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.

drinking that night with such naughty intentions. Now, the man kept calling her with that nickname in a teasing tone until it naturally

face of his charms? That was how the afternoon turned

bad wolf finally took her out for a grand meal in order

underground parking lot, where the hiding assistant quickly lifted the camera to take pictures

him. They played ‘rock, paper, scissors’ in which Arthur lost the game and had to carry

the end, he carried her in his arms. She buried her face into his chest in embarrassment while thinking, Thank goodness

her wildest dream had she expected the scene to be recorded by Drake’s assistant,

Goodwin

meantime, Drake and Emma had been waiting for the assistant’s news at home. When Drake’s phone rang, he answered it

Goodwin. I’ll send the video over to you right now. Congrats! Miss Goodwin’s boyfriend is handsome and

it to me!” He could not wait any

together nervously. When she sat down beside him, his

bright in the parking lot, they could easily recognize the man’s face when Sophia was walking toward the camera while

he found out that

look, she became anxious. “Why is Sophia with him? He’s not a good guy. She must be fooled by him.

mafia from abroad. Sophia must not be with him and I will never accept him as my son-in-law.” He

did our lovely daughter end

had never left a good impression on the couple

of a mafia leader. Judging from how he visited with a group

restaurant in the city center and began to worry if Arthur’s bank

to eat here? It looks pretty

already starting

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

he had no plans of telling

sounded like an incantation. She jolted upon seeing the

sound, okay? It’s my mom,” explained Sophia as she hushed the man sitting

in reply and kept quiet, not wanting to cause

answered the call. “Hey,

Come home this instant. Your dad and I need

Mom? Is it Dad?”

us. We just have something urgent to talk to you about. Come home quickly. We’re waiting for you

I’ll come home

come

knew the two were together as they spoke. Emma and Drake just wanted to keep Sophia in line. As for others, there was nothing they could

wants me to go home

I’ll send

first.” Sophia planned

date to meet your parents.” Arthur was more than ready to face

just yet. I’ll find out what they think about it

dropped him off at her place before heading to her

dad to call her home so

sitting gravely on the couch, looking like they were expecting

Dad, 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 countenance when

Emma called out to her sternly. “We have something to

tensed up as she walked over and sat across from them. Suddenly, Drake slammed his hand on the armrest. “Tell me the truth, Sophia.

wasn’t mentally prepared when she heard her parents exposing her affair with Arthur and her face flushed

and wanted 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 are so many good men out there; why do you have to

she could only admit it. “That’s right, Mom

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

upset. Artie isn’t from the underworld, and his family does honest dealings.

from, then?” Drake

choked at that. To be honest, she didn’t know either, for she

to help him count his money after he tricks you and sells you

I don’t want you to have anything to do with the man,” Drake ordered, not wanting to see his daughter ruined in the hands of

on this. No matter how far you guys have gone at this point, you have to break up with him. Your father and I will find a good

disappoint 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

instant, Sophia!” Emma chased after her, but she could only watch as the latter got into the car and left. The

That man looked like he could be

an honest background. However, not only was this man mysterious and unfathomable, he was filthy rich and crazy powerful. Evidently, he was a guy who

at a red light, she

His deep, melodious voice came from the other

my parents have found out about our relationship. I’m coming back now. We might have to move out of my house,” said Sophia. Her parents would definitely try to catch them at her

to your parents. Running

talked about you. They seriously have a huge

can persuade them into letting us date.”

apprehensive. “No,

talk after you come back. You’re on the road now, so you shouldn’t get too emotional. I’ll be waiting

Sophia could only calm down and drive home, but it didn’t stop her from speeding a little. At last, after parking her car, she dashed right home and threw herself into

lose you. I want us to be together for

as he cooed, “You won’t lose me.

the future. What man would he be

had to love and protect the one his heart had dead set on until

was a mysterious manor in the heart of Flor, and in that

back to two hundred years ago. They were as wealthy as a nation; their business spanned nearly everything; and

on the couch. She paced

and held her hand.

heard the news. “Mom, is he

Family. By then, he’ll have to pick a woman amongst

any of our families; she’s just some average girl named Sophia Goodwin. Mom, what should I do?” Anxious, Emily’s eyes turned red-rimmed from oncoming

her mother’s arms, crying anxiously while

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

supposed to return with them, but he ended up going

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

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 the chemical odor

researcher for the Weiss Family and was currently assigned to a highly classified project. The man was already a world-renowned scientist,

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

talk to

is it? Has Emily

Vera remained evasive. “Let’s talk in your

and after closing the door, Vera asked, “Are

“We’ve succeeded.”

time for

was about to drink his tea when he paused mid-air. He looked at his wife with surprise as he noticed the

time our family came into our own. You’ve dedicated your life’s work to the Weiss Family; you deserve more than

Johnny, too, had utter

One that he wants to marry,

words rendered Johnny reeling for a good few seconds. “You

off all his memories and knowledge of that young woman. Only then will Emily be able to marry

all, it was a kind of serum that used biotechnology to control human behavior. It

they could wipe out specific memories from a human’s central and peripheral nervous system,

be for the military or certain special behaviors. But now, his wife wanted him to

at a crossroads. “I’m not absolutely certain it will work on

and I’m just asking you to remove that girl from his memory. As for the other girls in Flor’s affluent families,

Young Master Weiss’ memories won’t cause any significant consequences. Besides,

ponder, Johnny nodded in agreement. Their daughter’s happiness was the most important thing, after

the world, Sophia agreed with Arthur’s suggestion after his successful reassuring. Running away really wasn’t going to solve the problem, and

that she and Arthur would be going over later that

the call. At the very least, Sophia was willing to come

come over then. I’ll get dinner

couple arrived at Goodwin Residence and

made a lovely couple now that they were seeing it for themselves. However, they still couldn’t accept the two being in a romantic relationship in light of the young

allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Arthur Weiss. Though I’m Florian, I hold a local passport. If I can have

couldn’t help looking at him in shock as he had never

a glance, unsure of what

I hope

that happened between her and Arthur was of her own free will, yet this man promised her parents so much with the intention of settling down here. Would his grandmother agree

Sophia? Will you cherish her forever?” Drake bore into Arthur, whose

an affluent family. Can you really only love her your whole life?” Emma questioned, leading Sophia to stop her. “Mom! Can you guys not push

the other hand, vowed without a second of hesitation. “I can

anything for

Emma went to prepare dinner while the rest of them went to the couch. Drake then

family’s huge, so what

and biotech research, to be specific. We also have other international investments. We’ll be here all day if I list them all out, but they’re all

side, was rendered gobsmacked as well. Is the Weiss Family’s business this massive? Just how wealthy are they, and what kind

the shock, a hint of inferiority arose in Sophia as she listened to the two talk about Arthur’s

guy has such deep pockets and is able to mobilize

hand out to hold them, looking at her with a gentle, encouraging