Falling for the Goddess

You Like Adrian, Don't You?

Saturday arrived quickly, and after breakfast, Adrian Blake and Sara Hart set off for Eric Thorne's mountain resort.

Nestled at the base of FL Mountain on the outskirts of North Capital, the resort was surrounded by lush forests, serene streams, and distant peaks draped in mist. The hillside featured rows of cozy wooden cabins, scenic trails, hot springs, and various recreational facilities.

Most of the other guests were already there by the time they arrived.

From afar, Lucas Graves spotted them and waved enthusiastically. "Adrian! Sara!"

Sara walked up and greeted him politely, "Mr. Graves."

Lucas Graves feigned a hurt expression. "Come on, just call me Lucas! 'Mr. Graves' sounds so stiff!"

Sara simply smiled without committing.

Adrian asked, "Has everyone else arrived?"

"Eric's abroad on a business trip, but Kyle is here. He's inside playing billiards!"

Eric Thorne, who had been speaking to the staff, turned and noticed them. "Adrian..." he nodded politely to Sara.

Sara returned the gesture with a warm smile.

Eric Thorne gestured to the surrounding area. "The scenery here is great, and plenty of things to do. Make yourselves at home and enjoy."

Lucas Graves grinned. "Don't worry, we'll definitely make the most of it!"

Eric Thorne called over a staff member to ensure they had everything they needed during their stay.

Lucas Graves looked at Adrian and Sara. "What's the plan? Shall we take a look around? This place is massive—there's so much to explore!"

Adrian glanced at Sara.

"I'm fine with anything," she said.

Their belongings had already been taken to their room, so Lucas Graves called Kyle Thorne to join them, and the group started their tour.

Halfway up the hill, they came across a sprawling meadow with ample space for camping. The area offered a stunning view of the mountains, with mist curling over the distant peaks.

Kyle Thorne surveyed the scene and marveled, "Did Eric buy the entire mountain? There's even a golf course and a stable on the other side."

Lucas Graves clicked his tongue in admiration. "Eric sure knows how to live it up! Too bad he isn't here. It's been ages since we all hung out together."

Adrian glanced at Sara, who quietly admired the scenery, her gaze wandering over the hills and trees.

"Why so quiet?" he asked.

Sara smiled softly. "I'm happy just listening to you all."

Not everyone needed to be a talker; she was content being a listener.

Adrian seemed to understand and didn't press further.

They strolled along a stone path and eventually reached a tea garden. The neatly trimmed tea plants spread out in orderly rows, their fragrance lingering in the crisp air.

"There's even a botanical garden here?" Lucas Graves remarked in surprise.

The staff member explained, "Guests can pick flowers in the spring. It's a popular activity."

Lucas Graves observed workers pruning the tea plants and asked curiously, "What are they doing?"

"They're trimming the branches to make the flowers grow better for the next season."

"Then I'm definitely coming back in spring to try it," Lucas Graves declared.

By the time they finished their tour, it was nearly lunchtime. The group headed to the resort's restaurant, a cozy wooden structure with a menu full of seasonal produce and farm-fresh meat.

After ordering, Sara excused herself to use the restroom.

When she returned, she paused to see another woman sitting beside Adrian.

The woman had short, stylish hair, a pair of dangling tassel earrings, and a lovely face with a mix of allure and boldness.

Sara froze for a moment, but as she approached, the woman suddenly placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder.

Adrian's brow furrowed slightly, and just as he was about to react, the woman's grip tightened, signaling him to stay still.

When Sara reached the table, the woman turned her sharp, fox-like eyes toward her, sizing her up before speaking.

"So, you're Adrian's wife?"

Sara's gaze briefly flicked to the woman's hand on Adrian's shoulder before lowering her eyes. When she looked back up, her tone remained polite and gentle. "Hello, I'm Sara."

The woman raised an eyebrow, then smirked at Adrian. "Your wife is like a bunny. You'd better keep an eye on her, or someone might take advantage."

Before Sara could respond, the woman laughed and extended a hand. "I'm Xenia Graves, Lucas's sister. Just teasing you earlier."

Sara shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Graves."

"Miss Graves? Just call me Xenia. I'm even a year older than Adrian!"

Sara glanced at Adrian for confirmation, and when he nodded, she said softly, "Xenia."

Xenia Graves studied the couple for a moment before moving to sit in Lucas's seat, kicking her brother's chair as she did.

"What am I supposed to do now?" Lucas protested.

"There are plenty of seats. Pick another," Xenia Graves replied, unimpressed.

Next to her, Kyle Thorne sat stiffly, clearly intimidated by her commanding presence.

Lucas grumbled but found another seat, choosing not to argue further.

Lucas and Kyle Thorne kept up an animated conversation during lunch, with Adrian occasionally chiming in. Sara mostly listened, smiling quietly.

Afterward, Adrian and the others went to see Eric Thorne, while Xenia Graves suggested Sara accompany her for a walk.

"Xenia..." Adrian started, but she cut him off with a sharp look.

"Relax. I won't eat her. She'll be back in one piece," Xenia Graves assured him.

Adrian frowned slightly but didn't argue.

Sara gave him a reassuring smile before following Xenia Graves.

As they walked toward the meadow, Xenia Graves looped her arm through Sara's, strolling casually.

Midway, Xenia Graves stopped abruptly and turned to Sara, a teasing smile on her lips.

"When I heard Adrian got married, I was shocked. I couldn't help but wonder—what kind of woman did Grandma Blake choose for him?"

Sara froze.

Then Xenia Graves delivered her next words like a bombshell. "You like Adrian, don't you?"

Sara stared at her, completely caught off guard.

Xenia Graves chuckled at her reaction. "Curious how I know?"

She explained, "Earlier, I purposely acted close to Adrian. How your expression dimmed was obvious—you weren't jealous or angry, just... disappointed."

Xenia Graves continued, "And your gaze followed him the whole time during lunch. You look at him differently, you know? Even though you try to hide it, it's written all over your face."

She gave Sara a knowing look. "That kind of careful affection? I've seen it before."

After silence, Xenia Graves added, "Don't worry—I won't tell him."

She glanced at the distant mountains and murmured, "I hope you get what you want."