Never Too Far Novel

“Yes, I have someone I like. I’m eager to give way to Bonnie so we can marry the right person! See, she and Leslie were so in love that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other before I called off the engagement with Leslie! I didn’t want to be in their way, so I quickly broke off the engagement!” Queenie chuckled.

Maggie, who sat beside Queenie, tugged at Queenie’s sleeve under the table, urging her to stop talking. After all, this matter did tarnish their family’s reputation.

Bonnie’s face turned a little red in embarrassment. Was Queenie implying that she was shameless? Leslie also felt discomfited by Queenie’s seemingly accidental social blunder.

Was Queenie trying to ridicule him in front of his family?

“Queenie, I’m sorry I cheated on you, but I love Bonnie. I can’t let Bonnie down, even though you like me.”

“Oh, please, you think too highly of yourself. I’ve never liked you. Also, the man I like is much better than you,” Queenie sniffed proudly.

After hearing her remarks, the members of the Payne Family were disgruntled. Did Queenie mean to say that Leslie was unworthy? This meant that she somehow looked down on their family!

“Is that so? You’re so lucky, Queenie. It’s unfortunate that Leslie doesn’t like you,” Keira said in a passive-aggressive manner.

“Oh, I should thank Leslie for allowing me to find someone better. I wouldn’t have had the chance to take a fancy to someone else if Leslie hadn’t hooked up with Bonnie while we were engaged!” Queenie smiled.

Feast your eyes on the trash that is your son! He cheated on me with my sister while we were still engaged. How shameful! Queenie thought. At this point, the members of the Payne Family looked outraged. Keira didn’t want to say another word while Leslie’s grandfather covered up his embarrassment by drinking water.

“Shush, Queenie. Stop talking,” Brandon muttered discretely. Even though he did feel that Queenie was running her mouth today, he also felt rather proud that she was being particularly eloquent.

On the other hand, Bonnie’s paranoia was running high as she started theorizing about Queenie’s actions, Queenie said she likes someone else. Is it Nigel? Are they really dating?

“Queenie, how can you say that? You can’t force someone to like you. Although I heard you also like Leslie, he will be your brother-in-law. As Bonnie’s sister, you should be more gracious and open-minded. You should give them your blessing!” one of Leslie’s aunts rebuked furiously after Queenie ridiculed Leslie in front of them.

She was definitely mocking Queenie for being petty.

At this moment, Queenie’s phone rang. As she laid her eyes on the caller ID on the screen, she smiled and said, “Excuse me, my boyfriend is here. I’ll fetch him over and make sure to introduce him to all of you later.”

Bonnie, who was drinking water, jerked her head up abruptly and looked toward the door. What the hell? Was Nigel really here?

Leslie’s expression also changed. Who did Queenie ask to come? Boyfriend? Hah! He didn’t believe that Queenie had a boyfriend within a few days.

She must have asked one of her male friends to pretend to be her boyfriend to save face.

Queenie pushed the door open. As soon as she came out, she saw Nigel standing in the corridor in a white shirt and black trousers. He looked like an elite businessman who had just gotten out of a meeting.

At this moment, Queenie was so touched that her eyes turned slightly red-rimmed. She was all too grateful that he came to back her up and give her a helping hand.

“Mr. Nigel, you’re here!” Queenie smiled as she looked at him.

Nigel couldn’t help but frown when he saw her red eyes. “What’s wrong? Did someone upset you?”

Queenie shook her head. “No. These are tears of joy. I’m so glad you came! I was so worried that you wouldn’t show up!”

“I gave you my word, so I will definitely attend!” Nigel narrowed his eyes with a determined expression.

“Alright, let’s go in. Later, I’ll call you Nigel, and you’ll call me Queenie,” Queenie whispered.

At the dining table, Bonnie was so anxious that she could feel her heart hammering against her chest rapidly. Her eyes were fixed on the direction of the door. Was it really Nigel?

Was Queenie so capable that she could win Nigel’s heart in just a few days? Bonnie secretly balled her hands into fists under the table.

In the meantime, Leslie knew Queenie’s unyielding personality very well. He was curious to see which friend she had invited to play her fake boyfriend in order to regain her dignity after being dumped by him.

Of course, Nigel would never have crossed Leslie’s mind.

In Leslie’s opinion, the Manson Family was highly affluent, and it was impossible for Nigel to have anything to do with Queenie. Despite the fact that he had bumped into Queenie and Nigel several times, Leslie refused to believe that Queenie had the charm to win the heart of a wealthy man like Nigel.

With his family background and social status, Nigel could have all the women he wanted. However, Leslie thought that all men were the same as him. Once they were rich, they would only pick their dates in the upper-class circle and would not bat an eye on the girls in the lower-class circle.

On the other hand, Maggie and Brandon exchanged surprised and confused glances. They wondered where Queenie found a boyfriend in such a short period of time and what she planned to do this time.

Regardless, the members of the Payne Family were displeased by Queenie, who brought her boyfriend over to join their dinner. She just broke off the engagement, yet she brought her boyfriend over. This was such a disrespectful act to Leslie.

At this moment, the door was pushed open. Queenie stepped in first, and she held a man’s arm. Soon, the mystery boyfriend was revealed before everyone’s searching gaze.

Bonnie couldn’t help the sharp inhale before she hastily cut herself off, while Leslie’s pupils dilated due to sheer shock. They looked at the man beside Queenie in utter disbelief. That man was indeed Nigel!

Maggie and Brandon had never seen Nigel before. So, when they saw the young man Queenie was holding, they were momentarily too stunned for words. Who was he? His appearance was striking, and he carried the temperament and aura of a rich and refined gentleman.

Bonnie lowered her head and tried to calm her raging emotions. It was really Nigel! Queenie was actually capable of asking Nigel to come and support her.

After the shock, Leslie looked gloomy and irritated. Finally, he picked up the glass of water and took a sip to cover up his self-conscious state.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet my boyfriend, Nigel Manson.”

“Hello.” Nigel glanced at the people present and finally looked at the two vacant seats. Then, he chose the seat right next to Queenie.

Maggie and Brandon greeted Nigel with a nod and a smile, yet the members of the Payne Family looked indifferent and aloof. They didn’t even try to be polite because they were flustered. Today was supposed to be the day Leslie called off the engagement, yet Queenie brought her boyfriend over and openly displayed their affection.

Moreover, this young man had a better physique than Leslie; his face was far more stunning, and there was no doubt his temperament was better than Leslie’s. It was absolute humiliation to them.

“Mr. Manson, I didn’t expect you to attend as well,” Bonnie immediately greeted Nigel with a charming smile.

“Queenie, hurry up and introduce this fine young man to us!” Maggie was extremely curious. Previously, Queenie told her that she was working. So was Queenie working for him?

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Silverstein. My name is Nigel Manson. My family mainly works in the hospitality industry,” Nigel humbly introduced himself with grace and elegance.

Queenie asserted with a smile, “His family business, Manson Group, has more than 1,700 five-star hotels around the world, with franchises all over the world, focusing on the top luxury hotels. He is the president of Manson Group and my boyfriend.”

Queenie’s voice was crisper than that of a reporter. After she was done with her introductions, she hooked her arm around Nigel’s and looked at him adoringly.

Nigel also turned his head and looked at her with a gleam of warmth and affection.

When everyone returned to their senses, just in time to hear Queenie’s remarks, the members of the Payne Family were shocked and aghast. Was the young man in front of them the heir of the Manson Group?

Leslie felt even more humiliated this time. Queenie didn’t pull her punches as she had succeeded in completely degrading him.

“So, Leslie, I’m really grateful for your decision to break off the engagement. I was so worried that my engagement would affect my relationship with Nigel!” Queenie looked gratefully at Leslie. Then, she turned to Bonnie and beamed. “Also, Bonnie, I want to thank you for being by Leslie’s side. He won’t be alone after we break off the engagement, and I’m delighted to have such a brilliant and excellent brother-in-law like Leslie.”

Queenie asserted her statement sincerely and earnestly. But, other than Maggie and Brandon, everyone else looked flustered and abashed, especially Bonnie.

She laughed awkwardly. “Queenie, what are you talking about?! The things between Leslie and me are still up in the air!”

Leslie turned to look at Bonnie in bewilderment. He couldn’t believe his ears when Bonnie denied the fact that they were dating.

The members of the Payne Family were disgruntled. It turned out that Queenie dumped Leslie because she had found a better man, yet she had the cheek to sit on her high horse and speak in a high and mighty manner. She even tricked Leslie into dating Bonnie, her arrogant and rude sister!

She was so vicious and cunning.

However, Ashton, Leslie’s father, was a businessman through and through. So, when he heard about Nigel’s identity, he instinctively wanted to leave a good impression. If he managed such a feat, he would have won a valuable connection which would be a great advantage if there was an opportunity for collaboration in the future.

“Hello, Mr. Manson. My name is Ashton Payne. I run an equipment and machinery business. Here, a toast to you.” Ashton immediately got up and raised his glass.

Nigel glanced around the table. Unfortunately, he didn’t have his own glass. Hence, when he saw Queenie’s glass, he swiftly took it, stood up, raised it to Ashton, and took two sips.

Queenie’s heart skipped a beat at his actions! She had drunk the wine prior to his attendance! Could this be considered an indirect kiss?

Brandon hurriedly urged the waiter to bring a wine glass and filled it with wine before handing it to Nigel.

Maggie was overjoyed at this moment. Both her daughters were dating, and she was even more surprised that Queenie’s boyfriend was from an extremely wealthy family.

“Queenie, why didn’t you bring Nigel to our house before?” Maggie murmured as her tone held a slight reproach. Although, to be fair, it was more than a little inappropriate to meet Nigel on such an occasion.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll bring him back for dinner someday.” Queenie grinned.

Bonnie glared at Queenie with envy and hatred, but when she looked at Nigel, she immediately turned gentle, shy, and timid. This was her usual tactic when she was with someone she admired. She would pretend to be a mild-mannered damsel in distress who needed protection.

Leslie noticed that Bonnie’s favorite dish, grilled shrimp, was placed far away from her. So, he took the initiative to place two shrimps on Bonnie’s plate. “Bonnie, here. Have some shrimps.”

Bonnie’s pretty face was painted with annoyance as she glared at the shrimp on her plate with disgust. “Don’t you know that I’m allergic to shrimp?!” With that, she swept the shrimp aside and refused to pay attention to it.

Leslie was shocked. Only a few days ago, Bonnie specially requested the grilled shrimp and told him it was delicious.

Queenie watched their interaction in gleeful satisfaction. She secretly rejoiced when she saw Leslie being disliked and hated by Bonnie in various ways. There was no doubt in her heart that she genuinely thought that he deserved every bit of it.

“Bonnie, Leslie is being nice to you!” Keira couldn’t help but speak up for Leslie.

“I don’t need anyone to be nice to me!” Bonnie grumbled disrespectfully. The expressions of the members of the Payne Family darkened at her words. Even Brandon reprimanded her less-than-stellar demeanor sternly, “Bonnie! Watch your words!”

Bonnie bit down on her lips and remained silent.

At this moment, Nigel brought a piece of shrimp to Queenie. “Do you like it?”

“Yes! I like it very much.” With that, Queenie didn’t hesitate to bite down on the shrimp and enjoyed the shrimp with relish. “One more, please.”

Nigel took another piece of shrimp, but instead of placing it on her plate, he fed it to her. Queenie was taken aback by his daring at first, but she quickly composed herself as she smiled, opened her mouth, and bit it.

affection in front of the

feel the resentment burning inside her. Queenie was

the end. In their minds, Queenie had always been carefree and forthright, so they did not

right? Allow me to give you a toast.” Nigel suddenly raised his glass

raise

thank you for

I suppose we’re not meant to be

took a sip of the wine, he extended his arm and wrapped it around

he called out her name softly, “Queenie, I have

blinked curiously, looking forward to what

Nigel and Queenie, felt her heart leap to her throat when she heard Nigel’s remark. Did he plan to confess to Queenie in front of

been worthless to a man who didn’t appreciate and cherish you, but you are priceless to me. So from now on, I’ll

forgot to chew for a moment as she stared at Nigel, who was smiling so gently. Was he telling the truth or making their bluff

if it was a bluff. Julian

be true. After all, she was the one who came up with the

character so seriously that she didn’t know

ad-lib on the fly as she

tip of her nose lightly. “Of course! Do you think

Of course you are! This is all

even mocked Leslie as the

jealous that she was barely holding on to her rationality, and at the same time, she immediately came to a decisive conclusion. She must ruin Queenie’s happiness and steal Nigel from her. Even if she

Dad, Mom, Mr. and

“Right! We almost forgot about this. So, Bonnie

I have no intention of getting engaged to Leslie,” Bonnie put her

the same time, she glared daggers

Queenie to pick up on Bonnie’s ire. Still, considering the situation, she merely smirked

affectionate to him before this, but why did she suddenly change her mind and refuse to marry

efforts in the past six months in

I are just friends. You’ve clearly misunderstood things,” Bonnie continued on with her bald-faced lie. After she had set her sights on

back of her hand. She knew Bonnie wanted to

of you have already done the deed, so it’s only right for me to ensure

bluntly revealed that she had slept with Leslie in front of Nigel. She glanced at Nigel to observe his expression, but he was drinking water

was drunk, and Leslie took care of me the whole night. Nothing happened,” Bonnie explained angrily, trying

he heard Bonnie’s denials. Yet, this was indeed an opportunity for him to see an

can you…”

to Queenie what happened that day. Nothing happened between us, right?” Bonnie’s gaze was fixed on him. She was forcing him to take her

accepted reality for what it was as he gulped down the

how much he spent on you in the past six months just to ask you out?! How can you

and Brandon immediately defended Bonnie valiantly, “Bonnie is still young

on her! How are we going to settle this then?!” It would be an understatement to say that Keira

money willingly,” Bonnie wasted no time in retorting

“What?! How dare you shirk things

little bewildered at this point because she didn’t expect things to turn out like this. So, she

like this, Bonnie

shameless remarks rendered

“Mom, please stop. This is between Bonnie

harshly, grabbed her handbag, and stormed off. As a result,

a little embarrassed at this moment. Keira hissed in fury, “I don’t think Leslie is lucky enough to marry Bonnie.

for Bonnie’s attitude. We will knock some sense into her when we get

take our leave first.” With that,

Brandon were left in the room, and they kept apologizing to the Payne family

eyes in the restaurant corridor, Queenie patted her chest and was a little worried about her parents.

bound to fall out,” Nigel concluded with a quirk of

Bonnie just leave and let their parents deal

arguments outside the

at the commotion and saw that the two figures were Bonnie and Leslie. Leslie was holding onto Bonnie, who was trying to leave, with all his

Bonnie kept trying to tug her hands out of his grasp with an unhappy grimace as though

She didn’t expect

fault! Please come back and get engaged with me. I love you!” A surge of complicated emotions engulfed Leslie’s heart at this moment. He wasn’t really bothered by Bonnie wanting to end things with

of his hands. Therefore, he must grasp onto her with all his might and get engaged with her no matter how ridiculously humble

Leslie, I’m warning you! We’re over! I’m done dating you! It’s your business that you love

but he found that Queenie was watching them with a relish he couldn’t understand. So, he forced himself to be patient as he

the street to the opposite side of the shopping complex, but Leslie kept pulling her hand and refused to

high heels as she ran across the street at the last

a step, a car that had been waiting for the light to turn green rushed over and knocked him down. Luckily, the driver hit on the brake in time, and the car stopped less than half a

witness a car accident. It didn’t matter how much she despised Leslie; a life was at stake.

on leaving Leslie to the dust, didn’t look back at all when

idea that Leslie almost lost his life in order to chase after

Then, the second before he lost consciousness, Leslie felt himself being held in a warm embrace. A pair of soft hands patted his face, and an anxious voice beckoned him to return

wake up! Are

consciousness but was still clearly panicking and in shock. The first thing he saw was Queenie’s face. Then, all

“Queenie…”

Leslie was merely terrified due to the rather morbid turn of events, so she gently patted his back and comforted him, “Alright, calm

the side of the road to sit. It was Nigel. After he removed Leslie from Queenie and forced him down, he even dusted his hands

that Leslie’s face and hands were scraped. He looked utterly

female driver rushed over with her face pale in fright. Earlier, a man suddenly ran a red light and rushed out onto the street as soon as

Leslie suddenly grabbed Queenie’s hand tightly. Just now, when he was on the verge of death, it was Queenie’s voice that snapped him out of his fear. Her

finally

sorry. I’m so sorry. Can you please forgive me?” Leslie was sobbing uncontrollably as

pull her hand back to no avail as Leslie grabbed her hand with the desperation of a

down. Do you want to go to the hospital? We’ll take

Please go to the hospital! I’ll pay for your medical bills,” the female

waved his hand at the female driver and said, “Just go.

female driver was still concerned. “You’d better go to the hospital

on the side of the road decadently and said to the female driver, “I won’t

unwillingness to cooperate. Queenie glanced

“Okay.” Leslie nodded docilely.

had yet to leave the restaurant, so they had no idea what was happening downstairs. The members of the Payne Family demanded

while Leslie got into the car; his legs were still jelly-like

while the nurse bandaged Leslie’s abrasions

could not express the gratitude and love

had utterly fallen in love with Queenie after

noticed Leslie’s fiery and passionate gaze directed at Queenie. Thus, he clasped Queenie’s forearm and

Queenie, don’t go,” Leslie hurriedly called

say anything when a

Nigel muttered coldly. He opened the door of

He was right. As long as Leslie was alive and well, his family would not come after her family. But,

we going?” Queenie asked

do you want

eyes

suggested before Queenie could say anything, “Let’s go to another restaurant to have dinner. I didn’t

she beamed and

to the nearby restaurant. Leslie’s family was horrified when they got a call from him. They immediately rushed out of the restaurant to the clinic to fetch him in a flurry of movements. Meanwhile, Brandon and Maggie were saddened because their friendship with the Payne Family was utterly severed after that debacle. So, when they left the

that Queenie was having dinner and Bonnie was taking a stroll outside. Although satisfied that their daughters were safe and sound, they were still bogged down by the situation with the Paynes. Thus, they demanded the girls return

ate while complimenting Nigel across the table over the

good at acting! It’s a shame that you’re not interested

me to get into character, remember?” Nigel curled his lips

he was just acting tonight. But, for some reason, she felt a

you, I have preserved my dignity.” Queenie gave him a thumbs up. “Thank you. When you need my help, just

anything?” Nigel narrowed his eyes as

a little thirsty after speaking, so she picked up the glass of water and

a little lonely tonight. How about you keep me company?”

she sprayed that sip of water on Nigel’s face and the food on the

at her in shock as though his brain had stopped functioning. He could clearly feel fine

was utterly taken aback by his teasing, so she was still somewhat dazed. Nevertheless, when she finally regained her composure, she hurriedly grabbed the napkin and handed it to Nigel, who

Here, wipe your face. I didn’t do it

a little as he finally came to terms with reality. He took the napkin from her

don’t think we can eat this. Let’s order something else!” Queenie flushed in embarrassment. Her actions, never mind how accidental, had ruined the entire table worth

unpredictable or shocking things to

away and said to

Nigel was angered, so she didn’t

was right next to her, she tried her hardest not to laugh as she replayed the scene repeatedly in her mind. Still, her

her in askance and

‘approval’, she immediately stopped suppressing her laughter and laughed her

to

It hurts…” Queenie rubbed her

how hard she tried. When Nigel turned around and stared at her, she looked up, and another round of

couldn’t stop

it funny at all. Instead, he felt embarrassed when Queenie kept

called in a

looked up at him. Then, all of a sudden, two large palms cupped her face. Before she could process

so much that she stopped laughing altogether. Rather, she was so flustered that her mind went blank due to

her with a slight gasp. He looked

like an effective method to silence her laughter. Queenie blinked, bit her lips, and looked at him in bewilderment. There were tears at the corners of her eyes that looked like diamonds embellishing the corner of her eyes. She looked

one kiss was not enough. So he extended his arm to embrace her and kiss her again, but this time, Queenie responded quickly by taking a step back and pushing

again, you have to be my boyfriend.” Queenie was wise regarding her love life. Hence, she

felt that she was snubbing him. “Do you think I don’t

want to date me?” Queenie’s

as he replied affirmatively,

relationship department, so

fact that they were extremely wealthy. She

What was there to

days to think about it.