Never Too Far Novel

Emily found her way to the cafe as she had asked Arthur’s bodyguards for his whereabouts, but she didn’t expect to find Sophia with him.

Arthur frowned as he saw her standing before them, while Sophia had already gotten up from her seat. “Miss Jennings, you can join Young Master Weiss. I shall be going.”

“I’ll see you off.” Emily faked a smile and wrapped her arm around Sophia as they walked out of the cafe. Sophia was forced to reciprocate the feigned intimacy as she walked beside Emily nervously.

Once they went out of the cafe, Emily’s expression changed into one of detest as she shoved Sophia forward and warned, “Sophia, stop harassing Artie, or else I’ll make you pay.”

The truth was far from what Emily said. Sophia never planned to cling to Arthur, and it was a mere coincidence that Arthur and she met at the funeral.

Therefore, she answered calmly, “Don’t worry. I’m not harassing him or anything. Even more, I don’t plan to.”

“I’m not going to trust any of your words. Have you ever wondered how influential his family is? Your life is a far cry from his!” Emily was staring at Sophia with folded arms; she didn’t even bother to hide her disdain. “It’s only your wishful thinking for him to fall in love with you! Furthermore, don’t try your luck. You’ll only suffer.”

Sophia looked into her eyes and replied, “First of all, I won’t categorize people into particular groups based on their background. Even though you’re born with a silver spoon, you need to respect others.”

“You—” Emily’s words were cut short as she didn’t expect a comeback from Sophia.

Sophia continued, “Sorting out the relationship is a matter which needs to be settled between Mr. Weiss and me. You’ve no right to meddle in our business.” Her eyes were icy cold as Emily’s superior attitude irritated her.

“You!” Emily tried, but no words came out either. It was just like last time.

“If you have feelings for Young Master Weiss, you’re free to pursue him. As for the result, it depends on you. Don’t take it out on me.” As if she didn’t notice Emily’s condition, Sophia continued.

Emily’s cheeks reddened at her words. Is she trying to imply I’ll not succeed?

She glared at Sophia. “If it wasn’t for your interference, I would have become his girlfriend sooner.”

Sophia chuckled. “You’ve always thought lowly of me. If so, there aren’t many things I can do to catch his attention, unless he’s a fool to fall for me easily.”

“How dare you call Artie a fool!” Emily was so enraged she raised her hand, about to slap Sophia.

At that moment, Arthur stepped out of the cafe and strode toward them. He had been listening to their conversation for a while and decided to step forward to prevent any further conflict. As he settled into a stance, he glared at Emily. “Emily, stop it.”

When she saw him showing up, the first thought that appeared in Sophia’s mind was to look for an escape route. I can’t believe he’s right behind us! How long has he been eavesdropping?

As she turned on her heels to make an escape for the elevator, Arthur’s voice echoed behind her. “Stop right there.”

He was reconsidering his opinion about Sophia. Seeing the other side of her was a surprise to him and he found it amusing as he walked toward her. “You’re running away after you called me a fool?”

Sophia had no choice but to turn around and face him. As she looked into his deep eyes, she explained, “I-I didn’t mean to call you a fool.”

“You did!” Seeing an opportunity, Emily joined in.

“Miss Jennings, you don’t understand. I’m saying that Young Master Weiss would be a fool to fall for me.” At that, she gloated over her wise comeback and asked for Arthur’s opinion. “Young Master Weiss, you’re not interested in me, right?”

“Of course, I’m not,” he answered between gritted teeth.

Sophia cast a glance at Emily with a blooming victorious smile on her face. “Did you hear him? He doesn’t like me!”

Emily stared at her speechlessly as she had the feeling that it was a perfunctory act.

Looking straight into Arthur’s eyes, Sophia reminded him, “Young Master Weiss, please clarify that there is nothing between us, or else your pursuer—Miss Jennings—will misunderstand.”

Even though the odd feeling still lingered within Emily, she was deprived of the chance to talk back as Sophia stepped into the elevator. She turned to Arthur involuntarily and saw him stare at the shut elevator door with mixed feelings.

“How rude of her!” In the end, Emily could only harrumph a response.

After Sophia left the cafe, she took a taxi to get home. Enjoying the breezy evening wind swaying her face, she was concurrently searching for an answer in her blank mind.

He agreed that he’s not interested in me. That’s impossible to be a lie, she thought.

At that moment, her cell phone notified her of a new message. She checked her phone to read it and found a message from Arthur with only two words.

She gaped at the message. Damn! He sent me a message only to scold me!

‘Mr. Weiss. Please remember you’re a decent man,’ she replied to him immediately.

Arthur then sent a reply message. ‘You don’t have any conscience.’

‘You’re right, I don’t. You’ve seen through my disguise and shall stop seeing people like me from now on.’ Sophia had given up on saving her image.

He asked again, ‘Do you think falling for you is what a fool would do?’

Meanwhile, Emily was gazing at the scenery outside in the car heading back to the villa. Beside her was Arthur typing messages on his phone. The corners of his lips turned up from time to time to indicate his good mood, even though his fingers betrayed that he was terrible at replying to text messages.

“Artie?” When she turned and found him smiling, she asked, “Who are you chatting with?”

“A friend.” His answer was simple.

Emily noticed a hint of amusement in Arthur’s expression as if he was having fun from the interaction, so she mustered her courage and asked for further information. “Who is your friend?”

“You don’t know them,” he answered as he checked the phone and broke into a wide smile at the message content.

Sophia’s reply read, ‘I said the wrong thing just now. Please forgive me.’

Sophia was riding in a taxi; the sunset view could no longer catch her attention as she felt nervous waiting to receive his response. What’s wrong with me? Am I having fun now?

‘I’m home. Gotta go.’ She typed on her phone and sent the message before shoving her cell phone back into her bag.

However, her determination only lasted for a while. When she heard a message notification, she looked for her cell phone in the bag and checked the message.

‘It isn’t a bad thing to become likable. At least be honored by it.’

Sophia was taken aback. What does he mean? Does he have feelings for me?

Deciding that it was a wise choice to let the topic end here, she replied with a message. ‘I’m home.’

Arthur stopped sending her any messages, so she paid for the ride and got out of the taxi. As she walked home while staring at her phone, someone halted her.

“Miss Goodwin, Old Madam Weiss would like to see you.” Sophia raised her head and found the middle-aged bodyguard from the last time addressing her. She hid her phone behind her involuntarily when she heard Martha was looking for her.

“Sure.” Sophia nodded and followed him into the car. It was when they eventually arrived at a nearby cafe that he let her off.

As usual, Martha was waiting for her in a private room. The moment she saw Martha, the guilt washed over her as she had been spending time with Arthur not long ago.

Sophia greeted her politely, “Old Madam Weiss.”

“Take a seat.” Martha gestured at the sofa.

As she took a seat, Martha asked her without mincing her words. “I heard that you lost our family heirloom that Artie gifted to you?”

Sophia nodded. “Yes, I lost it. He didn’t give it to me, though. I’m the one who snatched it from his neck accidentally and lost it later.”

“Arthur didn’t give it to you as a gift?” Martha asked in surprise.

Sophia explained in detail how she had the necklace in the first place, brought the necklace with her to a foreign country, and lost it on a return trip home. Lastly, she apologized, “Old Madam Weiss, I’m sorry about what happened. Please don’t blame Mr. Weiss for it. He’s trying to retrieve the necklace too.”

“He took over your father’s company to force you to return to the country. That’s so him.” After hearing her explanation, Martha remarked with mixed emotions.

“Indeed. Mr. Weiss now has returned my father’s company and I’ll help him to look for the lost necklace.” Sophia revealed everything to Martha with full honesty.

Martha was well-experienced and perceptive. She saw through the facade of Arthur asking Sophia’s help to look for the necklace and understood his purpose. Truth be told, he was using it as an excuse to keep Sophia at his side.

“Miss Goodwin, I’ll keep an eye on the secondhand market for the necklace. For now, I only need your help for one thing. I need you to leave Artie.” She was brisk at handling things as a full plan was formed in her mind and she spoke it immediately. “I have an idea. Do as I say.”

“Old Madam Weiss.” Sophia gaped at the elder woman dressed in a refined outfit and luxurious pieces of jewelry. “What do you want me to do?”

“You’ll need to bring a guy you know to see Artie and tell him in person that you love the guy. If Artie’s feelings for you don’t waver, then the two of you will get engaged. Besides, I’ll compensate for your loss because I promised to treat you with care.” Martha was hoping Arthur could make a firm decision on his love life as she knew Sophia wasn’t the best suitor for him.

Sophia stared at the phone on the table with hesitation. Martha’s words hurt Sophia badly as if it stung her heart. However, she agreed with Martha’s plan eventually. “All right. I’ll follow your plan.”

“I hope you can put on your best acting because Artie is very observant. Beware not to let him find out anything.”

“I will,” Sophia answered with a nod meekly as she lowered her eyes.

At that time, she received a message on her phone. She took a quick glance at the message that appeared on the screen.

‘What are you doing right now?’ The sender stated Arthur’s name.

“That’s all for today. I won’t blame you for losing our family heirloom.” Martha waved in dismissal. “It’s not your fault at all. You can go now.”

out, the bodyguard who had been waiting offered to send her

at Arthur’s messages, she had lost the mood to reply long

a deep breath, she

the other side of the phone answered with a clear voice. “Hey, girl! Do you already

saw no point in beating around the bush. “Can I ask you a

I

be

best at doing this kind of thing!

ask. I’ll tell

wait

Sophia took and let out another deep breath. The man whom she sought help from earlier

quick glance at it, she wasn’t surprised

he was enjoying their interaction since he found exchanging messages interesting, she didn’t bother to reply. When he didn’t get her response, he decided

the “mute” button eventually. Sinking

when she left it unattended.

him to keep calling her without knowing to take a break.

stopped sharply just as she was pondering and not answering it. This time, Arthur sent her a message instead.

met. Even a new friend wouldn’t receive such cold treatment from her. However,

I’m sorry, Arthur.

For instance, even though she only stayed in the atelier for a few days, she could still recognize from the pictures she had gone through that the jewelry

never wish for attention from a noble

so far. The kisses were merely affected by the dopamine

Arthur stopped sending her any

that interested in me,

early in the morning at 8:00 AM in Elliot’s villa.

that he had been grieving recently, she got out of bed without a second thought to look for him and eventually found him

gray shirt today with an apron tied around his waist to make breakfast for

still in her pajamas, she walked toward Elliot, who was stirring the

though there was silence hanging between them, he could feel her unspoken love.

wake him up,” Anastasia answered, but she was reluctant to move from her spot.

turned around and pressed a kiss on her hair. Just when he moved down for her lips, she avoided him.

that, he tried to close their

out of the kitchen with a giggle and headed upstairs. After she had woken up Jared, she cleaned

showed up once again in the kitchen, she wrapped her arms

the determination to protect his family was built within

a hearty breakfast, the three went to a horse ranch nearby. Jared had a pony that belonged to him there. He was practicing alone on the ranch while his parents

fallen into distress as if his life was at stake after he received a call. Climbing to the rooftop, he took out

phone rang and he answered,

“Have you decided?”

away. I don’t think it’s a wise decision to

result before 3:00 PM. Or else, you’ll lose your freedom and stay

Fine, I’ll

The man on the other side ended the

cigarette with shaking hands as he finished the previous one. Then, he took a deep inhale and wiped away

had threatened him with a video featuring him and a married woman. The content of the video was enough of an evidence for adultery to imprison

walked onto the rooftop. They greeted him when they saw him. “Mr. Campbell, are

about me.” Once again, he wiped the sweat away and put the cigarette out before he left

got into her childhood friend’s car

planned to seize the opportunity to pack up her things in

home right now. Then, she sent him a

Weiss, are

replied,

she was close to the destination, Sophia didn’t bother to reply to him as she

confidently. “I’ll definitely break his heart for your sake.” At that, he brushed his hair to make the best look. He was all groomed up today for

car toward the

“He’s very wealthy.”

he as handsome as

him and consoled,

James chuckled at her while feeling that his confidence was boosted. “Or else, I’d have nothing to compete against a wealthy and

received a message from Arthur. ‘Why didn’t you answer my calls or reply to my messages last

‘I muted my phone and fell

you coming over

my things. I’ll be there soon,’ she

study room and checked on his messages. As he read Sophia’s reply, he knitted his brows and wondered, Is

he walked out of the

to allow the visitor access. He

man standing in the garden, he became dejected as his confidence

over there is the best among all! Not only is he handsome, but he even has a strong aura, good taste in picking outfits, a stunning look, a toned body, and an

she held his hand and led him toward Arthur

as she introduced James, “This is my boyfriend, James. He’s here to

his eyes and asked coldly,

James. Sophia and I are childhood sweethearts.” James reached

a perfunctory glance before turning to Sophia

the remark. “You

my things.” At that, she held James’

reciprocated her act as both of them walked into the

at home now as Emily accompanied Martha on a trip, so Sophia seized the convenient timing to pack

began packing her clothes. Beside her, James whispered,

to stop talking. Bored, James pulled open a drawer in her

come pack

she heard

moment, an idea flashed across her mind and she raised her

disbelief as he pointed at himself to confirm her

hesitation and gesturing at the door, he

put her lingeries into the suitcase, he stumbled on a

she shot him a glare at his clumsiness. When she was about to push James away, she noticed someone

James’ neck even though he didn’t plan to maintain the position any longer. However,

open and found the two of them about

at the sight and asked in an

any errors ( broken links,

my girlfriend.” James quickly slid into his role.

“We’re

right, all right. I’ll listen to you for now. I’ve prepared a candlelight dinner for tonight, so we can enjoy a romantic night

could only blush coquettishly at his words. Even though she wouldn’t even dare look at Arthur’s

saw everything when James went straight for Sophia’s lingerie in the closet and

from the ground. She passed her luggage to

courage to look into his eyes which seemed to have a deep meaning beneath.

her the opportunity to resist. “Come with me for

me!” However, he didn’t spare her any time to struggle out of his grip as he led her

from behind, but Sophia was already being

oppressive before he pinned her against the door. His fresh scent enveloped her as he leaned forward to question her with a cold tone. “You dare to flirt with me

she saw his stony face and

insisted, “I’m sorry, b-but I

stop me when I kissed you in the hotel that day. Can’t you remember?” If that was the

she nudged him. “Don’t do this. My boyfriend’s

we kissed? Does

Her face was

after all. He’ll forgive

Arthur was confused as he had initiated an investigation on her. The man who showed up today was not

week. He’s really my boyfriend,” Sophia explained promptly to make him

His eyes turned cold when he asked as if

expression was a heart-wrenching view for her. However, she had no choice but to lie to him. Shutting her eyes, and in the most solemn tone she could manage, she said, “We had done

solid with a precise time. Nobody

as he took a step back, indicating that she succeeded

quickly before she walked out of the

here. Seeing Sophia coming down, he asked

run away from here

He immediately returned to his role as he held Sophia close and warned the other man, “Please stay away from my girlfriend from now

widened at him as she only hoped

did she ever tell you that she and I shared a room before? And did she tell you

Sophia in disbelief. He could not

with no choice, she played along. “I’m sorry, James. Please

quickly took hold of her hand. “It’s alright. I know that I’ve made you feel left out when I was abroad, but I

brows furrowed tightly after he failed to

us. We love each other and we’re going to get engaged next month,” she added solemnly. Since they had taken things this

would ever be unwavered like you when his woman has been intimate with

finger on my girlfriend again, I won’t let you off the hook that easily,”

his evil intentions, engulfed by his handsome face, had

could discern the chest muscles underneath Arthur’s shirt; he seemed strong and it was

crushing his lips onto hers