Never Too Far Novel

Jessie’s throat began to feel dry as she continued to stare. She picked up the bottle of water beside her and took a few swigs. Julian went to his shooting spot and sat on a swivel-top stool that showed off his long legs in all their glory. He was holding a rose in his hand, taking a whiff of its scent. His brows were trimmed and almost pointed; his thin lips pursed; his eyes filled with longing. Jessie couldn’t help but be held captivated by the sight of him.

Right then, he switched his pose. He spotted her right away as he looked beyond the camera. The sight of her almost made him get out of character as a hint of a smile flashed across his eyes. The smile in his eyes filled her heart with sweetness, and she returned a brilliant smile of her own.

The shoot was over in a moment. All the crew members were cleaning things up for the next session. Ashley then came to Jessie. “Jessie, Young Master Julian requires you in the waiting room.”

After getting informed of that, she went over as per request. When she opened the door to the waiting room and entered, she noticed Julian was the only occupant inside. He was still wearing the clothes from earlier, and she couldn’t help but peer at him like he was some work of art.

“You’re so handsome,” she praised. In the past, she would feel blessed just from having a few glances at the shots of Julian. So, naturally, she was ecstatic now that she had the privilege to see him at work closely.

Julian cocked his eyebrow upon hearing that. “Do you like it?” He wished for her approval.

“Of course. In fact, I love it,” Jessie spoke with passion and enthusiasm.

He extended his hand. “Come here.”

She took a seat on the couch and caressed his clothes. Silky smooth, she remarked in her mind.

“You came here quite early. Did you come here for me?” He narrowed his eyes as he asked.

Her cheeks burned, but she confessed, “Yes, that’s right.” It’s my day off. I’d have slept in if it were not because I would like to see you.

A contented smile tugged on his lips. All of a sudden, he leaned into her, and she ended up lying on the couch in an attempt to keep some distance between them. He placed his hands on either side of her frame, pushing himself up. The silky shirt he wore slid down and revealed his sturdy, sexy abs.

Julian had never shown his abs to anyone, but now she could stare at them as much as she wanted. It would have been a dream come true if she could touch them, but…

The position we’re in is quite awkward. What is he trying to—

Jessie’s thought was cut short when he leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes out of reflex. That forehead kiss was as far as he would go, or at least that was what he would do at first. However, now that she was playing along, he might as well take up on her offer. He moved down to the tip of her nose and gave it a peck. Then, he started moving downward again and pressed his lips against hers, sucking on it softly now and then.

Her mind went blank out of shock, but her heart pounded loud and fast out of embarrassment. Omigosh, we’re kissing in the waiting room while the crew members are all going around outside. This is going to be embarrassing if we get found. But… his kiss is just so gentle. She instinctively held his lower torso. Holy moly, his fans would kill me if they saw me hugging their idol.

After what had happened last time, Ashley was on her guard. A few crew members tried to go into the waiting room to unload some stuff, but she stopped them. “Sorry, but Young Master Julian is doing something important inside. He will not take kindly to any visitors,” she said. She had no idea what was happening inside, but her job was to keep her boss’ personal affairs away from the public’s prying eyes.

Eventually, Jessie found herself leaning on Julian’s chest, his hold on her tight. A moment later, the hug ended, but she could still feel the strong thump of his heartbeat smashing against her chest. Oh god, this is so embarrassing. She had never even held a boy’s hand before. This was her first relationship, yet her boyfriend was the man of many women’s dreams. Thus, she had yet to learn how to deal with this kind of stuff at times.

“I hope I didn’t scare you.” Julian looked at her, amused.

Jessie shook her head and met his gaze. “You didn’t. I like kissing you.”

His heart leaped with joy upon hearing that. He leaned down and pecked her lips. “So, do you now understand how I feel about you?”

Of course, she did. Still, she had a hard time believing in all of this as everything felt like a dream to her. “Do you like me?” That was her insecurity speaking.

Solemnly, he answered, “Yes.”

Jessie rested her head on his chest and stared at his collarbone before reaching over to touch it. Julian huffed, “Stop touching.”

“Hey, you just kissed me, so why can’t I touch you? That’s so unfair.” It’s only fair if I get to touch him since he kissed me just now.

He looked at her with resignation in his eyes. “That’s not what I meant. You can touch me, but I can’t go out looking like this, you know. You can’t expect me to stay in this room forever.”

O-Oh, that’s what he’s trying to say. She quickly got up. “I-I’ll go out, then. You do what you have to do.” She picked her bag up and combed her hair before exiting the room. She was so embarrassed that she couldn’t even look at Ashley, who stood right outside the waiting room.

Jessie made her way to the coffee shop on the third floor, but her face was still red. Gilmore Corporation had built the coffee shop specifically for its artists and employees. It was a high-end place. She waited for Julian in the coffee shop, and it was not until 11.00AM that he finally showed up. This time, he was in casual attire, yet he looked elegant nonetheless.

She couldn’t help but steal a glance at him before staring at the ground swiftly soon after.

“We’re having lunch together. Then, it’s free time. You can go wherever you want, and I’ll come with you.”

“Really? I can go anywhere I want?” she asked, the anticipation in her voice almost palpable.

“Yep.”

“Can I go to the amusement park, then?” She had never gone to an amusement park her whole life, not even once. Tickets were too expensive for her back then. Even though she had reunited with her family, she still hadn’t had the chance to go to an amusement park. Now that they had time, she wanted to see what that place was like. And with Julian by my side, this is going to be great.

“Sure, I’ll go.” He smiled.

They departed for the amusement park after having lunch. Ashley bought all the disguise items for them on their way: masks, sunglasses, and hats. Jessie went for a mask and a hat, while Julian only wore a pair of sunglasses. Apparently, he wasn’t worried about getting recognized.

Ashley pleaded, “Sir, your fans can recognize you from a mile away if you have no mask on. You should wear one for the sake of public safety.”

“I’m his fan, and I don’t even need to see his face to recognize him. His body shape’s enough,” Jessie remarked.

He smiled as he looked at her. “So, you’ve fallen for me even before we met, huh?”

“Yep. I saw you during my first year in the industry and have fallen for you since then.” She smiled smugly.

Julian straightened her hat and her mask. Then, he pushed her hair back.

Ashley watched on as the couple flirted with each other. Hey, do you mind? I’m still single, you know. Cut back on the show of affection, alright?

Even though it was on a weekday, the amusement park had quite a few visitors. Ashley entered with the couple, acting as their errand girl. Though, there was a perk: she could go on the rides as well. Julian and Jessie looked like a perfect couple together. Ashley bought Jessie a cute headband the moment they entered the amusement park.

Jessie took her hat off and wore the headband. It was indeed an adorable sight to behold. “I’ll snap a pic for you two.” Ashley held her phone up and trotted ahead.

Julian pulled Jessie into his embrace, and she leaned on his chest bashfully while making a peace sign.

It was a photo taken with a phone, but the couple was gorgeous enough to make the picture look like it was taken with a DSLR.

Jessie took Ashley along with her to take a ride on the carousel. Julian waited for them outside the ride, holding Jessie’s bag and her drink like any other boyfriend would. The only thing that set him apart from the other boyfriends was that he was a drop-dead handsome guy. As he waited for the ladies, he took it as his responsibility to take photos of his girlfriend. His phone was filled with pictures of her from all kinds of angles.

Right after Jessie got off the carousel, her attention was drawn by the screams coming from the other side. Oh, a roller coaster. She then pointed at it and said, “I want to ride that one.”

Ashley felt her legs buckle upon realizing which ride Jessie was referring to. “I can’t go with you on that one, Jessie.”

Jessie held Julian’s arm. “In that case, you come with me.”

Lovingly, he replied, “Sure.”

She thought she could stomach the roller coaster, but she soon realized how wrong she was. She came off the ride looking pallid as a ghost. She held onto Julian like a koala hugging a eucalyptus tree. I shouldn’t have done that.

“So, still wanna go for another round?” He grinned.

Jessie waved her hands violently. “No, no thanks.” They went for other rides after that, and delight returned to her in no time. She also loved that romantic emotions were stirring fast between her and Julian during this trip.

Ashley parted ways with them halfway through, leaving the couple on their own.

Jessie jostled through the crowd, holding onto Julian’s hand. She was as happy as a lark, and the euphoria she felt infected him. As they moved through the crowd, his eyes only fixed on her and no one else.

When she found out there would be a fireworks show and a mini concert later in the night, she couldn’t wait for noontime to pass. We can do more stuff at night, and there’ll be less risk of having our identities found out.

rested on a bench as dusk approached. Jessie was getting drowsy for

recharge, and soon enough, she was ready to get back to the fun. Streetlamps shone upon the land, lighting up the amusement park. This was the perfect

was stated to begin at 8.30PM, and they got themselves a good spot right before it started. Jessie leaned in Julian’s embrace as she watched the fireworks go off in the night sky. Whenever she shuddered from the sound of explosions, Julian would

back to her home, Julian was rather reluctant to bid her goodbye. That trip to the amusement

I hope he’s probably not at my home now. However, her hope was dashed. She came home to a dimly lit living room, and the said man was sitting on the

took her bag and said, “Well, I

If this weren’t the house I got from the company, I’d have

you tired? Up for dinner? I can treat you if

thanks.” She shook her head. I’m full already, anyway. Wait a minute. She turned her head sharply to look at the man. “Don’t tell me you haven’t had dinner

I thought you’d come back home early, but as you can see,

way past ten. You could at least get some supper, you know. I’m not your mom. You don’t have

gave me this morning. After a moment of contemplation, Eva asked,

as he answered. He would love to say he wanted her, but he figured she might

she was going to make, she grabbed the ingredients she needed out of the fridge. She then returned to her room and

been dreaming of this. A gentle wife and a warm, fuzzy home. It’s not exactly what I had in mind, but we have

simple poached eggs for him. She also cracked some eggs into it to add some flavor to it. With how famous she was getting, eating out was no longer an option for her. Most of the time, she would cook for herself; thanks to that, she was now a

out and served the food on the table. He shut his laptop off and approached the table. “Smells good,” he remarked as he

a diet.” She shook her

need a diet? You’re not even fat.” A frown creased his forehead. I hold you every day, and I can tell

you should go home after you’re

wasn’t trying to chase him off for real as he didn’t sense any bite in her tone. I should finish the food

his poached eggs and did the dishes. By the time they were done, it

stood on the balcony in her pajamas, uncorking a bottle of wine. Louie came in with a glass in his hand to join her.

to hide it

you know about

him, so don’t blame the guy.” She frowned slightly as she continued, “I know this is hard for you, so I reckon we should break up. It is the best solution.” This is for the best. He can marry

held her hand firmly. “Breaking up won’t solve anything. I won’t

you don’t have to do this.” She tried to pull her hand back, but he refused to let go. Instead, he pulled her into his embrace and rested his chin on her

you really going to leave me

the one question she had never spent time considering, but she knew she could never leave

going to be together, no matter the price.” He looked at her lovingly. I

you’ll have to pay

wedding. A formal announcement that you’ll be my wife,” he promised. She looked at him, tears of happiness welling in her eyes. He leaned down to kiss her tears away. Then, he held

him taking her glass away before he picked her up in a princess carry and

…

operation of the malls to earn profits. However, their business had been slow as of late, and their profits had been declining, so they had to use a trump card to solve their dilemma. They had to invoke their daughter’s arranged

the Constantines’ business was worth. Stardom used to be a small entertainment company, but thanks to Louie, it was now developed into a big

living room and saw her father looking distressed as he sat on the couch. She took a seat beside him and promised, “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll marry him, I promise.

have to do whatever you can. They say he’s dating

that. I’ll just have to make sure he won’t sleep around once we’re married.” She was a broad-minded woman. She didn’t expect Louie to keep his chastity since she had also slept around. All she wanted was to be his wife, as he was the man she

Louie. Instead, she wanted to see Eva, for she was the one standing

with a message written on it lying before her bed. The message read, ‘Don’t

All her life, she was used to living by herself, but now

picked it up. “Who’s

like to talk to you,” a

replied, “Sorry, I don’t have

long, Miss Duncan. It’ll only be half an hour. I’ll be waiting for you in the

me? Reluctantly, she went to meet up with Lucy. Eva saw her in the coffee shop and figured she must have dressed herself up for the occasion. Lucy was quite

Duncan, I heard you’re living with Louie. Do you wish to marry him?” She cut to

for a moment and nodded. “I do have that

by law. You’re the homewrecker in our relationship. Should your

look on Eva’s face changed slightly. “Mind your tongue. You two haven’t even married yet, so I’m not a

married soon, though. What will you do when that

you trying to say?” Fury was starting to boil

telling you

bossy from the moment they met.

you have any idea what Louie has to sacrifice just to date you? Twenty percent of his company’s shares. That’s astronomical. Unless he marries me, my family reserves the right to claim our shares in the

Silence took Eva.

trouble, all his love for you will turn into resentment. Men like Louie love nothing more than their work,” Lucy

silent. She had that talk

to marry any other wealthy man you want. You don’t have to obsess over Louie.” Lucy took a step back and

said icily, “But he doesn’t like

fell. “What did you say?

one he loves. He won’t fall for anyone else. Not ever,” Eva answered calmly.

can you be sure he doesn’t

years ago and has been waiting for me to return his feelings since then. I’m not trying to brag, but he

when the alternative was… this woman. If Louie would hold on, then

it off had any other woman said that, but not Eva. Lucy knew whatever she said was the truth, after all. “Eva, beauty fades with age. He won’t stay in love with you once you lose your

still likes me now. Anyway, I’ll be taking my leave now. I’m busy.” With that,

huh? “I bet he won’t stay in love with you if you lose that pretty face of yours.” Just then, her face was contorted with envy. And I’m going to ruin

had been lifted off her shoulders. She wanted to call

Louie exited the conference room, his assistant happily

lips as he whisked out his phone to

went

“You’re here?”

“Yes.”

“Come to my office.”

just here to talk about the contract termination. So,

before descending the building to see her. At the same time, Eva was in the legal

we’ll have to do it by the book.” Eva was in a pure white

can’t do anything without the boss’

don’t care. You’re printing the contract, then I’ll sign the

print it out. I can do that much.” The manager was about to send someone to print the contract, but then he saw his boss at the office’s doorstep. His

came to stop me again,

said. The manager scooted off immediately. Louie turned his attention to Eva. One look into her eyes, and he knew she wouldn’t stand down.

Eva blinked. “Anything? Really?”

anything. Other than contract termination,

case, give me your

was stunned for a moment. “You want to manage the

a no?” She cocked her

can give it to you if that’s what you want,” he

you a question. If you were to give me your shares, does that mean the Constantines can’t have

his lips. “Oh, so you’re worried about me, is that it? Don’t worry.

“How?”

do. I’ll talk to them. They’ll have two choices; either they get the plot of land, or they get

on him. After a moment of staring at his face, she felt like she was being hit by a dizzy spell and could feel stars spinning around her. Even though she had seen many handsome actors in her career,

office.” He got up and

been a rumor spreading around the company. It was about her going to marry Louie soon, and the fact that they were holding hands right at this moment just gave credence to

One of the reasons was that she wanted to stay away from him. The other reason was that he was still her boss, and she would still feel

her his cup. “Here, use my

to take in the view. I’ve never realized that the view here is so beautiful. All of a sudden, Louie hugged her from behind, and it made her stiffen up a little. I

he whispered into her

for a

let go of the past,

…

disturb the couple, though they still posted the pictures online. Eventually, those photos had gone viral. Everyone who saw those images had only one thing that crossed their mind. This looks like something straight