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, a severe penalty

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

was overjoyed to be able to attend

They could splash around in the water and celebrate

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

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

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

horizon two hours later. The lush greenery, the bright sun, and the long white sandy beach made people feel free, as if

Sophia saw the private island, she exclaimed

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

a while

wouldn’t let her do anything she wanted because tormenting her was

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

beach. Arthur was the owner of one of the villas there, so Sophia was to stay in the same villa with him as his

anywhere on this island without my permission,” he said, sitting on

the man sitting with crossed legs. His haughty expression was drawing a line of supremacy between them as

aware 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 she had always been her

alone and dazed in the villa after he

handsome men having a casual conversation like a piece

Many guests of the Presgrave Family

after a series of questions and had

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

it pretty?” He picked up another

much better at searching than

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

Anastasia nodded. “Okay.”

alongside with the warm touch of the sunlight was

busy preparing for the wedding

by the shore, after which a sexily dressed girl disembarked the ship. Scanning the scenic area,

never expected the service would be so perfect. As long as their names were on the guest list, they had

purpose for attending Anastasia’s wedding. Elliot’s social

the sky darkened, the island was illuminated

having dinner with Harriet

the couple strolled in the vicinity without Jared, who was tired

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

on the trough area of the huge island like a crescent moon. Compared to daylight, the night view was exceptionally gorgeous as the moonlight

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

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

was illuminated with lights

along the rhythm. Her bold moves displayed her perfect curves, showing

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

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

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

soul, for she knew the girl’s character better than anyone else. Although Katrina was a materialistic girl, Anastasia’s

been a while,” greeted Anastasia in

eyes at Elliot. “Anastasia, who’s this

assaulted by a sense of danger coming

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

you too.” Elliot nodded

to catch hold of his attention since it was an endeavor to get into his good books

removed Katrina’s hand from hers. “I have

Katrina withdrew her hands before looking at Elliot, who had turned around. She was desperate to

view, rich guys had a rather unbridled indulgence

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 knew

impressed by Anastasia’s scheme—leveraging

Elliot. That twisting body and seductive gaze of hers were a deadly weapon that could draw every

take pleasure in seducing the rich. Was

Mason’s twin sister,” a vexed

as he had an insight of her thoughts. “Are you worrying about

her dance?”

to know that it was a fatal question.

since she had witnessed how

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

then, she realized that Elliot found Katrina’s

over there. Let’s go take a look.” Anastasia pulled his hand to

scheme—leveraging her kid to

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

anywhere she wished, she also didn’t want to waste the night spent on such

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

Hmph! Sophia Goodwin, you’re

Sophia had arrived at the beach, she saw the chairs prepared under the

at the people who were having fun. Despite her quiet disposition, one of them was

long tresses were revealed,

Mind if I have a drink

look at the handsome man

Jacob. What

wasn’t shy to

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

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

feet abruptly. “What time

still early.

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

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

find the right words to describe it as

unfamiliar

where Villa No.

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

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

her, Sophia was so dense that

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

see you tomorrow

“Tomorrow—”

don’t we exchange our numbers? We can have a

Sophia wouldn’t reject someone who

someone was hiding in the darkness at the balcony on the second floor. Due to the quiet environment, he overheard their

her head, she was nonplussed by the unfamiliar

few steps back and almost stumbled over

her hand to hold him and he grabbed it reflexively to

out a wry smile.

a smile. “Watch

his hands and left

around, only to find the doors were closed,

scrunched up in distress, causing the man to snigger while observing from the second

Are you

in a black pajamas with a glass

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

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

sorry.” Sophia

doorstep tonight. You’re not allowed to come in or go anywhere without my orders.” Arthur’s icy tone indicated that

eyes widened in shock. Even if summer was coming, it would be very cold at midnight. She was already feeling the

from now on.” She raised her

bad. You managed to seduce someone by just heading

me home because I

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.

broad shoulders and well-defined body without exposing its skin, his toned abs were

Sophia wasn’t in a 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 the night outside. He’s so

of a bird and the sight of a cat fleeting from out of nowhere pierced through the silent air. Under such circumstances,

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

after settling some work. Listening to the running water, he smiled lightly while undoing

at the intruder, she dipped herself

“Let’s shower together, sweetheart.”

to say that we’re running out of

should give you a shoulder massage since it’s been a tiring day for you.” He approached

night belonged to the lovers; 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 deeply in love with. Even if she was all in, she couldn’t help but submit

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

placed outside of Villa No. 58. It was already midnight and the temperature had dropped. No matter how much she tried to endure

couldn’t sleep in his comfortable and warm room, for his mind kept thinking about the girl, who was