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 where to draw the line. She would never

Arthur locked his gaze on her as he panted, saying with a

and she looked resolutely at him with pursed lips. “That

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

offending you.” At that, Sophia turned to leave, but his deep voice came from behind the next second. “Do you really love your

will never love any other man as much as him for the rest of my

that, she headed in the direction of the elevator and disappeared into

against the table. Something was tugging on

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 floor, then hugged her

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

of the Weiss Family from the next day on made her smile. Not only would she have an

day she had been dreaming of ever since she could

Upon seeing Emily still awake, she

to be married to

be pronounced his

“Mom, you’re sure Goodwin won’t be attending the wedding, right? Actually, I kind of hoped she would. Then, she’ll be able to witness my

flaunt in her face after your

loathsome at the thought that Arthur was once Sophia’s, even

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

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

the 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

sound asleep. Elliot, on the other hand, went for a drink with Richard

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

bachelor forever, can you?” As a married man, Elliot would wish to see that his brothers could have a happy married life as

job is my partner. A woman will only affect the speed I

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

bound to be long for a lot of

she moved to the couch and lit a bracket

in her phone album again and again as tears streamed down her face like a

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

at the camera, the man hugged her from behind and rubbed his face against hers affectionately. At that, she

you be a little

thought my wife knows how to fight back? I’m

“Don’t call me that.”

you 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 happy

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

was sure of it. More than that, he actually wanted to

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

curling up on

big day had arrived, and the whole place would be

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

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

awake, Young Master?” A servant

headed into the bathroom. He needed a shower to sober

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 exceptionally lively.

after waiting for about twenty minutes, and she couldn’t help

his door, Old Madam Weiss, but Young Master Weiss never answered us. So we assumed he’s

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

a half-naked Arthur with a bathrobe wrapped around

the servant blushed, Martha frowned. “Artie put some clothes on. What is the meaning of this? You’re not a child

and have breakfast, Grandma. I’ll go down

of time. Hurry up and get dressed.” At that, Martha took another gander at him.

she 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

a white dress shirt and fitting suit pants. However, his necktie wasn’t tied up, and his hair was still damp. He was even buttoning up his sleeve while walking

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

answer the door, only to find Arthur staring

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

who actually felt light-headed

The burning sensation caused him to hold his breath;

I’ll take you to the hospital,”

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.

door somewhat assertively. To him,

“Come with me.”

want to affect his wedding, and for that, she took a step back. “Thanks but no thanks. I’ll ask a

for you to join her for breakfast.

only latched his gaze on this stubborn

to come with

didn’t want him to bother himself with this. Thus, she shook her head.

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

As if I have the bloody time to coax her. This girl

back her tears as she watched him leave before finally

the brokenhearted woman as she stood in front

asked a series of questions only to discover Arthur hadn’t responded at all. His gaze was fixed upon a spot, and

something bothering

Arthur as he came to

time now. We should get going soon,” Martha advised, leading Arthur to put his

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

I’ll wait for you guys at the chapel.

nodded

Arthur watched the car drive away, a bodyguard beside him urged him to get into the

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

that, he strode toward 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

then, she heard someone coming through the

imagining this? Is Arthur actually squatting in front of me? But shouldn’t he be on his

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

was wide awake. She opened her

“Put me down.”

he paid no heed to her, carrying her downstairs and all the way to the extended Rolls-Royce. Right then, it looked as though she was the one Arthur

Sophia realized where he was taking her, she couldn’t help crying out, “I can’t sit in that car, Arthur. Put

gone crazy?! He’s supposed to pick Emily up in this

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

Master, you’re supposed to pick Miss Jennings

over!” Arthur ordered before closing

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

thinking she was about

want me to leave you alone?” Arthur asked with

me

give a thing about her. But for some reason, he couldn’t sit idly and do nothing while she was sick. He felt his

her wedding dress. All that was left was to wait for Arthur

and she couldn’t help getting anxious. Just then,

was a bodyguard, and he dashed over to Emily. “Miss Jennings, something came up, and Young Master Weiss can’t come. So

shocked Emily. “Why

to that prevents him from

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

she insisted on

the chapel 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 arrival. How can I just show up in

late. Why don’t you head to

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

suddenly fell ill, and Young Master Weiss took

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

nodded in affirmation, not

to the hospital.” Livid, Emily

the 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 with a different

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

if it already wasn’t stressful enough to work in front of the Young Master Weiss, he even had his watchful

to the chapel!” Sophia shooed Arthur away, only for him to check his watch in response. Just then, his phone rang, and he answered it.

Master Weiss, Miss Jennings refuses to go to the chapel. She insists on

come,” he ordered

Miss Jennings wouldn’t listen to me. She’s in my car

“Hand her the phone.”

anger and spoke with a gentle voice after taking the phone from the bodyguard. “Artie, I want to

the chapel.” Arthur didn’t

want to go with you.”