Falling for the Goddess

Miss Hall, Please Move Aside

Sara Hart woke up nestled in Adrian Blake's arms the following day.

It was late autumn, the air growing chillier by the day, making it all the harder to leave the warmth of the bed. She shifted slightly, turning to face Adrian. His serene, sleeping face was so captivating that she couldn't help but reach out, her fingers stopping just short of touching his long, enviable eyelashes.

Hesitating, she pulled back, instead tracing his features in the air. Adrian was truly stunning. His face, seemingly sculpted by the heavens, exuded an otherworldly elegance. Normally, his demeanor was cold and distant, but asleep, he looked soft and harmless—almost endearing.

Usually, when she woke up, Adrian had already left the bed. This was the first time she'd seen him like this, and she couldn't look away. It was as if she wanted to etch this image into her memory.

Unbeknownst to her, Adrian had woken up long ago. He simply pretended to sleep, curious about what she might do. He could feel her hand hovering near him and her gaze lingering.

When she didn't make a move for a long time, Adrian opened his eyes abruptly, catching her mid-stare. Before she could retract her hand, he grabbed it gently.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Sara froze, her face instantly flushing crimson. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tightly.

"Why are you still in bed?" she blurted out, desperate to change the subject.

"It's raining."

"Oh." She nodded, not thinking much of it.

Adrian's daily routine included an early morning run, so it seemed logical to skip it due to rain. What she forgot was the fully-equipped gym inside their villa.

Adrian, known for his discipline and punctuality, rarely stayed in bed this late. Yet, as he'd lain there earlier, listening to the soft patter of rain and feeling Sara curled against him, he'd allowed himself a rare indulgence—a few extra moments of warmth and contentment.

Loosening his grip, Adrian moved his hand to her waist, absentmindedly rubbing circles. Sara stiffened. "Don't..."

Her waist was still sore.

Sensing her discomfort, he shifted his touch to a gentle massage. "It's time to get up."

Sara glanced at the clock and bolted upright. "It's nine already! Why didn't you wake me?"

"You looked exhausted. I didn't want to disturb you."

"That's because of you..." Sara stopped mid-sentence, realizing what she was about to say. Her cheeks burned as Adrian smirked.

"Yes, my fault," he conceded with a faint smile.

Ignoring him, Sara scrambled out of bed and dashed into the bathroom.

Watching her flustered retreat, Adrian finally rose from the bed. "Take your time. There's no rush," he called after her.

Ten minutes later, Sara emerged, fully dressed and ready to leave.

In the car, she munched on a sandwich, resolutely ignoring Adrian. He glanced over at her, a trace of guilt in his eyes.

"I'll wake you up earlier next time, alright?"

Still chewing, Sara glared at him. "No more late nights on weekdays, either!"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Fine. I'll keep that in mind."

"Cough!" Sara almost choked, her face turning bright red. She shot him a quick glare before looking straight ahead, pretending not to notice his amused expression.

At the university gates, she turned to him before getting out of the car. "I have experiments today, so I'll be late. I'll just take a cab home."

"Call me when you're done. I'll pick you up," he interrupted firmly.

"...Alright." Sara hesitated but nodded.

She opened the car door, then paused to say softly, "Drive safe."

Adrian watched her dart away, her petite figure disappearing quickly. With a sigh, he leaned back in his seat. His rare moment of indulgence had clearly backfired.

Adrian Blake wrapped up his workday around six in the evening. Sara texted to let him know she'd finish her experiments by seven. He leaned back in the car, closing his eyes for a brief rest after a long afternoon of meetings.

"Shall I take you home, sir?" Charlie Scott asked from the driver's seat.

Adrian glanced at his watch. "North Capital University first."

Though curious, Charlie Scott didn't ask questions. Upon reaching the university gates, he glanced back through the rearview mirror. "Would you like me to drive inside, Mr. Blake?"

Adrian opened his eyes, noting the darkening sky. After a brief pause, he shook his head. "No, we'll wait here."

Sara always preferred being dropped off at the gate.

Charlie Scott parked the car, keeping his thoughts to himself, though he was dying to know who Adrian was waiting for. His curiosity was interrupted by a knock on the window.

Lowering the glass, he was surprised to see Rachael Hall standing there.

"It is you," she said with a bright smile. "I was just visiting my dad and saw your car. I thought I might be mistaken."

Adrian acknowledged her with a polite nod.

Nervously twisting her fingers, Rachael Hall smiled warmly. "Are you here for business?"

"Something like that," Adrian replied curtly.

Charlie Scott kept his eyes forward, but his ears were on high alert, catching every word. Occasionally, he stole glances through the mirror.

"Oh, by the way," Rachael Hall hesitated, "your coat is still at my place. When can I return it?"

Before Adrian could answer, his gaze shifted past Rachael Hall. She followed his line of sight and turned around, spotting Sara standing not far away.

"Why don't you come over?" Adrian called out to Sara.

After a brief pause, Sara approached. Rachael Hall, still standing by the car door, blocked her path.

Recognizing Sara as the same woman from before, Rachael Hall's smile faltered. "Who is she to him?" she wondered.

"Miss Hall," Sara said softly but firmly. "Could you please move aside?"

Rachael Hall's pupils constricted as embarrassment flashed across her face. She stepped back reluctantly, forcing a polite smile. Sara climbed into the car, her demeanor calm yet distant.

Desperate to salvage the moment, Rachael Hall asked again, "About your coat..."

Adrian glanced at Sara beside him before turning his cold eyes back to Rachael Hall.

"Throw it away," he said flatly.

Rachael Hall froze, her carefully crafted composure cracking as the car pulled away.