Never Too Far Novel

It was a man in a dark-colored suit. He was over six feet tall and carried himself with an authoritative air. Elijah held his hand out politely and said, “Please come in, Mr. Presgrave.”

Once Elijah brought the visitor in, he went back to his adjacent office. Less than ten minutes later, he saw one of the staff running toward Ren’s office with a stack of documents in his hands. Elijah immediately called out and stopped the man.

“Casey, you can’t go in right now. Mr. Husson has an important discussion going on right now.”

“What I have here is very important too. I need Mr. Husson’s signature as soon as possible.” The man, Casey Amherst, waved the documents in front of him.

“Delay it for as long as possible. I’m certain that Mr. Husson does not wish to be interrupted for any reason right now.” Elijah’s tone was sterner than usual.

Casey became a lot less insistent. Whenever Elijah used that tone, it meant that Ren was in a meeting with someone extremely important.

“When should I come back then?” Casey asked a little frantically.

“Try coming back in two hours,” Elijah replied.

Casey had no choice but to leave with his documents. Elijah glanced at the door of the office. Ren was currently in a discussion that involved the general elections, and even he did not dare to go in to prepare the tea and coffee for them. For the next two hours, Ren attended to his guest himself.

It was Elliot Presgrave.

He was the wealthiest man in the entire country and had built his fortune internationally as well. He commanded a lot of respect, and even though he was a businessman, no one dared to underestimate his influence. Now that he was backing Ren, Elijah believed that Ren would not have any issues in the upcoming elections.

Ruka arrived at the new house. It was a quiet neighborhood without the bustling liveliness of the city center, but it gave her a strong sense of security. Every villa had a butler, and all their needs would be taken care of without having to step foot out of the house.

Robert and Claire had received an extended break, so they could rest until July next year. Ren was the one who informed them of this. Thus, they were in no rush to get back to work abroad. Instead, they could enjoy some peace and quiet back in their home country.

“Mom, Dad, do you know what happened?” Ruka asked in shock when she heard the news.

“Nothing happened, you silly girl. Ren is just protecting us! He’s heading into the elections soon and those who wish to unseat him will try to affect him by attacking those around him. You’re the biggest target, so Ren had the foresight to make sure we’re protected,” Robert explained.

Ruka nodded in understanding, while Claire added, “Don’t be afraid, Ruka. Ren will keep you safe.”

“Mom, Dad, I’m not afraid.” Ruka had a steely look in her eyes. She was determined to accompany him throughout this challenging period.

…

There was a pile of documents stacked up on Elijah’s desk and he had received several calls with urgent reminders, but all he could do was hold the fort down for now. He glanced at his watch and saw that two hours had passed.

Just then, he heard the door to the main office opening. Ren came out first and he stepped aside to let Elliot pass. As leaders in their respective fields, they were equals in every way, and when they stood together, it only proved that birds of a feather did indeed flock together.

They were both men that belonged to the top 1% of society and were innate leaders among men. Their presence and aura could not be mimicked or faked. It was something that could only come naturally.

“Sir, I will see Mr. Presgrave out,” Elijah came over and said.

Ren held his hand out to Elliot who shook it without hesitation. “See you, Elliot. I won’t be sending you off then.”

“Yes, there’s no need for you to send me off. Let’s check our schedules and find a time to invite Richard out for a meal, just the three of us,” Elliot said with a smile. They exchanged a look of understanding and empathy for one another.

“Certainly. Let’s do it when we’re all free.” Ren nodded and smiled.

Elijah did feel a little pressured as he stood beside the two of them. He was a pretty good-looking man himself, but standing in front of these two, he had to admit that they were the finest men who exuded an aura of leadership.

Elijah walked Elliot out to the parking lot outside. One of the bodyguards opened the door for Elliot and he slid in before saying to Elijah courteously, “Thank you for seeing me out, Mr. Jackman.”

“You’re most welcome. Goodbye, Mr. Presgrave,” Elijah replied and watched as the procession of bulletproof cars drove off.

Then, Elijah returned to the office and brought the pile of documents to Ren, who was standing in front of the French window with a cup of coffee. He seemed to be in deep thought.

“Did everything go smoothly, Sir?” Elijah asked in concern.

“Yes. Very smoothly.” Ren nodded.

“Miss Singed has arrived safely at her parents’ new villa. The Singeds won’t be leaving their house for the next few days. They will be under our protection at all times,” Elijah reported.

Ren narrowed his eyes. He could not help but think that Ruka would be bored out of her mind if she stayed cooped up inside the house for too long. If it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t have had to go through all of this.

Just then, Ren’s phone rang, and he picked it up. “Yes, Scarlet?”

“Ren, did you send Ruka back to her parents? It’s Christmas Eve today. Do you think it’d be alright if we invited them to join us for a celebration?”

“I’m a little swamped today, Scarlet. I’ll let Elijah handle the arrangements.”

“Alright. Come home for dinner once you’re done with work. Mom and Dad are here too.”

Ren’s heart tightened. “Scarlet, make sure Dad doesn’t find out about my relationship with Ruka.”

“Relax. Everyone’s on high alert right now. No one will inform Dad about it before the elections. We know what his temper’s like,” Scarlet assured him before adding a reminder. “Don’t work too late. You need to take care of your health too.”

“Yes, I got it.” Ren smiled warmly. His family’s love for him was his source of strength.

Meanwhile, at a hillside villa near the city center, a grand feast was laid out on the dining table, and the woman who stood at the French window waiting for her husband to come home was dressed in a beige dress designed for pregnant women. From behind, she still looked like a young lady, but if one walked around her, they would see her beautiful belly. She caressed it while waiting patiently.

Just then, she saw the flashing car lights drawing near. Her lips curved into a smile. He was home at last.

Near the dining table, an old man sat down for a game of chess with his grandson. The young heir of the Presgraves was already showing all the makings of a highly intelligent soul. He carefully considered his every move, so much so that Francis was beginning to feel the pressure! After all, the six-year-old had won several times now.

“Jared, haven’t you figured out your next move yet?” Francis asked with a smile.

“Hang on, Grandpa. I’ve almost figured it out.” Jared looked up. His handsome face looked more and more like his father’s every day.

Jared made his move and Francis couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise at how much of an expert he was at chess already. His move had been the best one possible.

“Your turn, Grandpa!” Jared grinned. “My, my. You’re nearly as good as me now. Let me think.” Francis studied the chessboard as if he had finally met his match.

Jared rested his head on his hands to wait. He looked like a proper little gentleman in his black sweater. When he heard the sounds outside, he smiled and said, “My father’s home.”

Francis nodded. “Yeah! Just in time for Christmas Eve dinner.”

“Mommy needs to go to the hospital once we’re done with dinner. I’ll get to see my sister in a few days,” Jared enthused.

“That’s right! We’ll have a new member of the family soon.” Francis was just as excited about it. In his old age, nothing felt more meaningful than spending time with his family.

Against the backdrop of the evening sky, Elliot stepped out of the car and speed-walked to the house. When he saw the woman who was waiting at the door, he reached out to hold her and asked, “Why are you standing at the door when it’s so cold?”

“I’m waiting for you, of course!” Anastasia tilted her head up to look at him. The light highlighted her refined features and the warmth of her beauty shone. Even though she was a pregnant woman, she was still as attractive as ever.

Elliot put his hand on her belly gently. “Did the baby kick you today? Is she playing nice?”

“Not bad. I’d be worried if she’s too nice.” Anastasia held his hand. “Let’s go. We’re going to the hospital after we have dinner with Dad and Jared.”

“Sure.” Elliot kissed her forehead and led her into the living room.

Francis heaved a sigh. “Yep, I’m getting old. Even a six-year-old kid is beating me.”

Anastasia heard everything, and she came in, smiling. “Did you lose again, Dad?”

“Yeah. Jared’s really smart. I can’t win no matter what I do,” Francis admitted defeat.

The boy encouraged his grandfather, “Do your best, Grandpa.”

“I’ll get back to you after dinner.” Francis smiled. The child started picking up the chess pieces and tucking them away. The child was young, but he was smart, and Francis felt grateful. Unlike other kids, he would clean up after himself instead of making a mess.

It was nine when they finished dinner. Four black cars escorted Anastasia as she went to the Presgraves’ personal hospital. Everyone was prepared for Anastasia’s labor.

It was a merry day at Scarlet’s house as well. Three families were celebrating Christmas there. It was rowdy to say the least.

Charlotte was looking at Ruka happily. She couldn’t take her eyes off the girl ever since she showed up. Ruka was helping her mother and Scarlet make Christmas dinner.

Harold, Walter, and Robert were enjoying their tea as they talked about current issues.

Ruka when

Ruka was a likable lady to begin with, and her looks

We have a lot to talk about.” Charlotte

seat, Charlotte said, “If Ren tries to

still a son at home.

Charlotte. He’s nice to me. Never said anything bad

lady.” Charlotte defended her son. It would be frustrating if

me.” She

came back holding a wooden box. Then, she opened it,

heirloom that’s been passed down for two centuries. It’s invaluable, and now it’s yours.” She gently placed the box in

much too valuable! I can’t take

“Charlotte—”

got it appraised, and it’s worth about this much.” She

Her heart skipped a beat. It’s far too valuable for me to accept. “I… I can’t take this.” She handed it

She patted the girl’s head happily. “I’ll make sure Ren marries you. I’m not going to accept any other woman

felt sheepish, but also moved. “Thank

to her. “This is gonna come in handy

“Of course. I’ll treasure

of a car’s headlamps shining through the window, and delight filled her.

from the garden. Her heart thumped furiously

through the side door

exactly being subtle, so Ren saw her as well. He smiled and stopped walking just for her. She leapt into his embrace and hugged

been two days since she saw

shoulder and kissed her hair, then he looked at the living room

just gotten into the shadows, and he was

kept Ruka tense. She let him kiss her, though her

“It’s time for dinner.”

lights, and he felt as if he was

She answered shyly, “Three.”

the back of her head happily and pulled her closer. I just want

dinner went underway, and Ruka was seated beside Ren for obvious reasons. Fortunately, Harold was so

didn’t mind. Everyone else ignored the fact that Ren kept filling Ruka’s plate with food and looking at her lovingly. They didn’t want to

everyone and went out for a walk. The garden was chilly, but their intertwined

renovated anything from the first day the house was built. Aside from the new plants, everything else looked the same as they were twenty years ago. As Ren looked at the flowers, pond, and field, he was reminded of how cheeky Ruka used

He chuckled.

looked at him. “Why are

you were a kid. You were really

remember things from way back then. Still, she smugly asked,

You were spoiled rotten. You’d take anything I have whenever you felt like it.” Ren had to give everything nice to her back

I’m going to

pulled her into his embrace

she wanted to do the same to him as well. He was hot, and she was very

timidly, “Can I stay at your

“Tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

tightened his arms around her. “I’m a bit busy the next couple of days, so I’ll have to stay back in

her with him just to ignore her. After work was done, he would

was an understanding person. “Sure,

when his phone rang. Ren picked it up and gave it a

pushed him.

for me to leave? He turned around and was about to

toward him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaped up to peck

in his eyes. He pulled her into

as knew what he was implying. She closed her eyes and nodded. “I won’t run away

patted her

off, but she didn’t feel lonely. She

air. Fireworks exploded in

At Presgrave Hospital.

hospital, Anastasia’s water broke, and it was time for the operation. Since she went with a C-section the first time, Anastasia went with

was born on a nice night. She came to this world on the night of Christmas. Fifteen minutes after Anastasia was taken into the operating

was red, and she weighed

A nurse took the baby to Elliot after she

tears of joy welling in his eyes. This was his second child. He missed his son’s

of Anastasia. Eventually the anesthetic wore off, and she woke up on the bed. Her wound

wiping her sweat off with a towel gently while congratulating

someone kiss her forehead. Anastasia opened her eyes and

look like more?”

still looks sleepy. He

and staring at the bed beside her. To be precise, he was staring at the little one with the pink shirt under the white

like you, doesn’t she?”

looking at the baby filled Anastasia with joy. She actually wanted to

was exhausted. My job’s done. “You look after her. I’m getting some

were closed. She was so delicate,

of the Presgraves, huh? I bet she’ll grow up into a gorgeous

ward. Elliot was holding a sleeping baby in his arms. He just couldn’t take his eyes off her. She’s my second

morning, so the sky was dark. Six black cars were traveling through the street. A man in the backseat of one car was resting his eyes. His assistant, on the other hand, was going through the files despite how exhausted he was. The

of fog appeared out of nowhere, covering the whole street. The bodyguards slowed down in response. This fog was too thick

the backseat. He opened his eyes. The bodyguard was telling him what happened. This sudden fog was no ordinary phenomenon. The whole

blinding flash of light assailed them. Something crashed into the car in front of them, and a great explosion

a rocket launcher! Protect

followed a moment later. They were escorted away with the bodyguard shielding them. Less than ten seconds after

him and took the full force of the shockwave himself. The shockwave rippled through the street,

and it drew blood. His ears were buzzing, but still he

“Sir!”

bodyguard protecting Ren was hurt by the shockwave. He turned around, and Ren held

couldn’t hear a thing, but still he went and held the bodyguard up. The other men formed a semicircle in front of the three of them and

was still too thick for them to see anything. The bodyguards had nothing but their hearing to help them discern where danger was coming from, and then silence fell. The

coming out of nowhere. She was running toward them,

She was frantically running on the street. Ren’s

a girl! Save

trap.” The bodyguards

“Do

of the trigger. It was then the girl saw them, and she came right up to them. “Help me,

and held the girl. He

here,” Ren

to hold her, but the sight of his bloodstained face made

were still looking around them. They knew this girl was nothing but a pawn of the enemy. This was not the

took the girl over from his bodyguard. He then saw a red mark flashing on her back. It was the mark that a

the next second. The red dot that was pointing at the girl was now aimed at his shoulder. Just a moment later, a bullet flew through the fog and pierced Ren’s shoulder. He staggered forward due to the impact, but still he didn’t let the child

came to him.

an object for the enemy to pinpoint their location. They held up their shields right away and stood around Elijah and Ren. They could hear bullets flying through the

Ren wobbled a little, and he held Elijah’s shoulder. “I’m

but it’ll

but the killers were long gone. The street was filled with

must have been a plan long

sensor had been stuck to the girl’s back. Her function was to tell the enemy where Ren and his men were in the

by and watch a child die in front of him. He would save her, of course,

bleeding, drenching his suit in blood. Elijah and the bodyguards took him to the

on the way. The blood loss was robbing his consciousness. Right before he

the operating room.

was ambushed?” Scarlet and Walter rushed to the hospital

the operating room. They were all powerful officials and Ren’s most powerful

picked up his mother’s call, and once he heard what happened, he got out of bed quietly

two hours later, the doctors emerged from the operating room looking exhausted, but they smiled at the people waiting outside. “The bullet was extracted. It didn’t

head in her husband’s arms and shed tears of relief. Her heart felt like it would burst from

happened out of the blue. It was harrowing, so

on the investigation.

a bed a while later. He just had dinner with us last night, and now he looks so pale.

even tell their parents about it. This was

up so she could tell

ward and saw his mother on the couch. She was wiping her tears away. He approached the bed and looked at his uncle, then he

bullet hit his back, not his vitals. However, he lost too much blood on the way, so

fists. Someone attacked Uncle Ren? I’ll make them pay for this. He sat down beside his