Never Too Far Novel

Even if Arthur had been manipulated, the imposing aura he exuded remained the same.

Hearing footsteps coming from the garden, he stopped and turned around to find a servant leading Sophia in his direction. He furrowed his brows slightly in response. What is this woman doing here, still wandering around in the garden at this late hour?

Sophia fought hard to conceal the sadness and adoration in her eyes upon seeing him, and she lowered her head, not intending to greet him. She wanted to go to her room and lock herself in from here on, or she would go mad.

She grew increasingly miserable as the countdown to his wedding became shorter. She was tough but not tough enough to remain emotionless as she watched the man she loved deeply marry another woman.

“Stop.” A crisp voice came from behind her.

“Young Master Weiss,” the servant greeted him, then walked away astutely.

Sophia stood in the brightly lit hall with her back facing him, having no intention of turning around. Meanwhile, he came forth with steady footsteps and stopped in front of her. With one hand in his pocket, he lowered his eyes and sized her up.

“Why run away when you see me? Are you not going to say hi?” Arthur asked with irritation, causing Sophia to face away. “It’s really late. I want to return to my room and rest.”

Arthur suddenly felt frustrated. He checked his watch to find it was already 10.00PM, but he wanted to be with her for a while longer.

“Are you free? Join me for a drink,” Arthur asked, to which she rejected resolutely. “No.”

“Did you say you’re my friend? We’ll just have one glass as friends. I won’t take up much of your time.” Arthur insisted.

Sophia shut her eyes and fought back the urge to keep him company. However, just as she wanted to turn him down again, Arthur clasped her wrist and dragged her to the wine cellar without another word.

Sophia had thought he was taking her to the dining room, but it quickly became apparent to her that she was wrong. This man had a lavish wine cellar in his basement, storing the best liquor around the world.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she looked at the dimly lit wine cellar with amazement.

“Do we have to drink here?” Sophia mumbled, causing Arthur to look over his shoulder at her. “Are you afraid I’ll do something to you?”

Sophia took a gander at him in response. Hadn’t you already done everything you were allowed to? What else can there be for me to be afraid of? She just thought, with her current position, they shouldn’t be in the same room.

Moreover, there weren’t any servants here, like this was an isolated environment.

“Relax, I just want to grab a drink. I have no interest in doing anything else.” With that, he removed his jacket to reveal a dark-colored dress shirt beneath it, exposing his perfectly shaped body.

The warm golden lights enveloped him, making his handsome face even more refined. He drummed his fingers beside the wine cabinet like he was picking his favorite liquor.

This scene intensified his noble temperament exceptionally.

His looks alone could infatuate a woman. However, if he was gentler and his gaze was more tender, no woman would be able to escape his grasp.

Sophia suddenly felt a lump in her throat, and she looked away. She feared if she continued to look, she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from running to him and hugging his waist from behind to feel the affection they used to share.

“What would you like to drink,” asked Arthur as he turned around.

“I’m good with anything.” She was just here to keep him company.

While smirking, he pulled a bottle of red wine out, then proficiently uncapped it. Following that, he took two wine glasses and filled them up before handing one to her.

Sophia had the urge to get wasted as she looked at the glass of red wine while standing in front of the wine cabinet. I’ll only wake up tomorrow afternoon if I get drunk now, won’t I? Then, I won’t have to think about him marrying someone else.

At that, she took the glass from him and chugged it down her throat. He had picked out a sweet red wine; it tasted pretty smooth.

Arthur, on the other hand, looked at her with dismay while holding his glass of red wine. Does this girl even know how to drink wine? Such a fine wine, but she’s gulping it like it is water!

“Another, to the brim,” said Sophia nonchalantly as she brought the wine glass to Arthur, who was instantly amused. His gaze was fathomless yet crystal-clear under the lights, looking exceptionally charming.

“Are you sure you know how to drink wine?” Despite doubting, he still poured her half a glass of sweet wine.

Sophia didn’t want to stand on ceremony with him anymore. He would be someone else’s husband after the next sunrise; she couldn’t order him around anymore after that.

“C’mon, fill it up to the brim. Don’t be so stingy.” She propped her chin up, looking all ‘I don’t get drunk easily’.

At that, Arthur topped it up, and as the liquid was coming up to the top, he asked with worry, “Are you sure you really want to drink this way?”

“Ye-ap!” Sophia enunciated with a nod, took the wine glass from him, then chugged the entire glass of wine down again. This sure is good wine.

Meanwhile, Arthur took a graceful sip, his gaze latched onto her this whole time. Her soft long hair sat neatly on her shoulders, surrounding her stunning, fair face.

Arthur fell into a momentary trance, thinking, The way this girl drinks sure looks fine.

Sophia burped after chugging the entire glass of wine only to notice she was still sober, and she couldn’t help asking, “What’s the abv on this wine?”

“Eight percent.”

The answer led her to be frustrated. She wouldn’t get drunk even if she downed the entire bottle!

“Don’t you have anything stronger in here?” she asked. “I want whiskey.”

Arthur had only brought her here because he wanted to spend a bit more time with her. But who’d have thought she was now demanding liquor?!

“That’s too strong. It’s not the type for ladies.”

“Well, I want it.” With that, she searched the racks and found one with an abv of 43% in no time.

After taking it out, she popped the cap open, then searched for a whiskey glass but to no avail. Thus, she just chugged straight from the bottle.

Startled by the lady, Arthur dashed toward her and snatched the bottle of whiskey from her. “What, are you crazy?!”

Sophia was doing fine until he snatched the bottle from her, causing her to choke and reflexively lean against the table, coughing violently. The next second, she felt a warm, large palm gently patting her back.

Tears instantly streamed down her cheeks, and she turned around to throw herself into his arms. Her actions stumped Arthur for a split second before he wrapped his arms around her and looked down at her.

Her tears had dampened his shirt, but she couldn’t care less. She continued embracing him, wanting to behave presumptuously one last time, for she wouldn’t be able to anymore after his marriage the following morning.

Meanwhile, Arthur stood motionless like a tree with his brows locked into a deep furrow, letting the young woman in his arms cry and hug him as she pleased.

Suddenly, Sophia looked up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and stood on tiptoes. She wanted to kiss him, but he towered over her. She wouldn’t be able to touch his lips if he didn’t lower his head.

She had acted on impulse, after all. Seeing that he wouldn’t lower his head, she began crying aggrievedly. But just as she was about to give up, Arthur lifted his arms around the waist while lowering his head, bringing their faces close together. They were so close their breaths interweaved, and the moment their eyes locked onto each other, time stopped.

He was giving her the chance to do what she had yearned for.

At that, Sophia held her breath, cupped his cheeks, and pressed her slightly trembling lips to his.

Arthur closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her waist. He realized he liked her scent, and her kiss awakened a feeling within him, causing him to reflexively respond to her for a moment.

Just like that, Sophia was pinned against the wine rack, and their raw emotions laid bare…

Perhaps the alcohol had taken effect as well, as the kiss was like a ball of enveloping fire, blazing yet inviting.

Finally, Arthur released her, and Sophia also realized what they had just done. With that, she held her forehead while her mind went blank for a few solid seconds.

Arthur, on the other hand, had grabbed the opened bottle of whiskey and chugged it straight from the bottle, wanting to use the icy liquid to put out his burning desire.

After having enough of the liquor, Arthur looked over to the young woman as he panted lightly, and another wave of urge suddenly surged within him.

Sophia had decided to leave the cellar at this point—she couldn’t make another mistake. But just as she took a couple of steps, Arthur suddenly tugged on her arm, causing her to turn and fall into his arms.

“You’re going to leave just like that after kissing me?” he questioned with a raspy voice.

Sophia’s eyes widened slightly, for his ravishing face was only inches away from her. The next second, his breath came at her. This time, it was his call. He held her chin and attacked her lips with a passionate kiss.

His initiative stupefied her. H-How is it that he’s making a move on me?!

Arthur couldn’t explain his behavior himself. He just went with what his heart told him. It told him to kiss her and not let her go, so much so that his static heart burned ablaze. Even his soul was screaming to have her.

How is it that this woman can have me hooked on her so badly? Why can she make all my sobriety and rationality disappear?

Sophia knew him all too well. So while taking in his kiss, she perceived the change in his breathing and movements.

Suddenly, a red flag raised in her head, and she shoved him away. He couldn’t do something reckless at this time, or things would really get out of control for the both of them.

she loved and craved him as well, she knew where

locked his gaze on her as he panted, saying

looked resolutely at him with pursed lips. “That was the alcohol just now. I’m sorry, but

response. He had forgotten she had a boyfriend while he would be marrying Emily

leave, but his deep voice came from behind the next second.

man as much as him for the rest of my life,” she answered resolutely without

of

propped his arms against the table. Something was tugging on him, forcing him to arch

didn’t have the energy to move to the couch. With her back pressed against the door, she slowly slid onto the floor, then hugged her knees as tears rolled

She was currently sitting in front of the mirror, admiring her gorgeous face again and again. She was even trying to find the smile that would make

she would officially become the young mistress of the Weiss Family from the next day on made her smile. Not only would she have an outstanding and perfect husband, but power and wealth would

had been dreaming of ever since she could remember. Finally, it would be

entered. Upon seeing Emily still awake, she admonished, “Emily, hurry up and go to bed. Tomorrow’s

am I? I’m really about to be married to Artie!” Emily

not. You’ll be pronounced his

I kind of hoped she would. Then, she’ll be able to

you think you won’t have any more chances to flaunt in her face after your wedding?” Vera’s priority now was to see that the wedding would be held the following day

across Emily’s eyes, loathsome at the thought that Arthur was once Sophia’s, even though she now owned

if she didn’t give Sophia a hard time

rest. You have to look your best tomorrow. I want my daughter to be the most beautiful bride in the

that, Emily went to bed as told. However, the wedding and, most importantly, the wedding night popped into her head as soon as she closed her eyes. She

was already sound asleep. Elliot, on the other hand, went for a drink with Richard and had

survival days in the jungle, three young men about the same age fighting hard, supporting and sticking

your love life a thought? You can’t stay a bachelor forever, can you?” As a married man, Elliot would wish to

is my partner. A woman will

guffaw. The two then clinked glasses and looked at the lights afar. There truly was no romance in Richard’s eyes. He could safeguard his comrades, brothers, and

be

she lay in bed. Thus, she moved to the couch and lit a bracket light, allowing the dim light to shine

through the pictures and videos in her phone album again and again as tears streamed down her face

over here. I’m recording a video!” Sophia’s whiny voice could be

camera, the man hugged her from behind and rubbed his face against hers affectionately. At that, she put her phone away, but laughter could still be

you be a

my wife knows how to fight back?

“Don’t call me that.”

if you don’t make a sound

“Arthur Weiss…”

amongst the roughhousing. But off camera, it was a happy time

just as much as she

his mind was a mess, for he couldn’t stop thinking about all

of it. More than that, he actually wanted to know who the man

boyfriend handsome? Is he rich? What is his family like? How does

and Sophia watched the sunrise while curling up on the couch. Her eyes were now puffy,

and the whole place

garden outside, the servants had gotten busy bright and early, traversing the garden’s every

fact, he didn’t get

Weiss, are you awake, Young Master?” A servant

headed into the bathroom. He

the couch, waiting for Arthur to come down and have breakfast with her. The elderly woman had donned a maroon dress for the occasion, looking exceptionally lively. Her thick silver hair had been put up with

about twenty minutes, and she couldn’t help asking a servant, “Why hasn’t Arthur come down

his door, Old Madam Weiss, but Young Master Weiss never answered

was running short, Martha decided to make a trip upstairs herself. After arriving on

a half-naked Arthur with a bathrobe wrapped around his waist and his

servant blushed, Martha frowned. “Artie put some clothes on. What is the meaning of

and have breakfast, Grandma. I’ll go down in a bit,” said Arthur to his

bit of time. Hurry up and get dressed.” At that,

next door. “Have two people stay here and look after Miss Goodwin. She won’t be heading to the wedding venue, but make sure she’s well taken care of,” she instructed the servant, who nodded in acknowledgment.

fitting suit pants. However, his necktie wasn’t tied up, and his hair was still damp. He was even

her to sit

the door, only to find Arthur

Sophia looked back at him with disheveled hair and puffy eyes, leading Arthur to frown. “Did you not sleep last night?”

lied Sophia, who actually

awful, Arthur felt her forehead without thinking. The burning sensation caused him to hold his breath;

you

no clue of her fever, Sophia felt her forehead. The temperature is a little high, but it’s still alright. At that, she waved her hand. “It’s fine. It’s your wedding today.

the door to close it, but Arthur stopped the closing door somewhat assertively. To him, between a wedding and

“Come with me.”

to affect his wedding, and for that, she took a

“Young Master, Old Madam Weiss is still waiting for you to join her for breakfast. Time is running short, and you have

servant but only latched his gaze on this stubborn

to come with me?”

that Martha was waiting for him downstairs, Sophia was now even more certain she didn’t want him to bother himself with this. Thus,

deep breath while sticking his tongue against his inner cheek. It

Arthur had always been lofty. As if I have the bloody time to coax her. This girl asked

Meanwhile, Sophia fought back her tears as she watched him leave before

brokenhearted woman as she stood in

series of questions only to discover Arthur hadn’t responded at all. His gaze was fixed upon a spot, and despite holding a spoon, he hadn’t taken a single bite for a

is something bothering

as he came to

We’re running out of time now. We should get going soon,” Martha advised, leading

that, everyone traversed the hall to the parking lot, where dozens of black luxury cars lined up, and the extended Rolls-Royce would be

you guys at the chapel. Hurry

Arthur nodded in

a bodyguard

and instead looked to a window. After a moment of deliberation,

he strode

She felt super uncomfortable with how her body temperature fluctuated drastically. It wasn’t surprising that she would be

fever had rendered her in a state of stupor at this point. Just then, she heard someone coming through the door, and very quickly, a deep male

this? Is Arthur actually squatting in front of me? But shouldn’t he be on his way to the chapel

curled up, her gaze unfocused,

She opened her eyes, having trouble believing Arthur was really carrying

“Put me down.”

all the way to the extended Rolls-Royce.

crying out, “I can’t sit in that

crazy?! He’s supposed to pick

continued to disregard her as he put her in the spacious back seat next to him. “To the hospital,” said Arthur to the bodyguard aside, who

Master, you’re supposed to pick

over!” Arthur ordered before closing the

sat in the car and wanted to lean against

is wrong.” Sophia shoved him weakly, thinking she was about to

leave you alone?” Arthur asked

leave me

But for some reason, he couldn’t sit idly and do nothing while she was sick. He felt his heart twinged, seeing

makeup done and had put on her wedding dress. All that was left was to wait for Arthur to show up

as time slowly ticked by, her groom still hadn’t shown up, and she couldn’t help getting anxious. Just then, a car pulled over in

bodyguard, and he dashed over to Emily. “Miss Jennings, something came up, and Young Master

The news shocked Emily.

important to attend to that prevents him from leaving.” The

to go to the chapel. I want to find him and have him go to the chapel with me.” Emily knew just how humiliating it would be if the groom never showed up

on appearing hand-in-hand with

to greet the guests while she was supposed to show up in a grand fleet, where a row of guards of honor would be welcoming her

don’t you head to the

with my groom!” Emily insisted, glaring at the bodyguard. “Tell me

fell ill, and Young Master Weiss

point, at even looking on the verge of a breakdown. To think the

not daring to lie to

to the hospital.” Livid, Emily

doctors had gone to attend the wedding, so those stationed in the hospital were shocked for a few solid moments when they saw the groom rushing into the hospital

was given IV fluid to cool down her body. Arthur stood by her bed and took in everything, from how the nurse inserted a needle into Sophia’s arm to her frowning from enduring the pain, as well as when the nurse reinserted the needle, for Sophia’s blood vessel was too fine, causing the nurse

front of the Young Master Weiss, he even had his watchful gaze on her. She had indeed misaligned

check his watch in response. Just then, his phone rang, and he answered it.

go to the chapel. She insists on looking

let her come,” he ordered

me. She’s in my car

“Hand her the phone.”

after taking the phone from the bodyguard. “Artie, I want to show up at the chapel with you. I’m coming over now.

ahead to the chapel.” Arthur

go with