Falling for the Goddess

Adrian's Visit

Lucas Harris sat alone in his study for a long time, replaying Sara's words in his mind.

For the first half of his life, he had been focused on proving himself—working tirelessly, building his company from the ground up, expanding and solidifying his empire. But in the process, he had neglected his daughter. Even after bringing her to live with him, he had never truly nurtured a relationship with her. Yes, he had been busy, but deep down, he knew the truth—he had been avoiding it.

He didn't know how to be a father, nor did he know how to make up for all those lost years. Instead, he simply used the money to compensate, thinking that providing her with the best material life was enough.

But after what happened last night, he had spent the entire night carefully looking into the events that had unfolded in her life—the online harassment, the false rumors, and even what she had endured during high school. Things he had been completely unaware of.

He recalled the quiet, obedient girl who had come to live with him in North Capital. She never made any demands, never threw tantrums—she simply nodded and agreed to everything he said. At the time, he had felt relieved. She was a straightforward child, never causing trouble.

Now he realized that she had never truly trusted him.

When she had suffered, she had never confided in him. When she was lost, she had found her own way. She had endured everything alone.

And yet, he still had the audacity to claim authority over her life now?

Lucas Harris let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. He was a successful businessman, but when it came to being a father, he had failed completely.

The next morning, Adrian Blake arrived just as Lucas Harris finished his breakfast.

The butler, Uncle Li, led Adrian into the house. Lucas Harris had already instructed that if Adrian came, he should be let in immediately.

He just hadn't expected him to arrive so soon.

Adrian handed over a gift bag to Uncle Li, then turned to Lucas Harris with a polite nod. "Good morning, sir. I hope I'm not intruding."

Lucas Harris took his time observing the young man before him.

Everyone in the North Capital business world knew Adrian. Despite his elite background, he was renowned for his exceptional talent, having once led Blake Group to new heights before severing ties with the family.

And now, it turned out that he was the mastermind behind YD Technology.

Even though Adrian carried himself with humility at the moment, there was an undeniable air of nobility about him—something that couldn't be erased no matter how much he tried to downplay it.

Lucas Harris respected him, but as a fellow businessman.

Not as the man who had secretly married his daughter.

"You're early," Lucas Harris remarked.

"I didn't want to keep you waiting," Adrian replied with a composed smile.

"Uncle Li, prepare some tea and bring it to the study," Lucas Harris instructed.

"Yes, sir."

To Lucas Harris's surprise, Adrian didn't ask to see Sara first. Instead, he calmly followed him into the study.

"I thought you'd go to Sara first," Lucas Harris commented as he sat down.

"She's probably still asleep," Adrian replied. "I wanted to talk to you first."

Adrian knew that unless he won over Lucas Harris, Sara would feel torn between them. He had no intention of putting her in that position.

Sitting opposite Lucas Harris, Adrian maintained an air of humility, fully aware that he was here not as a business mogul, but as a son-in-law seeking approval.

"Sir, I understand that our marriage was not conducted most traditionally, and for that, I take full responsibility." His voice was steady and sincere. "But please believe me when I say that my feelings for Sara are real. I love her, and I intend to cherish and protect her for the rest of my life."

Lucas Harris studied him for a long moment before speaking.

"And yet, I don't see the Blake family accepting her," he said bluntly.

"I no longer have any ties to the Blake family," Adrian replied without hesitation. "I left that behind. My father's opinion holds no weight in my decisions. However, my grandmother deeply adores Sara."

Adrian then took out a document and placed it on the desk. "I know that words alone may not be enough to convince you, so I'm offering this as proof of my sincerity."

Lucas Harris glanced down at the document, then back up at Adrian, his eyes narrowing.

"...Are you serious?"

"Completely," Adrian said.

Inside the document were papers transferring a significant portion of his assets to Sara.

"I understand that as her father, you're worried about her well-being. This is my way of assuring you that no matter what happens in the future, she will always be secure. This is not a favor—this is what she rightfully deserves."

Lucas Harris exhaled slowly before closing the folder. "Whether she signs this or not is her choice. I won't interfere."

He looked at Adrian seriously. "She doesn't need your money. I've given her everything she could ever need. What she does need is someone who will never hurt her."

"And that, sir, is exactly what I intend to be."

When Sara woke up, she felt much more clear-headed than the night before. She decided that after breakfast, she would have a proper conversation with her father.

But as soon as she stepped out of her bedroom, she spotted someone familiar sitting in the living room.

Rubbing her eyes in disbelief, she stared at the man on the couch.

"Adrian...?"

He was sitting there calmly, drinking tea with her father as if he belonged there.

At the sound of her voice, Adrian turned, his lips curving into a soft smile.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

Sara blinked in confusion. "You're really here?"

Lucas Harris, who had been watching their interaction, spoke up, "Uncle Li made you some sweet rice wine soup. Eat something first."

With that, he stood and headed toward the kitchen, giving them some privacy.

Sara hesitated before walking down the stairs. "You came so early?"

Adrian met her at the bottom of the staircase, reaching out to take her hand. His fingers traced lightly across her palm.

"I promised you that when you woke up, I'd be here."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words.

"You and my dad... talked?" she asked hesitantly, still trying to process everything.

Adrian smirked slightly. "Yes. Don't worry, everything's fine now. He was just looking out for you, and he wasn't sure about me."

"Well, if I had a daughter who suddenly married some random guy, I'd probably want to break his legs too," he added with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Sara glared at him. "What daughter? Don't just say things like that!"

"I meant in the future," Adrian said, laughing at her reaction.

Sara's face heated up, and she quickly changed the subject. "Are you staying for lunch?"

"Would you like me to?"

"...I just didn't expect my dad to invite you," she admitted.

"Of course he did," Adrian said smoothly. He leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Otherwise, how else would I dare to stay?"