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.

displayed their affection in

the resentment burning inside her. Queenie was doing

the couple’s behavior but said nothing in 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

force a smile and raise his glass reluctantly

of wine, I want to thank you for giving Queenie to

I suppose we’re not

he extended his arm and wrapped it around Queenie’s shoulders. Queenie

Then, finally, he called out her name softly, “Queenie, I have something to tell

curiously, looking forward to what he would say

from Nigel and Queenie, felt her heart leap to her throat when she heard Nigel’s remark. Did

and cherish you, but you are priceless to me. So from now

she heard Nigel’s statement. She was so dazed that she forgot to chew for a moment as she stared

was a natural-born actor if it was a bluff. Julian should

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

character so seriously that she didn’t know how to follow

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

tip of her nose lightly.

Of course you are! This is all fake from the

even mocked Leslie as the man who

ruin Queenie’s happiness and steal Nigel from her. Even if she couldn’t win Nigel’s heart in the end, she would definitely ruin

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 seemed as if it finally occurred

“Right! We almost forgot about this.

intention of getting engaged to Leslie,” Bonnie put her foot

time, she glared

the situation, she merely smirked in amusement and turned her attention

affectionate to him before this, but why did she suddenly change

all his efforts in the past

her bald-faced lie. After she had set her sights on Nigel,

her hand. She knew Bonnie wanted to dump Leslie and steal Nigel. Nevertheless, she would not

sister, so of course, I have to mind your business. Both of you have already done the deed, so it’s only right for me to

revealed that she had slept with Leslie in front of Nigel.

between us. That day, I was drunk, and Leslie took care of me

opportunity for him to see an individual

can you…”

happened between us, right?” Bonnie’s gaze was fixed on

was as he gulped

do you mean by that? You don’t like Leslie?! Do you know how much he spent on you in the past six months just

immediately defended Bonnie valiantly, “Bonnie is still young and immature. Please

would be an understatement to say that Keira could feel her temper rising with each question

that’s not on me. He spent that money willingly,” Bonnie wasted

Keira was enraged. “What?! How dare you shirk

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

a moment like this, Bonnie didn’t hesitate to push all

remarks rendered Queenie

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

off. As a result, Leslie

this moment. Keira hissed in fury, “I don’t think Leslie is lucky enough to

We’re so sorry for Bonnie’s attitude. We will knock

our leave first.” With that, Queenie nudged Nigel,

in the room, and they

they finally escaped from prying eyes in the restaurant corridor, Queenie patted her chest and was a

two families are bound to fall out,” Nigel

just leave and

they heard arguments outside

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

tug her hands out of his grasp with an unhappy grimace as though it was disgusting for Leslie to even lay

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

you!” A surge of complicated emotions engulfed Leslie’s heart at this moment. He wasn’t really bothered by Bonnie wanting to end things

onto her with all his might and get engaged with her no matter how

I’m warning you! We’re over! I’m done dating you! It’s your business that you love me, but I don’t love you anymore!” Bonnie pulled her hand back while shouting those hurtful

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

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

the street at the last few seconds of the green light. Leslie, who didn’t even notice that the green light

took 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 meter away from Leslie. Nevertheless, Leslie still fainted due to the fright of having such a close brush with

didn’t matter how much she despised Leslie; a life was at stake. Therefore, she darted forward and rushed to him, and Nigel, who was behind her,

leaving Leslie to the dust, didn’t

almost lost his life in

he lost consciousness, Leslie felt himself being held in a warm embrace. A pair of soft hands patted

up! Are you

and in shock. The first thing he saw was Queenie’s face. Then, all of a

“Queenie…”

rather morbid turn of events, so

him from the floor to the side of the road to sit. It was Nigel. After he removed Leslie

they saw that Leslie’s face and hands were scraped. He

red light and rushed out onto the street as soon as she shifted her gears to drive.

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 voice was the most melodious

after the death ordeal was Leslie able to withdraw his feelings from Bonnie. He finally realized that Queenie was a kind

sorry. Can you please forgive me?” Leslie was sobbing uncontrollably as he held

to no avail as Leslie

you want to go to the

for your medical bills,” the

scrapes on his body. He waved his hand at the female driver and said, “Just go. You don’t

concerned. “You’d better go

the side of the road decadently and said to

glanced at

“Okay.” Leslie nodded docilely.

they had no idea what was happening downstairs. The members of the Payne Family demanded answers from Maggie and Brandon, while

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

the nurse

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

fallen in love with Queenie after

felt inexplicably displeased as he noticed Leslie’s fiery and passionate gaze directed at Queenie. Thus, he clasped

go,” Leslie

manage to say anything when a force pulled

coldly. He opened

blinked as she interpreted his remarks. He was right. As long as Leslie was alive and well, his family would not

going?” Queenie asked

do you want to

Queenie narrowed her eyes as she thought

could say anything, “Let’s go to another

too, so she beamed

out of the restaurant to the clinic to fetch him in a flurry of movements. Meanwhile, Brandon

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

ate while complimenting Nigel across the table

good at acting! It’s a shame that you’re not interested in theatre!” Queenie praised

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

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

thumbs up. “Thank you. When you need my help,

anything?” Nigel narrowed his eyes as he

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

How about you keep me company?”

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

Nigel was so startled that he stared at her in shock as though his brain had stopped functioning. He could clearly feel fine

Nevertheless, when she finally regained her composure, she hurriedly grabbed

face.

reality. He took the napkin from her and

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

to keep unpredictable or shocking things to oneself when eating, or

away and

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

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 avoided looking at

looked at her in askance

immediately stopped suppressing her laughter

was laughing so hard that she began to gasp, didn’t even notice that Nigel stopped in his tracks. Thus, she bumped

It hurts…” Queenie rubbed her stinging

as if Queenie had a laughing problem because she could not stop it, no matter how hard she tried. When Nigel turned around and stared at her, she looked up, and

She felt she couldn’t stop giggling as long as

he felt embarrassed when Queenie kept cackling. It felt

he called in

a sudden, two large palms cupped her face. Before she could process what was going on, Nigel closed his eyes

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

with a slight gasp. He looked at her and questioned her

at him in bewilderment. There were tears at the corners of her

her and kiss her again, but this time, Queenie responded quickly by taking

do whatever you want to me. If you kiss me again, you have to be my boyfriend.” Queenie was wise regarding her love life. Hence, she barely held hands with Leslie when

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

want to date me?” Queenie’s eyes lit up with

his eyes as he replied

levelheaded in the relationship department, so she bit her lips

were extremely wealthy. She and

by her question. What was there to think about? Was he not good enough

days to think about it. Then, when the time comes,