Falling for the Goddess

Adrian's Careful Consideration

The first rays of dawn seeped through the gap in the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. As usual, Adrian Blake woke up at his internal clock's prompt. But unlike most mornings, there was someone in his arms.

It took him a few moments to realize the unusual warmth against him.

Sara Hart was nestled snugly against his chest, fast asleep. Their bare skin touched, and memories of the previous night surfaced vividly in his mind. His hand rested lightly on her waist, her soft skin delicate under his palm, as if even the slightest pressure would leave a mark.

Recollections of her warmth and the softness of her touch caused a tightness in his throat and muscle tension. A faint, self-deprecating smile crossed his lips. Since when had he become so affected?

Adrian looked down at Sara's peaceful sleeping face, the corners of his lips curving slightly. This kind of life... he could get used to it.

Carefully, he slipped his arm out from under her. The movement stirred Sara slightly; her lashes fluttered as though she was on the verge of waking.

Adrian leaned in and whispered softly, "It's still early. Go back to sleep."

Hearing his low and soothing voice, Sara drifted back into slumber. Her exposed shoulders and collarbone were scattered with faint red marks, standing out starkly against her fair skin.

Adrian's gaze darkened briefly. Gently tucking the blanket around her, he got up and left the room.

---

Sara woke up again when the sun was already high in the sky. She stared blankly at the ceiling for a moment before the previous night's events replayed in her mind, causing her face to heat up.

Underneath the covers, she realized she was wearing one of Adrian's oversized T-shirts. Turning over, a dull ache radiated from her waist.

At least, it wasn't as bad as last time.

She reached out and absently touched the sheets where Adrian had slept. It felt slightly warm. Realizing what she was doing, she recoiled as though burned.

Her eyes then landed on the laundry basket in the corner, where the previous night's sheets lay crumpled. She quickly shook her head and patted her cheeks, trying to dispel the thoughts.

Adrian opened the door just as Sara was slapping her own face.

Their eyes met, and an awkward silence stretched between them.

Adrian's lips curled into a faint smile. "What are you doing?"

Flustered, Sara quickly shook her head. "N-nothing. Just trying to wake myself up."

"Did it work?"

"Uh... yes."

"Good. Go wash up and come downstairs for breakfast. Need any help?"

"No, no! I'm fine," Sara stammered, waving her hands in a flurry.

Adrian's amused gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

Once alone, Sara exhaled a long breath, her hand clutching her chest as if to calm her racing heart. She made her way to the bathroom to freshen up.

Standing in front of the mirror, she was startled by her own reflection. Her lips were slightly swollen, a rosy tint still lingering on them, and her cheeks were flushed. Her almond-shaped eyes glistened faintly, carrying an uncharacteristic softness.

Her neck and collarbone were dotted with faint red marks, impossible to hide. With a small frown, she picked out a high-necked top to wear. After dabbing some concealer over the most noticeable marks, she finally looked presentable.

---

When she descended the stairs, Adrian was already at the table, setting down bowls of congee.

Mrs. Wang didn't come to the villa on weekends, a deliberate arrangement by Old Madam Pei to give the couple more time alone. Since Adrian could cook, it wasn't an issue.

Sara sat down at the table but avoided looking directly at him. Her gaze stayed fixed on the congee bowl in front of her.

Adrian pushed the bowl closer to her. "How are you feeling?"

Caught off guard, Sara almost choked on her congee. "I-I'm fine."

Adrian nodded lightly, his eyes briefly scanning her neck. The marks had been concealed, though he could still faintly recall where they had been.

Sara kept her focus on her food, but her mind wandered. Her eyes flitted to Adrian's hand holding the spoon—elegant and precise, with long, well-defined fingers. It was these hands that had...

Her cheeks flushed a deeper red as she caught herself, mortified by her own thoughts. She quickly took another bite of congee, trying to distract herself.

"When do you plan to leave? Need a ride?" Adrian's calm voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts.

She hastily shook her head. "No, no, you don't have to trouble yourself."

Adrian didn't press the matter. "Alright."

---

That afternoon, Sara took a cab to the venue for Ethan Brown's race. When she entered, she noticed many fans holding signs and banners bearing Ethan's name and image.

Only then did she remember Googling him after receiving the tickets. He was a professional race car driver with numerous accolades, including a championship in Formula 1. He had a massive fan following, both domestically and internationally.

Everything about him, from his flashy car to his driving skills, made sense now.

The race wasn't a formal competition but more of an exhibition match hosted by the organizers as a fan event.

Sara's seat was front and center, offering a perfect track view. The area around her excitedly buzzed as fans chattered away, waving their light sticks and discussing Ethan.

Her phone buzzed—it was Ethan Brown.

"Hey, you here yet?"

"Yeah, I'm seated already."

"Good. Don't leave afterward. Wait for me, alright?" Ethan emphasized.

"Alright," Sara agreed before smiling, "Good luck."

His laugh came through the line, rich and carefree. "Keep your eyes on me. I'll show you something special."

After hanging up, Sara noticed some fans glancing her way curiously. One even leaned over, "Are you here for Ethan too?"

Sara nodded. "Yes."

The fan, noticing Sara's empty hands, handed her an extra light stick. "First time, huh? Once you fall for Ethan, there's no escaping."

Before Sara could reply, the host began the opening announcements, and the crowd fell into an excited hush. When Ethan's name was mentioned, the cheers and screams reached a fever pitch.

Sara barely had time to prepare herself before Ethan appeared. Unlike the casual, playful persona she'd seen before, he was dressed in a red-and-black racing suit, holding his helmet in one arm. His golden hair gleamed under the sunlight, exuding charisma and wild energy.

The audience erupted, chanting his name. He acknowledged them with a two-fingered salute, eliciting even louder screams.

As the cameras zoomed in on his face, his sharp, flawless features seemed to leap off the screens. His usually carefree eyes now held a sharp, competitive gleam, filled with confidence and determination.

Ethan's gaze swept across the audience before landing in Sara's direction. He raised a brow and mouthed two words, unmistakably directed at her: "Watch closely."

The crowd screamed louder, but Sara couldn't help but feel that his message had been for her alone.

The race was about to begin. The drivers got into their cars, engines roared to life, and the atmosphere crackled with tension. Sara found her heart beating in sync with the rising anticipation.