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.

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

parents to your house three days later to formally ask for your hand in

cheeks 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

look for Queenie but couldn’t find her anywhere. Jessie felt

me to take you to the lounge

fine, thank you,” she declined

to miss this opportunity. Since she was drunk, it was the perfect time for him to make

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

same time, a man’s voice rang out.

was, he deflated at once. Julian was not only

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

one’s forcing you.” He sat down beside her and poured her

and smiled. “I’m happy today. It’s fine if I drink a bit more than usual. I

play the part of your female lead? Will the producers and the director approve of me? Won’t I end up ruining

you’ll do

never learned it properly and I don’t have experience. I’m afraid I’ll ruin your show.” The alcohol gave

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

extreme lengths just to get the parts they wanted. It was his first time meeting someone like Jessie,

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

stared at him with hazy eyes before nodding and agreeing obediently, “Okay. I will do my best to learn acting

tea.” Julian poured her a cup of

why do you do so much for

I’m not so sure about 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?

someone is nice to me.” She beamed giddily.

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 her balance and falling

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

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 you something? It’s private, but I promise it’s

“What is it?”

she asked curiously. The only one who was rumored to be dating him

important to you?” Julian narrowed

really. Just wanna know. You don’t have to

are not dating. Eva and I are

means

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

I don’t see her anywhere. She could’ve helped Jessie upstairs,” Brandon

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

don’t want anything to

man by her side. “Can you take me

drunk. She’s actually asking Julian to take her

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

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

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

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

to do this.

people

couple left. As soon as Jessie stood up, Julian offered his arm for her to steady herself. She held it as he led her to

the hotel, Julian took a keycard

Julian’s shoulder. He looked down and

regain focus, and the elevator door swung open soon after. Though, he realized the girl beside

is spinning,”

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

she was a dancer, too. Julian thought she felt light and soft as

he laid her down, so he ended up getting pulled

Jessie let go of him quickly upon realizing she was still hugging

lady didn’t think much of the incident that transpired just now and fell asleep soon

in case anything was to

making out. Kissing their lover under the starry sky was

her parents and felt rather

After a

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

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

who was lying on the bed beside

get here?” She had forgotten what had

teasingly. “Think long and hard.

“Was it you?”

head.

and it made her blush. That piece of memory made her remember everything that had happened, and

hotel and went back home after

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

her. She promised she would study hard and

after finding his missing daughter. He returned to the company and told Queenie to spend some time

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

for class. Thanks to Julian’s arrangement, she had made it to the classroom without

picked a spot and sat down. Everyone in the class looked at her upon

isn’t she a stuntwoman? Why is she

take this class? Not like she’s gonna

switching lanes. Got tired of the

should stay in her lane, though. Not everyone is talented enough to be an

hall was quiet, and Jessie heard everything despite their whispering. She took her notebook out and

your name?”

“Jessie. Jessie Silverstein.”

recommended you?” the girl asked curiously. A famous professor would be giving the lessons, and only the elites of the performing arts school could attend. An outsider

“My friend,” Jessie answered.

a big shot,” 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 to have

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

taken a lot of notes. Like a sponge, she

professor had some tea and announced, “Alright, I need

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

“Very well.”

around and stared

and the girl beside her said, “That’s Xandra Limerick.

industry’s gossip as she had been busy with her work. She stood up from her seat and approached Xandra. “What would you want

role can

had no answer

stuntwoman. You were never professionally trained. Sorry for asking you to help me out. I wanted to

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

Miss Silverstein. The one Julian recommended,” the professor

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

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

and nodded.

shocked. Things 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

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 much

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

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

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

them happily. “Professor Larson, I have a few questions I’d like to

course.” The professor

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

three books and told her she could come

as she wouldn’t have had this opportunity to learn

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. Seeing that she couldn’t

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

even leave the

true?

“Who said that?”

recommended you to join the performance class at Averna’s University’s

“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

and her endeavor was successful. Julian recommended her to a

day with Julian in his

burned. Damn, they sure are good at 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 that

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. Not like

have