Never Too Far Novel

“You…” Angela, who was slightly dazed, looked up at Richard in bafflement. She knew what he was about to do when she noticed his relatively heavy breathing. In the past, Angela had thought the man was cold and indifferent. But when she got to know the man, she didn’t expect to find that underneath that icy exterior was a heart that burned so fiercely that it could melt her.

As he prepared to kiss her, she instinctively reacted by blocking his lips. Nevertheless, the man quickly locked her arms above her head. She was so angry that she was on the verge of passing out due to being forced to act in such an embarrassing manner. Given her predicament, she would be helpless to stop the man from doing whatever he wanted to her. “Let me go. Richard Lloyd, you better let me go before I–”

She was about to vent her frustration when the man cut her off. Her mind went blank as a firework display went off in her consciousness. She shivered slightly under the man because his kisses had always been aggressive. She had no way out of the man’s grasp and was helpless against him.

Angela felt like she was dying inside from this feeling. It wasn’t just the intensity of his kisses that left her feeling overpowered; it was also the weight of her guilt. Her guilty conscience grew more significant when she realized she was losing herself in the man’s tender kisses. At this point, she might as well have been a villain because she was robbing Annie of her happiness. She finally gave in to the weight of her emotions, and tears streamed down her face. Only when she started crying between the man’s kisses did he realize what was going on, so he stopped and let her go.
“You…” Angela, who was slightly dazed, looked up at Richard in bafflement. She knew what he was about to do when she noticed his relatively heavy breathing. In the past, Angela had thought the man was cold and indifferent. But when she got to know the man, she didn’t expect to find that underneath that icy exterior was a heart that burned so fiercely that it could melt her.

“Why are you crying?” Richard looked at her, perplexed because he knew she didn’t mind the kiss and had even reciprocated it.

She averted her gaze to avoid looking at him. Then, there was a knock on the door. She was so startled that she pushed the man away in response. He showed his cooperation by sitting up and allowing her to leave. After that, she said, “I’m sleeping.”

“Angela, I know you’re still awake. I’d like to speak with you,” Daphne insisted.

Angela’s face turned as white as a sheet when she heard the door being pushed open. She grabbed Richard’s arm and dragged him into her dressing room before opening her enormous cabinet door. “Hide inside here and don’t come out,” she said sternly.

Despite feeling melancholy, he obediently hid in the suffocating cabinet, his tall body slightly curled up.

Just as she shut the door to her cupboard, she heard her mom call out, “Why didn’t you answer me?”

Angela turned her head, terrified, and said, “Mom, I’m looking for my pajamas.”

“Are you not wearing them now?”

Her face immediately flushed as she looked down at herself. She was not only dressed in her pajamas, but she was also not wearing any undergarments. It was only now, as a result of the events, that she realized she had forgotten to put it on. Does this mean that man could feel everything when he was on top of me? Oh, no!

“Why are you taking so long? Come out and talk to me!” Daphne demanded.

Daphne sighed after Angela sat on the couch. “I’m just so happy that I couldn’t sleep, so I wanted to talk to you. I’ve decided it’s time for you to take over the company. You should take over my responsibilities now because I’m already old and have been suffering from headaches since the car accident.”

She nodded calmly as she listened to her. “All right, Mom. I’ll try to take over your company.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Come to the office with me tomorrow. It’s time I introduce you to everyone.”

“Okay,” Angela responded. Anyway, it’s time for me to find something to do.

Daphne was pleased with how her daughter had matured in the aftermath of the incident. Afterwards, she combed her daughter’s hair and said, “Okay, get to bed early. You look so tired.”

“Sure, I will. You should go to bed early as well.” Angela stood up and led her mom to the door. She went straight to her dressing room after closing her room door.

Richard had already left the cabinet and was standing in the room when he realized the door was closed. Standing tall in the dressing room, he was overcome with emotion as he spoke to Angela, who had just entered the room. He mentioned, “Tomorrow, I’ll call Annie and tell her I’m breaking off our engagement.”

Richard didn’t want to delay it any longer.

“How are you going to tell her?” Angela’s chest tightened as she worried his comments would be harsh.

“I’ll tell her the truth that I’m in love with another woman and convince her to call off the engagement.” He would never fabricate a story about his feelings.

She looked at him calmly and replied, “Please, don’t mention that it’s me.”

With a glimmer in his eyes, Richard nodded, hesitant yet kind, and said, “Alright, I promise.”

“Try not to hurt Annie,” she pleaded.

“That is unavoidable. But I’ll try to be as gentle as possible for you.” Of course, he would try to be nicer to Annie for the sake of Angela.

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Richard glanced at her with a trace of disappointment as she remained silent. “Don’t you have anything else to say to me?”

“No. Please leave immediately, Captain Lloyd.” Angela restrained her emotions and requested him to leave.

He suddenly stretched his arms and embraced her against his chest. She struggled a bit as he whispered in her ear with a deep voice, “Don’t worry. We have our whole future ahead of us.”

Angela tilted her head up in surprise. Her eyes reflected some of the room’s light, and she hid her excitement about the future under those reflections.

“Believe me.” Richard locked his gaze on her before turning around and leaving the room.

“Let me take you out the front door, or you can even leave through the basement!” She called out to him because she didn’t want him to risk going out the same way he came in.
Richard didn’t want to delay it any longer.

“How are you going to tell her?” Angela’s chest tightened as she worried his comments would be harsh.

“No need.” He went off the balcony and disappeared into one of the corners. She rushed over only to see his figure sliding on the thin pillar and vanishing toward the large column. She was tensed by the thought, This man likes to take unexpected routes.

Only at midnight that night had Angela been able to drift off to sleep. She heard her phone ring and answered the call after stretching her hand to get the phone. “Hello.”

“Angela, Richard wants to meet me! Goodness! He asked me out!” Annie exclaimed enthusiastically.

She was awakened by Annie’s enthusiastic voice, and she immediately opened her eyes and sat in bed. Then, Annie asked, “What shall I wear? Shall I apply heavy makeup, or will light makeup suffice… Angela, do you know him? Tell me how to dress to make an impression on him!”

Angela answered calmly, “Annie, it’s fine if you just dress normally.”

“Angela, I’m hanging up now. I must be at the restaurant by eleven-thirty, so I must get ready now.” Saying that, Annie ended the call.

Angela looked at the time while fixing her unruly hair and saw that it was 8.30AM. She got up and prepared herself because she had promised her mom to accompany her to the company. She eventually decided on a professional-looking suit as her outfit for the day.

Daphne was already waiting downstairs for Angela. After finishing their breakfast, the two of them headed for the company. Although her mom only managed a few dozen real estate properties, she built her business gradually due to her steady and consistent approach to business. As a result, the company’s business performance and reputation were outstanding.

She accompanied her mom to the company, where everyone treated her with respect because they all knew she was the company’s successor. After showing her around the various departments, Daphne led her into a conference room. Angela discreetly glanced at her watch as she listened in on the conference where her mom and the shareholders discussed the company’s plans. It was already 11.00AM. She became nervous out of nowhere with a guilty conscience. She hoped Annie could accept the breakup of their engagement without being hurt.

11.30AM.

Annie arrived on time at a particular restaurant and was already at the restaurant’s entrance. She chose attractive feminine clothing to present her best self in front of Richard with light and delicate makeup for their date. Any woman would want to look her absolute best while meeting a man she has her eyes on.

Annie finally encountered the man at the table next to the window for the second time. He sat there with the sun streaming through the window, looking like a gorgeous sculpture, radiating its attractiveness and masculinity.

Annie admired and worshiped Richard from the bottom of her heart since he had a significant presence that drew admiration from those around him. She went to see him alone, her breathing hastened with her hands clasped tightly. “Richard.” She greeted the man before taking a seat in front of him.

Breaking away from his thoughts, he gazed at her, who pursed her lips and turned her eyes away since she didn’t dare to look at him. “You’ve come.” He returned her greeting while handing her the menu. “Let’s order.”

“You do it. I’m not particular about my food,” Annie replied shyly.

Richard beckoned the waiter and, after considerable thought, chose four dishes. After placing his order, he poured a cup of tea for her.

She leaped to her feet. “I can do it on my own.”

“Ms. Annie, I have something personal to say to you,” he said as courteously as he could.

“Go ahead.” Annie wanted to hear what he had to say as she blinked expectantly at him.

“I want to cancel our engagement,” Richard remarked, his gaze fixed on her.

The cup held by Annie dropped to the table with a loud crash. Fortunately, it only caused a tiny spillage, and the cup remained intact. She trembled, staring at the table because she had not expected him to break off their engagement after inviting her out. “Why?” She felt an incredible amount of grief, and despair overcame her.
Annie admired and worshiped Richard from the bottom of her heart since he had a significant presence that drew admiration from those around him. She went to see him alone, her breathing hastened with her hands clasped tightly. “Richard.” She greeted the man before taking a seat in front of him.

“I’m sorry. I have someone else I like.” Richard frowned. He didn’t know how to tell her politely, so she was bound to be hurt.

“But why didn’t you tell me at the dinner party last time? Perhaps you should have said that you already have someone in your heart at that time. I wouldn’t have…” Annie made a sorrowful expression with her lips puckered. She had experienced a bitter unrequited love in just three months. Ultimately, their engagement was canceled, which was hard for her to accept.

Things were unpredictable, as usual. His love life was still empty at the last dinner party. However, after barely three months, a woman had wholly captured his heart. “I’m sorry.” He apologized to her.

She raised her head, her eyes reddening, and asked, “What type of woman is she? Is she more talented than I am? Is she better than me?” She couldn’t admit she wasn’t as good as the lady Richard adored. Annie also considered herself a good choice as she was a confident and cheerful woman.

He said hushedly, “She’s not a woman with many talents, but in my heart, no one can replace her.”

Annie reached for the tissues next to her and dabbed her eyes with them as tears slid down her cheek. The waiter arrived and served their food. Richard watched her body tremble without touching the food and sobbing as he attempted to comfort her. “I believe you will meet a man who is better than me.”

She felt sad, but the thought that the happiness and anticipation of her family members over the marriage would be shattered increased her misery. However, she was not someone who clung to the past. Despite her struggle to accept this fact, she maintained her manners. She inhaled deeply, raised her head, and looked at the man across her. “Mr. Lloyd, I know in my heart that I am not good enough for you, as you are an amazing person. I wish you… I’m sorry… Enjoy your meal.” She then took her bag and left the restaurant while wiping her tears. What she needed right now was a place to cry uncontrollably.

Annie left the restaurant and went to a nearby café. While still crying, she quickly grabbed her phone and called Angela.

Angela was eating lunch with her mom in the office cafeteria when her phone rang. Looking at her phone, her heart skipped a beat as she saw Annie had called. She answered the phone at once. “Hello, Annie?” Annie’s rapid cries, rather than her voice, greeted her on the other end of the line as if she were too distraught to talk at the moment.

Angela called Annie’s

is canceled. Richard called off our engagement. H-He says

to you,”

in. She sent the location

hitting the road by car toward the coffee shop. By the time she found Annie, the jilted woman was sitting right there with puffy

and gave her a hug. At that moment, Annie threw herself into her embrace as tears trickled down

be fine. Don’t cry. It’s fortunate that he’s honest with you about his feelings before

kind of girl a rigid man like him left me for. She must be an amazing and beautiful person to have won his heart.” The sorrow in Annie was laced with crumbs of

tongue for a moment before offering some comforting words. “Let’s not think about that. Just

how I’m going to face Grandpa, Dad and Mom. They must be disappointed in me.” Not only Annie had to accept the called-off engagement, she

says that he likes

Angela then primped Annie’s messy hair strands. “You must believe that your family loves you

and nodded like an obedient child. “Hmm. Angela, I actually sensed his indifferent attitude during the engagement ceremony back then. I’ve texted him numerous times, but he never replied at all. It is true that he

wave of guilt in her. If I didn’t fall in love with

girl he likes is an outstanding person, but he said that that was not the case. It’s just that no one can take away her place in his heart. Angela, I’m so jealous of that girl!” Annie blinked her teary eyes while she unbosomed her genuine thoughts

invisible string and she took a deep breath. “Ann, actually—”

stared at

sigh as she figured that it had been a rough day for

his uncle is the vice president of the country; even his

a powerful family? Is the vice president his uncle? But I remember that the vice

anything until now.” Annie suddenly

you a meal?”

surprised Annie looked at her

was

the restaurant without eating anything. Don’t blame him.” Annie attempted to put in good words for Richard as Angela seemed like she was going to punch

her composure before taking hold of Annie’s hand. “Let’s

for a feast! I wanna have the most expensive seafood buffet.”

thought, she realized that it was not a big

the meal, she was in the mode of binge-eating her sadness away whereas Angela had not much of an appetite. All these years, Angela had

what are you staring at? Dig in!” asked Annie

feel like eating right now. You

afraid that Richard will not like it if I’m chubby, but none of that matters now! I can quit my diet and eat whatever I want. You don’t know how difficult it’s been for me.” Annie chewed on her food adorably as she found the reason for her

smile. “Well, have as much as you

after which she fished it out to take a look at

off the

was right away and

be my girlfriend.’ The domineering aura seeped into

eventually zoned out as her mind was in a mess. She could never be his girlfriend as soon as Annie’s engagement was called off. Not to mention the fact that she did not have the guts to be with him! Annie knew her place very well. After some thought, she realized that it was not a big deal as Richard was not the man

down her phone while Annie asked curiously, “Angela, I

been

simp! I hate him so much.” Annie was vexed. “By the way, I haven’t told you about something. When I went abroad to visit you, he wrapped his arm

ire was sizzling in Angela’s eyes, for she merely gave Dexter a call to end things with him. She should have given him a few slaps

still your boyfriend at that time. I didn’t dare to

deep breath. “He’s going to get it from

take over the

“I am going to take my

Annie gave Angela a

at her sister. Due to the sincere bond they mutually shared, never once had she thought of putting Annie in

while at Lloyd Residence. There was a week for him to spend time with his family before

walked toward Phillip’s back and sprinkled the flakes into the pond while saying, “Grandpa, there’s something

“Go ahead.”

the engagement

at him in confusion. “Why

need for that. I have someone I

was on the brink of flipping out, but his attention was diverted to Richard’s

tell you

me. I won’t let you off if it’s a

Family about it in my stead. I will send my

to be someone to apologize for it, Phillip should be the one doing it. He then patted Richard’s shoulder. “A week later, bring over the girl you like. I would like to

ponder over it. “Okay. I’ll do my best to

was notified to have dinner at Meyers Residence. Phillip had phoned Joshua to apologize about the called-off engagement.

soon after

don’t take it personally and don’t blame the Lloyd Family,” Joshua comforted Annie before turning to face his youngest son and daughter-in-law.

Dad. We’re chill.” Matthew eased his

is just down on her luck.” As the mother, Jennifer was a little resentful about the outcome as she had been looking forward to her daughter’s marriage. “Grandpa, please inform Meyers Family about

a good match sooner or later. Think about it—no matter how outstanding of a person Richard is, he has to be away from home often for his missions. Ann might live

everyone’s baffled gaze. She covered her mouth as she coughed. “I choked on

snatching it from you,”

her side. She is timid and tends to depend on others. Richard is not

someone like that too. It’s easy to have problems when the man is rarely

thing that the engagement is called off. Though that Richard guy has the looks and capability, we’re not lucky enough to be his family. Let’s just forget it. We’ll

off the engagement himself shows that he doesn’t want to string Ann along. He’s a mature one. The last time I met him, he stands out in every way, but his attitude is too cold. He

for her to stop. Though she was clueless at the moment, she was afraid that her mother had to take back

was in a good mood as she

and Jennifer’s lead. Angela left her seat unobtrusively to take some fresh air in the garden. Lifting

watch the starry sky, she was also deeply enchanted by the man. However,

awful of me to think about this when Annie’s engagement has

she shook her head to shrug off those

she returned home, she sat in her room and stared out of the balcony in a

and it made her heart flutter. She quickly grabbed it

the doorstep. Can we

she sprang to her feet to run to the balcony at which she could see a car parked under the trees outside of the house; her breathing

really here!

answer to her dilemma, her phone rang. She

man’s

“It’s late. I should—”

to you,”

A surprised Angela stopped

He coaxed her

was rendered speechless as she wondered, Since when do I always

I’m tired today. I don’t wanna see you.” Still, her guilty conscience was pricked by the fact that Annie’s

have five minutes,” said the man before hanging up the phone. Apparently, there was no room for

his antics. At that moment, her phone binged and

she did not wish him to climb

the living room. She lied, “Mom, a friend of mine is here to take me for a hangout. I’ll

guy or

“It’s a girl.”

be careful, honey. You know it’s dangerous when

as early as possible.” Angela then pulled

on the driver seat was unwound. The man’s intense gaze landed upon her while he let out

“Say it. I’m

started the car engine and

He turned the steering wheel and drove the car away, but she did not thwart him

Annie doing?”

fine. She’s going for a vacation soon,” replied

are you going to tell her about us?”

first.” She turned to take

not an explicit answer, but it meant that there was still

head to zero in on Richard. The street lights shafted upon him and enhanced his engaging features. Despite wearing

family and blood. She had done research on his mother, who looked gorgeous and graceful

said that your uncle is the vice president of the

response without any

remarry?” She tried to keep her voice

Besides him, her knowledge pertaining to his family and background was close to

I was one year old, my father passed

went out for him while she looked at him. She was born in a happy family and her parents showered her with unreserved love. As she compared him to herself, her heart ached to know

shouldn’t have asked.” She regretted in a worry that it might remind

should ask to know me better before becoming my wife,” he

suddenly becoming your wife? We aren’t even

of the window with cheeks tinged with red. Now that Annie and his engagement was called off, the worries in Angela’s head

just a matter of time before it happens.” Richard was certain as he took a glimpse of her

know how to. At that moment, he

alighted from the car as well. Unlike the arctic mountains, it was quite warm in the city. Although it was the beginning of the winter, the temperature was not that low and the ambience lingered

his strength, so she just let him be in the end. Whenever there were crowds, he even wrapped his arm around her shoulders like couples did. Richard nodded. “When I was one year

drink something?”

“I want some brewed coffee. Let’s have one as

you.” He then