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. Karma

was announced that Hayley Seymour would be sentenced to 18 years in prison with the imprisonment happening thereafter.

old age, Harriet was overjoyed to be able to attend her

splash around in the water

the bar because

She knew Arthur was going to attend a wedding, so she packed a few sets

in 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 day before. He always maintained an aloof demeanor, as if warning them not to approach

lush greenery, the bright sun, and the long white sandy beach made

private island, she exclaimed softly, “This

from the ship, the bodyguard assisted her with her

a while before

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

in the bar because

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

go anywhere on this island without my permission,” he

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 was

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

was left alone and dazed in the

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

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

was Elliot’s friend after a series of questions and had no idea where

shells. She

Isn’t it pretty?” He picked

much better at searching than I

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

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

touch of the sunlight was one

for the wedding and providing their best

moored by the shore, after which a sexily dressed girl disembarked the ship. Scanning the scenic area, she couldn’t hide the fervent ambition

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 to enjoy

girl, she had stunning looks and a fiery attitude. Needless to say, she had her own purpose

loomed and the sky darkened, the island was illuminated with

having dinner with Harriet while

in the vicinity without Jared, who was

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

on the 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

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

spectating something. Curious, she took hold

night loomed and the sky darkened, the island was

the rhythm. Her bold moves displayed her perfect curves, showing no sort of

when she recognized who the girl was. It was Katrina, a model who was adept

Anastasia as well as the handsome Elliot from the crowd. Twisting and turning her body, she glided over

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

not foreign to Katrina’s energetic soul, for 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 the soon-to-be Mrs.

a while,” greeted

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

assaulted by a sense of

I’m Katrina Sullivan, Anastasia’s

meet you too.” Elliot nodded

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

enjoy your stay here.” Anastasia removed Katrina’s hand from hers. “I have to

awkward Katrina withdrew her hands before looking at Elliot, who had turned around. She was desperate to see what kind of

rich guys had a rather unbridled indulgence

hair, she watched the couple leave and 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. Back then, Anastasia insisted on keeping the baby no matter what. Is it because she

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

Anastasia’s mind was repeating Katrina’s amazing dance moves while loafing about with Elliot. That twisting body and seductive gaze of hers

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

sister,” a vexed

of her thoughts.

think of her dance?” She cocked her

know that it was a

Anastasia questioned further since she had witnessed how Katrina gave

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

found Katrina’s dance to be infuriating more

Let’s go take a look.”

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

ears. They were prompting her to head outside, but Arthur had

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

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

perverse woman. How dare she go out without my permission! Hmph! Sophia Goodwin, you’re going to get

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

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

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

alone? Mind if I have a

at the handsome man before smiling.

What about

She wasn’t shy

though 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

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

feet abruptly. “What time is

still early. It’s almost

hour? I gotta go now. Let’s talk

He was curious, for the guests were allowed to enjoy

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

she was nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which

do you know where Villa No.

lead the way.” Jacob was willing

Thanks!” In fact, she was a little afraid because the route was deserted, so she was pleased to have company along the

Although his eyes showed infatuation for her, Sophia was so dense that she deemed

him, “Thank you for sending me all the way here, Jacob. This is where I stay. Be careful on your

see you

“Tomorrow—”

we exchange our numbers? We can have a

Sophia wouldn’t reject someone who had helped

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

nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again.

steps back and

She stretched out her hand to hold him and

let out a wry

with a smile.

Bye.” He waved his hands and left despite

wheeled around, only to find the doors were closed, but she neither had the card nor the

going to go inside?” Her face scrunched up in distress, causing

Weiss! Are you in there?” she shouted

in a black pajamas with a

him. “Young Master Weiss, could you open the

against the door frame, he gazed at her through the glass. “Mind telling me who allowed you to go outside

sorry.” Sophia admitted

allowed to come in or go anywhere without my orders.” Arthur’s icy tone indicated that it wasn’t a

very cold at midnight.

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

seduce someone by just heading outside once.” He

home because I didn’t know the

him

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

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

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

villas were Anastasia and Elliot’s matrimonial house. The exquisite yet minimalistic interior filled the place with a

water, he smiled lightly while undoing the

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

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

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

it’s been a tiring

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

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

was a 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

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