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.

a little 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 my parents to your house three days later to formally ask for your

cheeks grew a little warm as she nodded

grand 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 anywhere.

Allow me to take you to the lounge to

fine, thank you,” she

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 good

became

the same time, a man’s voice rang out. “I’ll take

to see who was trying to steal this opportunity from him, but the moment he saw who it was, he deflated at once. Julian was not only an award-winning actor, but he was someone with a mysterious family background.

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

No one’s forcing you.” He

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

“Can I really play the part of your female lead? Will the producers and the director approve

I believe you’ll do a good

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 share her innermost thoughts

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

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

Jessie. Just follow my lead. I will teach you anything you need to know about

and agreeing obediently, “Okay. I will do

some tea.” Julian poured her a cup of

it and asked, “Mr. Gilmore, why do

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 to ask for a reason?” He evaded her question as he

that someone is nice to me.” She beamed giddily. It was evident that

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

helped her back to

was cute when she was drunk. She patted her cheeks, her eyes telling a hundred stories at the same time. Then, she huddled closer. “Mr. Gilmore, can I ask

“What is it?”

she your girlfriend?” she asked curiously. The only one who was rumored to be dating him was Eva, the actress he had worked with many times. Jessie

you?” Julian narrowed

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

and I are only partners,”

denies it. That means it’s merely a rumor.

though they were also amused. Lots of people had raised a toast to her earlier, and

her anywhere. She could’ve helped Jessie

Just then, Jessie stood up. “Don’t worry

drunk. I don’t want anything

turned around to look at the man by her side. “Can you take me to my room, Mr.

little awkward. She’s really drunk. She’s 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 no way he would say yes, not when her parents were

counting on you, then. Queenie’s not here, and we can’t leave.

wife, but Maggie shot him a look. Hey, I want him to marry Jessie.

he patted

I have to do this. Julian nodded.

too many people here. She should get some

Jessie stood up, Julian offered his arm

hotel, Julian took a

getting dizzier in the elevator and rested her head on Julian’s shoulder. He looked down and saw her full,

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

head is

no choice but to pick her up; holding her up was a hassle

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

on the bed. Jessie still had her arms wrapped 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 so close to each other that he could even hear her breathing. “Miss

of him quickly upon realizing

Julian felt his heart racing a mile, the drunken lady didn’t think much of the incident that transpired

stayed with her in case

they were making out. Kissing their

call from her parents and felt rather

where Jessie was. After a short while, they showed up

drunk, all Jessie wanted to do was sleep. Even with Julian beside her, she didn’t wake

on her while the gentlemen left. The Silversteins stayed at the hotel for the

lying on the bed beside her, sat up

I get here?” She had forgotten what had

teasingly. “Think long and hard. Someone took you

“Was it you?”

her head. “No.

blinked and tilted her head. She then remembered hugging Julian’s neck, and it made her blush. That piece of memory made her remember

lunch at the hotel and

refurbished. Julian called her that afternoon, telling her he had registered her for the performance class at Averna University’s School of Performance Arts. The class would last for

her. She promised

after finding his missing daughter. He returned to the company and

so Queenie went to see

to Julian’s arrangement, she had made

sat down. Everyone in the class looked at her upon her arrival. Some recognized

isn’t she a stuntwoman? Why is she

for her to take this class? Not like

Got tired of the

lane, though. Not everyone is talented enough to be

their

your name?” a girl

“Jessie. Jessie Silverstein.”

lessons, and only the elites of

“My friend,” Jessie answered.

the girl said enviously. She loved how beautiful Jessie looked. Beauties were a dime a dozen in the industry, but anyone who wanted to be famous had

lecture was filled with facts and practical

of notes. Like a

“Alright, I need someone to

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

“Very well.”

and stared at

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

her work. She

kind of role can

had no answer for

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 said

loved seeing Jessie get humiliated. She was in very fashionable attire, and the

must be Miss Silverstein. The one

no reason to hide it. She nodded.

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

nodded.

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,

a new light. Julian’s the one who recommended her? Who is she? Why does Julian care so much for her? She’s just a

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

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

a look as well. She never did anything

approached them happily. “Professor Larson,

course.” The professor

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

could come to

grateful for the professor’s help and even more thankful for Julian’s as she wouldn’t have

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

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

the school, Lexie called her.

true? Are you

“Who said that?”

They said he recommended you to join the performance class at

down under a tree and scrolled through all the news related to Julian. However, she noticed the news

successful. Julian recommended her to a class at the school of

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

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

at this moment, someone approached her and sneered, “Did you see the news, Jessie? No wonder

in

Julian, you have no