Never Too Far Novel

“Are you taking your clothes off?” Angela could not help voicing out her curiosity.

Richard hummed sexily before asking, “Wanna see?”

“See what?” She could not understand.

“We can make a video call, so you can look at my body.” He offered without any charges.

Her breathing became slightly heavier. “Richard Llyod, cut it out.”

Where did his cold attitude and composure go?

He let out a chuckle. “Okay, I’m going into the bathroom now. I’ll let you see it some other day.”

In actuality, Angela could imagine his body vividly without taking a look at it. It was not like she had never sneaked a few peaks in the base back then.

“Alright. Sleep early. Good night.” She then terminated the call before sprawling on the bed. Her stomach churned with mixed feelings as she was feeling sorry toward Annie. Although the engagement had been called off, she could not get over it just yet.

When the morning came, Angela woke up and picked a stylish yet feminine coat to go to the company with Daphne.

Today, Daphne would announce the news of Angela taking over her position in the shareholder meeting. In hindsight, she replaced her usual demeanor with solemnity.

During the meeting, everyone treated her politely while masking their doubts in their gazes. After all, she was too young in their eyes.

The billion-worth company was bestowed to a twenty-five-year-old woman; a sheer blunder in a significant decision-making would incur a massive loss.
“Are you taking your clothes off?” Angela could not help voicing out her curiosity.

Even so, their notions did not go unnoticed by Angela. Despite the pressure, she was full of confidence; despite her tender age, she had more time to learn and improve.

When the meeting was coming to an end, she took a glance at the time; it was 11:18AM. She looked at Daphne, who was still speaking, and was already on tenterhooks as she looked forward to the lunch date with Richard.

“Okay. Angela, please give us a word or two.” Daphne cast her gaze onto Angela.

She rose to her feet and flashed a smile at the shareholders who were sitting along the long table. “I’m very pleased to be here and it is my honor to be able to take over my mother’s position. For the following days, I hope you can believe in me, support me, and acknowledge me. Thank you.”

Daphne stared at her daughter with contentment. She was aware of the doubtful attitude of many shareholders toward Angela’s takeover, but she would definitely help her from behind the scenes in order to consolidate Angela’s position.

“That marks the end of today’s meeting. You may disperse.”

Angela let out a silent sigh of relief. When she rose from her seat, Daphne called her, “Angela, let’s have lunch together somewhere else.”

“But, I have plans with my friend.”

“Nevermind, then.” Daphne nodded approvingly, for her daughter was expanding her social circles.

Angela exited the entrance to see a black SUV parked at the opposite street. Akin to a belligerent wild beast, the huge and black vehicle was as formidable as its owner.

She alternated her gaze from left to right before approaching the passenger seat gingerly to enter the car.

The man, who was on the driver seat, watched every single one of her expressions and amusement was evident in his eyes. Her course of actions appeared adorable to him.

After hopping onto the passenger seat, Angela breathed a sigh of relief before turning to face the man who was cladded in a black sweater. It seemed like he loved this kind of black sweater that fit his body perfectly. It displayed his handsome and neat image of a tough guy. Angela was crazy over his fashion sense as well.

“Did I keep you waiting?” She brushed her hair to one side and smiled at him.

“I arrived not long ago.” Richard reached out his hand to the back seat to grab a bouquet of flowers for her. “This is for you.”

It was then she was stunned for a moment. I didn’t know this side of him. They’re roses! I thought the word ‘romantic’ was never in his vocabulary!

With a sweet expression, she accepted the lovely flowers as it lightened her mood.

“Did you pick them yourself?” She sniffed the flowers while asking him.

“Hmm, I picked them one by one and asked the staff to arrange them into a bouquet.”

The image of Richard selecting the flowers intently in the florist’s amused Angela and rendered the bouquet in her hand more precious.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“You’ll find out once we arrive there.” He left her hanging. There was a smile on his ever rigid countenance, which indicated how happy he was at the moment.

Therefore, she did not sound him out and decided to just follow him. Regardless of where they were heading to, she would be happy as long as he was by her side.

It was not until they entered a top-notch restaurant did she realize that Richard had reserved a place at the most expensive restaurant in the city.

It pained her at the thought that he was going to spend a lot of money on this meal. After staying seated, she whispered, “You don’t have to buy me a meal at such a pricey place. I don’t mind any other places.”

He propped his chin with his hands as he smiled at her. “Are you worried that I can’t pay for it?”

“I just don’t want you to splurge your money on me.”

“But I just wanna give you the best.” His scorching gaze fixated on her.

Feeling the honey-sweet happiness springing up in her chest, Angela pursed her lips before showing her lovely smile. She often felt giddy by the man’s unreserved affection.

Then, she noticed the other table that was filled with four girls, who seemed to be from rich families. They kept peeping at Richard with the two of them laughing intentionally in order to draw his attention.
“Hmm, I picked them one by one and asked the staff to arrange them into a bouquet.”

Angela was very familiar with their little ploys. She could even count how many times they peeked at the man before her.

Richard was indeed a popular person with admirers swooning over him, which made her wonder, Was he really single before he met me?

She honestly felt that he was quite an easy target since it took her less than two months to win his heart.

Plus, the advances Angela made were no-brainer; would it not take a shorter time for him to be taken if there was a better player?

She left the table to go to the restroom and by the time she returned to her seat, there was a beautiful girl standing next to their table, flirting with Richard.

Angela’s eyes narrowed dangerously. It was unpleasant to have someone else coveting her possessions.

“Miss, please do not disturb us. My boyfriend and I are trying to enjoy our meal here.” She stared at the girl with a warning gaze and crossed arms.

Unperturbed, the girl smiled and returned to her seat. Obviously, Angela was just a small fry to her.

Angela sat down, but her eyes zeroed in on that girl, who reciprocated with a provoking expression.

Meanwhile, Richard was pleased to see her being jealous, yet his heart ached as well. The girl approached him to offer a drink, but before he could make any response, Angela was back.

The girl at the next table, who was crossing swords with Angela in mute, realized that he was looking at her. Instantly, she made eyes at him to seduce him while endeavoring to piss Angela off.

However, at that moment, he turned his head sideways and shot glares at her, which were cold and sharp like the excalibur.

Her heart missed a beat in fear, for never once had she felt the gaze of a wild beast before. It was perilous yet tantalizing.

“Let’s go.” She could not sit still due to the surging fear and ultimately pulled her friends to leave the place.

While Angela was disappointed by how they left without finishing their food, Richard piped up, “Let’s not mind the strangers. We should dig in.”

Sharing the same notion, she felt that it was meaningless to waste time. Next, her gaze landed upon the steak on his plate, which seemed tastier than hers. She pointed at it. “I wanna have a bite of yours.”

He proffered her a small piece of meat to her mouth and she gladly chewed it. “Hmm. It is tastier than mine.”

“I’ll order another one for you,” he suggested.

“No. I want to have yours.” She was actually full, but she acted as though she wanted to snatch his food.

Angela was suddenly in the mood to poke fun at Richard again.

After finishing lunch, she checked on the time and it was 2.30PM. It was time for her to return to the company since there will be a meeting with a department that required her attendance.

As such, he drove her to the entrance of the company. Holding onto the bouquet of flowers, she suddenly hesitated. Should I bring it to the office? If I bring it along, Mom will know that I have a pursuer, though. If I don’t, I will have to throw it away, but he picked the flowers for me. I can’t do that.

After contemplating for a while, she hugged the flowers and alighted from the car before waving her hand at him. “Bye-bye.”

Richard watched her off despite the heavy heart. It was not until she disappeared into a corner of the lobby that he started the car and left.

However, Daphne, who was about to get out of the car nearby, witnessed the whole scene; she saw her daughter alighted from a mysterious, huge SUV with a bouquet in her hands. The person in the car seemed to be reluctant to let Angela go as he watched her leave.

Daphne was surprised, for she had not known that Angela started a new relationship again.

Who is he? What is his family background? Is he a greedy fraudster like Dexter?

She alighted from the car anxiously and made a dash to the office. At this moment, Angela already hid the flowers behind the curtains. Since her mother was not around, she decided to keep it a secret for as long as she could.
Angela was suddenly in the mood to poke fun at Richard again.

Even so, while she was going to peruse some documents on the couch, she noticed Daphne’s return and rose to her feet. “Mom, you’re back.”

Daphne’s stern gaze fixated upon Angela as she interrogated, “Angela, I saw a man sending you back. Tell me. Are you dating someone?”

did not expect Daphne to see her getting out of Richard’s

a bouquet of flowers too. Where did you hide it? Are you going to keep me in the dark?” Angela’s previous relationship had consigned Daphne into distress. Now, her anxiety was arising because she

worry about it. He’s not a

is his job? Is he from a decent family? Since when did you start dating him?” Daphne bombarded Angela with a

questions later? I’ll introduce him to

cannot hide anything from me,” claimed Daphne

“Mom… He’s—”

“Where is he from?”

the same city,”

his

family is richer than us.”

was stunned at that. “Really? Tell me. Which family is

many

stared at her mother in

I’m going to call your father to look into it. With his capability, I don’t believe that he won’t be able to find out who

tell you.” Angela stopped her

is his name and what does he do for a living?” questioned

her head. With eyes closed, she revealed the name in a

Thud!

Daphne’s hand slipped through her fingers and dropped onto the

no idea that her daughter’s date would be… Richard

had just called off the engagement

composure. As she looked at her daughter’s guilty and slightly flustered eyes, she let out a

ahead and lash out on me all you want!

take in at the moment. Richard, who just broke up

Angela and questioned, “Tell me all about it.

her mother in the dark for much longer, Angela revealed her active pursuit of Richard back in the base and explained that she had no idea he was Annie’s fiancé at

correct that her daughter was unaware of Annie being Richard’s ex-fiancé since Angela was shielded and had all communications cut off at the time. Therefore, it was natural of

aunt? Your aunt is still upset about the canceled engagement! You have no idea how much she adores Richard, her ideal son-in-law. I can’t believe he’ll be my son-in-law instead!” Daphne expressed

In exchange, Daphne shot her a glare and sneered, “Oh, you’re laughing, huh? How about you suggest ways for the elders to get out of this awkward

brought up Richard’s work and family issues at the previous dinner to persuade her sister-in-law to open

That was not my

Richard genuinely fond of you?” Daphne

guess?” Her shyness had overshadowed her confidence in this

had no idea how much Richard liked her; all she knew was that

it to your uncle and aunt once you’ve told Annie about it and received her approval.” On the contrary, Daphne was joyful after the shocking revelation moments ago. Afterall, it was

did Richard possess dependability and strength, he was also an exceptional appearance and physique. More importantly, Angela would always have his full support in the

her situation, she had reached a point where

I’ll invite Annie out for dinner tonight to talk about it; perhaps even seek her forgiveness if I could.” She nodded, agreeing with

around the office and inquired, “Didn’t you just bring a bouquet

curtains for the bouquet of flowers. On the other hand, Daphne could not help but

had

made a phone

the phone,

Angela now has a

he could only toss a few gusses in his head before he asked,

Richard,” Daphne answered right

phone, was equally astounded. “Why is Angela in a relationship with Richard? What exactly is going on? Did they just

had I not seen my daughter on

to enjoy that life, but I can’t believe our

know, right? I just hope

up and talk

but we’ll have to wait till Angela speaks with Annie tonight! We can go back to Dad’s for

mother had discovered everything without any prior ‘rehearsal’. All that

just sent you a dinner invitation,” Daphne’s assistant said as she prepared to leave the

was surprised to see the

It was an invitation to a charity dinner with a royal theme.

As she brought the card into the office, she inquired of

aback, Angela took the invitation card from Daphne’s hand. She then ripped

for taking the time to meet with us.” The simple

is the name of Richard’s mother.” Angela

could not help but ask,

her,” Angela

knows you’re Richard’s girlfriend and specifically invited you

told his mother about me? Why else am

of worry surged within her. She hoped that Angela’s future mother-in-law would adore her and generously accept her into

self at this dinner party. It’s possible that this is a test from your

not help but clench her fists and nod, “I know,

phone number as she

“Hello.”

relationship with your mother?”

“What’s the matter?”

a dinner invitation from your mother and

appears to be very eager to meet her future daughter-in-law.” Richard, on the other end of the phone, was clearly unsurprised because he had told his mother at the base that he would bring his

out of your car when my mother saw me carrying a bouquet of flowers! When she asked about our relationship, I told her everything. Now, I’ll have

if he was willing to withstand

refused. “You are not allowed to speak. I was the one who got it all started. I owe my family an

want you to get

are my family. They’ll never hurt me and I only hope to receive their blessings. Don’t

hurt and criticized, but she had the same thoughts—no matter how serious the mistake was, she would take on

Annie out to dinner. Coincidentally, Annie was also getting ready for

passenger seat and smiled. “Angela, my luggage is all packed. I’ve

traveling

few of my classmates to join me. I’ll have many

want to spoil Annie’s dinner appetite, so she refrained from saying anything

park and the two went there. Despite the fact that Annie was usually a lighthearted character, she could tell Angela

troubles? Why do you look

I have something to tell you. What I am about to say may possibly hurt you, and you can blame or shout at me all you want after hearing it, but you must remain

could not imagine any scenario where a cousin like Angela,

What could you possibly

course, Angela did not want to hurt Annie, but the damage had been done and she

spill it! Whatever the case may be, I will forgive you.” Annie was ready to listen.

my classmates to join me.

get married? I was happy for you, but you didn’t tell me the name of your fiancé when we spoke on the phone.

“Of course!”

day. My father hired a bodyguard to keep me safe. This bodyguard is both powerful and intimidating. He took me to a safe

it’s Richard,”

“Yes, that’s him.”

and call you, but your phone

I had no idea who your fiancé was from the very start. As a result, I had no idea that the person

down.” All of these events were fresh in Annie’s mind. “But I don’t see how any of this is hurting me! Why are you taking it so seriously, Angela? You’re terrifying me.” She

the base’s conditions are not that great. The bathhouse is shared and my room barely has any place to shower other than a toilet. I was surrounded by four walls and a window. As a result, I had to take a shower in Richard’s room. Furthermore, he is always at the base and I am with him at all hours of the

then what?” Annie’s eyes

gloomy and I… I fell in love with Richard.” Angela

widened in surprise, Annie questioned, “Angela,

really didn’t mean to. I wouldn’t dare to have feelings for him if I knew he was your fiancé. I’m so sorry… Please forgive me.” At this point, Angela was too ashamed to look Annie in

was Annie’s fatal question.

guilt, Angela lowered her head and nodded

Annie was stunned and shocked for a few seconds. The last person she would expect was the woman Richard liked to be her very own cousin! This was an

they could feel the atmosphere tensing up as cold filled the

at this point. “Annie, if you can’t accept that… I will break up with him,”

her cousin. “Angela,

help but clutch onto Annie’s shoulders as she looked straight into her eyes.

good-looking dudes, as you know. Sure, he’s attractive, but I’m not sure why I feel this constant sense of pressure whenever I am around him; almost suffocating, I should say. To be

was surprised. Overwhelmed by guilt, Angela

Now, get together! You should not be embarrassed just because I was engaged

so much for understanding. I’m truly sorry,” said Angela

brother-in-law!” Annie felt

pursed her lips, reaching out to wipe the corners

say? Relax and leave it up to me.

plan to do

more about than my happiness. Do you think they’ll be happy if I

up again when she

Angela drove Annie home. Indeed, Annie was not a least

Annie had been feeling a little lost after her engagement as she believed that she was inferior to others in some

was unsuitable for her because he was cold and harsh; she preferred

out her phone, pretending

home. Please drive safely! Thank you for tonight’s treat,”

in the

happy to be with you! Hmm, I love you.” Annie finished her sentence softly as if she was

hear her voice in the quiet hall. When Annie entered the living room, she was deliberately startled and covered her phone in shock. “Mom, why

compelled to ask, “Who were you on the

a friend!” Annie gave a shy

friend? Is it a man or a woman?” Jennifer persisted in

had no choice but to answer, “Mom, it’s a male friend that I’ve had a crush on for

a two-year crush on someone?

not satisfied with the engagement Grandpa arranged for me. Plus, Richard is not my type. Breaking off the engagement has honestly relieved me so

only stare at her daughter as Annie continued slyly, “Mom, let me tell

“What is the secret?”