Falling for the Goddess

"Yes, I Do Like Him"

The next morning, when Sara Hart woke up, Adrian Blake had already left for work.

In truth, she had been awake for a while. She hadn’t slept well that night - her back throbbed painfully, and her heart felt heavy. Lying on her stomach was uncomfortable, so she only managed to doze off here and there for a few hours.

Even though Adrian Blake’s movements were quiet, she knew the moment he got out of bed. She heard him turn over, get up, walk into the bathroom, and then go to the walk-in closet to change. Every small sound seemed amplified in the stillness, and she could easily imagine what he looked like, what his expression was.

She just didn’t know how to face him.

How do you deepen a relationship that’s maintained by money? Adrian Blake must think she married him for wealth or status.

But, in reality, Adrian Blake had been more than fair. He was polite, never harsh or unkind. He helped her when needed, took her to the hospital, and made sure she was cared for.

It was just that he always kept a certain distance, like there was an invisible barrier around him, making him cold and aloof.

After witnessing the way Adrian Blake and his father interacted yesterday, Sara Hart felt like she had glimpsed a hidden corner of his heart, and everything began to make sense.

With that realization, Sara Hart finally got up.

She glanced at the card Adrian Blake had left on her nightstand and tucked it away. She would return it to him later.

Since her back injury was still fresh, Sara Hart decided not to go to school. She sent a message to her professor, asking for a day off.

Just as she finished getting ready, Ella Duvall sent her a message, inviting her out. After telling Alice Miller where she was going, Sara Hart left the house.

---

The corner café had a vintage vibe. The decor was reminiscent of another era—old-fashioned tablecloths, retro cups, and a creaky phonograph playing songs from the past.

Sitting by the window, Ella Duvall took one look at the burns on Sara Hart’s neck and immediately asked, concerned, “How did you get burned so badly? Have you been to the hospital?”

Sara Hart smiled, trying to reassure her. “I’ve already had it checked. It looks worse than it is. I’ll be fine in a few days.”

Ella Duvall sighed, exasperated. “You’re always like this, downplaying it when you’re the one who’s hurt.”

Sara Hart briefly recounted what had happened at Adrian Blake’s family home. Ella Duvall’s brows furrowed as she listened. After a pause, she hesitated, unsure if she should bring something up.

“Actually… there are some rumors about Adrian Blake’s family…”

“What kind of rumors?” Sara Hart asked.

“Well, some say Adrian Blake is an illegitimate child, and others claim his mother was unstable and abused him when he was young. Some even say she was taken by force and later ran away with another man...” Ella Duvall spoke carefully, watching Sara Hart’s expression for a reaction.

But seeing that Sara Hart wasn’t angry or upset, she relaxed a bit. “These are just things I’ve heard, though. I don’t know if any of them are true.”

Stories about the previous generation were murky at best. Their generation didn’t know much, except for what they overheard from their elders or from gossip.

Sara Hart thought for a moment. Adrian Blake was certainly not an illegitimate child, but he had never spoken about his mother. His family seemed to avoid the topic altogether, so there might be some truth buried in there.

But rumors are just that—rumors.

“People love to turn other people’s lives into idle gossip. If no one knows the truth, there’s no point in speculating,” Sara Hart said calmly, stirring her coffee.

Ella Duvall smiled, her bright face lighting up with the first genuine smile of the day. “You’re always so composed, Sara.”

“By the way, how are things between you and Adrian Blake lately?” she asked.

Sara Hart thought for a moment, trying to find the right words.

“It’s like living with a stranger under the same roof. Well, maybe not a complete stranger… We talk occasionally, but it’s usually about something specific. Most of the time, we just stay silent.”

Ella Duvall hesitated before asking, “Sara, I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now, but… are you with Adrian Blake because you like him?”

Sara Hart froze, her hand still holding the coffee cup. “Why do you ask that?”

There were very few people who knew about her and Adrian Blake’s marriage. Aside from Adrian Blake’s family, Ella Duvall was the only friend of hers who knew.

Sara Hart could guess what others might think—that she married into the Pei family for money or status. But this was the first time someone had asked her directly if it was because of love.

“Well, why else would you marry him?” Ella Duvall asked, as if the answer were obvious.

Sara Hart felt a warmth spread through her heart. Ella Duvall, for all her carefree and bold personality, was a truly good friend.

“Yes, I like him,” Sara Hart said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.

It wasn’t as difficult to say as she had thought.

Ella Duvall, though prepared, was still taken aback. It was the first time she had seen Sara Hart express her emotions so openly. Usually, Sara Hart was calm, collected, and rarely showed strong feelings.

“Does he know?” Ella Duvall asked.

“No,” Sara Hart replied.

Ella Duvall nodded. So it was an unspoken love. Given Sara Hart’s personality, it made sense that she would keep her feelings to herself.

“Do you plan on telling him?” Ella Duvall asked.

“I hope there will be a day when I can,” Sara Hart answered honestly.

Ella Duvall understood. That meant she wasn’t planning on confessing anytime soon.

Suddenly, Ella Duvall leaned closer, scrutinizing Sara Hart from head to toe. Then she playfully pinched Sara Hart’s cheek. “So soft! Your skin is like silk, Sara. You’re adorable and sweet - any guy would be lucky to have you.”

She continued enthusiastically, “You’re beautiful, smart, and you’re already married to him! You just need to make him see how amazing you are, and he’ll fall for you.”

Ella Duvall grew more and more excited, almost as if she could already see the happy ending playing out before her. She lowered her voice and asked conspiratorially, “So… are you two sharing a bed?”

Sara Hart’s face turned crimson.

“I don’t mean that,” Ella Duvall laughed. “I’m just asking if you’re sleeping in the same room.”

Sara Hart nodded, her face still flushed.

“Well, that’s a start! Just make your move!” Ella Duvall teased, seeing how embarrassed Sara Hart was. She coughed and tried to tone down her excitement. “What I mean is, you two are living together. Feelings can grow over time. Once Adrian Blake realizes how wonderful you are, he’ll definitely fall in love with you.”

Sara Hart couldn’t help but laugh at Ella Duvall’s enthusiasm. “Stop talking about me. How have you been lately?”

Ella Duvall finally settled down. “Oh, same old. Business at the café is going well. Since I dumped that cheating ex of mine, I’ve had a lot more free time. It’s a bit boring, actually.”

Sara Hart was about to offer some comfort when Ella Duvall grinned. “But recently, a handsome has been chasing me - a cute, obedient guy with abs. I’m thinking about whether I should give him a chance.”

Well, it looked like Sara Hart didn’t need to worry about her after all.

After graduating from college, Ella Duvall had worked for a while but quickly realized she hated the office environment. She had quit without hesitation and opened a café near the university. The place was always full of students, so it wasn’t surprising that she’d caught the attention of a younger guy.

After all, Ella Duvall was stunning. With her beauty and charm, she never lacked attention from admirers.

“As for that ex… The moment we broke up, he started seeing someone else. The nerve! I’m never letting him off the hook. Next time I see him, I’ll slap him across the face,” Ella Duvall fumed, her eyes blazing with anger.

Sara Hart couldn’t help but laugh. Ella Duvall was still the same - fiery and fierce.

And as for that cheating ex… Sara Hart thought back to what she’d overheard in the past. Looking at Ella Duvall now, she said, “Alright. I’ll help you.”