Falling for the Goddess

The Storm Approaches

When Adrian Blake carried Sara Hart back to their room, she was already half-asleep.

Her delicate arms rested on his shoulders, her voice hoarse as she tried to keep her eyes open. "Aren't we supposed to go hiking tomorrow morning?"

Adrian laid her gently on the bed, his large hand pressing lightly on her waist to massage the soreness. "Do you still have the energy to hike?"

Sara's eyelids fluttered closed, her voice soft. "But... we promised."

"I'll tell Lucas tomorrow morning. Don't worry, just sleep."

Hearing that, Sara finally let herself drift off. She probably didn't even have the strength to get out of bed, let alone hike.

The following day at breakfast, Adrian Blake was the only one who showed up.

"Where's Sara?"

Xenia Graves raised a teasing eyebrow at Adrian. "So, how was the gift I gave you last night?"

Lucas Graves caught on immediately and gasped dramatically. "No way!"

Adrian remained unfazed as he sat down, completely ignoring their suggestive gazes. "We're skipping the hike."

Kyle Thorne mumbled under his breath, "Looks like little Jimmy might get that baby sister soon..."

When Adrian returned to the room, Sara was still asleep.

She was a quiet sleeper, hardly moving as she nestled in his arms, staying in the same position until morning.

After a while, her eyelashes fluttered, signaling she was about to wake up. Adrian shifted his gaze away, walking to the window. He stood there leisurely, fastening the cuffs of his shirt with a calm, unhurried elegance.

Sara groggily opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Adrian standing by the window. The soft morning light outlined his tall figure, and his meticulous movements were mesmerizing—rolling his sleeves up just enough to reveal his lean forearms, a Patek Philippe watch adorning his wrist. His fingers were long and well-defined, every motion exuding grace.

The golden glow made him look almost unreal, like a dream.

Sara stared for a long time until a soreness in her waist snapped her back to reality.

Hearing her stir, Adrian turned, his deep, clear voice breaking the quiet. "Awake?"

Sara looked at his flawless face and felt her heart skip a beat like every time she saw him. "Mm."

"Want to get up and eat something?"

Sara nodded, her voice still husky. "What time is it?"

Adrian glanced at his watch. "9:47."

"What about everyone else?"

"They went hiking."

Sara clutched the blanket tightly. She realized that not only had she slept in, but everyone must know by now that she and Adrian didn't join them.

Her face turned pale, then red, as she imagined the teasing.

Adrian noticed her flustered expression and couldn't help but notice the small smile tugging at his lips. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Sara mumbled, shaking her head.

She sat up quickly, but the blanket slipped, revealing her bare shoulders. Hastily, she pulled it back up, her cheeks burning as she glanced at Adrian.

"Can you... get me some clothes?"

The faint marks on her fair skin did not escape Adrian's eyes. His throat felt suddenly dry, and he turned to fetch her something to wear.

Sara and Adrian spent the rest of the morning exploring the estate with the others away.

They walked along forested paths, breathing in the crisp, fresh air and admiring the lush greenery around them. By a clear stream, they saw someone fishing, and as other visitors passed by, Adrian instinctively kept Sara close to his side to ensure she wasn't bumped.

Sara, however, still habitually trailed half a step behind him, stealing glances at his back when she thought he wouldn't notice.

They followed a stone-paved trail up to a scenic lake and strolled along its edge. On their way back, they ran into Lucas Graves and the others returning from their hike.

"Adrian, Sara!"

Lucas Graves waved from afar, making Sara feel slightly self-conscious. Everyone else had already been up and active for hours, while she had only just started her day.

Thankfully, though the group teased Adrian mercilessly, they spared Sara any embarrassment.

The hikers were sweaty and tired after their climb, and after returning to their accommodations to freshen up, everyone gathered for a final lunch before preparing to leave.

Before parting ways, Xenia Graves exchanged contact information with Sara.

"Let's hang out sometime!" Xenia Graves winked playfully.

"Sure, Xenia." Sara smiled warmly.

Adrian had driven to the estate, so he and Sara made their way back together. As they navigated the winding mountain road, Sara gazed out the window, enjoying the scenery.

Adrian glanced at her, noting how the wind tousled her hair, then broke the silence.

"I have to fly to the M State next week for work."

Sara turned to him, surprised. "How long will you be gone?"

"Three or four days. I'll have someone else drive you."

"Three or four days..." Sara repeated softly, her mood dampening. "It's fine. I'll just stay near campus for a few days."

The thought of being alone in the large villa without Adrian felt lonely.

"It's more convenient there anyway and closer to school," she added.

Adrian considered her words before nodding. "Alright. I'll come get you when I'm back."

"Okay."

On Monday, Adrian Blake left for the M State, and Sara moved into her small apartment near campus.

After spending so much time with him, being alone again felt oddly empty.

That evening, around 9 pm, Sara glanced at the time. It would be morning for Adrian.

She hesitated, opening their chat but typing and deleting multiple times before throwing her phone aside.

He's probably busy with work or jet-lagged, she reasoned. I shouldn't bother him.

She tidied up her apartment to distract herself and got ready for bed.

Meanwhile, Adrian had just finished a meeting. He checked his phone, but there were no messages.

Charlie Scott, walking beside him, noticed Adrian's repeated glances at his screen and couldn't help but wonder if he was waiting for someone to contact him.

"Mr. Blake, your afternoon schedule includes tea with Mr. Smith at 3 pm, followed by a dinner event where ICONEY's designer will be present."

Adrian slipped his phone into his pocket, his tone nonchalant. "Understood."

The next morning, Sara arrived at the lab as usual.

Her colleagues exchanged uneasy glances, and Frank Cooper finally spoke up.

"Sara, did you offend someone recently?"

Sara blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Frank Cooper hesitated before explaining, "There's a lot of buzz about you on the school forum. It's even trending on social media."

Feeling uneasy, Sara opened her phone.

Many posts filled the screen, with her name attached to sensationalized accusations. Her heart sank as memories of past humiliations and pain came rushing back, threatening to swallow her whole.