Never Too Far Novel

“I’m hungry!” Sophia felt a growl in her stomach.

She left her room and looked at the decorations on the walls as she walked down the hall. This place used to be a bar. The bar’s decor had a somber atmosphere that mingled with the gloomy lighting to produce an odd and unsettling ambiance. As she was a bit scared, she walked slowly toward the stairs.

Sophia made her way down the spiral staircase; she saw that the whole space was brightly lit. A man, who sat elegantly amidst the lights, seemed to be passing the time by drinking wine.

She was mesmerized by his refined stature and felt captivated by his sophisticated elegance.

His black satin suit had golden embroidery and it sparkled like diamonds while the gentle light enhanced his charm and charisma.

Sophia’s heart sank because she realized how difficult it would be to win over this man’s affections.

She let out a long, deep breath. If she doesn’t return the pendant after a year, she may have to pay the price with her life. So, she decided to just go with the flow for the time being.

Sophia approached Arthur while smiling. “Have you guys eaten? Want to eat together?”

He gave her a passing look. “Without my consent, you are not permitted to leave here.”

“But I’m starving.” She blinked.

“From now on, you must do what I say.” He was determined to make her suffer.

Sophia was stunned for a moment and felt helpless. Even though she knew it was almost impossible for Arthur to fall in love with her, she decided to try anyway.

She had no other options left. Her bestie told her that she had searched the hotel room thoroughly, but the pendant was still nowhere to be found.

“Fine. I’ll listen. I won’t eat.” As soon as she sat down, her stomach started to grumble.

Sophia, who was blushing, instinctively covered her stomach while staring at the man.

The man’s eyebrow, which was really attractive, furrowed into a scowl at her.

In spite of this, her stomach continued to grumble and she was determined to follow Arthur’s orders. After letting out a sigh, she began talking to herself or rather, to her stomach. “Quiet down, please! Mr. Weiss said that I am not allowed to eat any food! Let’s wait and see. He might show mercy at some point.”

The bodyguards beside them were holding back their laughter.

“Tell your stomach that food is off-limits tonight,” Arthur remarked, not amused.

“You’ll lose a servant if I suffer from starvation.” Sophia gave a serious answer.

“It’s not like I just have one maid.”

“So, you’ve decided to give up on the pendant now, right? The only one who knows where it is now is myself. You’re going to starve me? Really?” She was trying to save herself by uttering such words.

A lack of compassion was obvious on Arthur’s face.

She had no other options left. Her bestie told her that she had searched the hotel room thoroughly, but the pendant was still nowhere to be found.

“I haven’t eaten anything since getting on the plane. In fact, I’ve gone two days without eating.” Sophia continued her talk.

Arthur looked directly into her pitiful eyes as if he had found something entertaining. “Then, you might as well try to go without food for three days as a challenge.”

Beautiful men are born sadistic, Sophia screamed inside her heart. This is absolutely true.

“Can I drink water then?”

“I just have wine here.” He was clearly teasing her.

She was really thirsty, so she nodded and then said, “Can I have a glass, please?”

He poured her a glass of wine.

She reached for the glass and gave it a lick, just like a puppy, to have a taste of what was within. The sweetness of it caused her to continue drinking it all at once, drawing the attention of the man who stared at her with narrowed eyes.

She hiccupped and her cheeks were rosy from drinking.

“Would you like some more?” Arthur smirked.

She shook her hand. “No, it’s not very tasty.”

The bodyguard was taken aback by her answer. It’s a fine wine that costs 50,000, yet she says it’s not tasty? What a waste.

Sophia stood up right away and felt the sky was spinning in front of her. She was tumbling toward Arthur; she was not sure if it was because she was too hungry or due to her consumption of alcohol.

Even the bodyguard couldn’t stop Sophia from falling into Arthur’s embrace with his quick movements.

Before Arthur realized it, he had a girl nestled in his arms. She rested her head on his chest and her arms wrapped around his neck.

“Master.” The bodyguard tried to pull her away from Arthur, knowing that he despised any woman who approached him.

“Don’t touch me.” Even though she was drowsy, she hadn’t lost consciousness yet and growled at the bodyguard.

Arthur glared at the bodyguard and motioned for him to leave before he removed Sophia’s arms from his neck. She immediately cuddled him again.

“Hands off, Sophia Goodwin,” he warned as he had never been a fan of such intimate encounters.

She would undoubtedly fall if she let go of him due to her being drowsy. He lowered his head, and they were so close to each other that their gazes locked.

Sophia’s most beautiful feature since she was a child had always been her eyes, with bright pupils that shone like black pearls, illuminating beneath them. When she smiled, her eyes resembled the crescent moon.

Since they were at such a close proximity, Arthur was staring intently into her lovely eyes. They were as clear and captivating as they had always been, making his heart skip a beat.

At this point, she beamed at him, as her black pearly eyes were shaped into two crescent moons. One could never get bored of the innocence that danced in her eyes.

The bodyguard standing next to them was taken aback. He’d never seen his master stare at a woman for so long, and folks of the opposite gender would always maintain a distance of three feet away from him, let alone hug him.

While Sophia was still smiling, she was abruptly shoved aside and fell to the ground before moaning, “Ouch!”

“Don’t approach me without my permission next time,” Arthur said coldly, as he used his masculine hand to dust off his coat as though he was repulsed by her touching him.

He couldn’t care less about Sophia’s distressed expression. “Go back to your room.”

She rose to her feet with difficulty since she was dizzy before returning to her room. She prayed for her well-being in the coming year after witnessing the man’s ruthlessness.

Over the weekend, Elliot and Jared were playing soccer early in the morning at home. A woman smiled as she watched the two figures running and listened to the child’s boisterous laughter while she arranged flowers in the hall.

Since Anastasia did not have a suitable candidate as her bridesmaid, three young girls from the Presgrave Family were chosen for her by Old Madam Presgrave. As Elliot was the oldest, these young women in their early twenties addressed her as Miss Anastasia. Yesterday, when the four of them had their meal, they bonded immediately.

The bodyguard standing next to them was taken aback. He’d never seen his master stare at a woman for so long, and folks of the opposite gender would always maintain a distance of three feet away from him, let alone hug him.

The Presgraves’ girls had always acted with the utmost etiquette and grace throughout due to strict family rules and upstanding parenting.

Anastasia, who will soon have the same status as Old Madam Presgrave, was highly respected as the Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family. In the future, she would have the authority to make all household decisions.

Until the wedding preparations began, she had no idea about her status as the Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family. Although being a mistress would give her the most power, the family still adhered to many of its traditional rules. The Presgrave Family resembled a large tree with branches reaching out to thousands of close relatives.

Since the wedding preparations were almost finished, Anastasia took the opportunity to learn up on some of the necessary skills befitting for a mistress, such as flower arrangement, which was both rejuvenating and elegant.

“Mrs. Presgrave, you really do have an artistic eye. This arrangement is very appealing,” praised the floral art instructor.

“Thank you.” Anastasia smiled. Since young, she always had a natural flair for art, which explained why she had learned things up quickly because she liked beautiful things.

At that moment, Anastasia’s phone rang. After a glimpse at it, she said to her instructor, “Please excuse me for a moment.”

“Hello, Dad,” she answered as she picked up the phone and moved to the side.

“The final verdict is out. Erica will be imprisoned for fifteen years.” Francis’ voice could be heard on the other end of the line.

She consoled her father and said, “Don’t be sad, Dad. She should face the consequences for her actions. Naomi may not have taught her, but someone else now has to.”

“I’m perfectly fine. I’m only calling to let you know about it since her biological father has also been sentenced to eight years.”

Anastasia consoled her father again, knowing that he was still in sorrow over Erica’s imprisonment. Despite the fact that Erica was not his biological child, he treated Francis as if she were.

announced tomorrow. Given the amount of monetary stakes, a severe penalty was unavoidable. Karma

years in prison with

her old age, Harriet was overjoyed to be able to attend her grandson’s

splash around in the

bags in the bar because they

belongings. She knew Arthur was going to attend a wedding, so she packed a few sets of vacation clothes for

man in a lavish suit on the other end of the liner.

bright sun, and the long white sandy beach made people

saw the private island, she

disembarked from the ship, the bodyguard assisted her with her luggage.

I play for a while before returning?”

let her do anything she wanted because tormenting her was the source of his

day, Arthur’s bodyguards packed their bags in the bar because they were traveling to the island

a long face because she had to follow him into the car while looking back at the lovely beach. Arthur was the owner of one of the villas there, so Sophia was to stay in the same villa with him

go anywhere on this island without my permission,” he said, sitting on the couch

a line of supremacy between them as though he was the king and she was

having pawned herself by being by his side and losing all of her freedom. It was unfair because she

left alone and dazed in the villa

a cafe, the afternoon sun glistened on two handsome men having a casual conversation like a piece

painting. Many guests of the Presgrave Family

discovered the stranger was Elliot’s friend after a series of questions and had no idea where he came from or

basket full of beautiful shells. She joined the ‘treasure’ hunt, as though she had returned

it pretty?” He picked up

You’re much better at searching

she can decorate her house with them. I should

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

alongside with the warm touch of the sunlight was

on the island were busy preparing for the wedding and

the shore, after which a sexily dressed girl disembarked the

perfect. As long as their names were on the guest list, they had the privilege to arrive earlier to enjoy

her own purpose for attending Anastasia’s wedding. Elliot’s social circle was rife with rich people. Hence, it was definitely her golden opportunity

night loomed and the sky darkened, the island was illuminated with lights like a celestial castle

dinner with Harriet

strolled in the vicinity without

the night sky was serene. Elliot had no time to spare during

Compared to daylight, the night view was exceptionally gorgeous as the

in front of the guests and employees. With over a hundred people, the revel

of them were spectating something. Curious, she took hold of

sky darkened, the island was illuminated with lights like a celestial castle

was revealed that the one who had taken the spotlight was a girl rocking along the rhythm. Her bold moves displayed her perfect curves, showing no sort of embarrassment. Needless to

when she recognized who the girl was. It was Katrina, a model who was adept at dancing. Still, her dancing appeared quite ostentatious on the beach

well as the handsome Elliot from the crowd. Twisting and turning her body, she glided over and halted before them. Like a snake, she was flexing her flexibility with slithering movements

wasn’t until then that she moved toward Anastasia and clung onto her arm. “Anastasia, long

else. Although Katrina was a materialistic girl, Anastasia’s contemporary perception of Katrina

a while,”

making eyes at Elliot. “Anastasia, who’s this handsome guy standing

was assaulted

you. I’m Katrina Sullivan, Anastasia’s best friend.” Katrina beamed with

to meet you too.”

it kept trying to catch hold of his attention since

stay here.” Anastasia removed Katrina’s hand from hers.

awkward Katrina withdrew her hands before looking at Elliot, who had turned around. She was

her dancing, not even Elliot. From her point of view, rich guys had a rather unbridled indulgence for woman and sex. As long as one could

a smile crept up her lips. Elliot Presgrave. As expected of the perfect man, he can make anyone fall for him with that looks, body and domineering aura.

deeply impressed by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging

That twisting body and seductive gaze of hers

very well as Katrina used to take pleasure in

twin sister,”

chuckled as he had an insight of her thoughts. “Are you worrying

think of her dance?” She cocked her head

it was a fatal question.

since she had witnessed how Katrina gave him hints

a person to attend our wedding.” The disgust in

realized that Elliot found Katrina’s

Let’s go take a look.” Anastasia pulled his

scheme—leveraging her kid

villa and reached Sophia’s ears. They were prompting her to head outside, but

legs that could bring her anywhere she wished, she also didn’t want to waste the night spent on such a beautiful island. With hindsight, she

direction at the unfamiliar place, she simply went to where the music came from. Unbeknownst to the poor girl, Arthur actually returned

without my permission! Hmph! Sophia Goodwin, you’re going to get it from me once you

had arrived at the beach, she saw the chairs prepared under the lights. She took a seat before a waiter asked for her

juice and turned to look at the people who were having fun. Despite her quiet disposition, one of them was immediately attracted by her sheer

tresses were revealed, exuding an enigmatic

Miss. Hanging out alone? Mind if I have a drink

head to look at the handsome man

What about

shy

the wedding was strictly hidden from the public eyes, everyone knew that the Presgrave Family was the richest family in the country. Just entering its name into the search engine was enough to know how wealthy they were. Similarly, the invited guests were surely from high society. Thus, Sophia wouldn’t mind

from the same high school. Time flew by as they were engrossed in the conversation. When the music stopped, the night tide began to

to her feet abruptly. “What time is

early. It’s almost

more than an hour? I gotta go

here?” He was curious, for the guests were allowed to enjoy

earlier.” She couldn’t find the right words to describe

nonplussed by the unfamiliar

where Villa No.

was willing

the route was deserted, so

was so dense that she deemed it as his outgoing personality. The guests are nice. It’s probably they’re having a

him, “Thank you for sending me all the way here, Jacob. This is where I

I see you

“Tomorrow—”

We can have a cup of coffee

wouldn’t reject someone

hiding in the darkness at the balcony on the second floor. Due to the quiet environment,

was nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which way leads to Arthur’s

tomorrow.” Jacob took a few steps

stretched out her hand to hold him and he grabbed it

out a wry smile.

a smile. “Watch out. There’s

waved his hands and left despite the

breath and wheeled around, only to find the doors were closed, but she neither had

to go inside?” Her face scrunched up

Young Master Weiss! Are you in there?” she

a black pajamas with a

upon seeing him. “Young Master Weiss, could you open the door for me,

the glass.

Sophia admitted

You’re not allowed to come in or go anywhere without my

shock. Even if summer was coming, it would be very cold at midnight. She was already feeling the chills right now, so how was she supposed

from now on.” She raised her

someone by just heading outside once.”

He sent me home because I didn’t know the way back. It’s nothing

easy on girls, couldn’t care less about it. No one could ever persuade or dissuade him on something once he had made up his mind. “Enjoy your stay outside. Mark my words—nothing will come good

body without exposing its skin, his toned abs were vaguely discernible due to its thin fabric. In addition to his tall stature, he exuded a domineering

drool over such a pleasing sight. While he walked to the parlor, her face contorted in displeasure as she had to spend the night

the sight of a cat fleeting from out of nowhere pierced

were Anastasia and Elliot’s matrimonial house. The exquisite yet minimalistic interior filled the place with a mixture of romantic and wholesome

Elliot returned after settling some work. Listening to the running water, he smiled lightly while undoing the button’s on his shirt before opening the door

at the intruder, she dipped herself into the bathtub. “I’m not done

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

that we’re running

I should give you a shoulder massage since it’s been a tiring day for you.” He approached closer

having quelled for so long. She knew that she stood no chance against the man whom she had fallen deeply in love with. Even if she was all in, she couldn’t help but submit herself to Elliot until she fell

to take a rest, but the night wasn’t as serene as one expected. Sometimes, a squeaky cry of a bird and the sight of a cat fleeting from out of nowhere pierced through the silent air. Under such circumstances, a poor Sophia curled herself on

girl fast asleep on a bench placed outside of Villa No. 58. It was already midnight and the temperature had dropped. No matter how much she tried to endure the cold by hugging

comfortable and warm room, for his mind kept thinking about the girl, who was