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.

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

face of his charms? That was how the afternoon turned into a special one as he had transformed into

took her out for a grand meal in order

elevator in the underground parking lot, where the hiding assistant quickly lifted the camera to take pictures of them as soon

he did not let the opportunity slip through his fingers as the couple were all lovey-dovey in front of him. They

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

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

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

at home. When Drake’s phone rang, he answered it excitedly. “How did it go? Did you get any

you right now. Congrats! Miss Goodwin’s boyfriend is handsome and tall.

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

When she sat down beside him, his phone received a

recognize the man’s face when Sophia was

widened in astonishment as he found out that the man was none other

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

must not be with

how did our lovely daughter

impression on the couple since the first

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

tip-top restaurant in the city center and began to worry if Arthur’s bank account would empty after

want to eat here? It

couldn’t help but chuckle to himself upon hearing so. “What’s up? Are you already starting to think about my spending when you have yet to

stump, Sophia rolled her eyes at him while smiling. “Yes, we’re spending your money, but it still pains me to see

he had no plans of

when Sophia was enjoying her meal, her ringtone suddenly sounded like an incantation. She jolted

have to take this, but don’t make a sound, okay? It’s my mom,” explained Sophia as she hushed

in reply and kept quiet, not wanting to cause her any

answered the call. “Hey,

Come home this instant.

is it? Are you okay, Mom? Is it

something urgent to talk to you about. Come home quickly.

home at

have to come home,

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

mom wants me to go home for

send you home

drop you off at my place first.” Sophia

a date to meet your

what they think about it first.” After all, she knew all

meal, she dropped him off at her place before

the journey, she kept wondering if something had happened for her mom and dad

the living room, she found her parents sitting gravely on the couch, looking like they were expecting to see her home. In fact, it looked as though they

since she last saw this kind of expression on

her sternly. “We have something to

and sat across from them. Suddenly, Drake slammed his hand on the armrest. “Tell me

prepared when she heard her parents exposing her affair with Arthur and her face flushed in an instant, not daring to look straight into her parents’ eyes. “How did you

to Sophia 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 be with that dude? Has his good

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

what sort of person 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

upset. Artie isn’t from the underworld, and his family does honest dealings. It’s just that they’re not from here,” said Sophia

are they from, then?” Drake

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

you’re dating him! Are you going to help him count his

to do with the man,” Drake ordered, not wanting to see

break up with him. Your father and I will find

to break up with him.” The next second, she dashed out of this place; she knew that if she

she could only watch as the latter got into the car

fumingly, but she then recalled how good-looking Arthur was. That man looked like he could be on the front

However, not only was this man mysterious and unfathomable, he was filthy rich and crazy

a red light, she made

deep, melodious voice came from

move out of my house,” said Sophia. Her parents would definitely try to catch them

I can sit down and talk to your parents. Running away isn’t

when they talked about you. They seriously have a huge problem with you.” Sophia

them into letting

apprehensive. “No, let them

so you shouldn’t get too emotional. I’ll be waiting for

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 the man’s arms as

us to be together for the rest of our lives,” Sophia cried out emotionally and

kissed her hair as he cooed, “You won’t

man would he be if he couldn’t even protect

such, he had to love and protect the one his heart had

Flor, and in that manor lived a mysterious

could be traced back to two hundred years ago. They were as wealthy as a nation; their business spanned nearly everything; and they possessed ancillary properties where most of

sat restlessly on the couch. She

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

joy when she heard the news. “Mom, is he really coming

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 do

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

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

thought hit Vera as she patted her daughter’s back, and she soothed Emily by saying,

initially supposed to return with them, but he ended up going back on Marth’s wish

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

to welcome her husband home. Meanwhile, the man approached her with a briefcase in his hand, looking somewhat tired. Vera thoughtfully took

a highly classified project. The man

his only child, and at the same time, the likeliest candidate to become the future Mrs. Weiss out of the other young women Martha had

to talk to you about,”

Has Emily thrown another

remained evasive. “Let’s talk

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

“We’ve succeeded.”

Perfect, just in time for the plan.”

looked at his wife with surprise as he noticed

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

is worthy enough for this.” Johnny, too, had utter confidence in

you know that Young Master Weiss decided not to return to Flor because of a girl? One that he wants to marry, and

seconds. “You want me to use the serum

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

kind of serum that used biotechnology to control human behavior. It could remove and even

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

behaviors. But now, his wife wanted

a crossroads. “I’m not absolutely certain it

Young Master Weiss will be returning to Flor real soon, and I’m just asking you to remove that girl

continued, “That girl is just a nobody. Wiping it away from Young Master Weiss’ memories won’t cause any significant consequences. Besides, Old

a ponder, Johnny nodded in agreement. Their daughter’s happiness was the

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

called her mother and said that she and Arthur would be going over later that

the very least, Sophia was willing to come

come over then. I’ll get

evening, with Arthur driving, the couple arrived at Goodwin Residence

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 in a romantic relationship in light

I’m Arthur Weiss. Though I’m Florian, I hold a local passport. If I can have your permission

help looking at him in shock as he had never brought any of it up with

and Emma exchanged a glance, unsure

I hope you can accept me

responsibility for their relationship. Everything that happened between her and Arthur was of her own free will, yet this man promised her parents so

love Sophia? Will you cherish her forever?” Drake bore into Arthur, whose gaze was filled with

I’m sure you’re from an affluent family. Can you really only love her your whole life?” Emma questioned, leading Sophia to stop her. “Mom! Can you guys not

hand, vowed without a second

sacrifice anything for their daughter,

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

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

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

Is the Weiss Family’s business this massive? Just how

the shock, a hint of inferiority arose in Sophia as she listened

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

beloved’s bundled-up fingers, and he reached his hand out