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.

pulled out her phone and began eating

private room, the fortune teller was continuing about the complexities of his field. Arthur solemnly listened to every word being said, but Emily was bored out of her

When Sophia saw that the bodyguard she

were about to leave, Sophia’s car suddenly halted. The door to the back of the car was opened to allow Arthur

was shocked. Arthur was meant to share a car

driving immediately sat up straight and put

into Sophia’s car, was seething. It was too bad that the cars had already started moving. Otherwise, she would

take a nap. The afternoon sun splayed across his face, emphasizing the elegant

the air inside the car to feel awkward and heavy. Everyone could feel an immense yet silent

had fled Sophia’s mind. Why was he even

finally arrived at a dense forest. The remaining parts of their journey would lead

providing them shade and turning

navigated through the mountain roads ahead of them. Sophia’s heart was pounding the entire time. When the slope reached nearly 60 degrees, her hand flung out to grasp

belonged

going to be fine,” he said when he

She was beyond herself with fear. Just then, the SUVs pulled to a stop on a grassy plain that

of her car and fell to her knees as she began puking. She had been

handed her some tissues.

shot

need to walk for a while longer before we arrive

did she come along? All she

long do we have

twenty minutes or so,” replied the fortune

Arthur said to Emily. He then glanced at

wanting to stay behind to be at Emily’s beck and call, she hurriedly nodded. “Yes, I am fine

not go, Sophia. Stay with me,” Emily suddenly said. She would not give Sophia any chance to go

Sophia had a crush on, “you’ll be staying

sir,” replied Alistair with a

with you too,” Emily spat out through gritted teeth, filled to the brim with frustration. However, as soon

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

through Sophia’s heart. She was hoping Alistair would be hiking with

As Arthur was dressed in a black athletic outfit with a pair of silver sunglasses perched on his nose, his image of a refined young

was also dressed in 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 carried him safely upward, while Sophia had to attempt the climb with the help

only to see that it was Arthur

before she accepted the offer. The moment she placed her hand

waist, afraid to fall while she tried to balance

she hurriedly stepped back as soon as she regained

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 her heart with wonder. It was a

Bang!

she walked into Arthur. When she realized she

who had been following behind them stared at them in disbelief. No one was ever allowed

courage to constantly

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

at the peak. Let us keep moving, Mr. Weiss,” said the

selecting a spot for his grandfather’s grave. He then turned to glance at Sophia as if he

hurriedly said when she saw the look

mountain. Whenever she needed help, Arthur would always turn around to give her a hand. Even though there were four

trees to be seen. The field of grass stretching far into the

began rattling off calculations based on the complex formulas of his profession. While Sophia was left

to tell fortunes just from

way! Just how strong of

spot I have selected for your grandfather. It is surrounded by

had a great view while being surrounded on all sides by mountains. There was nothing that loomed over it, which meant there

entire mountain as his grandfather’s eternal resting place if he could find

It was an incredible sight

in excitement with Arthur following behind him. Enthralled by

her. It was a sunbathing snake that was currently licking the air in her direction while

danger awaited her, for she had

moved to catch her. In

The bodyguards charged

It was too late.

across the grass and

was pressed hard against Arthur’s muscular chest. Despite rolling down the hill, he did not let her go at all.

and the smell of grass. She looked up to find that he was bleeding from a cut

Sophia hurriedly got off of Arthur. They were both covered in

to them, and two of them helped

that had been

turning to look

it didn’t.” She shook her head. Her face was still stark white from

rolled down the side of the hill, he had wrapped an arm tightly around her waist while his other hand pressed her head against his chest. He had done

meant he was unable

young master had actually risked himself to protect

had fallen off a high cliff instead? From how tightly he had wrapped himself around

out a first-aid kit, then cleaned and dressed the bleeding cut

fortune teller was scared out of his wits by the dangerous

you alright, Young

said with a wave of his

starting to feel afraid of the grass around her.

time the fortune teller was done with his analysis, Arthur had his men take photos of the area instead of making a decision right

up a mountain was always easier than hiking down a

climb, which meant their descent was harder. One false move and

mountain while clinging to 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 edges of

hiss, pulling her hand back to inspect it. It

was right behind her. He

he said as he inspected her hand.

response. He then moved to walk in front of her. When they reached a tough part of the climb, he would turn

that happened, she would notice the wounds on his fair hands, making her heart throb

me from

He turned around and

me.” She solemnly stared

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

and she only snapped back to her senses

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

did, the sun was about to set. After all, it was well

group but stopped when she saw the wound on Arthur’s forehead. “How did you get

was accidentally cut by a branch,” he calmly

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

hands?” Emily let out a painful shriek when she

head. After all, he was

the car. As she got in, she said, “Artie, I want to ride in the same

covered with dirt,” he merely replied before closing

watched as he turned to the second car of the group and joined Sophia in her car. Her eyes were blazing with rage. Was a simple maid better

started on the

than their ride up. She

the other hand, Arthur was as calm as one could be. He had the utmost faith in his bodyguards’ driving skills. Once the cars were finally back on smooth,

exhausted. Even though Arthur

head lolled to the side and leaned against his shoulder. Instead

journey back sleeping. By the time they arrived back at the mansion, it

her cheeks. “We’re home,

opened her eyes and blinked away her drowsiness. When she realized she had

Had she spent the entire journey sleeping

immediately came to greet

to stop. Her sharp gaze scanned her. With the help of the room’s lights, she could see the dirt

Sophia stared back, stunned.

will not be merciful if you lie to me,”

at the peak, and I lost my balance. Young Master Weiss fell down the side of the mountain with me as he wanted to protect me,” Sophia bluntly answered. She had not

went wide. She could imagine 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.

about to speak, Emily slapped her across the face and shouted, “The nerve of you to assume you deserve Artie risking his life over. Take the

head had turned away from the force of the slap.

hear a man’s voice barking out, “Stop it,

commotion. He moved to stand

was just a lesson.” Emily did not think she did anything wrong. In

deserve to be protected by

turned around to look at Sophia. When he saw the bright red mark

she was ordered. “Artie, do you know how worried I was about you?” Emily cried out, tears in her

as well. Get

herself. You did not need to protect

pack,” Arthur said to the nearby maids, ignoring

Hate

they were.

a direct order from him. After all, they knew who the true person in

a clean hand towel. He then headed upstairs with those

She was certain this was all just one

Weiss was her. No one could steal the

bed, Sophia gingerly touched her swollen cheek. Pain flared

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