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.

think it’s better for you if we don’t sleep together.” She wasn’t stupid. After all, she had just turned 24, and

lightly. “You are so considerate. Why don’t you think of a

to answer him, so she opened the door quickly and slid through

at her with a hurt expression but didn’t force the

back to their rooms after the conversation. Ruka had been through a lot today, so she lay down and slept, still feeling happy. However, that didn’t last since it wasn’t

voices from the hall, 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, back straight and

It was Ren.

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

Ruka’s your niece. You can’t be together,” said

You can’t

covered her face in pain. She could see her parents approaching, saying sternly, “Ruka,

I don’t want to. I love Ren and want to be with him,” shouted Ruka. She could see Ren’s worried face as a sudden force

it was just a nightmare. She breathed harshly

in love with him because losing him had felt so painful. Even

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

father and I are now at the airport. Can you come 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

week earlier. Your father wants to give you a surprise, so we didn’t

replied

Ren long enough, and I feel awful about it.” Claire must be calling for a cab, as she sounded frantic. “We have a lot of luggage.

first. I’ll

I’ll prepare something good for dinner.” Claire hung up

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, she had to spend more time with them.

the bed 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, Ms.

morning,” she replied

might be in

and pleased. So, he was still home! Otherwise, she wouldn’t have

to see Ren doing pushups, hands pressed against the floor and body taut with strength. His workout shorts revealed his perfectly muscled thighs, and she could probably see the veins all over his body from how hard he

away. Her mouth felt parched as

his feet and turned toward the doorway with a smile. “Why are you hiding?

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

yield and stayed where it was. She felt slightly skeptical

smiled in amusement as he placed

can

push yourself too hard. Try jogging.” He looked at

the side. Soon, she was a little out of breath. It seemed that working out didn’t suit her after all. She also lost

arms, and he wrapped them around her waist in a tight embrace. She could

have to leave this afternoon,” she said

down at

home and help with cleaning the house. I’ll have to go after lunch,” she said with obvious

yet he still sighed

often?”Ruka asked anxiously, worried that

time,” Ren reassured. Ruka knew how lucky she had been, staying in his

She nodded. She knew she couldn’t be too

Finally, she wrapped

the sunlight, made his heart race. He placed one hand around her waist and the

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 this

ear, “My birthday is on Christmas Eve. Make sure you make plans

blushed and teased him on purpose, “What

present for me to unwrap.” He emphasized the

man’s eyes glimmered in amusement and anticipation even though he was outwardly threatening her. Is he hoping that I’d forget about it

earlier flashed through her mind. She blushed, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She found her head often filled with random, dirty thoughts of Ren ever

home. Probably too embarrassed that I’m holed up at Ren’s place, Ruka assumed with a coy smile. She couldn’t imagine how her parents might react if they ever found

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 more time alone with Ren. Why can’t time just go by slower? When she

Ruka

knocked on the door, and the man replied from

he looked up to see that she had brought him tea, a small smile tugged on his lips. “You must be thirsty! Have some tea,” she said as she

an arm and pulled Ruka onto his lap. She nuzzled into his embrace

me, huh?”

around him, Ruka nodded

when you miss me,

“Work hard.

insisted as he wanted to drop her home

head. “No, your fleet

lunch with you after this.” With that,

grabbed a piece of blank

on the paper. She stared at his elegant autograph and laughed, saying, “I promise I’ll treasure this always.” She thought

enjoy this moment, she thought happily as she left the study

was not hungry. She found herself thinking about how hard it would be for them to meet again if

go home looking all scrawny, or your parents would file for abuse,” Ren

I bet they’re more concerned that I might

he had to take cold showers because of her presence here. If anything, she was the

looked torn; she wanted to stay, but she missed her parents

car door, but with Elijah there, he did not say much to

replied, her solemn gaze locking

backseat. Elijah then started the car, but he did not

and saw that the both of them were not speaking at all but merely

chin to indicate that he could pull out of

looked down to hide the tears glistening in her eyes.

drove away from the house, and before long, they were cruising down the main road. Ruka sighed. She knew that

Elijah comforted. “Mr. Husson will not hesitate to see you if

quiet concern for her. Returning the favor, she asked, “I hope he wasn’t

Husson has always been a gentle person,” Elijah replied

pursed her lips to keep her laughter from bursting out. She thought about how jealous Ren was last night; there was nothing gentle about him

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

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 for the festivities. “Mom, Dad, I’m home,” she called out as she dragged her suitcase out of

looked down and exclaimed, “Oh, that looks heavy! You

me

shopping later. Some of our relatives and friends are dropping by this evening, and that includes your

Ruka nodded. “Okay.”

She was more coquettish than she had ever been in a while, which made it harder for Claire and Robert to imagine how lonely things would get if she ever married.

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 shoulders, which was how Ruka ended

and with two other daughters catching up to their mid-twenties, Vanya was anxious to see them married off. Her efforts continued tonight at the dinner table, only this

Vanya said, “So, are you seeing someone at the moment, Ruka? If not, I’ll be glad to

Vanya, I don’t feel like putting myself out

rush?” Claire interjected. She did not like the idea of having her daughter see anyone unless it was a truly nice young

years to

silhouette surfaced in her mind.

her hand; she needs someone

message, and she glanced at it to see that it was from Ren.

the grown-ups warily over the dinner table, then quickly replied, ‘Family dinner. My aunt’s

you’re taken,’ came his

‘I can’t,’ she objected.

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

curled on her lips as she read this, and she buried this happy secret in the midst of the grown-ups’ lively

no matter how hard she tried. It was already past 10.00PM, and as she

to missing him even though they had only been apart for less than a day. Now, the idea of being together with him did not seem half as scary as not

want to bother him at

window shopping. She zoomed in on the photos and memorized his features through her screen. Gradually, a blush crept up her cheeks, and a strange heat coursed through her as her heartbeat quickened. Unbidden, the memory of

covers, blushing madly, and decided that it was dangerous to dwell on the

was reinvigorated after a weekend’s worth of rest, but lightning struck when she walked into the office and realized that

that she had failed. She wasn’t sure if Victoria’s outward dislike toward her

happily, clapping

it?” Inara looked up and swept her gaze smugly over the others in the department. She grew suspicious when she caught the uneasy look

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