Never Too Far Novel

“Queenie’s with Nigel.” Julian glanced over at the couple to point them out to Jessie.

She nodded at once. “Oh! I see her. Thanks.”

He stood there with a glass of wine in his hand, his eyes staring straight at her. The chandelier above them reflected in his eyes and made them sparkle like the stars in galaxies.

What a pair of bewitching eyes. Jessie had felt pretty confident about herself thanks to her makeover, but she quickly lost it all under his gaze. She was afraid that he wouldn’t find her attractive.

However, to her absolute surprise, Julian commented, “You look very beautiful tonight.”

She became bashful at his praise and returned him a compliment as well. “You look very handsome too, Mr. Gilmore!”

“Don’t call me Mr. Gilmore. You can just call me Julian.”

“Okay!” Jessie nodded in agreement. She didn’t mind the new way of addressing him at all.

Just then, two young women came over. “Oh my goodness! It’s Julian Gilmore!”

The two young women were thrilled! They never thought they’d run into their celebrity crush while attending a dinner party with their parents. It was such a surprise to see him at the event.

These two young women were Jessie’s cousins, who were distant relatives of the Silversteins, and at this very moment, no one could miss just how ecstatic they were.

Jessie stepped aside and allowed the two fans to talk to Julian upon noticing that.

Since they were related to the family, she wanted to let them have a good time tonight.

However, Julian was a little annoyed by the two young women’s exuberance. He raised his hand and addressed them politely, “Please excuse me. I have something to discuss with Miss Silverstein.”

Then, he came over to Jessie and took her by the hand before ushering her off with him. She was stunned, and her cheeks were aflame as she stared disbelievingly at their entwined hands.

He led her to a private lounge. Once he closed the door behind them, he sighed. “This is why I don’t like going out much. The fans are too noisy.”

“What about me? Do you find me noisy too?” Jessie teased as she recalled joining his fans in welcoming him at the airport some time ago.

Julian cocked his eyebrows. “Are you a fan of mine?”

“Yeah, I’m your fan.” She nodded in all seriousness. Although she wasn’t one of the more passionate fans, he was the only young actor she admired in the industry, apart from all the older, more experienced actors.

He smiled. “Tell me what it feels like to succeed as a fan, then!”

She chuckled. “It’s amazing. I get to eat dinner and have a conversation with my favorite celebrity. It’s like a dream come true.”

“Alright, alright. You should go back to your guests,” he said. He didn’t want to take up all of her time tonight. She was the star of the show, after all.

Jessie nodded and went off. Now that he was here, she no longer felt disappointed.

Julian’s phone started ringing then. “Hello?”

“Julian, Eva Duncan’s schedule is full, so the production team has decided to find someone else to play the female lead. Do you have anyone you want to recommend?” It was a call from Marlon Warner, who was part of the production team for his latest filming project.

Julian’s eyes flickered in thought for a moment before his lips curved into a smile. “Hold off on selecting someone for the female lead first.”

“Why? Do you have someone to recommend? Tell me who it is! I’ll check and see if she’s available.”

“I know she’s available.”

“How can you be sure? We have only just decided to change the actress!”

“Either way, I’ll handle filling the role of the female lead. You guys can continue with the pre-production preparations,” Julian drawled.

“Alright! We’re looking forward to seeing whom you’ve chosen for the female lead. I’m sure you won’t let us down!”

Julian’s eyes flickered in amusement. No, you’ll all be disappointed, but it doesn’t matter as long as I’m not disappointed.

At this very moment, the entire entertainment industry was in an uproar as many actresses heard the news and wanted to take the role of the leading lady opposite Julian. However, they were not going to get their chance.

Julian had chosen his leading lady—Jessie, who had yet to make her debut.

Once all the guests arrived, the first item on the agenda was Brandon’s announcement that his youngest daughter had been found. Jessie went up on stage accompanied by her older sister, and the guests were shocked by the sight of the happily reunited family.

Everyone in the crowd was thinking the same thing. They’re twins, alright! They look exactly the same.

Many of the young men in the crowd were beginning to get ideas. The Silversteins’ fortune was going to go to the two sisters in the future, so if they became the Silversteins’ son-in-law, they would get to take possession of half of the family’s fortune!

Nigel and Julian were leaning against a pillar by the stage. They each had a glass of wine in their hands as they gazed at the pair of gorgeous young women up on the stage. Then, Nigel’s sharp hearing picked up on the words coming from a young man. “Wow! I think the elder Miss Silverstein has inherited the company. I’m sure I can easily sign a deal with Silverstein Enterprise if I manage to woo her.”

Nigel smirked at that. He walked over to that man and tapped him on the shoulder. The man was startled and turned around to see a tall, handsome man behind him. “Yes?”

“I’m just here to give you a friendly reminder. The elder Miss Silverstein is my fiancée. You’ll have to be careful if you try to get any ideas about her.” Nigel’s sharp gaze paired well with his warning tone.

The man started apologizing awkwardly, “I’m so sorry. I was just blabbing. I didn’t mean any of it.”

With that, he quickly fled with his friends.

It was hard for the guests to tell the two young women on stage apart, but for those who took the time to understand them, it wasn’t hard at all.

Nigel and Julian could both easily tell them apart with just one look.

With the crowd acting as the witnesses to Jessie’s return to the family, the Silversteins shared a group hug, and the crowd rang out in applause at the sight of the heart-warming family reunion.

Jessie’s eyes were red as she hugged her mother close. Brandon patted her on the shoulder, whereas Queenie reached out to hug her sister as well.

“Dig in, everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful time tonight!” Brandon addressed the crowd cheerfully.

Applause thundered out once more, and soon, the guests started coming over to congratulate the Silverstein couple. The Manson couple was among them. As future in-laws, they were genuinely happy for the Silversteins too.

Queenie brought Jessie over to the two men, who were still standing by the pillar. Jessie was a little red-faced as she glanced at Julian.

“I have a gift for you, Miss Jessie Silverstein,” Julian declared.

She blinked. “That’s not necessary at all, Mr. Gilmore. I’m already honored that you came. I can’t accept a gift from you.”

“No, you must accept this gift,” he insisted.

Nigel and Queenie were both waiting to see what the gift was. Jessie was a little embarrassed. “What do you wish to give me, Mr. Gilmore?”

“Eva Duncan isn’t free to play the female lead in my upcoming drama. The production team wants me to recommend someone. I’m recommending you.”

“What?!” Jessie was dumbstruck and covered her mouth in shock. Me?!

He wants me to play the female lead in his upcoming drama? How can I possibly do that?! This gift is too much.

“Jessie, don’t let his kindness go to waste. I’m sure you can do a great job,” Nigel said.

“That’s right, Jessie. You have all of us supporting you. I’m sure you’ll become a successful actress with Julian helping you with your debut.” Queenie was pleased on Jessie’s behalf. Seems to me that Julian really is taking good care of Jessie! This was great news to her as she hoped that Jessie would get together with Julian in the future.

Jessie was red from all her excitement. She glanced at Queenie before turning to Julian and said gratefully, “Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Mr. Gilmore. I won’t let you down.”

“Jessie, why don’t you toast Julian?” Queenie suggested with a smile.

Jessie quickly took a glass of red wine from the server and said bashfully, “Here’s a toast to you, Mr. Gilmore.”

Julian raised his glass and tapped it against Jessie’s. As soon as she finished the glass, Maggie came over to get her. She wanted to introduce Jessie to the guests. Queenie and Nigel went over to the restaurant, and a few more young women quickly crowded around Julian. Even a few older ladies came over to ask if he was married. They were keen to introduce their daughters to him!

He was somewhat exasperated, but he remained pleasant and amiable the whole time.

At the restaurant, Nigel and Queenie sat down at a table after filling their plates. As they took in the view of the night sky, Queenie exhaled in joy. “We’ve finally reunited.”

“That means we have time to consider our future now.” Nigel stared at her with his dark, affectionate eyes.

finding her sister, she ended up neglecting him a fair bit. She nodded and agreed, “Yeah! I’ll bring it up with my

your house three days later to formally ask for your hand in marriage,”

grew a little warm as

parents around as they introduced her to everyone. The guests were very warm and welcoming, and she ended up drinking a lot each

a few other guests, she made her escape. She wanted to look for Queenie but couldn’t find her anywhere. Jessie felt a little light-headed and decided to take a

Miss Silverstein? Allow me to take

fine, thank you,” she declined

man didn’t want to miss this opportunity. Since she was drunk, it was the perfect time for him to

step, her head became woozy, and

rang out. “I’ll take care of Miss

the moment he saw who it was, he deflated at once. Julian was not only an award-winning actor, but he

Jessie raised her head to look at Julian. Her face seemed to glow

you.” He sat down beside her and poured her a

if I drink a bit

I really play the part of your female

fine. I believe you’ll do a good job,” Julian assured

being a stunt double for several years. Although I do enjoy acting, I never learned it properly and I don’t have experience. I’m afraid I’ll ruin your show.” The alcohol

to trouble him. She wanted to help him stay as

seen a lot of actresses who were willing to go to extreme lengths just to get the parts they wanted. It was his first time meeting

anything you need to know

stared at him with hazy eyes before nodding and agreeing obediently, “Okay. I

poured her

and asked, “Mr. Gilmore, why do you do

it because you’re Queenie’s sister and that she’s my best friend’s fiancée? Is that why I care about you so much? “What? Are you complaining about it? Do you

that someone is nice to me.” She

see my dad and mom now.” She pushed herself up and tried to leave. I can walk, no problem. However, walking when she was drunk felt like stepping on clouds. She had only taken a few steps before losing

arm around her waist and helped her back to her seat. “Don’t go

eyes telling a hundred stories at the same time. Then, she huddled closer. “Mr. Gilmore, can I ask you something?

“What is it?”

only one who was rumored to be dating him was Eva, the actress he had worked with many

that important to you?” Julian narrowed his

wanna know. You don’t have to

not dating. Eva and I are only partners,”

blinked. Oh, he denies it. That means it’s merely a

amused. Lots of people had raised a toast to her earlier, and she had no idea how to

I don’t see her anywhere. She could’ve

so they couldn’t leave. Just then, Jessie

don’t want anything

the man by her side. “Can you

felt a little awkward. She’s really drunk. She’s actually asking Julian to take her to her

and she was a girl, not to mention a drunk one. There was no way he would say yes, not

not here, and we can’t leave. So, we’ll leave her

Hey, I want him to marry Jessie. Let him do

and he patted

I guess I have to do this. Julian nodded.

on. There are too many people here.

stood up, Julian offered his arm

the hotel, Julian took a keycard and went

her head on Julian’s shoulder. He looked down and saw her full, luscious lips. For

lips to regain focus, and the elevator door swung open soon after. Though, he realized the girl beside him couldn’t even be bothered to

head is spinning,”

had no choice but to pick her up; holding her

And she was a dancer, too. Julian thought she felt light and soft as he carried her in his

he opened the door and put her on the bed. Jessie still had her arms wrapped around his neck as he laid her down, so he ended up

of him quickly upon realizing she

his heart racing a mile, the drunken lady didn’t think much

stayed with her in case anything

on the top floor enjoying the view, or rather, they were making out. Kissing their lover under the starry sky was the most memorable thing that ever

lovey-dovey with each other, Queenie received a call from her parents and felt rather

asked him where Jessie was. After a short while,

beside her, she didn’t wake up at all. Though,

while the gentlemen left. The Silversteins stayed at the hotel for the night, with the parents sharing a

with a little hangover. Queenie, who was lying on the bed beside her,

how did I get here?” She had forgotten what had happened

and hard. Someone took you back

“Was it you?”

her head. “No. Think

remembered hugging Julian’s neck, and it made her blush. That piece of memory made her remember

at the hotel

had registered her for the performance class at Averna University’s School of Performance Arts. The class would last for a week. He wanted her to build up

he did for her. She promised she would study

He returned to the company and told Queenie to spend some time handling

school. She had to stay there for a whole day, so Queenie went to see Nigel. They were

for class. Thanks to Julian’s arrangement, she had made

sat down. Everyone in the class looked at her upon her arrival. Some recognized who she was, and they

isn’t she a stuntwoman?

her to take this

switching lanes. Got tired of the stuntwoman

everyone is talented enough to be an

Jessie heard everything despite their whispering. She took her

name?” a

“Jessie. Jessie Silverstein.”

recommended you?” the girl asked curiously. A famous professor would be giving the lessons, and only the elites of

“My friend,” Jessie answered.

Jessie looked. Beauties were a dime a dozen in the industry, but anyone who wanted to be famous had

filled with

had also taken a lot of notes. Like a sponge, she kept

some tea and announced, “Alright, I need someone

lady from earlier went up to the stage.

“Very well.”

stared at Jessie. “I’ll go

the girl beside

no idea about the industry’s gossip as she had been busy with her work. She

role can

She had no

I wanted to

Jessie get humiliated. She was in very fashionable attire, and the ladies thought she was a

be Miss Silverstein. The one Julian recommended,” the

me, I have no reason

I’d like you

smiled and nodded. “Of

did she expect Julian

as well, but everyone was now looking at her in a new light. Julian’s the one who recommended her? Who is she? Why does Julian care so

Jessie turned around, her eyes filled with envy. “So, your friend is

smiled. She raised her head and was met with Xandra’s icy glare. She blamed Jessie for the

shot her a look as well. She never did anything to her, and she wouldn’t let

the professor asked Jessie to come with her. Xandra approached them happily. “Professor Larson, I have a few questions I’d like

course.” The professor

she was a part of the

her she could come

even more thankful for Julian’s as she wouldn’t have had this

Jessie had already been in the industry for years and knew she had to deny everything, so she

any news about Julian would be twisted and written into articles that were nothing but lies. It was especially so when a no-name stuntwoman like her received a favor from Julian; the news outlets would make use

leave the

true? Are you

“Who said that?”

to join the performance class at Averna’s

news.” She sat down under a tree

unnamed stuntwoman seduced Julian, and her endeavor was successful. Julian recommended her to a class at the school of performance

whole day with Julian in his hotel. Claims were made

making up lies. This is fake news. We did nothing at the hotel. They even used photos of me at work; it was clear that they were talking about me. The comment section was filled with nothing but insults

at this moment, someone approached her and sneered, “Did you see the news, Jessie? No wonder you got the chance to attend this class.” Xandra

someone’s great in bed. Not like

have