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.

their affection in front of the

inside her. Queenie was doing this

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

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

raise

drinking this glass of wine, I want to thank you for giving Queenie to me,” Nigel narrowed

I suppose we’re not meant to

sip of the wine, he extended his arm and wrapped it around Queenie’s shoulders. Queenie stiffened

eyes met. Then, finally, he called out her name

curiously, looking forward to what he would

heart leap to her throat when she heard Nigel’s

you may have been worthless to a man who didn’t appreciate and cherish you, but you are priceless to me. So from now on, I’ll care for you and love you for the rest of your

chew for a moment as she stared at

natural-born actor if it was a

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

character so seriously that

said that Queenie didn’t know how to ad-lib on the fly as she regained her

tip of her nose lightly. “Of

and thought, Of course you are! This is

Leslie as the man who didn’t appreciate Queenie and

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 couldn’t win Nigel’s

By the way, I broke off the engagement today, but it is also Bonnie’s engagement day! So I won’t steal the limelight. Dad, Mom, Mr. and Mrs. Payne, please host their engagement party!” It

heard her reminder and said, “Right! We almost

of getting engaged

same time, she

the situation, she merely

chagrined. Bonnie had been so affectionate to him before this,

in the past six months

stop sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Leslie and I are just friends. You’ve clearly misunderstood things,” Bonnie continued on with her bald-faced

knew Bonnie wanted to dump Leslie and steal Nigel.

sister, so of course, I have to mind your business. Both of you have already done the deed,

Queenie 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 and didn’t look like he was

and Leslie took care of me

denials. Yet, this was indeed an opportunity for him to see an individual lying through her teeth

can you…” Leslie was

day. Nothing happened between us, right?” Bonnie’s gaze

was as

you mean by that? You don’t like Leslie?! Do you know how much he spent on you in the past six months just to ask you out?! How can you say such a thing now?” Keira roared, feeling upset on

immediately defended Bonnie valiantly, “Bonnie is

going to settle this then?!” It would be an understatement to say that Keira could feel

spent that money willingly,” Bonnie wasted no

“What?! How dare you shirk

things to turn out like this. So, she got up and said, “Dad, Mom, why don’t we go

like this, Bonnie didn’t hesitate to push all the blame

remarks

Bonnie. Therefore, he turned to Keira and said, “Mom, please stop. This is

As a result, Leslie hurried to catch up with her as he called out

and Brandon felt a little embarrassed at this moment. Keira hissed in fury, “I don’t think Leslie

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

Mom, we’ll take our leave first.” With that, Queenie nudged

the room, and they kept apologizing

corridor, Queenie patted her chest and was a little worried

two families are bound to fall out,” Nigel concluded with a

shamelessness. How could Bonnie just leave and let their parents deal with her

restaurant entrance, they heard arguments outside the door and saw two figures

a closer look at the commotion and saw that the two figures were Bonnie and Leslie. Leslie was holding onto Bonnie,

to tug her hands out of his grasp with an unhappy grimace

by the side. She didn’t expect to be able to

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 him, but the

stand back and watch as the Silverstein Family’s fortune slipped out of his hands. Therefore, he must grasp onto her with all his might and get engaged with

We’re over! I’m done dating you! It’s your business that you love me, but I don’t love you anymore!” Bonnie

was not interested in this kind of drama, but he found that Queenie was watching them with a relish he

to the main road. Bonnie wanted to cross the street to the opposite side of the shopping complex, but Leslie

farce, Bonnie showed incredible dexterity in high heels as she ran across the street at the last few seconds of the green light. Leslie, who

down. Luckily, the driver hit on the brake in time, and the car stopped less than half a meter away from Leslie. Nevertheless, Leslie still fainted due to the fright of having such a close brush with

the drama, did not expect to witness a car accident. It didn’t matter how much she despised Leslie; a life was at stake. Therefore, she darted forward and rushed to him, and

so intent on leaving Leslie to the dust, didn’t look back at all when she disappeared into

that Leslie almost lost his life in

Leslie’s body. Then, the second before he lost consciousness, Leslie felt himself being held in a warm

up! Are

first thing he saw

“Queenie…”

the rather

road to sit. It was Nigel. After he removed Leslie from Queenie and forced him down, he

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

in fright. Earlier, a man suddenly ran a red light and rushed out onto the street as

on the verge of death, it was Queenie’s voice that snapped him out of his fear.

from Bonnie. He finally realized that Queenie was a kind

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

as Leslie grabbed her hand with

the hospital? We’ll take

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

body. He waved his

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

on the side of the road decadently and said

glanced at Nigel before

“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 answers from Maggie and Brandon, while

order to attend the ‘show’ as it were. So, Queenie sat in the front passenger seat while Leslie got into the car; his legs were still jelly-like as he was still in shock. Nigel searched the navigation and drove to the

ointment for sterilization while the nurse

He could not express the gratitude and love in his heart through his gazes. Yet, at this moment, a

in love with Queenie after

inexplicably displeased as he noticed Leslie’s fiery and passionate gaze directed at

Queenie, don’t go,” Leslie

anything when a force pulled her halfway out

you don’t need to pity him,” Nigel muttered coldly. He opened the door of the front passenger seat

right. As long as Leslie was alive and well, his family would not

we going?” Queenie

you

eyes as she

“Let’s go to another restaurant to have dinner. I didn’t eat much just

famished, too, so she beamed

him in a flurry of movements. Meanwhile, Brandon and Maggie were saddened

Queenie was having dinner and Bonnie was taking a stroll outside. Although satisfied that their daughters were safe and

complimenting Nigel across the table over the

acting! It’s a shame that you’re not interested in theatre!”

character, remember?” Nigel curled his lips into an impish

on her food and coughed slightly. As it turned out, he was just acting tonight. But, for some

you, I have preserved my dignity.” Queenie gave him a thumbs up. “Thank you. When you need my help, just say the word, and I’ll definitely

anything?” Nigel narrowed his

have my word.” Queenie felt a little thirsty after speaking, so she picked up the glass of

you keep me company?” Nigel

sprayed that sip of water on Nigel’s

functioning. He could clearly feel fine drops of water

somewhat dazed. Nevertheless, when she finally regained her composure, she hurriedly grabbed the napkin and handed it to Nigel, who looked at her with

I’m so sorry! Here, wipe your face.

as he finally came to terms with reality. He took the napkin from her and wiped his handsome face

Let’s order something else!” Queenie flushed in embarrassment. Her

best to keep unpredictable or shocking things to

full.” Nigel placed the napkin away and said

and she sensed that Nigel was angered, so she didn’t protest as she nodded and followed behind him

when they were in the elevator, she couldn’t help but recall the scene and felt that the whole thing was hilarious. But since she was the cause and her victim was right next to her, she tried her hardest not to laugh as she replayed the scene repeatedly in her mind. Still, her shaking shoulders and the way she

looked at her in askance and

she heard his ‘approval’, she immediately stopped suppressing her laughter and

they walked out of the restaurant, Queenie, who was laughing so hard that she began to gasp, didn’t even notice that Nigel stopped in his tracks. Thus, she bumped straight

rubbed her stinging nose

stop it, no matter how hard she tried. When Nigel turned around and stared at her, she looked

is wrong with me?! She felt she couldn’t stop giggling as long as she looked

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

called in

of a sudden, two large palms cupped her face. Before she could

surprised her so much that she stopped laughing altogether. Rather, she

red lips before releasing her with a slight gasp. He looked at her and questioned her huskily,

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

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

me. If you kiss me again, you have to be my boyfriend.” Queenie was wise regarding her love life. Hence, she barely held

because he felt that she was snubbing him. “Do you think I don’t want to

me?” Queenie’s eyes lit up

his eyes as he replied affirmatively, “Of

it was Queenie’s turn to be shocked. She had always been relatively levelheaded in the relationship department, so she bit her lips and muttered, “Wait… Give

were extremely wealthy. She and Nigel were not of the same social status, and he

dumbstruck by her question. What was there to think

give you three days to think about