The moment Sara Hart heard Adrian Blake's question, her hands froze mid-motion. She tried to maintain a calm facade as she carefully put everything away before turning to face him.
She had rehearsed this scenario countless times in her mind. What would she say if Adrian ever asked her that question? How would she explain all the tiny moments that led her here, how would she confess her feelings, and how would she reveal the seemingly insignificant intersections of their past?
But now, standing here, she realized it wasn't the right time—not yet.
Sara took a deep breath, her heart thudding loudly as she slowly walked toward Adrian. Her voice softened, carrying a hint of earnestness. "When the first snow falls in North Capital, I'll tell you everything. Will you wait until then?"
"And... I'll show you that photo album I've been hiding."
That album held all her unspoken emotions, the delicate threads of her secret admiration, and the dreams she thought would never see the light of day. When the time came, she would bare her heart to him, leaving nothing behind.
Adrian's dark eyes lingered on her pale, delicate face. There was a flicker of something unspoken in his gaze—a guess, an intuition—but even he hesitated to confront it fully.
"Alright," he said, his voice steady yet thoughtful. "I can wait a little longer."
Adrian realized, with growing clarity, that there were still so many things about Sara he didn't know. She was like a book he hadn't yet finished reading, each page revealing something unexpected.
Pulling her into his arms, he let his fingers trace over hers one by one, as though savoring the quiet intimacy.
"Earlier, when you handled those guys, it seemed like you've had some training," he murmured.
Sara nodded without hesitation. She'd never intended to hide it; it just hadn't come up before. "When I was younger, I was a bit of a troublemaker. I used to get into fights, and my grandmother sent me to learn martial arts for a few years."
Adrian blinked, momentarily stunned. He couldn't quite picture the obedient, composed Sara as a rowdy child picking fights.
"You fought and then learned martial arts? Doesn't that make you even more dangerous?" he teased, his lips curving into a rare smile.
Sara chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "There were times I couldn't win against the boys. Grandma was worried I'd get hurt, so she thought learning some self-defense would help. After that, I got into fewer fights."
Adrian's arms tightened around her as he rested his chin on her shoulder, rubbing it lightly.
He had always thought of Sara as a quiet, gentle soul—a little rabbit, harmless and tame. But the more he got to know her, the more he realized how layered she was. She wasn't just gentle; she was strong, determined, and full of surprises.
Like a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered.
Perhaps, with her by his side, the days ahead wouldn't seem so daunting after all.
"I'll be busy for the next few days," Adrian said after a moment's pause. "I need to wrap up work at the company and make a few other preparations."
Sara nodded, not pressing for details. "Alright. Don't worry about picking me up from school if you're busy."
The next morning, Adrian dropped Sara off at university before heading to the office.
The company was in chaos. Ever since the announcement of his resignation, speculation had run rampant. Charlie Scott's phone had been ringing off the hook, inundated with calls from employees and partners alike, all seeking answers.
Even when Adrian arrived, he felt the weight of dozens of eyes on him as he strode through the building. Employees whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity and concern palpable.
Unfazed, Adrian took the elevator up to his office, his expression as composed as ever.
Charlie Scott, who had been pacing anxiously, rushed to his side the moment he stepped in. "President Blake—"
"Today, I'll finish transferring all my responsibilities," Adrian announced before Charlie Scott could continue. "From now on, the company's operations will be handled according to the board's instructions."
The news was like a hammer blow. Many had held out hope that the announcement was a mistake, a temporary crisis. But now, hearing it directly from Adrian himself, those hopes were dashed.
Charlie Scott followed him into the office, still struggling to comprehend. "Why, sir? Why are you stepping down so suddenly?"
"It's personal," Adrian replied curtly. "Focus on following the transition plan. My father will oversee operations in the interim. Whether the board appoints a professional manager or another successor is up to them."
By the end of the day, Adrian had meticulously organized all ongoing and upcoming projects, handing everything over to Charlie Scott along with the keys to his office.
"This is everything you need to know," he said. "Make sure nothing falls through the cracks."
Charlie Scott's eyes turned red as he took the keys. "President Blake..."
Adrian had been more than just a boss to him—he was a mentor. Working under him had been grueling, but it had also been immensely rewarding. Charlie Scott's life had transformed thanks to Adrian's guidance.
"Do your job well. The company won't forget your efforts," Adrian said simply.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of meetings and transitions, but no matter how busy Adrian was, he still made time to drop Sara off and pick her up from school.
Despite his fatigue, he never wavered in this small act of care, and Sara, in turn, did her best not to add to his burden.
On Saturday morning, Sara found Adrian sitting on the balcony, drenched from the rain.
She rushed to him, heart aching at the sight of his soaked clothes. He sat there silently, as if lost in thought, his figure shrouded in a somber, almost solemn air.
Hurrying to dry him off, she prepared hot tea and medicine, worried he might catch a cold.
It wasn't until she was bustling around that Adrian finally broke his silence.
His voice was low and calm, but there was an edge of weariness as if he had made a difficult decision.
"Come with me somewhere," he said.
Sara paused, her heart tightening. She looked at him, waiting for him to explain.
But Adrian didn't elaborate. He simply stood, his eyes meeting hers with a quiet intensity that spoke volumes.
"Alright," she said softly. "I'll go wherever you need me to."
YOU ARE READING
Falling for the Goddess
RomanceSara Hart, a gentle and seemingly soft woman on the outside, hides an independent and clear-headed spirit. She has secretly admired Adrian Blake, a man who defies the typical image of a cold and domineering CEO. Adrian Blake is distant and detached...
