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.

the amount of monetary stakes, a severe penalty was unavoidable.

Seymour would be sentenced to 18 years in prison with the imprisonment happening thereafter. On that same day, Anastasia was to be married on a private

was overjoyed to be

the venue before the big day. They could splash around

their bags in the bar because they were traveling to the island for the wedding

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

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 pushed by Arthur the

appeared on the horizon two hours later. The lush greenery, the bright sun, and the

she

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

a while before

the man. He wouldn’t let her

the bar because they were

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

allowed to go anywhere on this island without my permission,” he said, sitting on the couch and instructing

drawing a line of supremacy between them as

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

nod. She was left alone and dazed in the

on two handsome men having a casual conversation like

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

was Elliot’s friend after a series of questions and had no idea where he came from or what his

shells. She joined the ‘treasure’ hunt, as though she had returned

Isn’t it pretty?” He picked up

better at searching

house with them. I should find

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

with the warm touch of the sunlight was one of the wonderful things

preparing for the wedding and providing their

girl disembarked the ship.

Mason’s younger sister, Katrina, who had never expected the service would be so perfect. As long as their

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

was illuminated with lights like a celestial castle levitating

with Harriet while listening to the

the vicinity without Jared,

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

the trough area of the huge island like a crescent moon. Compared to daylight, the night view was

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

of them were spectating something. Curious, she took hold of Elliot’s hand

island was illuminated with

the spotlight was a girl rocking along the rhythm. Her bold moves

who was adept at dancing. Still, her dancing

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

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

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

while,” greeted Anastasia in

Elliot. “Anastasia, who’s this handsome guy

who was assaulted

you. I’m Katrina Sullivan,

to meet you too.” Elliot nodded in

hook, it kept trying to catch hold of his attention since it was an endeavor to

hope you enjoy your stay here.” Anastasia removed Katrina’s

who had turned around. She was desperate to see what

no man could ever restrain 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 wouldn’t let the chance slip

can make anyone fall for him with that looks, body and domineering aura. Back then, Anastasia insisted on

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

was repeating Katrina’s amazing dance moves while loafing about with Elliot. That twisting body and

very well as Katrina used to take pleasure in seducing the rich. Was her fiancé

sister,”

chuckled as he had an insight of her thoughts.

of her dance?” She cocked

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

had witnessed how

sister, I wouldn’t have allowed such a person to attend our wedding.” The disgust in his

that Elliot found Katrina’s dance to be infuriating more than she

a look.” Anastasia pulled his hand to lead him

by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid to

ears. They were prompting

also didn’t want to waste

went to where the music came from. Unbeknownst to the poor

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

who were having fun. Despite her quiet disposition, one of them was immediately attracted by her sheer

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

Hanging out alone? Mind if I have

to look at the handsome man before smiling. “Suit

Jacob. What

wasn’t shy to introduce

the search engine was enough to know how wealthy they were. Similarly, the invited guests were surely from high society. Thus, Sophia wouldn’t

and Jacob really clicked right from the start, especially after knowing that they had graduated from the same high school. Time flew by as they were engrossed in the conversation. When the music stopped, the night

her feet abruptly.

early.

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

do you work here?” He was curious, for the guests were

earlier.” She couldn’t find the right words to describe it as she had

nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again.

Villa No. 58

far, though. I’ll lead the way.” Jacob was willing to help a beautiful and

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

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

arrived at Villa No. 58, she thanked him, “Thank you for sending me all the way here, Jacob. This

I see you

“Tomorrow—”

our numbers? We can have

someone who had helped

on the second floor. Due to the quiet environment, he overheard

she was nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which way leads to

took a few steps back and

to hold him and

wry smile. “Sorry

with a smile.

He waved his hands

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

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

Young Master Weiss! Are you in there?” she shouted at the

down in a black pajamas with a glass of

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

against the door frame, he gazed at her through the glass. “Mind telling me who

Sophia admitted

at the doorstep tonight. You’re not allowed to come in or go anywhere without

cold at midnight. She was already feeling the chills right now, so how was she supposed to survive the night

I’ll listen to you from now on.” She raised her hand to promise the moon and the sky in her attempt to convince him

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

the same school, that’s why. He sent me home because I didn’t know the way back.

Arthur, the cruel man who wouldn’t go 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 if you disobey

skin, his toned abs were vaguely discernible due to its thin fabric. In addition to his tall stature, he exuded

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

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 silent air. Under such circumstances, a poor Sophia curled herself on the chair, hugging herself to retain

house. The exquisite yet minimalistic interior filled the place

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

she dipped herself into

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

running out

massage since it’s been a tiring day for you.”

after having quelled for so long. She knew that she stood no chance against the man whom she had

bird and the sight of a cat fleeting from out of nowhere pierced

fast asleep on a bench placed outside of Villa No. 58. It was already midnight and the temperature had

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