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.

be announced tomorrow. Given the amount of monetary stakes,

Hayley Seymour would be sentenced to 18 years in prison with the imprisonment

Harriet was overjoyed to be able

around in the water and celebrate the upcoming wedding while taking in the

day, Arthur’s bodyguards packed their bags in the bar because

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

a daze. She occasionally glanced over at the man in a lavish suit on the other end of the liner. She didn’t dare to act rashly after being

the bright sun, and the long white sandy beach made people feel free, as if they wanted to

Sophia saw the private island, she exclaimed softly, “This island is so

the bodyguard assisted her with her

I play for a while before

the man. He wouldn’t 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

beach. Arthur was

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

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

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

alone and

a cafe, the afternoon sun glistened on two handsome

if they were a beautiful painting. Many guests of the Presgrave Family were present, and they were intrigued

questions and had no idea where he came from or what his name

along the beach, Anastasia was accompanying Jared holding a basket full of beautiful shells. She joined the ‘treasure’ hunt, as though

look! Isn’t it pretty?” He

“Yeah. You’re much better at searching than

make ornaments out of these, so she can decorate her house with them. I should find more.” The boy was in high spirits

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

the toes alongside with the warm touch

island were busy preparing for the wedding and providing

dressed girl disembarked the ship. Scanning the scenic area, she couldn’t hide the fervent

other than Mason’s younger sister, Katrina, who had never expected the service would be so perfect. As long as their names were on the guest list, they had the privilege to arrive earlier

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

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

and Elliot were having dinner with Harriet while

without Jared, who was tired after playing the

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

trough 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

music could be heard from all sides. A band was performing in front of the guests and

Curious, she took hold of Elliot’s hand and strode over to join

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

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 say, most of

girl was. It was Katrina, a model who was adept at dancing. Still,

Elliot from the crowd. Twisting and turning her body, she glided over and halted before them. Like a snake, she

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

the girl’s character better than anyone else. Although Katrina was a materialistic

been a while,” greeted Anastasia in

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

assaulted by

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

you too.” Elliot nodded in

eyes. Like an invisible hook, it kept trying to catch hold of his attention since it was an endeavor to

removed Katrina’s hand from hers. “I have to split

Elliot, who had turned around. She was desperate to see

himself upon seeing 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 pique their interest, they

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,

by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid

twisting body and seductive gaze of hers were

very well as Katrina used to take pleasure in seducing the

sister,” a vexed Anastasia

of

do you think of her dance?” She

enough to know that it was a fatal question. “Regardless,

since she had witnessed how Katrina

have allowed such a person to attend our wedding.” The disgust in his eyes was

realized that Elliot found Katrina’s dance

a look.” Anastasia pulled his hand to lead him toward

deeply impressed by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid

villa and reached Sophia’s ears. They were prompting

she wished, she also didn’t want to waste the night spent on such a beautiful island.

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

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

at the beach, she saw the chairs prepared under the

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

upon her, her surreal features adorned with long tresses were revealed, exuding an enigmatic air that

Mind if I

at

Jacob. What about

wasn’t shy to

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

really clicked right from the start, especially after knowing that they had graduated from the same high school. Time flew by

feet abruptly.

still early.

It’s almost ten? I’ve been out for more than an hour? I gotta

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

She couldn’t find the right words to describe it as she had no right to attend the wedding in

was nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which way

you know where Villa No. 58

I’ll lead the way.” Jacob was willing

In fact, she was a little afraid because the route was deserted, so

on and on while heading back. Although his eyes showed infatuation for her, Sophia was so dense that she deemed it as his outgoing personality. The guests are nice. It’s probably they’re having a

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

I see you tomorrow too?” Jacob

“Tomorrow—”

our numbers? We can have a cup of coffee

someone

was hiding in the darkness at the balcony on the

was nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which way

a few steps back and almost stumbled over a

stretched out her hand to hold him and he grabbed it reflexively to keep his

out a wry smile.

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

waved his hands and

to find the doors

How am I going to go inside?” Her face scrunched up in distress, causing the man to snigger while observing from the second

Are you in there?” she shouted at

a black pajamas with

“Young Master Weiss, could you open the door for

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

Sophia admitted

not allowed to come in or go anywhere without my orders.” Arthur’s icy tone indicated

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

to you from now on.” She raised her hand to promise the moon and the sky in her attempt to convince him into forgiving

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

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

girls, couldn’t care less about it. No one could ever persuade or dissuade him on something once he had made up

broad shoulders and well-defined body without exposing its skin, his toned abs were vaguely discernible due to its thin fabric. In addition to his

walked to the parlor, her face contorted in displeasure as she had to spend the night outside. He’s so

and the sight of a cat fleeting from out of nowhere pierced through the silent

yet minimalistic interior filled the place with a mixture

still bathing when 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

herself into the bathtub. “I’m

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

running out of water, aren’t you?” Anastasia

massage since it’s been a tiring day for you.” He approached closer with

man whom she had fallen deeply in love

for 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

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 herself, she was freezing

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