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.

beckoned to Ruka when

approached her shyly. Charlotte held her hand. She was just delighted to see the girl. Ruka was a likable lady to begin with, and her looks just checked every

me. We have a lot to talk about.” Charlotte

seat, Charlotte said, “If

a son

alright, Charlotte. He’s nice to me. Never said anything bad to me either,”

guess he knows how to love a lady.” Charlotte

loves me.”

came back holding a wooden box. Then, she opened it, revealing a jade bracelet in it. The bracelet

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

is much too valuable!

“Charlotte—”

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

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

nobody will.” She patted the girl’s head happily. “I’ll make sure Ren marries you. I’m not going to accept any

“Thank

handed the box over to her. “This is gonna come in handy

nodded. “Of course.

then noticed the light of a car’s headlamps shining through the window, and delight filled her. Is that

saw a silhouette coming from the garden. Her heart thumped furiously and

side door to welcome

as well. He smiled and stopped walking just

she saw him, but she was

his arm around her shoulder and kissed her hair, then he looked at the living room for a moment before

was already

tense. She let him kiss her,

“It’s time for dinner.”

glinted with desire under the lights, and he felt as if he was a beast trying to escape its cage. Ruka was too alluring. “How

She answered shyly, “Three.”

pulled her closer. I just want to

obvious reasons. Fortunately, Harold was so

mind. Everyone else ignored the fact that Ren kept filling Ruka’s plate with food and looking at

went out for a walk.

barely renovated anything from the first day the house was built. Aside from the new plants, everything else looked the same as they

He chuckled.

looked at him. “Why are

when you were a kid.

from way back then. Still, she smugly asked, “Really? Was

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

going

his embrace

ravage her; she wanted to do the same to him as well. He

her eyelashes and asked timidly, “Can I stay at your

“Tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

days, so I’ll have to stay back in the office. But I promise

was heavy. It would be rude if he took her with him just to ignore

understanding person.

when his phone rang. Ren picked it up

pushed him.

He turned around and was about to leave, but then Ruka said, “A

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

up in his eyes. He pulled her into his embrace and

he was implying. She closed

patted her

off, but she didn’t feel lonely. She knew he would miss her every minute he wasn’t

permeated the air. Fireworks exploded in the sky, and booms rippled

At Presgrave Hospital.

the operation. Since she went with a C-section the first time, Anastasia went with the same thing the second time. Ten months

on the night of Christmas. Fifteen minutes after Anastasia was

weighed

operating room. A nurse took the baby to

his eyes. This was his second child. He

up on the bed. Her

to the ward. A nurse was wiping her sweat off with a towel gently while congratulating her. Anastasia decided to

someone kiss her forehead. Anastasia opened her eyes and

she look like

of course.” He held her hand. She still looks sleepy. He cooed, “Get some sleep. I’m not

her. To be precise, he was staring at the little one with the pink shirt under the white blanket. The baby had lustrous hair, and her face was the size of a fist. Her features were tiny, but

looks like you, doesn’t she?” Elliot

baby filled

job’s done. “You look after her. I’m

She was so delicate, he

was in awe. She’s the young miss of the Presgraves, huh? I bet she’ll grow up into a gorgeous lady. Her parents are beautiful, and so is her brother. The

in his arms. He just couldn’t take

the street. A man in the backseat of one car was resting his eyes. His assistant, on the other hand, was going

down in response. This fog was too thick to be a natural occurrence. Someone or

opened his eyes. The bodyguard was telling him what happened. This sudden fog was no ordinary phenomenon. The whole street was clear just now,

light assailed them. Something crashed into the

a rocket launcher! Protect the VP!”

moment later. They were escorted away with the bodyguard shielding them. Less than ten seconds after they were gone, a rocket launcher sent the car behind them flying up into the air. It fell back down and

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

and it drew blood. His ears were buzzing, but

“Sir!”

turned around, and

held the bodyguard up. The other men formed a semicircle in front of the three of them and

from, and then silence fell. The fog was

She was running toward them, calling out to her father. “Daddy?

was frantically running on the street.

girl! Save her!”

The bodyguards pointed their

ordered, “Do not hurt

let go of the trigger. It was then the girl saw them,

ahead and held the girl. He checked up on her and

her here,” Ren

sight of his bloodstained face made her bawl even louder. Ren spread his arms. “Here,

knew this girl was nothing but a pawn of the enemy. This was not the time to

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

was now aimed at his shoulder. Just a moment later, a bullet flew through

quickly came to him. “The

that exact moment, the bodyguards knew the girl was just an object for the enemy to pinpoint their location. They held up their shields right away and stood around Elijah

off his face and took the child away forcibly. Ren wobbled a little, and he held

on their way, but

was filled with shards

assassination must have been a plan long in the

plan. A high-tech sensor had been stuck to the girl’s back.

child die in front of him. He would save her, of course, and that was the weakness they used against

still bleeding, drenching his suit in

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

as he was taken into the operating room. He was

was ambushed?” Scarlet and Walter rushed

the operating room. They

moment he heard his phone vibrate. He picked up his mother’s call, and once he heard what happened, he got out

exhausted, but they smiled at the people waiting

sigh of relief. Scarlet was almost crying a moment ago. Now, she buried her head in her

blue. It was harrowing, so

on the investigation. Everyone involved would be

just had dinner with us last night, and now he looks so pale. I hope

their parents about it. This was too much

was for Ren to wake up so she could tell everyone he was

his mother on the couch. She was wiping her tears away. He approached the bed and looked at his uncle, then he turned around. “What did the doctor say?” he asked his

However, he lost too much blood

pay for this. He sat down