Never Too Far Novel

In the afternoon, Anastasia made a call to Lorelai before she left for the restaurant where she had made a reservation.

Lorelai was the first to arrive between the two, as she set off from the company.

Around 11.50AM, a woman in business attire turned up by the entrance. She had her raven hair styled in an updo. Her whole appearance set her off gracefully, giving her amorous vibes.

Lorelai had heard from her father that Anastasia had taken over Bourgeois. She always thought Anastasia would be content with being a housewife, so Lorelai was surprised to see the woman become a chairwoman of a jewelry company right after marriage.

It was obvious that Anastasia was not a woman who lacked motivation and only sought pleasure in her life. Having her own career turned her into a more competent woman.

A woman like her was more attractive than ordinary housewives, and it was hard for men to resist her charm. Anastasia didn’t even need the help from Elliot to shine.

Lorelai couldn’t help but feel envious of her, as Anastasia got off on the right foot with a favorable background of her husband’s family.

No matter how hard Lorelai tried and how determined she was for her goals, as long as her family could not provide her with a better opportunity, she would still need to work for others. On the contrary, Anastasia was managing a listed jewelry company right after marriage, which had a market value of more than 10 billion.

“Anastasia.” Lorelai stood with a smile as Anastasia made her way to the table.

“Long time no see.” With ease, Anastasia took a seat opposite her.

“I heard that you had taken over Bourgeois. You’re amazing.” Lorelai gave her a heartfelt compliment.

“You are thinking too highly of me. I am just trying to find something to pass time because I get bored at home. Elliot wants me to have fun rather than trying to make a killing.” There was a hint of love in Anastasia’s tone as she said that.

Lorelai had a smile on her face, but the smile did not reach her eyes. “That’s quite sweet of Elliot.”

Happiness was written all over Anastasia’s face. “You’re not wrong. Other than my dad, he is the second man who spoils me rotten.”

“When are you going to have a second child? I remember that Jared is going to be seven soon, isn’t he?” Lorelai was curious.

“We’re not making any plans at the moment. It will come naturally.” Anastasia smiled at the thought. Just then, her phone rang, interrupting their conversation. “Excuse me for a moment.” She nodded at Lorelai and picked up the call. “Hello?”

At the end of the call, Anastasia had already made a decision. “In the future, Bourgeois will never consider the artist from this company to act as our brand’s spokesperson.”

Throughout the call, Anastasia had remained a serious face and once she ended it, Lorelai could finally express her curiosity.”What happened? Is something wrong?”

“It was just about an artist who overestimated her own boundaries,” Anastasia explained casually, but her eyes seemed to bore into Lorelai’s soul. “She tried to seduce Elliot right under my nose in a conference not long ago, but I happened to be aware of it.”

Lorelai’s smile stiffened slowly, and she hung her head low in shame. “That artist must be out of her mind to mess with you.”

“I cut off her endorsement contract and gave her a warning. I am going to blacklist her if she dares to do it again the second time. At present, none of the artists from her company will be given the opportunity to become Bourgeois’ spokesperson.” Anastasia’s smile was gentle, but her eyes pierced through Lorelai intensely.

Lorelai’s knuckles turned white as she held onto her cup tightly, unable to speak as a result. She was aware that it was a warning coming from Anastasia.

“Do you think I made the right choice?” Anastasia questioned with a hint of amusement. As if on cue, Lorelai agreed with her statement. “Right, I thought so too. Nobody shall think about sabotaging your marriage.”

“She is far from being a threat, more like an eyesore to get rid of.” Anastasia sipped her tea and changed the topic. “Let’s not dwell on this matter. We shall talk about something else instead. Have you found a job already?”

“I am currently working in a financial firm.” Lorelai nodded at her.

“Knowing you, I have no doubts you could find a great job. However, it is important to seek love too.” Anastasia smiled.

“I am devoted to my work, and I don’t have any free time to pursue a relationship.”

“I can introduce someone to you if I find them suitable.” Anastasia was enthusiastic about the topic.

“I’m good. You don’t have to.” Lorelai gave a dismissive wave at her suggestion hastily.

Anastasia didn’t insist on it as Lorelai declined. In the meantime, the food was served, so they had steered their conversation to other topics. Anastasia believed that the latter could understand her meaning, even though she had not spoken the obvious.

After finishing their lunch, they both got up to leave. Lorelai took out a suit and showed it to her. “This is the suit Elliot wore yesterday. Do you need help to send it for dry cleaning service?”

“There’s no need to trouble you. I will do it myself,” Anastasia said as she took the suit from Lorelai.

Once they got out of the restaurant, they parted and Anastasia pointed at a car not far away. “My car is over there. See you next time, then.”

“Goodbye.” Lorelai watched Anastasia as she got in the car, where a female bodyguard was waiting in the driver’s seat. The car then sped away.

When the car was out of sight, Lorelai could finally let out a sigh of relief. Anastasia was not a woman to mess with, as she insinuated her disapproval of Lorelai’s misbehavior.

On the other hand, Anastasia took out Elliot’s suit and ordered Adriana, “The suit is ruined. Deal with it.”

“Alright, madam.”

Anastasia thought it was a waste of the nice suit. However, it was now ruined by another woman’s scent. She wouldn’t keep it, and wouldn’t let Elliot wear it either.

She would not be generous when it was concerning her relationship, and she had no other hopes but for Lorelai to behave and stop stirring up trouble for her.

Meanwhile, Sophia was doing household chores in Arthur’s villa.

She was alone in the villa. Emily had gone out shopping, while Arthur had some matters to attend to. Sophia started with organizing his study table, followed by cleaning the dust on every surface.

A familiar signature caught her eyes when she was sorting out Arthur’s files on the table. The signature pressed hard to the paper, showing a hint of grace from the owner’s personality, and it no doubt belonged to Arthur.

Sophia crouched under the table for a better angle to clean. Just then, someone pushed the door open and it startled her, so she hurried to stand.

Suddenly, a thump echoed in the room. As Sophia tried to stand up, she bumped her forehead into the table.

Arthur stared at her with wide eyes from the doorway. He found her holding a cleaning rag in her hand, while another hand was pressed to her forehead.

“What are you doing?” That was all he could manage to ask.

“I’m cleaning the table,” Sophia answered meekly.

Taking in mind her eagerness, Arthur walked toward her and took a close look at her forehead. There was a bump on the spot where she hit hard on the table.

“You should use a cold compress.”

“I’m alright.” Sophia didn’t mind the pain. However, just when she was about to continue the chore, Arthur put an arm around her waist. Shocked, she quickly leaned backward, but he seized the opportunity and pressed her against the table.

“You just can’t wait to repay me?” he teased and closed in.

Before her were a pair of eyes as black as night and cold as stone. They were clear but full of mystery. Sophia felt pressure alone just by looking at Arthur.

Her lips slightly parted in disbelief because she had always thought that the man was cold and distant from the moment she first met him. However, right this moment, he was standing so close to her underneath the afternoon sun.

“I-I do think about repaying you…” Sophia spoke with hesitation.

“Then you shall do it as I prefer,” he demanded. There was a sudden urge building inside him to taste her lips again. Since he kissed her out of the blue in the hotel yesterday, the thought had started to linger on his mind. He had a need to confirm his thoughts, so he simply had to taste the sweetness on her supple lips.

Without further hesitation, Arthur wasted no time and went in for a kiss on her lips.

W-What? His bold actions made Sophia’s mind go blank.

Did he just kiss me again?

Her lean body was soft under his touch. The feeling of their bodies pressed against each other on the table sent a tremor through Arthur’s body, making him feel hot and bothered. The kiss lasted for a long time, as he did it again and again, to prove he was right.

Passion filled the study room.

With her eyes shut, Sophia responded to him eagerly. He was forceful one moment and gentle the next, and she was surprised to feel happy from his actions as if they were in love.

Finally, Arthur broke the kiss and pulled himself away. It was a cue to Sophia as she took to her heels almost immediately. However, passion lingered in the study room, like a reminder to everyone that they had just shared an intimate moment.

Sophia gasped as she returned to the room like a frightened white rabbit. As she covered her red lips, all she could think of was the man’s cool yet domineering kisses, which was way beyond her acceptable limit.

The impression that Arthur gave her was one of abstinence—or was it her illusion? He even mentioned earlier that he wanted to repay her through his own methods, so she suspected that he meant her giving herself to him.

He stood in front of the window walls with one hand in his pocket. Dressed in a black attire from head to toe, he carried with him a tough posture while his gaze reflected the facial expression of his cold handsome face. It also did not help that his breath had become a tad bit unstable. I’m having feelings for Sophia? What the hell is going on?!

His thoughts were proven earlier when everything was spilled out on his desk.

Emily returned from her gallivanting outside as today was yet another shopping spree for her. Behind her was a servant who entered with the items that Emily had purchased.

“All of you should head downstairs!”

The said servant left the items and departed while Emily raised her head to call, “Sophia.”

Sophia pushed open the door to make her presence known and responded from upstairs, “Miss Jennings.”

“Come down and help me to tidy up,” Emily instructed as she sat with crossed legs.

After Sophia came downstairs, Emily asked her to remove the items from their bags to organize them. Then, Emily announced the price of each item that Sophia took out.

“This is a limited edition pair of high heels with a value of a hundred and eighty. Please be careful with it.”

“This pair of silk pajamas cost me ninety thousand. Even a single thread cannot be damaged.”

“This purse has a purchase price of 1.8 million. You won’t be able to compensate me if you damage it.”

Sophia was speechless upon hearing Emily’s words. She could never agree with Emily’s concept of consumption. Obviously she was not jealous of Emily either because she was aware that Emily could use shopping as a way to pass her time.

“Artie, do you think that the dress I bought would look good on me?” Emily took a skirt and compared it to her physique.

Arthur’s hand was on the banister as he stared at the girl bending over to arrange the shopping haul.

When Sophia heard footsteps behind her, she was so frightened that she dropped the bag on the floor and collapsed.

Emily was shocked when she saw the scene before her and blurted out, “You had the nerve to drop the most expensive bag?!”

“I’m sorry,” Sophia apologized quickly.

His long legs walked toward Sophia and he ordered thereafter, “Come out with me.”

“Now?!” She lacked the courage to look Arthur in the eye.

“Yes!”

she informed Emily, “Miss Jennings, let me head

accompany you

allow his bodyguard to drive the car, he slid into the driver seat of an SUV and informed the bodyguard

“Master, we need

“You are not

the gates of the villa. “Young Master Weiss, where are we

a place where we

minds?” She thought about it

on the road ahead of him

that whatever happened between them earlier in the study was a fact! She secretly shot

vehicle that Sophia

than an hour to arrive at the church. By the time they arrived, the mid-afternoon prayer session would

the historical place of worship with a kind of

an aura of distance to him while Sophia went ahead to light up a candle at the front of the altar. When she emerged, she saw him standing next to the door in his slim and graceful height,

was in her own world for a few seconds until the man’s deep gaze landed on her. It was only at that moment when she regained her composure and approached him. Suddenly, she almost lost balance

she lost her balance and fell into his

prevent her from falling, but he was a second late. As Sophia hugged the man, she landed in a kneeling position in front of his legs and

wanted to die on the

in all his time of knowing her, this was

out and helped her to her feet, but her face was

took her hand as his long, slender fingers gripped onto hers. It was evident that he was holding Sophia in a posture that looked

they estimated to be at

that Sophia regretted her decision as she panted. Of all the places that

wasn’t panting and his face wasn’t flushed either. As the wind gently blew his hair into a

can’t climb up anymore?” Arthur asked

that she was under his gaze, she bravely replied, “I can even do it

forced herself to follow from behind as a film of cold

she felt that it was worth the hard work since the view from where they were was breathtaking. The ancient

bottle of water, which he brought from the car. Then, he

bottle was half full, she realized that he had already drunk half of it

against my saliva?” Arthur read

shook her head and sincerely took it with a blushing face before she unscrewed the bottle cap. Who am I to slander? We’ve already kissed,

area of the church where candles could be found for them to use

and say your prayers. They say that miracles occur

it, he followed her suspiciously. Firstly, they left the bright candles at the candle holder at one side of

a wish, the man beside her still had his eyes open as he observed her beautiful yet serious face. It was as

Arthur to subconsciously follow suit and when

eyes in a comical manner, so as to pretend that he was in the midst of offering his

Sophia’s turn to admire him, she realized that he still had

looked even more handsome now that his eyes were closed. His facial features seemed to have been meticulously carved by the angels above with

softly swallowed and harbored

according to plan! I’m the one who seduced him to make

knew that Sophia was sizing him up. As a result, he purposely took his time to open

say, “Young Master Weiss, this is where the young single people meet up to socialize with each other. Do you want to head in and get to know a few

you want me to head in? What about

to since

around

security guards had already knocked off work at this stage and forgot

not

she looked at the time, she couldn’t resist informing him, “I think their staff

so how are we going to

time!” She cupped her face while

sky gradually darkened over in the distance, which meant that nightfall was

Sophia said to Arthur. “If we’re

rain. As they were heading down the steps, he reached out with his hand and explained,

to…” She waved her hand

This woman had been repeatedly too reckless for her safety, so he could predict the kind of dangers that would

in the

and right as she yelled without receiving any response. She cursed as she slapped

this, Arthur, who was next to her, puffed in

we are stuck here,” she growled as

in height next to him before pointing at

and looked around. “How can you climb up

hold the top of the wall. Then, he easily climbed up before

did as instructed, after which he yanked her up with his full

reached out to break her fall. “We’ll jump down together since I’ll be

because I’ll end up injuring you. Stand aside; I’ll jump down on my own.” She

did not mind breaking

nervously moved on the wall in preparation to make

she was an ant in hot water? She should be making the jump

he had already anticipated her reaction and when they made the fall, he tightly hugged her. As she was in shock, she grabbed onto his neck

the rain and now that they were in a tight embrace, it was exceptionally easy for

up without injuring yourself?” an irritated Arthur

felt aggrieved because she had a peaceful upbringing that was devoid of mishaps and injuries! Yet, after running into Arthur, she seemed to be landing herself in all

the car, but he was nowhere in a better shape than her. His hair was glued to his forehead

an embarrassing situation, the moment he pushed his hair to the back, it revealed

and Sophia had just climbed off the

and suggested. It would take about

hotel twenty minutes later. However, he could not get the suite like he expected to as they were all reserved by foreign visitors who

for the time being. Sophia was not picky about their limited choice, but she was

me a double room then.” Having no other choices, Arthur

receptionist stole a glance at him. Even though he was soaking wet, the

in, they entered the

her reflection in the mirror, Sophia crossed her arms around her chest immediately. Oh, god! She was surprised to see her white t-shirt drenched against her

bathroom. Therefore, she suggested, “Mr. Weiss, you may go first. I

that he needed to wait and instead, he

his generosity, Sophia kindly accepted his suggestion. “Alright, I will make it fast

took a shower to clean herself thoroughly

her as soon as she finished showering. She slowly remembered that there were only towels prepared in the bathroom. If she needed a bathrobe, she

dry her hair. Her silky hair cast down her back as

feet five and fair skin which could reflect light; such a combination gave her a perfect appearance. Before she walked out of the bathroom, she took a deep breath and hoped

the couch with his bare chest. He was wearing only his pants right now and his hip

to shower.” Pulling the towel close to her body, she walked out of the bathroom and informed him

took the view in. A glint flashed

so this was the first

usual. Instead, his eyes were bright as

Arthur’s height enveloped her like a net. Sophia looked up immediately to prevent him from making any sudden moves. Just as she thought he was going

snarky comeback against his remark. However, needless for him to say, she was always aware of her

him, Arthur had already entered the bathroom and

she half expected to see him with a towel around his waist

the bathrobe from the cabinet and changed into the attire. It was a brand new experience for her to only

door to reveal himself. Water was still dripping from his hair and he was in his towel as Sophia

could see, he had fair skin, but it did not mean that his body was not kept in shape. He had a toned body with visible

are we heading home later?” She waited for

bodyguard to send us some clothes. He is on his way.” Using the towel she left on the bed to dry his hair,

limited in the room, they were looking at

malicious thought occurred to him as he observed

is probably only wearing a bathrobe,

was wondering about the same thing. Arthur

that thought in mind, she reminded him, “The

the cabinet, he took out a bathrobe and wore it. Right after

her eyes were glued on him from the beginning, her breath came to a sudden stop as he undressed before her. Did he

front of

look at her. As soon as their eyes

you had a boyfriend before?” Feeling bored as he was waiting for clean clothes, Arthur popped a question

like a

As she answered his question, she pretended to be

boyfriends did you have?”

“Just one.”

did

“Pardon?”

embracing, kissing, or sleeping with each other… At which stage were you guys at?” Arthur’s eyes stared intensely into hers and his voice sounded like he

question, Sophia stuttered,

question later.” His eyes did not waver

at the suggestion and considered it. In her opinion, it would not be a bad

done with a man was sharing

his eyebrow with a hint of satisfaction when he heard

straight face even though she was certainly not telling the truth. Remembering her promised right, she tested the waters.

elbows on the bed. He then lifted his chin and fixed

girlfriends have you had

all,” he answered

and spoke her mind, “I don’t believe any of your words! You must

like

on his words with thoughts running through her mind. If he thinks he can

she wanted to know, she decided to change the topic. Arthur might never have had any serious relationship, but could he say

answer was a surprise

she shot him another question.

shocked expression, she stared at him while having a hard time believing his words.

he had been only kissing one woman,

time believing it because you were so good at kissing last time.” Sophia intended

is kissing.” However, Arthur was serious with an explanation. A smug smile slowly formed on his face as he explained, “Are you trying

she shook her head hard. “I’m not!” I am not going to stroke

at her denial with displeasure. Is she trying to say I lack

with determination and walked toward her. “Why don’t you tell me how I

closing their distance, her whole body tensed as she

opinions regarding this matter? He is

closed the distance between them. With his face staying dangerously close to her, his hands cupped her face. “Why don’t you try

lips

Sophia was so mad at him, thinking that he was only looking for excuses to kiss her. But soon enough, the woody scent of cedar filled her mind and it became

The thought of Arthur had been on her mind lately and she

him. Was it that time when he risked himself to save her at the beach; or the moment he tried to rescue her but ended

had someone sacrificed himself for her like he did aside

everything was going out of her control. Right now, he was giving off a dangerous vibe as though he could devour her with the

go of her promptly. Emotions were surging in his eyes and his face showed a trace of him restraining himself. Moreover, he felt like his body was burning in a

was confused by the results. At the same time, even if he wanted to trigger a reaction out of her

grew heavier between them, someone rang