Falling for the Goddess

No Connection

Sara Hart hesitated before clicking on the link Ella Duvall had sent her. She didn't even realize how stiff her fingers had become.

The entertainment news homepage displayed photos of Adrian Blake and Rachael Hall, front and center. One picture showed Rachael Hall wearing Adrian's coat and walking closely beside him. Another captured them getting into the same car.

Rachael Hall, a rising star in the dance world, had recently been frequenting the media spotlight, hinting at a transition into the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Adrian, known for his impeccably clean reputation and disinterest in social scandals, had never been seen with a woman by his side—until now.

The sudden appearance of Rachael Hall had the media in a frenzy. It was as if someone had thrown a bomb into still waters, igniting waves of gossip.

Headlines competed for the most dramatic takes:

"Rising Dance Star: His Unforgettable First Love?"

"Adrian Blake's Late-Night Rendezvous with a Beauty"

"After Her Return, He Finally Couldn't Resist"

One particular article detailed Rachael Hall and Adrian Blake's history, suggesting they had known each other since their university days. The comment section below was a war zone:

[Comments Section]

"I thought Adrian Blake was just uninterested in women, but he's been hiding a white moonlight all along!"

"A dance prodigy and a top-tier heir? It's like a fairytale!"

"Small scoop: I'm their former classmate. Rachael Hall's father was Adrian Blake's professor. They've known each other since college!"

"OMG, childhood sweethearts! This is literally a romance novel come to life!"

Sara enlarged the photos, scrutinizing the details. Rachael Hall was standing close to Adrian, her gaze brimming with an unmistakable affection.

Just then, Ella Duvall sent another message:
"I knew it! That woman definitely has ulterior motives toward Adrian. Stay alert!"

Sara stared at the screen for a long time.

She trusted Adrian. He would have acted during their university years if he had truly harbored feelings for Rachael Hall. Even after Rachael Hall went abroad, they could have easily reconnected. If Adrian had a true love, Sara doubted she'd ever have become his wife.

But seeing the overwhelming news coverage and reading the implications made her heartache.

Rachael Hall had worn his coat. His shirt had a lipstick stain, and he had sat in the same car with her. They might have even shared dinner. These thoughts swirled in Sara's mind, tightening like a knot in her chest.

But... did she have the right to ask him about it?

Would he find her questions irritating?

The bedroom door creaked open, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. Adrian had returned.

Startled, Sara turned around too quickly. Her phone slipped from her grasp and hit the floor with a soft thud.

Adrian's long arm reached out first as she bent down to pick it up. Her heart raced with apprehension.

Adrian straightened, holding the phone, and glanced at the screen. The headline glared back at him. His expression darkened as his sharp eyes skimmed through the article.

After finishing, he handed the phone back to her. But as she reached for it, his grip remained firm.

Confused, Sara looked up at him.

"Is there anything you want to ask me?" Adrian asked, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of tension.

Sara froze for a moment before lowering her gaze and shaking her head. She didn't want to trouble him.

Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. He released her phone, his hand lingering for a fraction of a second before pulling away.

The room fell silent. Sara fidgeted under his gaze, finally mumbling, "I'll... go shower."

She turned and fled into the bathroom without waiting for a reply.

Adrian's eyes followed her retreating figure. After a moment, he pulled out his phone and dialed Charlie Scott.

Charlie Scott, who had just settled into bed with his girlfriend, answered groggily. "Yes, Mr. Blake?"

"Have all the news articles taken down immediately," Adrian ordered, his tone sharp. "I don't want to see a single word about this again."

Before Charlie Scott could respond, the call ended abruptly.

Blinking in confusion, Charlie Scott opened the news app. Seeing the headlines, he let out a low whistle. No wonder the boss is fuming. He immediately contacted the public relations department to rectify the situation.

Elsewhere, in her apartment, Rachael Hall sat with her manager.

"It's just entertainment gossip," her manager said dismissively. "People eat this stuff up. No one cares if it's true or not. And you've seen the benefits—just being associated with Adrian makes your career easier. Look at Mr. Wang tonight; he didn't dare act up after realizing your connection to Adrian."

Rachael Hall hesitated, her expression conflicted.

"Think about it," her manager continued. "With Adrian's name tied to yours, you won't need to fight for resources any more. Producers and directors will line up to work with you, just for the association."

Her manager checked her phone. The articles and hashtags had already been removed. As expected of the Blake family's influence.

"Doesn't matter," she said casually, standing to leave. "The public's imagination will do the work for us. Just hint at the connection from now on—don't confirm or deny it. People will assume what they want."

Left alone, Rachael Hall clenched her fists. Her internal struggle was clear, but her eyes gradually filled with determination.

Sara spent extra time in the shower, trying to sort through her emotions.

When she finally emerged, Adrian sat on the bed, typing on his phone.

On the screen was a message from Lucas Graves:

"Bro, is it true? Do you really have something going on with Rachael Hall? Did Sara find out? Are you sleeping on the couch tonight? Kneeling on a keyboard? Eating instant noodles? Spill!"

Adrian locked his phone, cutting off Lucas Graves mid-ramble.

He looked up at Sara. She seemed as calm as usual—drying her hair and hanging her towel. Not a single question, not even a flicker of anger.

When she climbed into bed, she found Adrian watching her intently.

"What's wrong?" she asked, puzzled by his silence.

"Nothing." His tone was casual, but his gaze lingered. After a moment, he added, "The news has been dealt with."

Sara blinked, processing his words. "Oh," she murmured, lowering her gaze.

Adrian's jaw tensed. Abruptly, he reached out, pulling her into his arms and pinning her beneath him.

"Don't you have anything you want to ask me?" His deep voice carried a hint of frustration.

Her heart skipped a beat under his piercing gaze. After hesitating, she whispered, "What's your relationship with her...?"

Adrian's dark eyes didn't waver. He waited, forcing her to finish her question.

"...With Rachael Hall?" she added hastily, her voice barely audible. Then, as if bracing for impact, she tightly shut her eyes.

Adrian's lips quirked upward faintly. He leaned closer, his thumb brushing her lips—soft yet slightly swollen from her nervous biting.

Lowering his head, his warm breath brushed against her ear as he murmured,
"Nothing."