Falling for the Goddess

A Chance Encounter

Hearing the familiar voice call her name, Sara Hart froze. Oh no.

She'd been so caught up in her happiness these past two days that she'd completely forgotten to tell her.

Turning around with a guilty smile, she greeted, "Ella... Sam..."

Sara froze for a moment. Why were the two of them together?

Sam Lewis's gaze fell on Sara and Adrian's interlocked fingers, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face. "Sara, you and Mr. Blake..."

Sara was scrambling for an explanation when she felt Adrian's hand tighten around hers. He spoke first, his voice calm and steady. "Sara and I are married. It's only been kept private because of my circumstances."

Sam's expression faltered briefly before he smiled warmly. "Then congratulations are in order."

Meanwhile, Ella Duvall's eyes darted back and forth between the two, taking in their tightly clasped hands and the bag of stuffed toys Adrian carried. It screamed couple vibes. Her sharp gaze finally landed on Sara, silently demanding answers.

Sara felt a pang of guilt. "Um... Ella, you and Sam..."

"We were just about to grab dinner. What about you two?" Ella asked, her tone casual, though her curiosity was anything but.

Sara forced a laugh. "Haha... What a coincidence."

Adrian glanced at her briefly before turning to the others. "We were planning to eat as well. Why don't we join you?"

"Sure, I don't mind," Ella said, glancing at Sam for confirmation.

"Of course," Sam replied with a polite nod.

The four of them headed to a cozy private restaurant. Ella and Sara sat together on one side of the table, with Adrian and Sam on the opposite side.

As soon as they settled in and began looking at the menu, Ella stood up abruptly. "You three go ahead and order. Sara, come with me to the restroom."

Sara had no choice but to follow her out.

"Ella... let me explain," Sara started, grabbing Ella's arm and shaking it lightly. "Don't be mad at me, okay?"

Ella crossed her arms, leaning lazily against the wall. Her tone turned mockingly sweet. "Oh, how could I dare to be mad at Mrs. Blake? I'm just a lowly friend—what do I know?"

Sara couldn't help but laugh despite herself. "I wasn't trying to hide it on purpose! I just didn't get the chance to tell you yet."

"Uh-huh. Spill it," Ella demanded, arching an eyebrow.

Sara quickly gave her a condensed version of recent events. "You told me about the snow last night, so I confessed to him then. I just haven't had time to tell you yet. Don't be mad, okay?"

She tugged at Ella's sleeve, looking pitiful.

Ella sighed, poking Sara's forehead with her finger. "You didn't reply to my message last night or tell me anything this morning. You're such a traitor."

"I was just... too happy and a little out of it," Sara admitted sheepishly.

Ella's lips curved into a sly smile as she leaned in closer, her eyes glinting with mischief. "So, is Mr. Blake even more charming now that he's all gentle and doting?"

Sara's face turned bright red. "Don't say things like that!"

Thinking back to the scene in the mall earlier, Ella couldn't help but smirk. Sara and Adrian looked every bit the loving couple.

"I'm really happy for you," Ella said sincerely. "You finally got what you wanted."

Sara looked at her friend with equal seriousness. "You will, too."

Ella sighed dramatically. "When will it be my turn to have a sweet, sweet love story?"

"What about you and Sam...?"

Ella shook her head, rolling her eyes. "You have no idea how difficult he is. He's so proper and upright—I'm still working on it."

Back in the private dining room, Adrian had ordered a few of Sara's favorite dishes before passing the menu to Sam.

After placing his order and handing the menu to the waiter, Sam glanced at Adrian with a faint smile. "Mr. Blake and Sara certainly surprised me."

Adrian poured tea into Sara's cup, his expression casual. "How so?"

"You two didn't seem like you'd have any connection. Many people pursued her at school, but she never seemed interested. Turns out, it was because of you," Sam said, his voice calm and even.

"Is that so?" Adrian sipped his tea leisurely before adding nonchalantly, "Then I suppose I should thank you, Mr. Lewis."

"Oh?" Sam raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"Your sachets were helpful. My sleep has improved significantly," Adrian said, his tone light but with an unmistakable undertone of ownership.

Realizing Adrian's subtle declaration of dominance, Sam paused briefly before replying with a polite smile. "I'm glad they were of use. Let me know if you need more."

"That won't be necessary," Adrian said, ending the topic.

Sam took a sip of tea, his expression unreadable.

He had always found Sara intriguing—different from other women he encountered. Their first meeting was at a family gathering orchestrated by his aunt, who had hoped to matchmake them. Sara had been polite and distant, clearly uninterested in any romantic implications.

Though their interactions since had been friendly, Sam had never entertained the idea of pursuing anything further. Seeing her with Adrian now, it all made sense.

When Sara and Ella returned, the atmosphere in the room was calm but noticeably quieter. The dishes arrived one after another, and the meal began.

Ella's lively personality helped keep the mood light. She chatted with Sara about recent events, exchanged opinions on the food with Sam, and even occasionally commented to Adrian.

Sara was beyond impressed.

Partway through the meal, Ella turned to Sara. "I found this amazing grilled fish place recently. You have to come with me next time!"

"Of course!" Sara nodded enthusiastically.

Ella loved spicy food, and Sara often accompanied her to indulge in bold, flavorful dishes.

Adrian quietly deboned a piece of fish, placing it onto Sara's plate.

Ella: ...

Her fish suddenly tasted a lot less flavorful.

Why did she agree to this double date again? Watching them flaunt their love was like a punishment.

As if that wasn't enough, Adrian peeled an entire bowl of shrimp, pushing it toward Sara before excusing himself to wash his hands.

Once he left the room, Ella leaned over and gave Sara a thumbs-up. "Your husband is on another level. Absolute perfection."

Blushing, Sara pushed a piece of fruit into Ella's mouth. "Stop teasing me."

After dinner, when it was time to settle the bill, the waiter informed them that it had already been paid.

Ella smiled and turned to Adrian. "Thanks for the treat, President Blake. We have some errands to run, so we'll part ways here."

Adrian nodded politely before taking the plush bag in one hand and Sara's hand in the other. The two walked away together, leaving Ella and Sam behind.

Watching their retreating figures, Ella smiled wistfully. "Sara finally got her happy ending."

Sam glanced at her. "You knew about them already?"

"Mm-hmm," Ella said, though her smile faltered slightly. "But with Adrian's fallout with his family, who knows what the future holds..."

Sam sighed softly, his expression calm. "Mr. Blake isn't the type to remain under anyone's thumb. She'll be fine."