Falling for the Goddess

Adrian Takes Her Hand

With Chuck Smith's public statement, the storm surrounding Sara Hart finally began to subside. As the gossip died down, the online frenzy settled into silence.

But things were far from over for Lisa Moore.

Adrian Blake found her apology insincere and continued to exert pressure on her family's business. He gave the Moore family two choices: either let their company collapse or sever ties with Lisa Moore entirely. The decision rested with Lisa Moore's father.

After finishing his call, Adrian saw Sara emerging from the bedroom, holding... a camera.

Noticing he was done with work, she hesitated before speaking, her tone tentative as if seeking permission. "Adrian, can I take a photo of you?"

Adrian had always disliked having his picture taken, whether for personal reasons or for business promotions. This was why there were so few public photos of him online.

But now, looking into Sara's expectant eyes, filled with cautious hope, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.

"Why do you want to take my picture?" he asked.

Her grip on the camera tightened slightly. She had never dared to take a photo of him openly, let alone capture a proper portrait. All she had were distant, blurry shots of his back.

She longed for just one—one photo where she could truly see him.

Biting her lip, Sara dropped her gaze, her voice softening with disappointment. "I just thought of it when I saw the camera. If you're not comfortable, it's okay..."

"You can."

Her eyes widened in surprise, shooting up to meet his. "Really?"

Adrian nodded. "I didn't say no."

Sara's face lit up, her initial disappointment giving way to excitement. Her sparkling eyes, now brimming with joy, reminded him of a clear night sky filled with stars.

"Can you stand on the balcony? The background there is prettier," she suggested, her voice carrying a mix of anticipation and delight.

Adrian obliged, walking over to the balcony without protest.

As she raised the camera, Sara noticed how effortlessly he commanded the frame. He seemed born to be photographed with his sharp features and confident demeanor.

Adrian caught her gaze through the lens and looked straight at her. Just as she clicked the shutter, his lips curved faintly upward, and his dark eyes seemed to glimmer with subtle amusement.

The camera's soft "click" marked the moment, and Sara couldn't help but beam as she glanced at the image. She had finally captured a clear, candid photo of Adrian—and it was perfect.

Still seated casually on the balcony railing, Adrian seemed effortlessly poised, his sharp profile accentuated by the soft evening light. The sight made her heart flutter.

"Can I... take a few more?" Sara asked, encouraged by his cooperation.

Her voice held a slight upward lilt, sweet and playful, like a delicate tug on his heartstrings.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "A few more?"

She nodded eagerly.

He chuckled softly. "Not impossible..."

Sara's eyes brightened, waiting expectantly for his condition.

"I want to see your photo album," Adrian said.

Her smile froze. If he looked through her album, he would undoubtedly notice all the photos of him. She hesitated, caught between reluctance and her desire to seize this rare opportunity.

Sensing her hesitation, Adrian added, "I'm not saying I need to see it now—just someday, when you're ready."

Relieved, Sara nodded. "Okay." She thought to herself that "someday" might never come, and by then, she could come up with an excuse.

Adrian wasn't particularly fond of photos, yet he indulged her. He let her snap pictures of him lounging on the balcony, then sitting on the sofa.

As the soft clicking of the shutter filled the room, he found himself watching her, taking note of her obvious delight.

The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the room, softening his usually sharp features and creating a serene, intimate atmosphere.

After several more shots, Sara finally lowered her camera, satisfied. "That's enough," she declared, her tone cheerful.

"Let me see," Adrian said.

Sara hesitated. "Once I've sorted through them, I'll show you, okay?"

Adrian's dark eyes narrowed slightly, sensing her evasiveness. He suspected Sara harbored secrets—ones that might even involve him.

But he let it go. "Alright."

Later, as she reviewed the photos on her camera, Sara realized she couldn't bring herself to delete even a single one. She saved every shot, treasuring them all.

The rumors surrounding Sara mainly had died down, and with Adrian planning to return to work, he informed her of his flight schedule.

"I've booked a flight for tomorrow morning," he said.

Sara glanced at him, a trace of worry in her eyes. "Did my situation interfere with your work?"

Adrian's tone was calm. "Work is never more important than people."

Hearing this, Sara's heart felt like it had been filled with effervescent bubbles, their joy bubbling up and spreading warmth through her entire being.

Adrian's willingness to return for her and to believe in her meant everything.

Since there wasn't much food left in her fridge, the two decided to visit a nearby supermarket to stock up.

At the supermarket, Adrian pushed the cart, carefully selecting ingredients for dinner while Sara followed beside him.

She didn't know much about picking up groceries, so she merely watched, her heart warming at seeing him performing such an ordinary, domestic task.

Walking alongside him in the bustling store, surrounded by the everyday clatter of life, Sara couldn't help but feel they resembled a typical married couple.

Stopping by the snack aisle, Adrian turned to her. "Want anything?"

Standing amidst the colorful array of chips and sweets, Sara's heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly, a child's shopping cart hurtled toward her from behind.

"Watch out!" Adrian pulled her into his arms, narrowly avoiding the collision.

The child's parents rushed over, apologizing profusely. "Sorry! Did you get hurt?"

Sara shook her head, still startled. "I'm fine."

The parents scolded the child before walking away.

Adrian's hand lingered protectively at her waist, his expression dark and brooding.

Sara glanced up at him, sensing his displeasure. She tugged gently at his sleeve. "What's wrong? I'm fine, really."

Adrian looked down at her hand on his sleeve. He didn't respond but moved his hand slightly.

Sara's heart sank, thinking he was pulling away.

But the next moment, he reached down—and took her hand in his.