Falling for the Goddess

He Was Her Light and Salvation

Adrian Blake regretted his chosen way of responding to Sara Hart. He hadn't realized just how much of a crier she could be.

When Sara saw the sharp, bold strokes of his handwritten words on the last page of the album, her tears spilled over, uncontrollable and endless. It was as though the floodgates had burst, releasing eight years' worth of repressed emotions and unspoken grievances.

No matter how he tried to comfort her, her tears kept coming, cascading like a relentless stream.

Sara herself knew she was losing control, but she didn't care. She buried her face in Adrian's chest, her muffled sobs soaking through his shirt, leaving behind a damp patch that seemed to sear straight into his heart.

Adrian's chest ached with a dull, persistent pain. He held her gently, his hand moving in slow, soothing strokes along her back, letting her release all the emotions she had bottled up for so long.

When her tears finally subsided, Adrian's shirt was thoroughly drenched.

Sara lifted her head slightly, her tear-streaked face flushed with embarrassment as she sniffled.

"No more tears?" Adrian asked softly, his thumb brushing away the remnants of her tears with tender care. His tone was filled with affection as he added, "If you keep crying, your eyes will hurt."

Then, with a gentleness that made her heart quiver, he bent down and kissed her swollen eyelids.

Sara blinked at him through the haze of her tears, her voice trembling, "This isn't a dream, is it?"

Her childlike question made Adrian chuckle softly. He guided her hand to his face. "Pinch me and find out."

Sara managed a small laugh, her voice still nasally from crying. "Why would I pinch you? I wouldn't feel it."

Adrian smirked and suddenly leaned closer, giving her cheek a gentle squeeze. "Feel anything now?"

Sara shook her head, her tears finally receding.

Without warning, Adrian's eyes darkened. His gaze dropped to her lips, and before she could react, he bit down lightly on her bottom lip. His voice was husky as he murmured, "How about now?"

Sara's face turned scarlet, and she instinctively shook her head again, unable to form words.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his restraint barely holding. "Wash your face and wait for me. I'll shower quickly, then we'll talk."

Sara nodded, but as she moved to get up, Adrian effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.

"Ah!" she yelped, startled by the sudden motion.

Barefoot and flustered, she wrapped her legs instinctively around his waist for balance. The intimacy of the position made her face burn even hotter.

It was just a few steps to the bathroom, but Adrian carried her like it were miles away. He set her gently on the counter, placing a towel beneath her. Grabbing another clean towel, he wetted it with warm water and began wiping her tear-streaked face with a tenderness that made her heartache.

Adrian's movements were careful and reverent as if she were something fragile and precious.

Seeing his soft expression and gentle touch, Sara's tears began anew.

Adrian froze, alarm flashing in his eyes. He immediately embraced her, cradling her like a delicate treasure. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

Sara shook her head, her voice breaking as she explained, "No... I just... it doesn't feel real."

Her words hit him like a tidal wave. She sounded so small and vulnerable, and he realized how long she had carried these feelings alone.

Adrian stroked her back softly, his voice a low murmur against her hair. "It's real, Sara. From now on, you'll never be alone again. You have me."

Sara sniffled and clung to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not usually such a crybaby, you know. I used to hold it all in."

Adrian gently released her, his gaze locking onto hers. His expression was serious, his tone resolute. "You don't have to hold anything in front of me. If you want to cry, cry. If you want to laugh, laugh. Just don't bottle it up anymore."

Her eyes glistened again, and for a moment, she thought she might start crying again.

Bending to meet her gaze, Adrian said softly, "Stay here for a few minutes while I take a quick shower, okay?"

"Okay," Sara whispered.

Adrian walked into the shower, leaving the door slightly ajar. When Sara realized he was staying in the master bathroom, her cheeks flushed. "You're showering here?"

Adrian turned slightly, his lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Why? Can't I?"

"No, it's not that..."

His chuckle was low and warm, sending shivers down her spine. "I'll be quick—five minutes."

He disappeared behind the frosted glass, the sound of water soon filling the room. Sara sat on the counter, her emotions finally starting to calm.

But as she glanced at the silhouette of Adrian behind the glass—broad shoulders, defined muscles—her face grew impossibly hotter. She quickly turned her head, staring at the floor to distract herself.

Adrian emerged sooner than promised, his damp hair dripping onto his bare shoulders. A towel was slung low around his hips, revealing his toned, lean frame. Sara's eyes darted away, her hands fumbling awkwardly in her lap.

Without a word, Adrian crossed the room and scooped her up again, her soft gasp making him chuckle. He carried her back to the bed, placing her down gently before stepping away to dry his hair and put on his pajamas.

When he returned, he slid into bed and pulled her into his arms, their bodies fitting together seamlessly.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked, his voice a gentle murmur against her hair.

Sara shook her head. "Not at all."

"Then let's talk," he suggested.

"Okay."

Adrian laced their fingers together, his large hand enveloping hers completely. Sara glanced down at their intertwined hands, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"How did you know me in high school?" Adrian asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

Sara hesitated for a moment before answering. "It was Christmas in my first year. It was pouring rain, and I was wandering around by myself. When I got near the fountain, you appeared out of nowhere. You gave me an umbrella and told me that I could protect myself and the people I care about only by becoming strong."

She looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "You were like a god descending from the heavens, pushing aside the storm clouds over my head."

Adrian's brow furrowed as he searched his memories. Slowly, he recalled that day.

He had been in a lousy mood, leaning against the upper floor railing, watching the courtyard below. That's when he saw her—a lone girl being bullied near the washbasins. Later, she had wandered through the rain, her posture slumped in quiet defeat.

Her desolate figure had stirred something in him, and he had gone downstairs, umbrella in hand.

The words he had spoken then were meant for her, but they were also a reminder to himself.

"And from then on..." he began.

Sara nodded, her gaze unwavering. "If it weren't for you, I might've drifted through life aimlessly. But you gave me a reason to keep going."

Adrian felt his heart tighten as he pulled her closer.

He had been her light, her salvation—just as she was becoming his.