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.

final verdict would also be announced tomorrow. Given the amount of monetary stakes, a severe penalty was

sentenced to 18 years in prison with the imprisonment happening thereafter. On that same day, Anastasia was

Harriet was overjoyed to be able to attend her

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

in the bar because they were traveling to the

was also ordered to pack her belongings. She knew Arthur was going to attend a wedding, so she packed a few

ship at 12.00PM, and Sophia was staring at the sea 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

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

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

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

a while before returning?” she

flat refusal from the man. He wouldn’t let her do anything she wanted because tormenting her was the source of

bodyguards packed their bags in the bar because they were traveling

Arthur was the owner of one of

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

was drawing a line of supremacy between them as though he

by being by his side and

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

sun glistened on two handsome men having a casual

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

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

the beach, Anastasia was accompanying Jared holding a basket full of beautiful shells. She joined the ‘treasure’ hunt, as though she had returned to her

Isn’t it pretty?” He picked up another

“Yeah. You’re much better at

decorate her house with them. I should find more.” The boy was in high spirits because of

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

alongside with the warm touch of the sunlight

were busy preparing for the wedding and providing their best service

moored by the shore, after which a sexily dressed girl disembarked the

the service would be so perfect. As long as their names were on the guest

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. Elliot’s social circle was rife with rich people. Hence, it was definitely her golden opportunity to hook

night loomed and the sky darkened, the island was

with Harriet while listening to

the couple strolled in the vicinity without Jared, who was tired after playing the whole

the beach outside the cafe, the vast sea that was hovered by the night sky was serene.

island like a crescent moon. Compared to daylight, the night view was

music could be heard from all sides. A band was performing in front of the guests and employees. With over a hundred people, the revel was in

Curious, she took hold of Elliot’s

the island was illuminated with lights like a celestial castle levitating above the

a girl rocking along the rhythm. Her bold moves displayed her perfect curves,

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

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

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

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

it’s been a while,” greeted Anastasia

Elliot. “Anastasia, who’s this handsome guy

introduced Anastasia, who was assaulted by a

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

to meet you too.” Elliot nodded

had always been alluring to the eyes. Like an invisible hook, it kept trying to catch hold

Anastasia removed Katrina’s hand from hers.

looking at Elliot, who had turned around. She

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 through their

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.

scheme—leveraging her kid to marry a rich

amazing dance moves while loafing about with Elliot. That twisting body and seductive gaze of

Katrina used to take pleasure

sister,” a

of her thoughts. “Are

do you think of her dance?” She cocked her

know that it was a

had witnessed

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

then, she realized that Elliot found Katrina’s dance to be infuriating more

there. Let’s go take a look.” Anastasia pulled his hand to lead him toward that

Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid to

music and 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

that could bring her anywhere she wished, she also didn’t want to waste the night spent on such a

didn’t have any sense of direction at the unfamiliar place, she simply went to where the music came from. Unbeknownst to the poor girl, Arthur actually returned the next moment

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

she saw the chairs prepared under the lights. She took a seat before a waiter asked for

who were having fun. Despite

long tresses were revealed, exuding an

if I have a drink

head to look at the handsome man before

Jacob. What about

She wasn’t shy

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 the idea of getting to know some new friends

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

her feet

still early. It’s

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

He was curious, for the guests were allowed to enjoy their time the whole night

came with my friend, but I gotta head back earlier.” She couldn’t find the right words to describe it as she had no

nonplussed by the unfamiliar environment again. Which

know where Villa No.

way.” Jacob was willing to help a beautiful and adorable girl

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

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

you for sending me all the way here, Jacob. This is where I stay. Be careful

see you

“Tomorrow—”

don’t we exchange our numbers? We can have

Sophia wouldn’t reject someone

on the second floor. Due to the

the unfamiliar environment again. Which way leads

few steps

stretched out her hand to hold him and he grabbed it

let out a wry smile. “Sorry

her hand with a smile. “Watch out.

waved his hands and

the doors were closed, but she neither had

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

Young Master Weiss! Are you

down in a black pajamas

seeing him. “Young Master Weiss, could you

he gazed at her through the glass. “Mind telling me who

sorry.” Sophia admitted her

doorstep tonight. You’re not allowed to come in or

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

time! I promise that I’ll listen to you from now on.” She raised her hand

bad. You managed to seduce someone by just heading outside once.”

I didn’t know the way back. It’s

him on something once he had made up his mind. “Enjoy your stay outside. Mark my words—nothing will come

his toned abs were vaguely

While he walked to the parlor, her face contorted

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

The exquisite yet minimalistic interior filled the place with a mixture

was 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

herself

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

that we’re running out of water, aren’t you?”

give you a shoulder massage since it’s been a tiring day

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

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

midnight and the temperature had dropped. No matter how much she tried to endure the cold by hugging herself, she was

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