Never Too Far Novel

“Seeing that you’ve done me such a huge favor, I don’t see how I can turn down the offer, Elliot. It’s so nice of you to put in a good word for me. Shall I buy you lunch as thanks for the recommendation?” Lorelai asked, sliding the lunch invitation in as naturally as she could.

Elliot wasted no time in rejecting her politely, “No, thank you. I have something else planned for noon. Maybe next time.”

“Well, when exactly is next time?” She was not going to give up on spending time alone with him.

“It depends,” he answered vaguely. He had no plans on accepting her gratitude. “I’ll let you know when I have the time.”

“Really? I’ll hold you to that,” she said cheerily, flirting subtly as she backed off. She knew that pressing him further would only irritate him, or worse, make him suspicious of her. Nevertheless, she did not leave the office after that and merely fanned herself so that the faint fragrance of her perfume would waft over in his direction. “By the way, I’m a little parched from rushing over here. Could I have a cup of tea, please?”

Realizing this, he turned to address Rey, “Go fetch two cups of tea.”

When the assistant left the office, Lorelai rose from the couch and walked insouciantly over to the glass wall, basking herself in the afternoon sunlight that spilled generously into the office. She knew her years of toning her figure in the gym had rendered her completely irresistible to men, especially her cinched waist and her subtle curves which inspired most of their scandalous thoughts.

If Elliot was looking at her, or even daring a glimpse, it would be more than enough for her.

However, when she glanced into the reflection on the sparkling glass wall, she saw that he wasn’t even looking in her direction. In fact, he had his head down as he flipped through work documents.

The only thing that she saw on that glass was her own disappointment. She spun and returned to the couch, then picked up her cup of tea. Taking a sip, she asked, “I’m not bothering you, am I, Elliot?”

“No,” he replied distractedly as he glanced up at her, then signed the document with a flourish. “I’ll be taking my tea in a bit.”

He was just about to reach for his cup when his phone rang. He took a look at the caller ID and smiled warmly. Knowing immediately who was on the other line, Lorelai pointed out hastily, “Is that Anastasia? Don’t let her know I’m here; I don’t want her getting the wrong idea.”

Elliot chuckled. “Anastasia is better than that.” Naturally, he did not plan on telling his wife about Lorelai’s visit either. He picked up his phone and greeted in a voice like velvet, “Hey, sweetheart.”

“So, I just had an informal meeting with Larry, and I told him to get an office ready for me. Guess we’ll be going to work together from now on, honey.”

His eyes positively glimmered when he heard this, and he chortled as he said, “You know what, I’ll get him to set up an office right on my floor so that we can see each other all the time!”

Unfortunately, his suggestion was rejected by his wife, who countered, “No, I don’t want to be on the same stuffy floor as you. I want to have my own space on the same floor as Bourgeois.”

He was admittedly hurt, but he brushed it off and gave an exasperated laugh, “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”

Across from him, Lorelai held her teacup to her lips and glanced at the man who was standing by the glass wall. She took in the sharp lines of his silhouette longingly, and her heart twisted with bitter jealousy when she heard the gentle way he spoke to Anastasia.

She had not seen him for close to a dozen years, but his figure was imprinted in the back of her mind, and she never forgot him even though her father had forced her to stay abroad for years. If it weren’t for her father, she would have returned to Elliot’s side years ago.

Alas, fate had a cruel sense of humor, for her existence got in the way of her father stealing the Presgrave family fortune. She never even got the chance to tell Elliot of her feelings for him, and all this while, she remembered him as the boy-next-door who had sent her heart racing since they were children.

She could still remember how they used to run around the Presgrave Residence gardens together, and how he would take her hand to help her to her feet whenever she fell; he would comfort her when she cried, and stand up for her when she broke a vase or two. He was the only religion she ever knew as a child, the one person she wanted to devote herself to on a daily basis.

But the universe clearly hated her, because by the time she saw him again after all her years abroad, he was already married with a kid, and he had become devastatingly handsome, more so than she remembered.

“Yes, I promise I’ll take a break when I need to and that I won’t be a workaholic,” Elliot murmured into the phone with a lovesick grin on his face. He then went on to ask about her morning, and after reminding her to keep warm during her time of the month as well as exchanging sweet nonsense with her, he hung up reluctantly. He turned around, and he seemed surprised to see that Lorelai was still there. Following, he walked over to the couch and took his seat.

“So, it was Anastasia after all. You’re so lucky to have found a wife like her. She’s wonderful,” Lorelai praised with a smile.

There was a bright gleam in Elliot’s eyes as well as he said, “She’s the best. I’m telling you, I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like her.”

The childhood memories flitted through Lorelai’s mind like scenes from some old movie, emboldening her. Hence, she couldn’t help bringing them up as she asked, “Elliot, do you still remember the time when I broke the vase in your family home? I think I was about eight at the time, and I was so scared I couldn’t stop shaking. You were the one who took the blame for me, and I managed to get off without punishment!”

Elliot was a little taken aback by this as he asked, “I did that? Huh. I totally forgot about it.”

Her lips curled up in a smile. “Well, I still remember, because those are the happiest moments of my childhood. They say that a happy childhood is a soothing balm to the pains of growing up, you know. So, I guess I should thank you for giving me some of the best childhood memories.” She looked up at him after finishing her sentence and her gaze lingered on the features that she so adored.

Hearing what she said, Elliot gave her a perfunctory smile. “Did you have a good time abroad?”

“I suppose I did, though I was a little lonely,” she admitted with a sigh.

“If I ever come across someone suitable, I’d be sure to send them your way.”

She feigned embarrassment as she mumbled, “You don’t even know my type.”

“Oh, that’s right,” he said. “Come on, tell me.” He wanted to know what he should look out for if he wanted to set her up with someone.

She narrowed her eyes as if in thought. A sweet smile broke over her face as she gazed at him and said, “I’m not asking for much. I want someone as handsome and capable as you.”

Elliot’s instincts were sharp to begin with, and he could sense that the admiration she had for him was beyond platonic the moment he saw the smoldering gleam in her eyes. If he were any other man, he might find her love for him a triumph, something to gloat about to his peers. But he was not such a man, and her unsolicited affections only served to push him away.

He eyed her sullenly as he said, “Lorelai, I do not wish to hear such things again. Anastasia is the only woman for me, and nothing will ever change.”

He ended his sentence calmly, but there was no hiding the dangerous warning that belied his words.

At once, Lorelai bristled and quickly explained, “I think you’re getting the wrong idea here, Elliot. I’m not trying to come between you and your wife.”

“You’re like a baby sister to me; always have been, always will be,” he continued while his gaze darkened. At some point, it was like staring into the icy depths of some pitch-black abyss.

A chill ran down her spine when she heard this. More than anything, she was surprised to be rejected by him. “I’m sorry if I cracked a joke and it went too far, Elliot. I guess I thought it was okay for me to say something like that because of how much we used to hang out as children,” she apologized lamely, attempting to salvage the situation.

However, Elliot did not bother letting her continue with her explanation, be it true or false. “I have a meeting to get to, so you should go.”

With that, he picked up the documents he had signed earlier and walked back to his desk.

Lorelai, on the other hand, rose in a daze and said slowly, “I’ll get going now then. Goodbye, Elliot.” When she was out of the office, she clutched the front of her shirt and stared into space helplessly. She never imagined him to be so loyal to his marriage, much less so protective over his wife.

This could become a hurdle to her father’s plans, but she figured this hiccup was only due to the fact that Elliot was newly married. At some point, he would grow weary of Anastasia and begin to resent her for chaining him to a miserable marriage. If Kendra’s advice was anything to go by, he would start feeling that way around the time Anastasia fell pregnant again, and that would be Lorelai’s window of opportunity.

Meanwhile, a fleet of cars was passing through the fields in the countryside, cruising down the road that led into the woods in the distance. Sophia was in the backseat of the second car in the fleet, and after taking a short nap, she woke up only to find that she was surrounded by acres and acres of farmland. As such, she rested her arms on the edge of the car window and peered out of the glass at the idyllic scenery.

Arthur was going to evaluate a place that was famed for its serenity, and he had brought along with him a renowned medium.

It was around noon when they arrived at a restaurant that looked heavily outback-inspired. The four cars of the fleet pulled into the parking lot after Arthur decided that they were going to have to settle for lunch here. They had driven close to fifty miles out of the city, and as things were, it was impossible for them to find a decent restaurant in that area, much less high-end dining establishments.

When the second car rolled to a stop, Sophia happily got down from the vehicle. She was just about to stretch to loosen her joints when suddenly, a large and aggressive dog came rushing out of the doghouse on the premises and began barking ferociously at them.

Being the closest one to the dog, Sophia visibly blanched, and fear made her seek out the person most likely to protect her. Without a word, she instinctively latched herself onto said person and clung to him for dear life.

Just like that, the young, handsome, and muscular bodyguard became Sophia’s shield. She clung to him like an octopus as she yowled, “Ahhh! Save me!”

Her bodyguard carried her into his arms while kicking the dog in the snout as the animal reached her. The pain sent it running back to its den and hiding from them.

Getting out of the first car, Arthur narrowed his eyes at the sight. As someone well-attuned with his surroundings, the bodyguard soon noticed Arthur and hurriedly lowered Sophia down. “It’s over now, Miss Goodwin. ”

“Thank you, sir.” She grinned at him with gratitude evident in her eyes.

“You’re welcome,” he stiffly replied, looking down at his feet in fear.

She shyly glanced at the bodyguard’s face. She had noticed this man for a while now. He was the youngest of Arthur’s men, and despite being of a mixed-race descent, he spoke fluent English. Whenever he was at work with an earpiece on, he looked so very handsome.

When Arthur saw the admiring look in her eyes, he tuned out the fortune teller standing beside him.

Did Sophia have a crush on his bodyguard?

Stepping out of the third car, Emily elegantly sashayed over to Arthur. “Are we having lunch here, Artie?”

It was obvious from her tone that she did not want to dine here since this place was below her station. Furthermore, the ground was so filthy that just standing there had sullied her exquisite shoes.

“I’m so sorry about that. Did it hurt you?” The friendly owner of the shop came rushing over to welcome them. “Are you dining here?”

“Oh, yes!” Sophia answered with a smile.

When she later saw the bodyguards dining outside while Arthur and the others headed into a private room, she said to him, “I’ll be dining outside, Mr. Weiss.”

She wanted to dine with the handsome bodyguard, after all.

“We will dine together,” Arthur replied.

“Artie, she’s just a servant,” Emily protested. “Let her dine outside with the bodyguards!”

“Miss Jennings is right,” Sophia said in agreement. “I’ll take my leave now.”

She then walked over to the table with the handsome bodyguard and sat down by his side.

Emily linked her arm through Arthur’s and led him into the private dining room. As the place was not busy, their food had arrived quickly. Sophia’s head spun when she saw just how fast and quietly the men ate. In around ten minutes, everyone was done eating.

“Take your time, Miss Goodwin,” said the bodyguard sitting beside her.

“Are you guys done?”

“We’re all done eating,” he replied before heading outside with the rest of his coworkers to keep guard.

sigh, she pulled out her phone and began eating while

complexities of his field. Arthur solemnly listened to every word being said, but Emily was bored out of

Sophia saw that the bodyguard she had a crush on was opening the door for

to leave, Sophia’s car suddenly halted. The door

Arthur was meant to share a car with the fortune teller, right? Why

soon as Arthur entered the car, the bodyguard driving

too bad that the cars had already started moving. Otherwise, she

as though he was going to take a nap. The afternoon sun splayed across his face, emphasizing

which caused the air inside the car to feel awkward and heavy. Everyone could feel an immense

fled Sophia’s mind. Why was he

a dense forest. The remaining parts of their journey would lead them along

shade and turning

way, the train of cars successfully navigated through the mountain roads ahead of them. Sophia’s heart was pounding the entire time. When the slope reached nearly 60 degrees, her

belonged to

said when he saw how pale she

up?” She was beyond herself with fear. Just then, the SUVs

puking. She had been raised in luxury. The ride up the mountains had been extremely hard

of her heart, Sophia handed her some tissues. “Are you okay,

Emily accepted the offered tissue, she still shot Sophia a glare. Was Sophia laughing

will need to walk for a while longer before we

walk!” Emily loudly protested. Why did she come

do we have

or so,” replied the fortune

said to Emily. He then glanced at Sophia. “Can

beck and call, she hurriedly

not give Sophia any chance to go on a stroll with Arthur. She

Arthur said, pointing to the young bodyguard Sophia had a crush

replied Alistair with

you too,” Emily spat out through gritted teeth, filled to

ahead of us. You should rest here instead.” Arthur then walked away

was hoping Alistair would be

in a black athletic outfit with a pair of silver sunglasses perched on

a set of athletic clothing with shoes suited for hiking, but the following hike was still hard for her. There was only a tiny path that meandered through the woods. When they arrived at a slope that was slippery due to the rain, Arthur’s long legs

see that it was Arthur who was offering

moment of hesitation before she accepted the offer. The moment she placed her hand in his,

tight around his waist, afraid to

had offended him, she hurriedly stepped back as soon as she regained

climb up without saying a single word. Unwilling to trouble him further, Sophia cautiously followed after him. Slowly, her mind drifted. She rarely had the time to go hiking. The distant mountains, covered by a hazy layer of cloud and light, filled

Bang!

Arthur. When she realized she had bumped into him again,

had been following behind them stared at them in disbelief. No one was ever allowed to be so rude to

gave her the courage to constantly

Sophia could read minds and knew what the bodyguards were thinking, she would have the urge to bury herself alive. She was not trying

peak. Let

was no way he would cut corners when it came to selecting a spot for his grandfather’s grave. He then turned to glance at Sophia as

she hurriedly said when she

the mountain. Whenever she needed help, Arthur would always turn around to

peak of the mountain was a flat, grassy field with no trees to be seen. The field of grass stretching far into the horizon made it seem like

began rattling off calculations based on the complex formulas of his profession. While Sophia was left confused by his words, Arthur nodded

to tell fortunes just

how strong

selected for your grandfather. It is surrounded by mountains, which means he

on all sides by mountains. There was nothing that loomed over it,

to purchase the entire mountain as his grandfather’s eternal resting

covered in grass that came up to their knees. It was an incredible sight to

with Arthur following behind him.

began wriggling, startling her. It was a sunbathing snake that

a greater danger awaited her, for she had lost her balance and

the person standing closest to her, Arthur moved to catch her. In doing so, he lost

The bodyguards

It was too late.

and Sophia rolled across the grass and over the side of

rolling down the hill, he did not let her go at all. Thankfully, they soon arrived

smell of grass. She looked up to find that he was bleeding from a cut on his forehead while she had come out

off of Arthur.

leaped down to them, and two of them helped Arthur up to his feet. “Are you

than the cut on his forehead that had been caused by a sharp tree branch and the various scrapes that

to look at her. “Did the

her head. Her face was still stark white from

down the side of the hill, he had wrapped an arm tightly around her waist while

that meant he was unable to protect himself

mighty young master had actually risked

how tightly he had wrapped himself around

then cleaned and dressed

of his wits by the dangerous situation

you alright,

said with a wave of

the area for any signs of snakes. Even Sophia was starting to feel afraid of the grass around

done with his analysis, Arthur had his men take photos of the

was always easier than

was a steep climb, which meant their descent was harder. One false move and they would go rolling down the

the surrounding branches. Her hand reached for the next branch, only to grab a long leaf instead. Suddenly, pain shot through her hand as the

sharp hiss, pulling her hand back to inspect

behind her. He frowned and

careful,” he said as he inspected her

front of her. When they reached a tough part of the climb, he would turn around and give her a

the wounds on his fair hands, making her heart throb in

Weiss, please don’t save me

He turned around and stared

I do not want you to get hurt because of me.” She solemnly stared back at him. “I’m a lucky man. I won’t die.” He turned his attention

at another steep section. Just as she was cautiously making her way down, he suddenly

and she only snapped back to her senses when she was finally put

the dirt path they had initially followed and had safely made it

the sun

saw the wound on Arthur’s forehead. “How did you get hurt?” she asked,

I was accidentally cut by a branch,” he

black outfit was covered in bits of grass, as if he

your hands?” Emily let out a painful shriek when she

head. After all, he was only hurt because of

when we get back.” Arthur then led Emily back to the car. As she got in, she said, “Artie, I want to ride

covered with dirt,” he merely replied before

to the second car of the group and joined Sophia in her car.

started on the journey

any longer. Driving downhill was even more frightful than their ride up. She clutched tightly to the handlebars in the

as one could be. He had the utmost faith in his bodyguards’ driving skills. Once

exhausted. Even though Arthur was

and leaned against his shoulder. Instead of pushing her away, he just let her

the time they arrived

gently patted her cheeks.

drowsiness. When she realized she had been sleeping against

the entire

two maids immediately came to greet them as they

stop. Her sharp gaze scanned her. With the help of the room’s lights, she could see the dirt and grass sticking to Sophia’s outfit. “Sophia, just how

Sophia stared back, stunned.

if

Weiss fell down the side of the mountain with me as he wanted to protect me,” Sophia bluntly answered. She

exactly what had happened. Jealousy roared through her as she scoffed. “Are you sure you did not intentionally lose your balance so that Artie would hold you in his arms and roll down the mountain with you? You sure are doing a lot just to seduce him. You would do anything, wouldn’t

about to speak, Emily slapped her across the face and shouted, “The nerve of you to assume you deserve Artie

head had turned away from the force of the slap.

a man’s

commotion. He moved to stand

think she did anything wrong. In her mind, Sophia had to be reminded

maid did not deserve to

around to look at Sophia. When he saw the bright red mark on her skin, he frowned. “Head on upstairs and

do you know how

well. Get some rest,”

by herself. You did not need to protect her. After all, you

ice pack,” Arthur said to

you cannot.” Hate flashed across

they were. “Do your job,” Arthur commanded as his

any of them would dare go against a direct order from him.

pack and a clean hand towel. He then headed upstairs with those items in

this was all

person allowed to be Mrs. Weiss was her. No one could steal

Sophia gingerly touched her swollen cheek. Pain flared up at the

footsteps coming toward her room. When she looked up to find Arthur entering her room, she quickly turned