Falling for the Goddess

So, This Is What You Like?

Sara Hart and Adrian Blake returned to the old house the following day.

As the two walked in, they found Blake's grandmother in the garden, carefully pruning the flowers. When she noticed them approaching, a bright smile crinkled her eyes. "You're back."

"Grandma..." Sara greeted sweetly.

Adrian stepped forward to support her when he saw her standing. "You don't need to do this. Let me take care of it when I'm here."

The old lady chuckled lightly. "I can't sit still. Besides, I'm not that frail yet. I can still move around just fine."

Adrian took the scissors from her hands. "Go inside and rest. I'll handle it."

"Alright," she relented, then turned to Sara with a kind expression. "What would you like for lunch, my dear? I'll have the kitchen prepare it."

"I'm fine with anything, Grandma," Sara replied politely.

"Alright, then I'll make sure they prepare something good," she said, her smile deepening. "It's still a little chilly out here. Go inside, and I'll let him finish this quickly."

Sara crouched beside Adrian, slipping on gloves and picking up the tools that had just been brought out.

Adrian glanced at her as she expertly trimmed away dead branches and leaves. "You seem pretty good at this. Do you do it often?"

Sara snipped away a wilted branch, pausing briefly before answering. "My grandmother had a garden like this when I was a kid. I loved picking the flowers, so she taught me how to care for them. I guess I've remembered some of it."

Her voice had a hint of nostalgia, but she quickly shifted the topic. "Grandma seems to really love this garden."

"She does," Adrian said, his tone softer. "The jasmine trees were planted by Grandpa himself for her. She treasures them dearly. She used to tend to everything here herself, but now that she's older, I help her whenever possible."

"They must've had a wonderful relationship," Sara remarked curiously.

"They did," Adrian confirmed.

The conversation flowed naturally between them as they worked together, and they were finished.

When they stood up, Sara's forehead glistened with a light layer of sweat, sparkling under the sunlight.

Adrian gently took the tools from her hands and said, "Go wash up."

"Alright."

By the time they had tidied up, the kitchen had finished preparing lunch.

Sara and Adrian sat on either side of Grandma at the dining table, once again filled with various dishes. Grandma always seemed determined to have the kitchen make everything her grandchildren liked.

Although Adrian didn't eat fish, Grandma always ensured Sara had some.

Grandma placed a piece of fish on Sara's plate. "Eat more, my dear. Adrian doesn't eat fish, so I'm sure the maid doesn't usually make it at home. If you ever want some, just tell her. Don't worry about him."

"Thank you, Grandma," Sara said with a smile. She couldn't help but recall the steamed fish Adrian had made for her before, and her smile deepened.

After lunch, Alice Miller brought out a tray of homemade persimmon cakes. "The old lady had these made from the persimmons in the backyard. They're sweet and delicious. Try one, young madam."

"Thank you, Alice." Sara took one and turned to Adrian. "Do you want one?"

"I'm not a fan of sweets. You enjoy it."

The persimmon cake was soft, bright orange, and glossy. When Sara bit into it, it was sweet and chewy without being cloying.

Grandma noticed her enjoyment and said, "I'll have Alice pack some for you to take home later."

"Thank you, Grandma."

The two left the old house after dinner.

It was autumn, and while the daytime sun kept things warm, the evening chill was sharp once the sun went down.

Adrian handed Sara his jacket as they got out of the car.

As they approached the door, they found a package addressed to Sara.

"This must be from Ella," Sara said, grabbing the lightweight box.

She took a pair of scissors from the entryway and opened it without hesitation, not minding Adrian's presence.

Inside was another layer of packaging: a sleek black gift box. Sara's curiosity grew as she opened it, only to freeze when she saw what was inside.

It was a black piece of... clothing? The material was sheer and minimal, with intricate cutouts. The more she looked, the clearer it became—it wasn't something you'd wear out in public.

Realizing what it was, Sara's face turned scarlet. The garment felt like it was burning her hands, especially with Adrian standing right there.

She hastily crumpled it into a ball and hid it behind her back. Her movements were so clumsy that even Adrian noticed.

"I... I didn't know Ella would send me this..." Sara stammered, her voice trembling with embarrassment.

Adrian blinked, clearly taken aback for a moment. But then, amusement glimmered in his dark eyes, and his lips curved into a teasing smile.

"So, this is what you like?" His voice was low and rich, laced with a hint of mischief.

Sara's brain short-circuited. Was this really Adrian?

Her face burned hotter as she mumbled something unintelligible and bolted past him, heading upstairs without looking back.

Once in her bedroom, she frantically stuffed the offending garment into the furthest corner of her wardrobe as though hiding it would erase the whole incident.

She flopped onto the bed, burying her face in her hands and rolling around in mortification. How was she supposed to face Adrian after this? Couldn't it just be tomorrow already?

Downstairs, Adrian watched her retreating figure with amusement, chuckling softly.

His gaze fell on the discarded packaging. After a moment of thought, he bent down to pick it up and tossed it into the trash.