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.

tomorrow. Given the amount of monetary stakes, a severe penalty was

to 18 years in prison with

was overjoyed to be able to attend

arrived at the venue before the big day. They could splash around in

bodyguards packed their bags in the bar because they were traveling to the island

was also ordered to pack her belongings. She knew Arthur was going to attend a

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

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

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

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

for a while before returning?” she asked

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

bags in the bar because they were traveling

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 as his

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

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

of her low social standing. She regretted having pawned herself by being by his side and losing all of her

was left alone and dazed in

glistened on two handsome men having a

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

was Elliot’s friend after a series of questions and

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

it pretty?”

“Yeah. You’re much better at searching

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

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

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

employees on the island were busy preparing for the wedding and providing their best service to the

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

would be so perfect. As long as their names were on the guest list, they had the privilege to arrive earlier to enjoy

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

the sky darkened, the island was illuminated

Anastasia and Elliot were having dinner with Harriet while listening to the concierge’s report on

vicinity without Jared, who was

by 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

to daylight, the night view was exceptionally

of the guests and employees.

that moment, Anastasia noticed that some of them were spectating something. Curious, she

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

was a girl rocking along the rhythm. Her bold moves displayed her perfect curves, showing no sort of embarrassment. Needless

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

she glided over and halted before them. Like a

and clung onto her arm. “Anastasia, long time no see! Do you

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

been a while,” greeted Anastasia in

was making eyes at Elliot. “Anastasia,

Anastasia, who was assaulted by a sense of danger

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

you too.” Elliot nodded in

an invisible hook, it kept trying to catch hold

here.” Anastasia removed Katrina’s hand from hers. “I

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

rather unbridled indulgence for woman and sex. As long as one

the perfect man, he can make anyone fall for him with that looks, body and domineering aura.

scheme—leveraging her kid to marry

Elliot. That twisting body and seductive gaze of hers were a deadly

to take pleasure in seducing

Mason’s twin sister,” a

he had an insight of

of her dance?” She cocked her head at

that it was a fatal question. “Regardless,

she had witnessed

she isn’t Mason’s sister, I wouldn’t have allowed such a person to attend our

realized that Elliot found Katrina’s

a look.” Anastasia pulled his hand

by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging her kid to

prompting her to head outside, but Arthur had unfortunately left her alone to

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

the unfamiliar place, she simply went to where

go out without my permission! Hmph! Sophia Goodwin, you’re going to get it

she saw the chairs prepared under the lights.

to look at the people who were having fun. Despite her

features adorned with long tresses were revealed, exuding an enigmatic air that awaited one to probe

alone? Mind if I

her head to look at the

Jacob. What about

wasn’t shy to

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

the same high school. Time flew by as they were

sprang to her feet

still early.

an hour? I gotta go now. Let’s

guests

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

she was nonplussed by the unfamiliar

you know where Villa No. 58 is?” questioned the

quite 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

and on while heading back. Although his eyes showed infatuation for her, Sophia was so dense that she deemed

they arrived at Villa No. 58, she thanked him, “Thank you for sending me all the way here, Jacob. This is where I stay. Be careful on

I see you tomorrow too?” Jacob

“Tomorrow—”

have a cup of

Sophia wouldn’t reject someone who had

darkness at the balcony on the second floor. Due to the quiet

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

few steps back

step.” She stretched out her hand to hold him

let out a wry smile. “Sorry for

with a smile. “Watch out. There’s

hands and

deep breath and wheeled around, only to find the doors

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

Weiss! Are you in there?” she shouted

in a black pajamas with a glass of wine

Weiss, could you open the door

frame, he gazed at her through the glass. “Mind

sorry.” Sophia admitted

You’re not allowed to come in or go anywhere without my

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

Weiss. Please forgive me this one time! I promise that 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

not that bad. You managed to seduce someone by just heading outside once.” He made a snarky

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

ever persuade or dissuade him on something once he had made up his mind. “Enjoy your stay outside. Mark my words—nothing

silk pajamas hugged his 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 tall stature, he exuded a domineering

a pleasing sight. While he walked to the parlor, her face contorted in displeasure

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

of the posh villas were Anastasia and Elliot’s matrimonial house. The exquisite yet

the running water, he smiled lightly while

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

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

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

been a tiring day for you.” He approached closer

the man whom

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

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 by hugging herself, she was

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