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.

guiltily. Amid all the commotion of finding her sister, she ended up neglecting him a fair bit. She nodded and agreed, “Yeah! I’ll bring

formally

cheeks grew a little warm as she nodded shyly.

very warm and welcoming, and she ended

couldn’t find her anywhere. Jessie felt a little light-headed and decided to take a seat. One of the young men, who wanted to approach her, immediately seized this chance

you alright, Miss Silverstein? Allow me to take you to the lounge

fine, thank

Are you sure you’re alright?” The young man didn’t want to miss this opportunity. Since she was drunk, it was the perfect time for him to make a

but as soon as she tried to take a step, her head became woozy, and she fell back down onto the

a man’s voice rang out. “I’ll take

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

her head to look at Julian. Her face seemed to glow under the light. It made her

one’s forcing you.” He

a bit more than usual. I don’t have a very good tolerance

embolden her as she asked, “Can I really play the part of your female lead? Will the producers and the director

believe you’ll do a good job,”

experience when it comes to acting, apart from 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 gave Jessie the courage to

genuinely liked him and admired him. Thus, she didn’t want to trouble

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 someone like Jessie, who showed consideration for someone else instead. It was a rare quality in the entertainment

all that, Jessie. Just follow my lead. I will teach you anything you

before nodding and agreeing obediently, “Okay.

some tea.” Julian poured her a cup of

drank it and asked, “Mr. Gilmore, why

Is that why I care about you so much? “What?

That was a stupid question. I should be happy that someone is nice to me.” She beamed giddily. It was evident that she

now.” She pushed herself up and tried to leave. I can walk, no problem. However, walking when she was drunk felt like

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

She patted her cheeks, her eyes telling a hundred stories at the same time. Then, she

“What is it?”

be dating him was Eva, the actress he had worked with

you?” Julian

chuckled. “Not really. Just wanna know. You don’t have to tell me if you

dating. Eva and I are only partners,”

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

were also amused. Lots of people had raised a toast to her earlier, and she had no idea how to deal with them, so as a result, she had a bit too much to

see her anywhere.

had to entertain many guests, so they couldn’t leave. Just then, Jessie stood up. “Don’t worry about me, Dad, Mom.

You are drunk. I don’t want

man by her side. “Can you take

little awkward. She’s really drunk. She’s actually asking Julian to

and she was a girl, not to mention

counting on you, then. Queenie’s not here, and

looked at his wife, but Maggie shot him a look. Hey, I want him to marry Jessie. Let him do something for

her intention, and he patted Julian’s shoulder. “We’re counting on you,

so much, I guess I have to do this. Julian nodded.

There are too many people here. She should get some

as Jessie stood up, Julian offered his arm for her to steady herself. She held it as he

hotel, Julian took a keycard and went to the

He looked down and saw her full, luscious lips. For some reason, it

his gaze from her tempting lips to regain focus, and the elevator door swung open soon after. Though, he

is

choice but to pick her up; holding her up was

her weight under control, thanks to her job. And she was a dancer, too. Julian thought she felt light and soft as he carried her in

around his neck as he laid her down, so he ended up getting pulled toward her. Her face was only millimeters away

go of him quickly upon realizing she was still hugging

mile, the drunken lady didn’t think much of the incident that transpired just now

stayed with her in case anything was to

Nigel and Queenie were 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 happened

Queenie received a call from her parents and felt rather embarrassed

Julian and asked him where Jessie was. After a short

wanted to do was sleep. Even with Julian beside her, she didn’t wake up at all. Though, she would have

stayed at the hotel for the night, with the parents sharing a room while Queenie and Jessie

Jessie woke up with a little hangover. Queenie, who was lying on the bed beside her, sat up and asked,

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

teasingly. “Think long and hard. Someone took

“Was it you?”

head. “No. Think

head. She then remembered hugging Julian’s neck, and it made her blush. That piece of memory made her remember everything that had happened, and she was overcome by

had lunch at the hotel and went

registered her for the performance class at Averna University’s School of Performance Arts.

what he did for her. She promised she would study hard and not

He returned to the company and

morning, Queenie took Jessie to school. She had to stay there for a whole day, so Queenie went to see Nigel. They were deeply in love. Not seeing each other for

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

in the class looked at her upon her arrival. Some recognized

she a stuntwoman? Why

Is it even necessary for her to take

switching lanes. Got tired of

though. Not everyone is talented enough

everything despite their whispering.

name?” a girl

“Jessie. Jessie Silverstein.”

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

“My friend,” Jessie answered.

were a dime a dozen in the industry,

lecture was filled with facts and practical tips. Everyone fortunate to be in the class

a lot of notes. Like a sponge, she kept absorbing

tea and announced, “Alright, I need someone to perform on

that, the arrogant lady from earlier went up to the stage. She requested, “Professor, I’d like to

“Very well.”

around and stared at Jessie.

still in a daze, and the girl beside

she had been busy with her work. She stood up from her seat and approached Xandra. “What would you want me

of role can you

no answer for

sorry. Forgot you’re a stuntwoman. You were never professionally trained. Sorry for asking you to help me out. I wanted to play some roles in the textbook, but I guess you

was in very fashionable attire, and the ladies thought

must be Miss Silverstein. The one Julian recommended,” the

the professor is asking me, I have no reason to hide it.

you. Come to my office this afternoon. I have a few books I’d like you to have.” The stern expression on the professor’s face was replaced by a

and nodded. “Of course,

awkward and embarrassing for her. All she wanted was to mock Jessie, but never did she expect Julian to be the one who recommended her. “I need more time to prepare, professor,” she said sheepishly and

now looking at her in a new light. Julian’s the one who recommended

her eyes filled with envy. “So, your friend is Julian? Are you

head and was met with Xandra’s icy glare. She blamed Jessie for the embarrassment she

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

Jessie to come with her. Xandra approached them happily. “Professor Larson, I have a

The

just because she was a part of the performance

and told her she could come to her anytime. She even gave Jessie

grateful for the professor’s help and even more thankful for Julian’s as she wouldn’t have had this opportunity to learn the arts of performing

in the industry for years and knew she had to deny everything, so she told the girl she wasn’t familiar with Julian. Seeing that she couldn’t get anything out

twisted and written into articles that were nothing but lies. It was especially so when a no-name stuntwoman like

the school,

is it true? Are

“Who said that?”

They said he recommended you to join the

they find out so fast? She explained, “No. Lemme check the news.” She sat down under a tree

her endeavor was successful. Julian recommended her to a class at

unnamed stuntwoman spent a whole day with Julian in his hotel. Claims were made that her sexual prowess is

lies. This is fake news. We did nothing at the hotel. They even used photos of me at work; it was clear that

headache as she read through all that. Right at this moment, someone approached her and sneered, “Did you see the news, Jessie? No wonder you got the chance to attend this class.”

in bed.

have no taste at