Never Too Far Novel

In fact, Elliot owned the hotel. The moment Anastasia entered the room, the man who had promised to listen to her trapped her against the door with his blazing gaze upon her.

“Sorry, sweetheart, but I’m not going to let you go tonight,” he apologized before pressing his lips against hers aggressively.

She was the only person who knew how he would behave after forsaking his sophisticated and cold image, which was shown to the public; beneath that facade lay a beast.

Still, it was early to determine who was the one in control tonight as Anastasia was the siren waiting for her husband to take the bait.

Otherwise, she would not have let her hair down in the elevator and made eyes at him while being all touchy by linking arms with him or leaning on him. The coy act was to display her charms to appeal to Elliot, who was the only one who could enjoy that treatment.

One of her little entertainments after tying the knot was to see her husband being assertive; that was why he could not hold himself back against such temptations.

However, he was oblivious of his wife’s little ploy.

After the long and deep night came the morning.

The sunlight streamed upon a girl’s beautiful face in the other room and woke her up. The first thing Sophia did after opening her eyes was to look at the man next to her.

Little did she know that he had been watching her the whole time with a smile while propping himself sideways with his arms supporting his head.

“Naughty girl.” The endearment escaped his sexy lips.

Embarrassed, she covered her face with the blanket. “No, I’m not.”

“Well, you’re right considering how many times you said ‘stop’ last night.” Arthur pulled her leg when he could.

Her face turned crimson as she dared not recall what had happened last night. Everything felt so real since she was now sober, but she would never regret it.

It was then that his arm wrapped around her body gently and he whispered sweet nothings into her ear, “I’ll take responsibility for you for the rest of your life.”

She turned her head to meet at his determined gaze before smiling. “You don’t have to be responsible for what happened last night.”

Arthur was baffled for a moment before staring at her nervously. “Sophia, what do you mean by that? Was last night merely a game to you?”

She blinked her beady eyes. “Can we not think about the future just yet? Let’s focus on the present and cherish it. I’m satisfied as long as you’re by my side.”

It was because she dared not think of the future, which scared her.

However, he was disheartened as he felt himself being played with; Sophia’s cool manner had hurt him.

“I’m going to the bathroom for a while,” she said before getting out of bed.

He removed the blanket to get out of the bed too, but his eyes were fixated onto the red stain on the bed. It tightened his heart and the strong resolution to take care of her surged in him.

Regardless of her attitude, he had made up his mind to be her only toy in her lifetime.

Feeling the water flowing from her head to toe, she was not sure if the droplets on her face were tears or water.

When she came out with wet hair and reddened eyes, the hickeys on her exposed areas were visible.

A startled Arthur came over and cupped her cheeks to take a closer look at her eyes. She then hastily lowered her head to dodge his gaze as she was afraid that he could see through her frail heart.

“What’s wrong with your eyes? They’re red.”

“The water must’ve gotten into my eyes. It kinda burns.” Sophia simply glossed it over by making up an excuse while blinking her eyes profusely.

“Let’s go to the hospital,” he suggested.

“No.” She shook her head. “I’ll buy an eye drop later. It should be fine.”

He cupped her face again to check on her eyes as his heart ached. “Stay here. I’ll buy one for you right now.”

Having said that, he immediately changed his clothes and left. She did not stop him because her mind was in a mess as well. She figured that she might as well take the time to calm herself down.

Once Arthur was gone, Sophia’s eyes became teary again. When she gazed at the bed, a smile appeared on her lips as she knew she was not going to regret it forever.

Even if he was not the one who would walk down the aisle with her—or even not walking down one at all—she acknowledged him as the man whom she loved the most in this lifetime.

Fifteen minutes later, he rushed upstairs with every eye drop he could find in the drugstore.

Momentarily stunned, she picked the one she normally used and asked him to help her with it before lying on the bed.

He looked at her peaceful expression and landed a soft kiss on her forehead. He was not going to go anywhere; he would stay by her side until her eyes got better.

At that moment, his phone rang before he looked at it with a frown. Although it was an important call, he did not answer it nevertheless.

During noon, they had lunch with Elliot and Anastasia, and the atmosphere was great. While the women chatted away about jewelry, the men listened to them attentively.

Then, Elliot accompanied Anastasia to the company to deal with some work whereas Arthur and Sophia returned home.

She was exhausted by the time they got home, so he stayed by her side until she drifted into dreamland.

It was not until then that he made a phone call and the receiver picked up the line immediately. “Young Master Weiss, where are you?”

“What’s the matter?”

“Three days ago, the family’s bank account was short of one billion. We need you to come back to look into it.”

“I’ll leave it to you.”

“Young Master Weiss, it’s not only about the money. It’s about the company’s succession too. You must come over.”

The glint in Arthur’s eyes simmered. “Alright. I’ll return soon.”

“Please be back within a week.”

“You can trust me with that.” After ending the call, he let out a sigh.

In the next three days, Arthur and Sophia barely went downstairs other than meal time. It was as if nothing could hinder their love after having broken through that intimate stage. Nothing mattered more than spending time together with each other.

Back in Goodwin Residence, Drake heard the news of Sophia’s boyfriend from Emma, which sparked the curiosity of the man’s identity. Although he could accept a guy with a normal background, it was important for him to be hard-working in life.

Since the family business would be taken over by Sophia, it was best for her to find someone who was capable in handling company affairs so as to lead a better life.

“Honey, I’m so curious about the guy. Why don’t we take a look in secret?” Emma had not been eating or sleeping well these days. Nothing seemed to pique her interest, yet she was eager to know what kind of man her daughter was dating.

A parent would have to send their daughter away when they got married someday and the elderly couple had come to terms with it. Not to mention that Sophia was turning twenty-four this year, which was about the appropriate age to start thinking about marriage.

Drake shared the same thought as well and he nodded in agreement. “I’ll have someone positioned after them to capture some photos for us. We mustn’t surprise them.”

“Okay. Ask your assistant to do so. Tell him to take a clear picture of the man’s face, not his back,” requested Emma.

At the drop of a hat, he contacted his assistant to hide at either the entrance of Sophia’s neighborhood or the underground parking lot. As the pictures were compulsory to be delivered by today, the assistant hit the road instantly to accomplish his mission as ordered.

On one hand, Sophia was cuddling in Arthur’s arms on the couch at home, sniffing his scent as happiness filled her to the brim.

He revealed his casual and gentle side of an ideal boyfriend to her, which was unknown to anyone else.

The simple gray T-shirt looked captivating on him. Despite the ordinary fabric, it looked like a high-end custom made design since he was wearing it. The aura of a young master dissipated as his fringe covered his forehead, making him look younger and more handsome. He could easily make one’s heart skip a beat at first sight while looking like that.

This explained why Sophia felt time was flying by so fast during the last three days she spent with Arthur. He was either hugging her the entire time or she was clinging onto him the rest of the hour; they basically could not leave each other’s side.

It was as if they had entrusted their whole world to each other. There was nothing else that bothered them besides their love.

“Where do you wanna go tomorrow?”

“The amusement park! Are you willing to go with me?” asked Sophia.

Arthur kissed her lips in response and answered in a horse voice, “Of course, I am.”

She shoved him away bashfully. “Stop it!”

“Oh? Does my naughty girl not want it?” He teased her because of what had happened during the night she got drunk.

intentions. Now, the man kept calling her with that nickname

in herself in the face of his charms? That was how the afternoon turned into

the big bad wolf finally took her out

the hiding assistant quickly lifted the

did not let the opportunity slip through his fingers as the couple were all lovey-dovey in front of him. They played ‘rock, paper, scissors’ in which Arthur

her in his arms. She buried her face into his chest in embarrassment while thinking, Thank goodness no one is here.

dream had she expected the scene to be recorded by Drake’s assistant, who sent

the couple left, the assistant exclaimed in his head, Miss Goodwin truly has an eye for men.

assistant’s news at home. When Drake’s phone rang, he answered it excitedly. “How did

accomplished, President Goodwin. I’ll send the video over to you right now. Congrats! Miss Goodwin’s boyfriend is handsome and tall. They look

the talking. Hurry up and send it to me!” He could not wait

beside him, his phone received a notification. He clicked

they could easily recognize the man’s face

found out that the man

out as well. After taking a closer look, she became anxious. “Why is Sophia with him? He’s not a good guy. She must

anything about the Weisses. I reckon he’s a mafia from abroad. Sophia must not be with him and I will never accept him as my son-in-law.” He was so livid

how did our lovely daughter end up

left a good impression on the couple since the first meeting, so it prompted a reasonable

seeing that Arthur somehow exuded the air of a mafia leader. Judging from how he visited with a group of bodyguards previously, it was highly possible that he was

in the city center and

eat here?

himself upon hearing so. “What’s up? Are you already starting to think about my spending

rolled her eyes at him while smiling. “Yes, we’re spending your money, but it still pains me to see you spending like this. I’m worried you’ll use up all

for this young woman really knew nothing about his ancestry. Of course, he had no plans of telling her now either. “Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal even

her ringtone suddenly sounded like an incantation. She jolted upon

don’t make a sound, okay? It’s my mom,” explained Sophia as she hushed the man sitting across from

quiet, not wanting to cause her any

the

home this instant. Your dad and

you okay, Mom?

something urgent to talk to you about. Come home quickly. We’re

home at 2.00PM,

You have to come home, get it?” Emma

for she knew the two were together as they spoke. Emma and Drake just wanted to keep Sophia in

me to go home for

I’ll send you

drop you off at my place first.”

to meet your parents.” Arthur

about it first.” After all, she knew all too well how her parents

she dropped him off

for her mom and dad

her parents sitting gravely on the couch, looking like they

what is it?” Sophia couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. It had been a long time since she last saw this kind of expression on her parents. They didn’t even pull this

Emma called out to her sternly. “We have something

slammed his hand on the armrest. “Tell me the truth, Sophia. Are you living with that guy named Weiss at your

Arthur and her face flushed in an

to give her a good beating. Ultimately, she couldn’t bring herself to do so, letting her arm hang mid-air for a few seconds before lowering it. “What is up with you? There

that things were now out in the open, Sophia knew she could only admit it. “That’s right, Mom and

he is?! It’s so blindly obvious that he’s from a shady background. Who knows, he might be a money launderer or even someone from the underworld. No good will come out of this if you date someone like him.” Emma was livid with oncoming tears. She couldn’t believe the daughter she had

Artie isn’t from the underworld, and his family does honest dealings. It’s just

they from, then?” Drake

know either,

dating him! Are you going to help him count his money after he tricks you and sells you off?” Never did Emma

the man,” Drake ordered, not wanting to see his

this point, you have to break up with him. Your father and I will find a good family for you

you two, but I love him, and I don’t want to break up with him.” The next second, she dashed out of this place; she knew that if she didn’t run, her parents would very likely lock her up in this house and forbid her from going

as the latter got into the car and left. The couple exchanged a glance at

has gotten our daughter for good,” said Emma fumingly, but she then recalled how good-looking Arthur was. That man looked like he

background. However, not only was this man mysterious and unfathomable, he was filthy rich and crazy powerful. Evidently,

red light, she made a call

voice came from the other end of the

relationship. I’m coming back now. We might have to move out of my house,” said Sophia.

and talk to your

and dad looked when they talked about you. They seriously

into letting us date.” Arthur tried to

turned apprehensive. “No,

the road now, so you shouldn’t get too emotional. I’ll be waiting for you at home,” he replied while trying to

little. At last, after parking her car, she dashed right home and threw herself

don’t want us to separate, Arthur. I don’t want to lose you. I want us to be together for the rest of our lives,” Sophia cried out emotionally

hair as he cooed, “You won’t lose me. You’ll never have to worry

not of the future. What man would he be if he couldn’t even protect the

the one his heart had dead

the heart of Flor, and in that manor

family’s lineage could be traced back to two hundred years ago. They were as wealthy as a nation; their business

a young woman sat restlessly on the couch. She

into a bun approached the young woman and held her hand. “Relax, Emily. I’ve asked

heard the news. “Mom,

inherit the head of the Weiss Family. By then, he’ll have to pick a woman amongst Flor’s most affluent families to become his wife. Do you think you can

named Sophia Goodwin. Mom, what should I do?” Anxious, Emily’s eyes turned red-rimmed from oncoming tears. “I’ve liked him ever since I was little. My dream has always been marrying him and becoming the matriarch of the Weiss Family. But now, my dream is about to be

herself into her mother’s arms, crying anxiously while unwilling to resign to her

Vera as she patted her daughter’s back, and she soothed Emily by saying, “Don’t worry. You will become Mrs. Weiss. I’m sure

as she had none herself. Arthur was initially supposed to return with them, but he ended up going back on Marth’s wish and stayed there because

to see what the elderly woman thought of this, only to discover that she didn’t seem at all anxious. It was like

SUV pulled in, and Vera went out to welcome her husband home. Meanwhile, the man approached her with a briefcase in his hand, looking somewhat tired. Vera thoughtfully took her husband’s coat from him and handed it to their maid for dry-cleaning when she smelled

to a highly classified project. The man was already a world-renowned scientist, and he held a very high standing with the Weiss Family; even Martha trusted him very

the same time, the likeliest candidate to become the future Mrs. Weiss out of the other young women Martha had chosen for

I need to talk to you about,” said Vera while bringing her husband’s

it? Has Emily thrown another

“Let’s talk in

Johnny followed his dear wife into the study, and after closing the door, Vera asked, “Are there any updates on the research findings you told me the other

“We’ve succeeded.”

in time for the

was about to drink his tea when he paused mid-air. He looked at his wife

You’ve dedicated your life’s work to the Weiss Family; you deserve more than this, and our Emily shall become the

Johnny, too, had utter confidence

not to return to Flor because of a girl? One that he wants to marry, and this girl poses a massive threat to Emily’s future. Johnny,

seconds. “You want me to use the

young woman. Only then will Emily be able to marry Arthur. Are you willing to see

was a kind of serum that

from a human’s central and peripheral nervous system, ultimately

now, his wife wanted him to use the inchoate

not absolutely certain it will work on

much confidence you have in this serum. Young Master Weiss will be returning to Flor real soon, and I’m just asking you to remove that girl from his memory. As for the

Wiping it away from Young Master Weiss’ memories

nodded in agreement. Their daughter’s happiness was the most important

his successful reassuring. Running away really wasn’t going to solve

that she and Arthur would be going over later that night to talk

receive the call. At the very least, Sophia was willing to come home to them and not

over then. I’ll

Arthur driving, the couple

to admit that Sophia and Arthur made a lovely couple now that they were seeing it for themselves. However, they still couldn’t accept the two being

Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin. Please allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Arthur Weiss. Though I’m Florian, I hold a local passport. If

in shock as he had never brought any of it up with

and Emma exchanged a glance,

love Sophia, and I intend to marry her. I hope you can accept me as

or hold any responsibility for their relationship. Everything that happened between her and Arthur was of her own free will, yet this man

Drake bore into

outstanding or perfect either. Meanwhile, I’m sure you’re from an affluent family. Can you really only love her your whole life?” Emma questioned, leading Sophia to stop

without a second of

He was willing to sacrifice anything for their daughter, which was something most men were not

Emma went to prepare dinner while the rest of them went to

said your family’s huge, so what exactly do you guys

international investments. We’ll be here all day if I list them all out,

Family’s business this massive? Just how wealthy are they, and what kind of superrich

arose in Sophia as she listened to

and is able to mobilize so many connections at such a young age. Who’d have thought he’s the young master of a

sensed his beloved’s bundled-up fingers, and he reached his hand out to hold them,