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.”

“You think I wanted to kiss you? I just wanted to prove my point and stop you from coming up

wanted to get mad at him, but she couldn’t. After all, she was the one poking around with his business, so she could

was trying to cheer the girl up as he opened the door for

sorry, Bonnie. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have let

you think I’m cheating on you, we can break up. I have a

sorry, but you wouldn’t take my calls, and I was worried. Look, I have reserved a spot at your favorite restaurant. Let’s go inside. Don’t

but she wasn’t worried. After all, she wasn’t

Queenie got out of the car, and Nigel stood beside her. She looked rather

and had not put on any makeup, but that only served to make her look even more refreshing, unlike most women. “This place isn’t cheap,” she muttered under her breath. She had come here once, and it

eyebrow. “Are

like a kid. He’s paying. Might as well take advantage of it. It’s not like one little meal can

then he thought it was inappropriate, so he

the top floor. The place looked like a portrait with

by the window,” Queenie told the waitress and went to the

waitress apologized, “Sorry, miss, but this spot is reserved. They’re in the bathroom right

awkward. Queenie took the spot beside the window seat. She couldn’t have a full view of the scenery, but at

a room,” Nigel suggested. He didn’t like having his meals

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

nothing I can do about that. Nigel then pulled back the chair opposite her and

the food costs a lot. She ordered a few of her favorites and handed the menu back to the waitress. On the other hand, Nigel

food here was great, but the portions were minuscule. But since he has ordered a ton, I can now eat all

the waiter poured two glasses of wine for them. Queenie held up the

wine as well, but instead of the sunset, he was enjoying the view of the lady before him. He couldn’t believe the kiss just now almost made him lose control of himself. The feeling was so overwhelming that he even

felt more respect than affection for her, so he had never touched her before. However, when Queenie said he wasn’t straight, he just felt the need to prove that he was indeed into women, and the

hatred. What a coincidence. It just has to be them that we run into

hand, her movement froze when her eyes met Queenie’s gaze. Her eyes

her hand, which was held by

fell. Did she bring

Bonnie approached Queenie with a big smile. She then greeted Nigel as well,

frowned at the couple.

our table now.” Leslie tried to take Bonnie

seat after a brief contemplation. After all, it was facing Nigel. She could still impress him right over her spot. “Dad and Mom are worried about you, Queenie. Come home. Please don’t make them

looked

and narrowed

thought she’d be capable enough to date someone like Nigel. He’s uber-rich. He also noticed how Bonnie was staring at Nigel

is a bit rowdy. Why don’t we get a room?” Leslie decided to stay away

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

at the waiter, who quickly came over. “What can I

a room,”

number eight is vacant. I’ll take you there.” The waiter got him a room right

good idea, so she

lip and saw

at him again. Leslie coughed slightly to catch her

no appetite. Just the thought of Nigel and Queenie flirting with each other in the room soured

his best to cheer

snapped and turned

as she moved to the room. Finally some peace and quiet, she thought. She was just about to get some water when Nigel asked coolly,

me to go home. I don’t want them to

want you in my

going to steal your snacks anymore.” Though, it’s cute that a guy has so many snacks

be coming to work, then?” He squinted. She has returned to her family now. Guess she doesn’t need

a great opportunity slip by.” The thought of quitting never crossed her mind. Work gave her life meaning, making her days not

be late, then,” Nigel

counted something with her fingers. “Your snacks cost about 41 hundred dollars, the clothes you gave cost about 14 hundred, and all the food you treated me to cost about the same. So, I

for a while now, so she

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

have to

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No, you don’t.”

I do. And

not

stared at Nigel. “Fine,

“I have never asked any woman

outside the window. The street lamps started to light up like fireflies flying through the city, and she was engrossed in the

was also staring at her profile.

other woman. She turned her head and stared back at him boldly. She then

to stare at him. She blinked and pursed her lips, but never once had she shifted her gaze away from him as if the first one doing so

a little and coughed before

don’t

in a family lacking nothing, so she was not an overly ambitious or scheming woman. Nigel then

comment, but she wouldn’t beat herself up

moments. She cheers herself up like that? He wanted to tell her she wasn’t ugly. If she

served, and

door, and in

stared at her estranged sister in confusion. What’s going

“You took it the wrong way, Bonnie. I never flirted with anyone else. That

reacted fiercely.

Queenie was surprised Bonnie found out Leslie

me, please. You’re the only one I love. I promise I won’t say anything stupid anymore,” he quickly promised.

don’t care about your promise.

couldn’t do anything about the situation. Bonnie was usually a

Queenie. “Tell him off for me, Queenie. I don’t want to see him anymore. I wanna break up with him. Tell him

and Mom can

again. “I’m sorry, Queenie. Can you forgive

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

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

Leslie abuses her every day. Queenie frowned, and Leslie had no choice but

home, Queenie. She’s a little unstable now, so try to keep

turned around 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

still hadn’t finished her dinner, so she sat down. “After

cutlery here? I’m still hungry,” she

with a set of cutlery, and Bonnie started eating as elegantly as she could. She

Queenie lost all her appetite. Gah, I hate seeing her. She told Nigel, “We’re going

give you a ride.” He grabbed his car key and stood

alright. We’ll just get a cab.” She didn’t

to get a cab. The reason she put on that act was so that she could ride in Nigel’s car. Now that she showed him she was breaking up with Leslie, it would put no

her wish of riding in his car, and her eyes glinted with joy. He’s

came to his car, Bonnie pretended she had chest pain and asked, “I don’t

I wanna sit with you anyway. If you have the passenger seat, I can have the backseat all to myself. “Yeah, sure.” Queenie got in

a moment before turning his sight to the reflection

her hair to flutter. She thought she looked really beautiful with her hair swaying in the

leaning against the window, feeling sleepy. The neon lights that zipped past her

Bonnie stared at his hand, imagining how it would feel if those hands were grabbing her body. She heated

he parked right outside the gates. Bonnie was disappointed that their time together only lasted for a

out of the car, and Nigel waited for Queenie to get out as well. Hey, why is she taking so

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

and wrapped her arms around his neck, practically giving him

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

you put me down?” Queenie was red. It was the first time someone was holding her with all his might, and it felt great to

she landed only to wobble and fall into his chest, bumping