Never Too Far Novel

“I can’t believe it! Is Mr. Manson and Julian Gilmore…”

Queenie was baffled as well. One was the heir of the Manson Group, while the other was a young, award-winning actor, yet the two had never been in any rumors with any women. If these two handsome men got together, it had to be true love, no doubt!

She made up an entire novel’s worth of stories in her head as she fantasized about the possible romance between the two men before a thought suddenly came to her. Considering my relationship with Nigel, I’m sure I can get Julian’s signature!

Queenie couldn’t wait to get off work.

At long last, she survived until her shift was over. She had gotten Nigel’s personal number this morning, so she waited until all her colleagues were gone before calling him up while massaging her calves.

“Hello?” Nigel’s crisp, cool voice rang out.

“It’s me, Queenie. Are you getting off work now, Mr. Manson?” She introduced herself first, as he seemed reluctant when she asked for his number this morning, so she figured he wouldn’t have saved her number.

“I’m giving you five minutes to get to the fountain,” he said before hanging up.

Queenie grabbed her things and ran out. She left the building through one of the side exits and headed to the fountain area. The evening glow made the fountain gleam like diamonds scattered all across. It sparkled in the light, and the mermaid statue in the center looked as if it had a golden veil draping over it.

There was a black SUV stopped on the road beside the fountain. Queenie jogged over and opened the door to the front passenger seat.

Nigel was seemingly deep in thought as he rested his arm on the car door.

Queenie recalled her promise to her mother that she would be going home today, but she loathed the thought of going back!

“Where are we going, Mr. Manson?” she asked with a smile.

“Have dinner with me.”

She nodded. “Sure! You’re buying me dinner now, but I’ll pay you back in the future.”

Nigel glanced at her. “Are you sure you’ll pay me back?”

“Hm? Of course. I made a record of every single meal you bought for me. I’m not going to take advantage of you!” Queenie was someone who knew how to be grateful. She always remembered the kindness of others.

Nigel started the car and drove off. Queenie’s calves were still sore, so she bent down and started massaging them again. Then, she started kneading her shoulders as well. It was clear that she was tired from the day’s work.

Nigel glanced at her once more. It was already pretty commendable for a pampered young lady like her to stand in the lobby all day.

“Have you worked as an assistant before?”

“I’ve worked as my father’s assistant during summer vacation.”

“In that case, from tomorrow onward, you’ll be my personal assistant.” He gave her a promotion; she had jumped from working at the front desk to becoming his personal assistant.

Queenie was stunned by the news at first, but she quickly recovered and exclaimed with glee, “Really? I’m going to be your assistant?!”

“You’ll be on probation for one month. I’ll fire you if I’m not satisfied with your work,” Nigel added coolly. He didn’t want to let this get to her head.

“Sure, I’ll do my best.” She wasn’t about to waste this opportunity. Furthermore, being his assistant meant that she would get to see Julian every so often, which was an additional bonus!

“Mr. Manson, could you do me a favor? I’d like to have a signed photo of Julian Gilmore. I’ll give you the photo, so can you get him to sign it for me?” she asked expectantly.

Nigel side-eyed her and shot back, “Why should I help you?”

“Well… Since we’re acquainted now, couldn’t you just do me this one favor? You and Mr. Gilmore have a close relationship, so… so I’m sure you can help me, right?” Queenie clapped her hands together and pleaded. She was willing to act a little shamelessly for the sake of owning a signed photo of Julian.

Julian was one of the most famous celebrities in the entertainment industry. Numerous young women from wealthy families had fallen head over heels for him, and Queenie couldn’t escape from it either, though she merely admired his talent and was drawn in by his incredible acting.

“Not doing it,” Nigel declined icily.

Queenie pouted at him for a moment before a mischievous glint flickered across her eyes. “Mr. Manson, aren’t you worried I’ll expose your relationship with Mr. Gilmore if you don’t do as I wish?”

Oh, now she’s threatening me? Just what sort of drama has she been watching? With her here, there’s never a day that goes by without anything happening. Just what does she think is going on with Julian and me? “What are you gonna expose to the public?” Nigel wondered what was going on in her head.

Queenie smiled. “I’ve finally cracked the code. Mr. Gilmore has never dated any actresses he’s worked with before, and I finally know why.” She stared at Nigel. “Because he likes you!”

Nigel almost crashed into the car in front of them, but fortunately, he had a quick reflex and slammed down on the brake right away. Though, it still gave Queenie a scare.

Why is he overreacting? Did I hit the bull’s eye? Is that why he’s panicking? “Careful, Mr. Manson. I’ll keep that a secret. Nobody’s gonna know.” She regretted bringing that topic up when he was driving. She almost caused a car crash because of that.

Right then, Nigel pulled over to the side of the road, which was empty of cars.

As Queenie was wondering why the man had parked the car in this spot, she heard an icy voice coming from the driver seat. “What did you just say?”

She turned to him and noticed the fury in his eyes. If looks could kill, she figured she would be dead by now.

Her skin started crawling. Was it something I said? He doesn’t want anyone to find out, does he? “Sorry, Mr. Manson. I didn’t say anything. I don’t know anything. That was just a joke, and I have seen nothing.” She decided to take back what she said. So, he doesn’t like anyone talking about his preference.

“Did you just say I’m in love with Julian?” Nigel was getting dangerously close to her.

Queenie took a deep breath and answered calmly, “Calm down, Mr. Manson. I’m an ally here. I’m not going to judge you because of your preference. In fact, I’ll be supportive of your relationship with Julian. Love is love, so who cares what the public thinks?” She thought that would calm him down, but it did the contrary.

Nigel pressed his lips into a thin line, veins popping around his neck. He was refraining from yelling at her. How did she even get to that kind of conclusion?

For some reason, Queenie thought the air was getting thinner as he inched closer. His pearly white skin tone made his cold, handsome features appear all the more menacing as she started to suspect he was a vampire.

Was that not enough to calm him down? She was panicking, and her palms were sweating. I knew I shouldn’t have spouted his secrets just like that. It brings nothing but trouble. “I promise I won’t tell anyone about it. I’ll even come up with an agreement. If I tell anyone—” She didn’t get to finish that sentence.

Nigel finally snapped. He held her cheeks with both of his hands, which resulted in her lips puckering up, looking like a heart-shaped jelly. He closed his eyes as if he were making up his mind before he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. Her lips were sweet and soft, not as detestable as he thought. He even shivered upon making contact with her lips as if a current of electricity had been running across his body, and by instinct, he pried her lips open and went in for a French kiss.

Queenie quivered as well as if she were shocked by electricity. Instinctively, she shoved him away and shifted herself close to the window by her side, covering her mouth with her hand.

“W-W-What was that?” she stammered. I-I thought he likes Julian? Why did he kiss me? Is he a bi? Oh my god.

Nigel lowered his head slightly as he brushed his finger across his lips. For the first time, he realized kissing wasn’t as bland as he thought it to be. In fact, he wanted more of it from Queenie.

If she hadn’t pushed him away, Nigel felt he could have kissed her forever. He stared at the woman sticking close to the door in disbelief, his gaze burning with the passion that was usually not there.

Queenie blushed and averted her gaze the instant she met his eyes, then fiddled with her fingers awkwardly.

He poked the insides of his cheeks with his tongue and explained, “Listen closely. Julian’s my best friend. Say he’s my boyfriend again, and I’ll kiss you. I don’t mind doing that.”

She blinked her eyes in shock. “A-Are you sure he’s not your boyfriend?”

Seeing the doubtful expression on her face, he couldn’t stop himself from roaring, “I’m straight, you hear that?!”

Queenie felt her ears buzz and almost leaped up at his sudden roar.

I should speak up for Julian, or she might think he’s not straight. Nigel snorted. “Julian is straight too. If you try to match us up again…” He curled his fingers up and threatened to knock on her head.

She quickly held her head and responded, “Fine, fine. I got it already, Mr. Manson.”

He was still a little miffed, so he flicked her arms, earning a gasp from her. “That hurts.”

“That’s the point.” His lips curled into a smirk.

Queenie shot him a glare. “You could have just said so. That kiss was unnecessary.”

again. “You think I wanted to kiss you? I just wanted to prove my point and stop you from coming up with stupid theories

all, she was the one poking around with his business, so she could only accept

couple was getting out of a car. The guy was trying to cheer the girl up as he opened the door for her and pulled her out of the seat. The girl pursed her

Bonnie. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have let my mind run wild,” Leslie

can break up. I have a line of men who would kill to be my

but you wouldn’t take my calls, and I was worried. Look, I

food here cost a ton, but she

showed up and parked his car. Queenie got out of the car, and Nigel stood beside her.

unlike most women. “This place isn’t cheap,” she muttered under her

eyebrow. “Are you saying we should

a kid. He’s paying. Might as

was about to pat her head, but then he thought it

to the top floor. The place looked like a portrait with the sunset

window,” Queenie told the waitress and went to the

this spot is reserved. They’re

is awkward. Queenie took the spot beside the window seat. She couldn’t have

think we should get ourselves a room,” Nigel suggested.

area.” Queenie loved lively places, and she didn’t want to stay in a

that. Nigel then

the menu. Wow, the food costs a lot. She ordered a few of her favorites and handed the

But since he

of wine for them. Queenie held up the glass

the view of the lady before him. He couldn’t believe the kiss just now almost made him lose control of

had a crush on Anastasia, he felt more respect than affection for her, so he had never touched her before. However, when Queenie said he

noticed someone coming out of the restroom, and she looked at them, but all it did was stoke her hatred. What a

head held high like a proud peacock. Just as she was about to flip her hair with her other hand, her movement froze when her eyes met Queenie’s gaze. Her eyes went wide. It was

hand, which was held by Leslie, as if doing so

fell. Did she bring him here to get her revenge on

big smile. She then greeted Nigel as well, “Hello, Mr.

the couple. He disliked

Leslie tried to

purposely evaded Leslie’s touch stiffly but then willingly returned to her seat after a brief contemplation. After all, it was facing Nigel. She could still impress him right

wine and looked at her. “I’ll come home

his glass and narrowed

upset as well. Never thought she’d be capable enough to date someone like Nigel. He’s

a room?” Leslie decided to stay away from Nigel and Queenie since he felt uneasy around

here is fine.” Bonnie refused to change spots. She loved to keep

right then, Nigel waved at the waiter, who quickly came over. “What can

us a room,”

waiter got him a room right

a good idea, so she

bit her lip and saw them off,

him again. Leslie coughed slightly to catch her attention. “Let them be, Bonnie.

but Bonnie had no appetite. Just the thought of Nigel and Queenie flirting with each other in the room soured her mood. She thought stealing Leslie from Queenie would break her heart, but

‘ahh.'” Leslie tried his best

snapped and

she thought.

told me to go home. I don’t want them to worry, so I’ll be heading

you

for you, then. Nobody is going to steal your snacks anymore.” Though, it’s cute that a guy

returned to her family now.

assistant, remember? There’s no way I’m letting such a great opportunity slip by.” The thought of quitting never crossed her mind. Work gave her life meaning,

be late,

the clothes you gave cost about

for a while now, so she must pay him back, or it wouldn’t sit right with

up for a moment. Does she have to go that far? Is she serious about paying me back? “It’s alright,” he answered generously. “You don’t have to do

have to

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No, you don’t.”

do. And

not taking it,

at Nigel. “Fine, I

have never asked any woman to pay

and looked outside the window. The street lamps started to light up like

staring at her profile. She was more beautiful than

would have looked away in embarrassment, but she wasn’t like any other woman. She turned her head and stared back at him boldly. She

eyes as she continued to stare at him. She blinked and pursed her lips, but never once had

a little and coughed

think I’m pretty, don’t you?” Queenie asked

a family lacking nothing,

beat

tell her she wasn’t ugly. If

food was served, and Queenie’s

take some food, but someone opened the door, and in

sister in

after Bonnie and quickly explained, “You took it the wrong way, Bonnie. I never flirted with anyone else. That was just a joke.” He tried to

reacted fiercely. “Don’t

shocked, and Queenie was surprised Bonnie found out Leslie was hitting

promise I won’t say anything

snapped coldly, “I don’t care about

anything about the situation. Bonnie was usually a seductive

hid behind Queenie. “Tell him off for me, Queenie. I don’t want to

Dad and

started tearing up again. “I’m sorry, Queenie. Can you

This is going to be hard to handle. “Don’t interrupt them while they’re having dinner.

jumped like a shocked little bunny. “I’m not going with

if I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought Leslie abuses her every day. Queenie frowned, and Leslie had no choice but to leave things in Queenie’s

now, so try to keep her calm.” And then he

and sneered. “I thought you loved him. Did you fall

tears back and put on a sorrowful look. “Can I come with you, Queenie? I don’t want him

dinner, so she sat

have one more set of cutlery here? I’m still hungry,” she asked

in with a set of cutlery, and Bonnie started eating as elegantly as she could. She didn’t even feel awkward

a few bites later, Queenie lost all her appetite. Gah, I hate seeing her.

grabbed his

a cab.” She

to get a cab. We gotta walk for miles,” Bonnie interrupted. She refused to get a cab. The reason she put on that act was so that she could ride in

left, and Queenie followed. Bonnie got her wish of riding in his car, and her eyes glinted with joy. He’s my target now. Leslie can never be

his car, Bonnie pretended she had chest pain and asked, “I don’t feel well today, Queenie. Can I have

If you have the passenger seat, I

for a moment before turning his sight to the reflection of Queenie in the

where her house was. He turned the GPS on and drove straight to the Silverstein Residence. A gust of wind blew in through the window that had been rolled down, causing her hair to flutter. She thought she

The neon lights that zipped past her felt

stared at his hand, imagining how it would feel if those

outside the gates. Bonnie was disappointed that their

is she taking so long? He turned around and saw her sleeping against the door. Damn. She can fall asleep

out of the car and opened the backseat door, but someone slid down, and he quickly held

wrapped her arms around his neck, practically giving him a

his arms with one hand on her hips and the other on her lower back. Queenie was wrapping her arms around his neck, and their faces were only an inch away. It looked suggestive, and Bonnie’s eyes went wide with rage. She pretended to sleep and fall out of the car,

first time someone was holding her with all his might, and it felt great to be

go, and she landed only to wobble and fall into his