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

later, it was announced that Hayley Seymour would be sentenced to 18 years in prison with the imprisonment happening thereafter. On that same day, Anastasia was

was overjoyed to be able to attend

day. They could splash around in the water and celebrate the upcoming wedding while

bags in the bar because they were

going to attend a wedding, so she packed a few sets of

on the other end of the liner. She didn’t dare to act rashly after being pushed by Arthur the day before. He always maintained

appeared on the horizon two hours later. The lush greenery, the bright sun, and the long white sandy beach made

private island, she exclaimed softly,

disembarked from the ship, the bodyguard assisted her with her luggage. She couldn’t wait to get to

a while before returning?” she asked

man. He wouldn’t let her do anything she wanted because tormenting her was

bags in the bar because they were traveling to the

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

without my permission,” he said, sitting on the couch and instructing the girl in front

at the man sitting with crossed legs. His haughty expression was drawing a line of supremacy between them as though he was the king and

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

gave a nod. She was left alone and dazed in the villa after he

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

were a beautiful painting. Many guests of the Presgrave Family were present, and they were intrigued by the young man chatting with

of questions and had no idea where he

Jared holding a basket full of beautiful shells. She joined the ‘treasure’ hunt,

pretty?” He picked

You’re much better at

great-grandma said that I can make ornaments out of these, so she can decorate her house with them.

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

sand squeezing through the toes alongside with the warm touch of

for the wedding and

disembarked the ship. Scanning the

perfect. As long as their names were on the guest list,

she was a relatively reputable car show girl, she had stunning looks and a fiery attitude. Needless to say, she had her own purpose for attending Anastasia’s wedding.

the island was illuminated with lights

having dinner with Harriet while listening to the concierge’s

the vicinity without Jared, who was tired after

the vast sea that was hovered by the night sky was serene. Elliot had no time to spare during the day,

area of the huge island like a crescent moon. Compared to daylight, the night view was exceptionally gorgeous as the moonlight glow brushed against the surface of the

heard from all sides. A band was performing in front of the guests and employees. With over a

Anastasia noticed that some of them were spectating something. Curious, she took hold of Elliot’s hand and strode over to

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

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

girl was. It was Katrina, a model who

she spotted Anastasia as 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 in front of

that she moved toward Anastasia and clung onto her arm. “Anastasia, long time no

for she knew the girl’s character better than anyone else. Although Katrina was a materialistic girl, Anastasia’s contemporary perception of

been a while,”

at Elliot. “Anastasia,

introduced Anastasia, who was assaulted by a

meet you. I’m Katrina Sullivan, Anastasia’s best

to meet you too.”

eyes. Like an invisible hook, it kept trying to catch hold of his attention since it was an endeavor to get into his good books at first

stay here.” Anastasia removed Katrina’s

who had turned around. She was desperate

upon seeing her dancing, not even Elliot. From her point of view, rich guys had a rather unbridled indulgence for woman and sex.

lips. Elliot Presgrave. As expected of the perfect man, he can make anyone fall for him with that looks, body and domineering aura. Back then, Anastasia insisted

deeply impressed by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid to marry

was repeating Katrina’s amazing dance moves while loafing about with Elliot. That twisting body and seductive gaze of hers were a deadly weapon that

Katrina very well as Katrina used to take pleasure in seducing the

Katrina, Mason’s twin sister,” a vexed

had an insight of her thoughts. “Are you worrying

dance?” She cocked

was sharp enough to know that it was a

since she had witnessed how

such a person to attend our wedding.” The disgust in his

realized that Elliot found Katrina’s dance to be infuriating

Let’s go take a look.” Anastasia

deeply impressed by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid to marry a

laughter from the revel filled the villa and reached Sophia’s ears. They were prompting her to head outside, but Arthur had unfortunately left her alone to have fun all by

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

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

my permission! Hmph! Sophia Goodwin,

the beach, she saw the chairs prepared under the lights. She took

ordered a glass of juice and turned to look at the people who were having

with long tresses were revealed, exuding an enigmatic air that awaited

Mind if I have

head to look at the handsome man before smiling. “Suit

Jacob. What

shy to introduce

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.

after knowing that they had graduated from the same high school. Time flew by as they were

feet

early. It’s almost

almost ten? I’ve been out for more than an hour? I gotta go now. Let’s talk next time,

do you work here?” He was curious, for the guests were allowed to enjoy their time the whole night

back earlier.” She couldn’t find the right words to describe it as she had no right

by the unfamiliar environment

No.

though. I’ll lead the way.” Jacob was willing to help a beautiful and adorable girl like

little afraid because the route was deserted, so she was pleased to have company along

eyes showed infatuation for her, Sophia was so dense that she deemed it as his outgoing personality. The guests are nice.

all the way here, Jacob. This is where I stay. Be careful on your

I see you tomorrow too?”

“Tomorrow—”

exchange our numbers? We can have a cup of coffee together

Sophia wouldn’t reject someone

someone was hiding in the darkness at the balcony on the second floor. Due to

by the unfamiliar environment again. Which way leads to

steps back and almost

to hold him and he grabbed

wry smile.

her hand with a smile. “Watch out. There’s plenty of

his hands and left despite

took a deep breath and wheeled around, only to find the doors were

Her face scrunched up in

Weiss! Young Master Weiss! Are you in

black pajamas with a glass of wine in

upon seeing him. “Young Master Weiss, could you

her through the glass. “Mind telling me who allowed you to go

Sophia admitted

tonight. You’re not allowed to come in or go anywhere without my orders.” Arthur’s icy

coming, it would be very cold at midnight. She was already feeling the chills right now, so how

Young Master Weiss. Please forgive me this one time! I promise that I’ll listen to you from now on.” She raised her hand to

to seduce someone by just heading outside once.” He made a

sent me home because I didn’t

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

the black silk pajamas hugged his broad shoulders and well-defined body without exposing its skin, his toned abs were vaguely discernible

he walked to the parlor, her face contorted in displeasure as

the sight of a cat fleeting from out

matrimonial house. The exquisite yet minimalistic interior

running water, he smiled lightly while undoing the button’s on

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

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

that we’re running out of

should give you a shoulder massage since it’s been a

night belonged to the lovers; the fire in them ignited ardently after 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

her 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 the chair, hugging

and the temperature had

the meantime, Arthur couldn’t sleep in his comfortable and warm room, for his