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.

knew

gaze on her as he panted, saying with a husky voice, “Don’t refuse me. I know

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

He had forgotten she had a boyfriend while he would be

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

as much as him for

she headed in the direction of the elevator and disappeared into

his arms against the table. Something was tugging on him,

room. She was so exhausted that she didn’t have the energy to move to the couch. With her back pressed against the door, she slowly slid onto the

excited that she was having trouble falling asleep. 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 her appear even more beautiful

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 also

was the day she had been dreaming of ever since she could remember. Finally, it

door and entered. Upon seeing Emily still awake, she admonished, “Emily, hurry up

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

course not. You’ll be

in response. “Mom, you’re sure Goodwin won’t be attending the wedding, right? Actually, I kind of hoped she would.

won’t have any more chances to flaunt in her face after your wedding?” Vera’s priority now was to see

of malice flashed across Emily’s eyes, loathsome at the thought that

stomach this bitterness if she didn’t give Sophia a hard time or flaunt her new status in

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

wedding and, most importantly, the wedding night popped into her head as soon as she closed her eyes. She would truly be handing herself to Arthur soon. As the thoughts crossed her mind, her face flushed, and her

at the Weiss Manor, Anastasia was already sound asleep. Elliot, on the other hand, went

about the same age fighting hard, supporting and sticking by each other. Even when so many years had passed, just thinking about it

You can’t stay a bachelor forever, can you?” As a married man, Elliot would wish to see

shook his head in response. “My job is my partner. A

a note of that,” he teased, leading Richard to 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 family, but he never gave his love life a thought, for he absolutely

was bound to be long for a lot

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

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

I’m recording a video!”

from behind and

you be a little more serious?

man’s crisp laughter came. “Who’d have thought my wife knows how to fight back?

“Don’t call me that.”

don’t make

“Arthur Weiss…”

camera shook violently amongst the roughhousing. But off camera, it was a

now ached just as much as she was

the master bedroom, Arthur stared at the ceiling while resting his hands behind his head. His gaze was fathomless, and his mind was a mess, for he couldn’t stop thinking about all that had happened in the wine cellar. At the same time, an

More than that, he actually wanted to

rich? What is

on the couch. Her eyes were now

big day had arrived, and the whole place would

busy bright and early, traversing the garden’s every corridor, setting up their

Arthur wasn’t in his best shape either. In fact, he didn’t get out of bed immediately, for he actually wasn’t really

are you awake, Young Master?” A servant called

out of bed, and headed into the bathroom.

sat on 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

she couldn’t help asking a servant, “Why hasn’t

Madam Weiss, but Young Master Weiss

time was running short, Martha decided to make a trip upstairs herself. After arriving on the third floor, she knocked on Arthur’s bedroom door. “Artie, wake up. It’s

door opened soon after, revealing a half-naked Arthur with a bathrobe wrapped around his waist and his

some clothes on. What is the

go down in a bit,” said Arthur

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

involuntarily glanced at the room next door. “Have two people stay here and look after Miss Goodwin. She won’t be heading to the wedding venue, but make

after all the servants on the third floor left, Arthur came out of his room in a white dress shirt and fitting suit pants. However, his necktie wasn’t tied

sit up. It wasn’t until the knock came the second time

answer the door,

eyes, leading Arthur to frown. “Did you not sleep

Sophia, who

she looked awful, Arthur felt her forehead without thinking. The

take you to the

is a little high, but it’s still alright. At that, she waved her hand. “It’s fine. It’s your wedding today. Surely

that, Sophia reached for the door to close it, but Arthur stopped the closing door somewhat assertively. To him, between a wedding and her fever, her fever was more

“Come with me.”

she took a step back. “Thanks

servant rushed upstairs, announcing, “Young Master, Old Madam Weiss is still waiting for you to join her for breakfast. Time

servant but only latched

come

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

tongue against his inner cheek. It

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

walked away. Meanwhile, Sophia fought back her tears as she watched him leave before finally closing the

as she stood in

was fixed upon a spot, and despite holding a spoon, he hadn’t taken a single bite for a long time, looking like he was deep in his

is something

said Arthur as he came to

We should get going soon,” Martha

where dozens of black luxury cars lined up, and the extended Rolls-Royce would be the one Arthur would pick

for you guys at the chapel. Hurry up and

Arthur nodded

After Arthur watched the car drive away, a bodyguard beside him urged him to get into the car. “Young

but didn’t enter right away and instead looked to a window. After a moment of deliberation, he turned

strode toward the

was curling up on the couch. She felt super uncomfortable with how her body temperature fluctuated drastically. It wasn’t surprising that she would be sick when she had sat on the couch the whole night, coupled with her horrible

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

Arthur actually squatting in front of me? But

her arms, all curled up, her gaze unfocused, and in a horrible state, Arthur carried her into

last, Sophia was wide awake. She opened her eyes, having trouble believing Arthur was really carrying

“Put me down.”

her downstairs and all the way to the extended Rolls-Royce. Right then, it looked as though she

taking her, she couldn’t help crying out, “I can’t sit in that car, Arthur. Put me

he gone crazy?! He’s supposed to pick Emily

put her in the spacious back seat next

Young Master, you’re supposed to pick Miss

over!” Arthur ordered before closing the

as she sat in the car and wanted to lean against something. Seeing her limp body, Arthur immediately stretched his

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

me to leave you alone?” Arthur

me alone.” Sophia

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

that was left was

still hadn’t shown up, and she couldn’t help getting anxious. Just then, a car pulled over

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

news shocked Emily.

attend to that prevents him from

Where is he? Take me to him. I don’t want 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 while she, the bride, waited in the

she insisted on appearing hand-in-hand

guests while she was supposed to show up in a grand fleet, where a row of guards of honor would be welcoming her arrival. How can I

getting late. Why don’t you

to show up with my groom!” Emily insisted, glaring at the bodyguard. “Tell me the truth. Where is he, and who

ill, and Young Master Weiss took her to the

at even looking on the verge of a breakdown. To think the first woman to sit in her car to the chapel was Sophia

affirmation, not daring to lie to

Livid, Emily drew a deep breath.

emergency room after arriving at the hospital. Many of the doctors had gone to attend the wedding, so those stationed in the hospital were

to her frowning from enduring the pain, as well

stressful enough to work in front of the Young Master Weiss, he even had his watchful gaze on her.

away, only for him to check his watch

Weiss, Miss Jennings refuses to go to the

come,” he ordered

listen to me. She’s

“Hand her the phone.”

Emily suppressed her anger and spoke with a gentle voice after taking the phone from the bodyguard. “Artie, I want to show up at the chapel with you.

to the chapel.” Arthur didn’t

I want to go with you.”