, she still hadn't taken a single one and looked like she was gearing up for battle.

Silently, Adrian handed her a small box.

Sara's eyes widened. "For me?"

"Mm. Have a couple after your medicine. It won't taste as bitter."

Sara looked down at the box in his hand. It was a round tin featuring a cute illustration of a bunny and a hedgehog having a picnic. The design was playful and endearing.

She immediately recognized it—it was a **White Rabbit** candy gift tin. She'd owned a square version before.

"Thank you," Sara said softly, her heart swelling. It felt as though a warm current coursed through her, filling her with little bubbles of joy.

For someone like Sara, even a small gesture—a piece of candy—was enough to give her the courage to walk a thorny path. But Adrian had given her a whole box.

It was more than enough.

---

That afternoon, Ella Duvall called Sara.

"Hey, Sara! Are you free? Let's grab a drink."

Thinking back to how worried Ella must have been recently, Sara decided she owed her an update. "Sure. Should I come to your café?"

"Perfect. I'll see you there."

After the call, Sara turned to Adrian. "Ella invited me for coffee. I'll be heading out this afternoon."

Adrian nodded. "Need a ride?"

Sara hesitated briefly before replying, "If it's not too much trouble."

Adrian drove her to the café and stopped at the entrance. As she was getting out of the car, he called after her. "I have to head to the office. Call me when you're ready to leave, and I'll come pick you up."

"Okay." Sara smiled and waved.

Inside the café, Ella spotted her immediately and approached with a teasing grin. "That was Adrian dropping you off, wasn't it?"

"Mm-hmm."

The two sat by the window, ordered coffee and desserts, and settled in for a chat. Sara glanced around, noting how lively the place was even on a weekday afternoon. "Business seems good."

Ella rested her chin on her hand, her tone casual and relaxed. "It's fine. Being near the school and office buildings helps. But let's talk about you—what's going on with Adrian? I was stunned when he called me asking for your address the other day. I thought something terrible had happened, especially when I couldn't reach you."

Sara offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry for worrying you. I was in a bad mood that day, so I turned my phone off. Later, I came down with a fever and ended up in the hospital."

She kept the more complicated details to herself. Even with her best friend, there were things she was too embarrassed to share.

Ella studied her carefully. "No wonder you look a bit pale. Are you feeling better now?"

Sara nodded. "Much better."

"Good. You're always buried in the lab, so I never dare bother you. I only called today because I was bored. Didn't expect you'd actually be free."

The server brought over their coffee and desserts. Sara eyed the cake in front of her. "Is this another one of your creations?"

Ella had taken a keen interest in dessert-making since opening her café, constantly experimenting with new recipes and having Sara try them.

"Yep! I poured my heart and soul into this one. I call it 'Blossoming Romance.'"

The cake was heart-shaped with a pink gradient frosting that looked like delicate flower petals. It was almost too pretty to eat.

Sara was used to Ella's whimsical naming conventions. She took a small bite, savoring the flavor. The cream was sweet but not overwhelming, leaving a faint floral aftertaste.

"How is it?" Ella asked eagerly.

"It's delicious," Sara said with a smile.

Ella exhaled in relief. "Great! That means my luck is turning—I'm bound to have a good streak with this one."

Sara chuckled at her enthusiasm. Before she could respond, a staff member hurried over to Ella.

"Boss, we've got a big order!"

"What kind of order?"

"Someone placed an online order for 200 cups of coffee..."

"How many?"

"Two hundred."

Ella checked the order slip. Sure enough, it was a bulk order. While it was a lucrative opportunity, fulfilling such a large order would be a massive undertaking.

"Who orders that much?" Sara asked, curious.

"Probably for an office or event," Ella replied, glancing at the delivery address. When she saw it, she froze and turned to Sara with a complicated expression.

"What is it?"

Ella cleared her throat. "It's going to the Blake Group Tower."

Sara blinked in surprise. Adrian?