Never Too Far Novel

“I’m fine,” Ruka answered quietly. She wondered if Ren’s feelings for her were just a figment of her imagination and would disappear sooner or later. At this point, she suddenly understood why he was so crazy about her—if he had to leave her for any reason, she would never fall for someone else ever again. Besides, no other man would ever steal her heart the way he had. Immediately, she grabbed his hand tightly, scared that everything was just a dream.

Ren felt confused by this because he could sense her sadness, yet he didn’t know why she felt that way. Did he do anything wrong? In the end, he could only pull her into a hug, allowing her to lean against him and rest.

After they arrived back at his house, he got out of the car first. Then, he used one hand to protect her head when she followed behind—an instinctive reaction borne out of his love for her. Soon, Elijah approached him and whispered, “Mr. Husson, everything is ready.”

Ren nodded. “Thank you for your hard work.”

“We’ll leave everything here then, Mr. Husson,” Elijah answered before getting into the car and leaving. After the entourage was gone, Ren and Ruka were left alone in the large garden; he held her hand and led her toward the hall.

She could feel his love for her as she followed him, her mouth unconsciously curling into a smile. As soon as they arrived in the doorway leading to the hall, she was stunned by the scene before her. They decorated it in a fresh yet romantic theme for a birthday party. Presents were laid out amongst the flowers and balloons, with a flower arrangement right by the wine, champagne, and dessert dishes on the table. Right in the center of that table was an unopened cake box.

Her love for him surged as she took in everything, and she immediately turned to give him a tight hug. “Thank you.”

Ren wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled, enjoying her voluntary act of intimacy. As for Ruka, she felt really touched because he had done so much for her.

“Do you want to eat the cake or unwrap the presents first?” he asked her lovingly.

She shook her head as she continued hugging him. “For now, let me hug you for a bit.”

He leaned down and pressed a kiss into her hair. He had assigned Elijah to set up everything back home in the afternoon with plans of surprising her after their date, but he hadn’t expected it to be interrupted. Thank God this surprise had successfully made up for it.

Ren teasingly blew into her ear. “What? Are you planning to unwrap me like your presents?”

Ruka blushed furiously and let him go. She didn’t have the courage for that! “I wouldn’t dare!”

“I dare you to.” The man smiled at her, eyes half-closed. She couldn’t help placing her hands on his shoulders and getting on her tiptoes to press a kiss into his dimples. It had been something she had always wanted to do.

The kiss made his smile wider, dimples becoming more pronounced. She smiled in satisfaction at this and retreated. “I think we’ll have the cake first. Let’s blow the candles and make a wish.”

“Sure!” Ren nodded and walked toward the table as she opened the cake box. The cake was about six inches in diameter, just enough for the two of them. She immediately fell in love with the heart-shaped cake, pulling out her phone to take pictures before putting in the card saying ‘Happy 24th!’ and lighting the candles.

He moved beside Ruka to switch off the overhead light, leaving the wall lamps to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Her heart sped up as he approached her, placing her hand in his. “Let’s make a wish and blow the candles together.”

He shook his head and declined her offer. “It’s your birthday.”

She obeyed, breathing in deeply as she fluttered her eyes shut. Then, finally, she pressed her palms together and made a wish.

Ruka didn’t hesitate to make her wish because she only wanted one thing—to be with him. She blushed and looked toward Ren when she was done, and he immediately knew what she had wished for. It seemed that he didn’t need to worry about her reciprocating his feelings because it was already mutual.

She bent down to blow out the candles while he lit some scented candles and placed them off to one side. The flickering flames made the atmosphere seem more intimate as she took a knife, cut the first slice of cake, and served it to him on a plate. “Here, you can eat it first.”

He accepted the plate and sat beside her as he ate. She cut herself another slice thoughtfully, then said, “We didn’t make Elijah stay for some cake.”

Ren stopped eating and said irritatedly, “You seem to think an awful lot about him.”

Ruka hunched her shoulders. He’s so good at being jealous, huh? I talked about his assistant twice, and now he’s resentful?

“I think there’s too much cake, and it will be a waste if we don’t finish it,” she explained weakly.

“Fine, just waste it then,” he replied darkly. Only one man should be here with Ruka celebrating her birthday, and that man was him.

She blinked once, knowing she couldn’t continue angering him. Therefore, she slowly enjoyed the cake bit by bit, feeling happy as she tasted the sweet cream. However, she had gotten some of it on one corner of her mouth, and when she turned to Ren, his gaze became darker at the sight. She realized it immediately and licked it off, making his breath catch.

Didn’t she know how dangerous that act was?

He stretched out a hand and held Ruka’s head in place as he leaned toward her. He did not give her any time to react before kissing her. It was punishing, and he felt himself drown in the sweetness of her mouth, which mingled with the taste of the cream, and he only released her when he felt her smear some cream on his face.

Ruka was dazed from the kiss but then burst out laughing when she saw the cream on his face. When the man wiped cream on her face in retaliation, she widened her eyes challengingly and swept some cream off the cake. She was about to reciprocate when he caught her wrist and sucked the cream off her fingers.

She felt her heart flutter at the action. How could he—

Ren smiled and praised, “It’s so sweet!”

She thought she might become insane from this. She had been playing around, yet now she was utterly out of her depth. She withdrew her hand immediately, still feeling the fading heat of her tongue on her fingers. He realized that he must have scared her and said immediately, “Alright, that’s enough. Go have a bath so you can open the presents.”

She handed him a tissue. “You too!”

“Okay!” He nodded. “You can go first.”

As Ruka couldn’t eat any longer, she rose to her feet and went for a bath upstairs. If she didn’t leave, her heart might leap out of her chest. Yet, despite that, she was so happy she felt like flying, unable to think of anything else except him and his overflowing affection for her.

When she had finished with her bath, she went downstairs. She wore a long white dress and a cardigan, and she looked as beautiful as a fae with her loose hair and pale skin.

Since Ren wasn’t in the living room, she settled on the couch and picked up one bouquet to smell the light fragrance. It smelt very much like love and happiness.

Ruka looked at the presents on the table, not knowing where to even begin. When she heard the sound of footsteps from the stairs, she looked up and saw Ren in casual clothing—a dark sweater and beige pants. The clothes made him look softer, yet he retained his usual steely demeanor.

She waited for him to sit beside her before sighing. “Why did you prepare so many presents? I only need one from you!”

He reached for one and handed it to her. “Open it and see.”

She couldn’t help being attracted by the pastel blue wrapping. It was her favorite color; he must have taken her preferences to heart. Then, when she finally unwrapped the gift, she found a pretty pastel blue beaded handbag. Even though there weren’t any brand logos on it, it was evident from the beautiful craftsmanship that it was handmade.

“It’s gorgeous. I love it.” She held it out to admire it under the light.

Ren took a ring box from his pocket and gave it to her. “Open this one.”

Ruka’s breath caught. Is he giving me a ring?

He placed it in her palm, and she bit her lip as she opened it. A shiny open diamond ring with a simple, elegant design lay inside, which looked vintage yet stylish. Before she could react, he took it and placed it on her right middle finger. It was a perfect fit, making her blink in surprise. How did he know the size of her finger?

Just then, he pulled out another ring from his pocket and wore it on his left middle finger. Although the rings differed in size, their similarity made it known that it was clearly a couple’s ring.

These were matching rings for couples. At that realization, she blushed harder, and she couldn’t believe they were at that stage already.

“Did you choose them?” Ruka asked shyly.

“Yes.” Ren nodded. It had been the most important gift to him, a promise to tie them together so no one could ever separate them again.

“Do not remove it without my permission,” he continued in a low voice.

She nodded obediently. “Okay.”

The other presents were some necessities she might need, but she had already received the most important gift, which was his heart.

It was soon 11.30PM, and she concealed a yawn. She had experienced a shock today, and it had worn her out.

“Let’s go to bed!” He must have seen how tired she was and led her upstairs. She bit her lip again, wondering with a racing heart if he meant to let her sleep in his bedroom or hers.

When they arrived at her bedroom door, she stopped and withdrew her hand from his. “Goodnight.”

He paused to look at her, his gaze clouded over as he sighed softly. “Goodnight.”

When she turned to open the door, he asked, “Will you be cold sleeping alone?”

She understood at once, shaking her head firmly. “Nope. I have air conditioning.”

He laughed out loud. “Is it as warm as I am?”

She thought internally, It’s much safer than him, that’s for sure.

if we don’t sleep together.” She wasn’t stupid. After all, she

are so considerate. Why don’t you think of a way

and

hurt

their rooms after the conversation. Ruka had been through a lot today, so she lay down and slept, still

which she couldn’t hear clearly. She moved closer in curiosity, and soon she could make them out. The elderly Mr. and Mrs. Husson was there, together with Scarlet, Walter, and her parents. Still, she could also make out a kneeling figure on the floor,

It was Ren.

fall for your sister’s goddaughter? If you destroy your future because of her, I will disown you,” Mr.

your niece. You can’t

our family’s pride and joy. You can’t destroy our

covered her face in

and want to be with him,” shouted

was just a nightmare. She breathed harshly

thoughts, then her feelings for him weren’t just affection. She was already in love with him because losing him had felt so painful. Even the thought of it made her feel

following morning, Ruka was still sleeping when a phone call woke her up. She felt around for it and answered dazedly,

back in the afternoon to help us clean up the house?” The voice of her mother chimed on the other

opened her eyes immediately, astonished. “Mom, are you back? Why didn’t

give you a surprise, so we didn’t tell you.” Claire laughed. “What?

course!” Ruka replied

be calling for a cab, as she sounded frantic. “We have a lot of

can head home first. I’ll be there in the afternoon,” Ruka

prepare something good for dinner.” Claire hung

at herself since she had refused to move in back then, but now she felt attached to this place. Nevertheless, she had no choice as her parents had taken a rare vacation to come home. So,

and packed her clothes into her luggage before going downstairs, wondering if Ren needed to work on weekends. The servant was already preparing breakfast when she arrived, greeting her respectfully, “Good morning,

she replied

might be in the gym,” said the

he was still home! Otherwise, she

It was a winter morning, yet it felt warm and sunny, greatly affecting her mood. She peered into the gym from the other side of the glass to see Ren doing pushups, hands pressed against the floor and body taut with strength. His workout

felt breathless for no reason and looked away. Her mouth felt

got to his feet and turned toward the doorway with a smile. “Why are you hiding? Come in if you want to have a

she was there? She had been discovered anyway, so she walked determinedly into the gym. She felt tiny in her flip-flops as she stood before him. Since the top of her head only reached his

them. She tried to lift one, but it refused to yield and stayed where it was. She felt slightly skeptical that she couldn’t even make it budge one bit. Thus, she bent over

do it.” He smiled in amusement as he placed his hands on his

can do it.

your muscles if you push yourself too

on the side. Soon, she was a little out of breath. It seemed that working out didn’t suit her after all. She also lost her balance in that split second as she turned off

fell right into his arms, and he wrapped them around her waist in a

afternoon,” she said as she raised her head to look at

down

the house. I’ll

to let her go either, yet he still

often?”Ruka asked anxiously, worried that his position wouldn’t give

you when I have the time,” Ren reassured. Ruka knew how lucky she had been, staying in

nodded. She knew she couldn’t be too demanding,

to hold her, rubbing his chin against her hair, then kissing her forehead. Finally, she wrapped her arms around his neck and went on her tiptoes, initiating a kiss for the

around her waist

he murmured into her lips, holding her tightly with a soft look. She raised her head to meet his gaze. She could feel her world getting brighter—being loved by

“My birthday is on Christmas Eve. Make

purpose, “What if I forgot

present for me to unwrap.” He emphasized the last word, making

in amusement and anticipation even though he was outwardly threatening her. Is he hoping that I’d forget

in her chest. She found her head often filled with random, dirty thoughts of

embarrassed that I’m holed up at Ren’s place, Ruka assumed with a coy smile. She

last night. When she glanced at the time, she couldn’t help lamenting over how quickly the day flew by. It was nearly 11.00AM, and she hated that she could not spend

Ruka the tray. Thereafter, Ruka turned to head into

and the man

brought him tea, a small smile tugged on his lips. “You must

teacup, then took a ginger sip. Following that, he stretched out an arm and pulled Ruka onto his lap. She nuzzled into his embrace and buried her head

bear to leave me, huh?” Ren teased, patting her

shy around him, Ruka nodded glumly

you miss me, and I’ll be right over,” he promised

“Work hard. Don’t let me distract

as he wanted to drop her

shook her head. “No, your fleet of cars draws

lunch with you after this.” With that,

quickly grabbed a piece of blank

autograph and laughed, saying, “I promise I’ll treasure this always.” She thought she might be the very first fan to have the vice president’s signature on

she

She found herself thinking about how hard it would be for them to meet again if she were

can’t go home looking all scrawny, or your parents would file for

about it. I bet they’re more concerned that I might be

he had to take cold showers because of her presence here. If anything, she was the reason he had caught a cold after all these

as soon as they had finished their meal. Ruka looked torn; she wanted to stay, but she missed her parents as well. In

he did not say much to her. “Remember to take good

replied, her solemn

her once she had settled in the backseat. Elijah then started the car, but he did not step on the gas pedal immediately, worried that there might be other things Ren would like to say to

speaking at all but merely watched one another with reluctance with eyes that were filled with

then jerked his chin to indicate that he could pull out of the

to hide the tears glistening in her eyes. She did not

Ruka sighed. She knew that she could no longer see Ren

will not hesitate to see you if you asked

sight of his quiet concern for her.

Husson has always been

her lips to keep her laughter from bursting out. She thought about how jealous Ren

where the Singed family home was. The neighborhood was a considerably old one nestled in the center of town, and they had never moved out

a small house, but it was cozy. It was already straightened up by the time Ruka arrived, and her parents had put up fairy lights that ran along the edge of the roof to spice things up

“Oh, that looks heavy! You should have asked your father to

A friend of mine dropped me off right at the

be doing some last-minute New Year’s shopping later. Some of our relatives

Ruka nodded. “Okay.”

than she had ever been in a while, which made it harder for Claire

the midst of the celebration, the grown-ups were more concerned about when the young ones would settle down. Ruka’s aunt, Vanya, in particular, had four children—three daughters and a son. For a while, Vanya had quite the load on her

eldest of Vanya’s daughters had married last year at the age of twenty-eight, and with two other daughters catching up to their mid-twenties, Vanya was anxious to

known for being tactful, Vanya said, “So, are you seeing someone at the moment, Ruka? If not, I’ll be glad to introduce you to some

her hand frantically. “Oh, no, Aunt Vanya, I don’t feel like putting myself out there

did not like the idea of having her daughter see anyone unless it was a truly nice young man who had the makings

always been pretty, and I’m sure she’ll blossom in the years to come. Men will be lining

gaze, and for some reason, Ren’s silhouette surfaced in her mind. Will I really

her hand; she needs someone who can

at it to see that it was from Ren. ‘What are

table, then quickly replied, ‘Family dinner. My aunt’s trying to set

taken,’ came his

‘I can’t,’ she objected.

name out of it,’ Ren countered, refusing to entertain the thought that his woman would go on a blind date with some

on her lips as she read this, and she

10.00PM, and as she lay restlessly in bed, she thought about all

flustered and jumpy she had been when they first met. To think, she had gone from that to missing him even though they had only been apart for less than a

bother him at this hour, knowing that he was

her screen. Gradually, a

decided that it was dangerous to dwell on the thought for too

a weekend’s worth of rest, but lightning

the list, and her heart plunged to her stomach when she saw that she had failed. She wasn’t sure if Victoria’s outward dislike toward her was the sole cause of this, or if the results were based on

Michelle exclaimed happily, clapping her hands

swept her gaze smugly over the others in the department. She grew suspicious when she caught the uneasy look on Ruka’s face, and she called out bluntly, “Hey, Ruka. Please tell me you’ve passed! This is just the first assessment, for

while the rest eyed her condescendingly. They were all thinking that this was what she deserved for pulling strings to get into the department. In any case, the assessment only proved that she had no right to be here save for her connections, otherwise she would