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.

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

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

warm as she nodded shyly.

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

her parents were caught up in conversation with 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

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

fine, thank you,” she declined

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

as she tried to take a step, her head became woozy, and she

the same time, a man’s voice rang out.

who it was, he deflated at once. Julian was not only an award-winning actor, but he was someone with a mysterious family background. Most people

at Julian. Her face

drink so much? No one’s forcing you.” He sat down beside her and

fine if I drink a bit more than usual. I don’t have a

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

I believe you’ll do a

years. Although I do enjoy acting, I never learned it properly and I don’t have experience. I’m afraid I’ll ruin

liked him and admired him. Thus, she didn’t want to trouble him. She wanted to help him

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 industry. She

my lead. I will teach you anything you need to know about acting,”

with hazy eyes before nodding and agreeing obediently, “Okay. I will do my best to

some tea.” Julian poured her a

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

that as well. Is 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 really have

guess not. Don’t mind me. That was a stupid question. I should be happy that someone is nice to me.” She beamed giddily. It was evident

dad and mom now.” She pushed herself up and tried to leave. I can walk, no problem. However, walking when she

quickly placed his arm around her waist and helped her back to her

hundred stories at the same time. Then, she huddled closer. “Mr. Gilmore,

“What is it?”

The only one who was rumored to be dating him was Eva, the actress he had worked with many times. Jessie wanted

you?”

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

we are not dating. Eva and I

That means it’s merely a

Jessie seeing her getting this drunk, though they were also amused. Lots of people had raised a toast to her earlier,

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

then, Jessie stood up. “Don’t

You are drunk. I don’t want

the man by her side.

actually

awkward as well. This wasn’t something he should do. After all, he was a guy, and she was a girl, not to mention a drunk one. There was

here, and we can’t leave.

him a look. Hey, I want him to marry

onto her intention, and he patted Julian’s

this. Julian nodded. “Of course, Mr. and Mrs.

on. There are too many people

offered his arm for her to steady herself. She held it as he led her to the

the hotel, Julian took

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

the elevator door swung open soon after. Though, he

head is spinning,”

her up; holding her up was a

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

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

him quickly upon realizing

think much of the incident that transpired

in case anything was

on the top floor enjoying the view, or rather, they were making out. Kissing their

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

After a

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

gentlemen left. The Silversteins stayed at the hotel for

who was lying on the bed beside her, sat up and asked, “How

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

teasingly. “Think long and hard. Someone

“Was it you?”

shook her head. “No. Think

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

at the hotel and

performance class at Averna University’s School of

her. She promised she would study

ever after finding his missing daughter. He returned to

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.

to Julian’s arrangement, she had made it to the classroom without a

her upon her arrival. Some recognized who she

a stuntwoman? Why is she

it even necessary for her to take

Got tired

though. Not everyone is talented enough to be an actress,” one

despite their whispering. She

your name?”

“Jessie. Jessie Silverstein.”

famous professor would be giving the lessons, and only the elites of the performing arts school could attend. An outsider would need a

“My friend,” Jessie answered.

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

in and looked at everyone. Then, she started teaching. Her lecture was filled with facts and practical tips.

taken a lot of notes. Like a sponge, she

some tea and announced, “Alright, I need someone to

up to the stage. She requested, “Professor, I’d like

“Very well.”

stared at Jessie. “I’ll go

the girl beside her said, “That’s Xandra Limerick. Madonna of the performance arts

with her work. She stood up from her seat and approached Xandra. “What

kind of role

had no answer for

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 can’t do it, huh?” Mockery filled Xandra’s eyes as she

laughter—they loved seeing Jessie get humiliated. She was in very fashionable attire, and the ladies thought

be Miss Silverstein. The one Julian

have no

few books I’d like you to have.” The stern expression on the

smiled and nodded. “Of course,

just got 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 returned to her

light. Julian’s the one who recommended her? Who is she? Why does Julian care so

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

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

anything to her, and she wouldn’t let Xandra bully

come with her. Xandra approached them happily.

The professor

smug look. She felt superior just because she was a part of the performance arts course, while Jessie was just

told her she could come to her anytime.

was grateful for the professor’s help and even more thankful for Julian’s as she

to her earlier came and said hello. She kept asking her questions, especially things related to Julian. Jessie had already been in the industry for years and knew she had to deny everything, so she told the girl she wasn’t familiar with Julian.

did Jessie know that 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 of their wildest imagination

Jessie could even leave the school, Lexie called her.

true? Are you

“Who said that?”

news outlet. They said he recommended you to join the performance class at Averna’s University’s

head buzzed. How did they find out so fast? She explained, “No. Lemme check the news.” She sat down under a tree and scrolled through all the news related to Julian. However, she noticed the news wasn’t about Julian; it was

unnamed stuntwoman seduced Julian, and her endeavor was successful. Julian recommended her to

unnamed stuntwoman spent a whole day with Julian in his hotel. Claims

lies. This is fake news. We did nothing at the hotel. They even

through all that. Right at this moment, someone approached her and sneered, “Did you see the news, Jessie? No

someone’s great in bed. Not like

have no taste