Never Too Far Novel

Slightly curious, Ruka asked, “Did he ever have any problems with his heart?”

“No. Sir has always been healthy. I assumed that it was because he was agitated over something today. Ever since you left the conference room back then, the colors on his face didn’t look so good.” Saying that, Elijah had an emphatic gaze on Ruka.

Ruka’s breathing became slightly irregular as she thought, Does this mean the reason that man is like this was because of me? Did my words agitate him?

“Miss Singed, you saw just how obstinate Sir was just now. If you don’t persuade him, he’ll definitely be going back home tonight. For the sake of his health, can you please restrain your anger at him for now?”

It’s not like I wanted this to happen either! She sighed inwardly. “Then I’ll persuade him to stay in the hospital.” She nodded.

“It’s best if you can stay here and take care of him as well, Miss Singed,” Elijah suggested.

This time, Ruka sighed outwardly, albeit faintly. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

At that, Elijah became secretly relieved. Since he had come to the assumption that Ren’s heart condition was related to Ruka, he had decided that the best way to cure him was to prescribe the right treatment for him, namely spending time with Ruka.

When Ruka went back into Ren’s ward, the latter was sitting on the couch and kneading his forehead with a tired expression. “You should stay in the hospital. I’ll stay and take care of you,” she said while standing behind the man.

“Weren’t you going to your friend’s place?” Ren tilted his head slightly at her, revealing just how beautiful his side profile was, as the features of his face were well defined.

Ruka replied in a helpless tone, “Your illness is much more important.”

Then, Ren turned his full attention to her with his deep gaze locked onto Ruka’s small face in an attempt to see if she was really willing to stay and take care of him.

As Ruka met the man’s gaze, she felt as though she was looking at the eyes of a spoiled brat rather than that of a mature man.

“Alright, I’ll stay.” Ren finally stopped throwing his temper and demanding to go home.

As Elijah had arranged dinner for the two of them, both Ruka and Ren sat by the window and helped themselves to dinner. Although they were in a hospital, the food here was delicious. Not to mention, Ruka was also hungry at this point.

On the other hand, the man sitting opposite her didn’t have much of an appetite, so he enjoyed the cup of tea in his hand while admiring the way the girl was eating instead. Looking at the girl now, Ren felt that she wasn’t much of a lady, as she ate a large drumstick with her hand.

She then asked, “When did you start liking me? Why didn’t I know?”

At that, he only smiled at her in response.

Recalling her past, Ruka had only returned to the country once every two years after she left for abroad at the age of sixteen. However, she never got to meet him every time she was back, so she disregarded the times she had been back. Hence, she was unclear just when Ren had started having feelings for her.

“When you were five years old, you were just a little brat that kept pestering me. You would not only tear up my homework, but you would even snatch my pen away from me. When you couldn’t get what you wanted, you’d even start crying out loud. You were like a small little tyrant back in the day.” Ren reminisced about the past.

Dumbfoundedly staring at Ren, Ruka froze midway through eating the drumstick in her hand. “Don’t tell me you’re…”

As Ren’s face grew stern, Ruka immediately suppressed herself from finishing the sentence. With her cheeks blushing, she took a bite out of the drumstick before she resentfully said, “Weren’t you afraid that I would grow up to have a crooked appearance? Even if I was pretty when I was a kid, I’m sure it’ll be a different story for you if I grew up to be an ugly girl, right?”

Ren laughed soundlessly at Ruka’s question. “Are you that confident that you’re pretty now?”

Feeling her cheeks growing warmer, Ruka retorted, “If I wasn’t, I’m sure you wouldn’t have liked me.”

Ren locked his gaze at Ruka upon her words and shook his head. “I fell for you not only because of your looks.” In brief, the feelings he had for her were out of his control. Back when she was nineteen, she had returned to visit her relatives. He was in the garden when she had just gotten out of the car. Even though he was already planning to leave at the time, he couldn’t do so, as he was engrossed in looking at how innocent she was. It was then he realized the feelings he had for her weren’t the same kind he had when she was still a child, but it was the same kind one would have for another adult. She had held a small place in his heart until it was gradually fully filled by her.

However, Ren was overwhelmed at the time—busy with his career, the election campaign, and the glory of his family. He hadn’t the time to meet Ruka, so he could only return to the Husson Residence from time to time. His sister, Scarlet, would always tell him about the pictures and videos Ruka had uploaded. Not to mention, she had even told him which school Ruka had gotten into. Looking at the girl in the photo, he felt his heart sink deeper and deeper into the pit known as love, as he was afraid to tell another soul about this burning passion he had hidden away. It was only when she had drunkenly kissed him that night did he come to realize he couldn’t back down and watch her slip away from his side once more. He had to fight for her, even if at a cost.

Little later that night, Elijah had arranged for a set of clothes for Ruka. Upon opening the box, she found a set of her pajamas, normal clothes, and another set that belonged to Ren. She became slightly confused, as she wasn’t a very particular person, so it was acceptable for her to go one night without taking a shower, especially since it was winter now. When Elijah entered the ward again, she requested for a blanket since she planned to sleep on the big and wide couch tonight. To her, that couch was enough. In no time, Elijah brought her a blanket while thinking that it was actually fine for her to sleep with Ren in the same bed.

In the blink of an eye, it was already half past nine. Since Ren had left the ward to go through some checkups, Ruka took the opportunity to take a shower and changed into her pajamas. Since the pajamas were of a conservative design, they could also double as regular clothes.

When Ren returned to the ward, it was already slightly past ten. Following behind him, Elijah came in and said, “Sir, please sleep early tonight. The doctor has said that you shouldn’t stay up so late.”

Ren turned his head slightly and glanced at Elijah. “I don’t want people disturbing my sleep unless it’s something important.”

Naturally, Elijah understood what Ren meant, and he nodded. “Understood.”

Sitting on the couch, Ruka inexplicably became shy after hearing what Ren said. To her chagrin, she thought to herself just why did she need to stay here and care for the man. This guy looks just fine, so why did he have to make me embarrassed by insisting I stay here?

“Done washing up?” Ren took off his jacket and revealed a snug-fit turtleneck black sweater underneath. As the sweater stuck close to his body, it showed just how well-built his body was. This man had achieved the golden ratio for men’s bodies.

Just as Ren went to get a cup of water, Ruka couldn’t help staring at the man’s body. It’s no wonder Victoria is madly in love with him. Not only was he competent and talented, but he was good-looking and well-built as well. Unsure whether she should feel sorry for Victoria, she prayed for the latter to move past her obsession with the man and not torture herself like that ever again. Under the room light, she went into a daze with a book in her hand. When she came back to her senses, Ren came over and gave her a cup of hot water. After she took a sip from the cup, she froze in surprise as she realized that this was the same cup he had just drunk from.

Ren sat down and saw through Ruka’s thoughts. With a smile, he asked, “What’s wrong? Do you dislike the cup I used?”

Ruka acted naturally and intentionally took two more sips. “Nope.”

Satisfied, Ren picked up a book beside him and started reading beside Ruka. The latter then put down the cup in her hand and asked curiously, “How did the checkup on your heart go?”

“Normal,” Ren replied with his eyes never leaving the book.

“Does that mean your heart problems have something to do with me? Was it because of what I’d said previously?” Ruka looked at Ren with a remorseful expression.

Ren had to admit that his ever-healthy heart actually had symptoms of arrhythmia just because of a few words from Ruka, so he sighed and said, “Yeah. It was.”

Unable to stop feeling remorseful, she said, “How am I that important to you?”

With his brows raised, the man looked over to Ruka. “Does my feelings for you give you pressure?”

However, Ruka couldn’t deny that it was so. Not only that, but the stress was just as huge as a mountain that was suffocating her. She turned her head and stared deep into his eyes before she nodded. “Yes, it does. A lot of it.”

Ren put down the book in his hand before he reached out and held Ruka in his arms, causing her body to turn stiff briefly. With how strong the man was, even if she was some distance away from him, he would still be able to drag her into his arms.

Ruka instinctively pushed him away, but Ren was forceful and wouldn’t let her refuse. He pulled her close into his embrace and put his chin on her head. ”All you have to do is just stay by my side, and I’ll handle the rest. I’ll handle it all, whether it’s from the public or the elders.”

At that moment, Ruka was concerned about him. Isn’t he tired from dealing with all these matters? she thought.

She felt aggrieved about this whole situation, and she pouted. ”I haven’t even had a proper relationship!” she said as if she silently protested that she didn’t want him to have his hands wrapped around her so quickly.

Ren couldn’t help but feel happy when he noticed that she had somewhat accepted him. He nuzzled his chin against the top of her head and asked, ”Then, how would you like to have it?”

Every woman longed for the type of love that was undying and dynamic in their heart, and so did Ruka. She longed for love as fiery as hers as they both did many things while creating many happy memories.

”I don’t know. I’ve never been in a relationship before,” Ruka grumbled in a low voice.

When he heard her words, he figured that she still retained some naivety as a child, and he ruffled the back of her head. Akin to a cat being petted, she let out a soft sigh of contentment in his embrace, which made his eyes darken. After he gently ran his fingers through her hair, he grabbed her chin with the other hand and lifted her face.

Ruka was enjoying the movements of his hands when she was suddenly forced to raise her head. Her dazed eyes were met with his passionate ones, and she knew what he was implying.

Before she could stop him, he had already leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

”Hmph…” Ruka’s noises of refusals gradually became one of pleasure. This sparked something possessive inside Ren, and he wanted to pull her closer to him as if trying to mold her inside of him.

After some time, she slowly lost her breath as he kissed her like he was tasting something delicious. The kiss deepened as the atmosphere in the room heated up due to their arousal.

Then, just as she was breathless and too embarrassed to open her eyes, he suddenly let go of her. Is he finally satisfied? she wondered. It was also at this moment when Ruka felt herself being carried bridal style by Ren toward his bed.

”Ren, what are you doing?!” Ruka was getting anxious now as she figured she had just jumped into a dangerous situation.

”Let’s sleep together,” Ren replied.

”No, I’ll just sleep on the couch,” Ruka refused with a frown.

”But that’ll be heartbreaking for me to watch.”

”No, it’s fine. I like sleeping on the couch,” she retorted.

Unfortunately, they had already arrived by the bed, and he crashed into the soft bed with her in his arms. Before she even had time to react, his nose was already against hers, and he lowered his head and continued the kiss. His arms reached out, and with a flick, the lights in the room were gone, and only the dim light from afar shone inside.

In this situation, Ruka’s mind went blank. Not only was she getting breathless from the kiss, she also curled up her toes in nervousness as she couldn’t handle the animalistic passion Ren was exhibiting.

So, she tried to push him off her with all her might, but he was as heavy as a mountain and did not budge at all. On the contrary, she slowly stopped pushing him and was immersed in his kiss.

made her feel as if she was being treated like a precious treasure by him; she was being utterly loved and worshiped by him. The feeling was so intoxicating

opened her misty eyes. Even though it was dark, she could still see his alluring eyes; it was as if they were sucking her

”I love you.” His voice was deep and husky as he opened

At this moment, she felt like apart from her family, there was no other man in this world that would love her as

in the dark air with a hint

a thought and wrapped her

heavier in the dark as he praised

him onto a bed but did not

and pulled the blanket over her body. “You should

can’t work

to hug you to sleep? Mmm?” he

her neck

being unable to be by her side. He tucked her in, then stood up and left. A warm smile crept

for more than 10 minutes. She did not know how a man who had never been in a relationship could have such fantastic kissing skills. Ruka even

her mind was dizzy, and she did not have time to delve into that matter. Thus, she turned around, closed her eyes,

as he accompanied his boss to work late at night. The hospital director heard of the news and even came in to advise Ren to rest,

yawning.

girl in a deep sleep, he gently wrapped his arms around her so she

eyes, he gently kissed her forehead again. “Happy birthday,

to wake up and was startled to find herself sleeping in Ren’s arms. His handsome face was

close took her breath away. He had such healthy, glowing skin and did not look like he was over 30 years old at all. His firm skin, prominent

his lips. She felt parched the moment she recalled last night’s passionate kiss that made her

know when he went to sleep. Hence, she slowly and carefully extracted herself from his embrace and got out of bed. As she checked the time, she covered her mouth in shock. It

opened the door and surprisingly found Elijah, the doctor, and the nurse waiting outside. She could not help but

“Is Sir awake?”

sleeping,”

Singed. We can let him sleep longer,” Elijah suggested. While eating, she received

not by her side. Scarlet and Walter were out of the country, too. Therefore, it would be an understatement to say that she would be more than happy to spend

“Where are you?”

“I’m at the hospital.”

“You’re sick?!”

here to take care of someone.” Ruka did not dare

meet at

“Sure.”

Ruka looked for Elijah and asked if there was anyone who could give her a ride. When Elijah heard of her plans,

her purse. As she laid her

unhappy that she left so early in the morning. Thus, he sat forbiddingly on the couch while

say where she’s going?”

Singed only said she’s meeting a

“Guy or girl?”

happened last night, he did not think

had a good guess based on Ruka’s flushed face in

took a look

today. Can you arrange something to celebrate with her? Unfortunately, we’re not in the country. So,

worry. I’ll make

her just now. She’s with her friend.

she’s doing

We’ll return once we’re

Instead, take your time and go

wants to, but I’m worried about

her in my care. Enjoy and have fun with Walter. It’s not every day he’s

we’ll stay a little

the phone call ended, Elijah curiously asked, “Sir, should we prepare a

eyes while he pondered the matter. “There’s no

“What about presents?”

a plan,” Ren answered. Then, he got up, wanting

shopping. They also found a seafood buffet and chatted while

heard? I heard from a friend that Jaxton learned that his girlfriend was in contact with her ex. They had a huge fight, and he’s drowning himself in alcohol

news and naturally wanted

me Jaxton was so drunk he got

congratulating them on getting back together,”

to try and contact him? You’ve had a crush on him for three years. It will touch his heart if you show him that

she had found a new love. “It’s fine. I’m not the

dropped the topic when she saw that Ruka wasn’t interested. So, the two girls continued walking around in the afternoon. Then, they went to a coffee shop and shopped while gossiping

as they discussed where to go next while still in the

the screen. “I need to take this.” She told Rita and headed

“Hello?”

are you?” A man’s deep, magnetic voice

coffee with

your birthday today. How do

nothing special to do. Are you discharged

Think about what else you want to

about it. “I just want to have dinner then maybe watch a

movie?” he

brows. Why? Is

your time with your friends first. We’ll talk

she did not think much of it and went back to Rita to

it was winter and nearing the new year, the whole

Ruka’s phone. She looked and

‘Where are you?’

in the mall,’

‘Send your location.’

‘Are you coming?’

‘Yes!’

he going to come? With that thought in mind, she

for me at the

she had read. Is he really going to come? Whenever he went out, it was a massive spectacle with the

call from her parents to return home and take care of her eight-year-old brother because her grandmother had a bad fall and needed to visit the hospital.

eyes were filled with anticipation as she stood there under the blinking lights. She kept looking at the cars driving past

was so focused on the vehicles before her that she did not realize a Black SUV was parked on the side of the street. Its doors opened, and a tall and handsome figure came out wearing a long gray

his eyes. He leisurely sauntered to the girl and hugged her from

frightened, but when she heard that deep voice, she was utterly shocked. She immediately swiveled her head toward the voice, only to discover

Ruka’s eyes widened. How could he come here

palm on the back of her head. So there they were, hugging naturally under the streetlight and

were envious of them as they looked like an adorable

the man was covered from head to toe and only showed his eyes, his elegant posture and the outline of his face under the mask hinted at his

was currently experiencing a tangled ball of emotions. She went from feeling terrified to panicking, then to eager yet bashful. Yet, throughout the rollercoaster of emotions, she also felt the underlying

my time is yours. Whatever you want to do, I will do it

still fluttering when she suddenly thought of something and looked up at him. “You came out just like this? Isn’t

thought was that this man

crescents as he lightly tapped her pretty nose. “Of course, it’s safe. Let’s go. We’ll

the trees were draped with colorful lights making the street incredibly romantic to

never thought that she could walk hand in hand with him like this. In the crowd, the warmth coming from his

this moment forever. Hence, she pulled him in front of a tree that was not as crowded as the others and fished out her phone. As she switched her camera settings to

bent down and touched her cheek with his affectionately. Despite not taking off his mask, his eyes gleamed with joy. Ruka took a

that, she stood gracefully under the colorful tree and put a hand in her jacket’s pocket. She slightly tilted her head

phone and taking her pictures. No matter how she grew and

she shyly took her phone back. Then, she backed up a few steps hurriedly and took a picture of him. Ren was worried he was not photogenic and did not know how to pose for the photo. All he could do was stare at her with his deep eyes and smile at

how she took the pictures, this man was

bumped into someone, but Ren was quick to react. So, two seconds before Ruka bumped into that

her face crashed into his muscular chest, and she heard him

her purse. Then, she grabbed his arm. “We’ll go eat,

“Of course.”

make a booking for the tickets. There’s a large

Go ahead. I’ll reimburse you tomorrow.” He was adamant about not letting her spend her

for so long, though. Are you going to make

“Mmm. You’re right. Maybe I should collect

did not think much about what he meant by collecting interest. Instead, she went on her phone, found a

tickets. Let’s go to dinner. There’s a place with great ambiance. I booked a private room so no one will see you.” Ruka was

in politics for a few years, so he had professionals taking care of everything for him. So now, he needed to rely on Ruka, for he was unfamiliar with these things. Hence, he nodded

situated as it was within walking distance. So, they continued to walk, holding hands. It was a pleasure to enjoy the view

reached the restaurant, Ruka led him into the private room and made themselves comfortable. She passed him the menu, but he asked

took off his mask. Under the light, his handsome face was revealed. He looked mature, outstanding, and elegant while