Never Too Far Novel

Josephine could only placate her mother by saying, “Let’s go, Mom!”

“I’m sorry! My wife was in a hurry.” Connor appeared just then and apologized to them.

Selena took her mother’s hand and glared at Josephine and Heidi. “Let’s go, Mom!”

The two of them then crossed the bridge that connected the dock and the cruise ship. Behind them, Connor was astonished, not expecting Ellen’s wedding to be on such a big island.

“Look over there, Lena! The row of cruise ships is impressive!” Olivia said to her daughter and took photos with her phone.

“It seems that we’re in the right place, Mom.” Selena was excited. She wasn’t interested in Ellen’s wedding; she was there to look for a decent man to marry. All the male guests in attendance were wealthy. If she could marry one of them, that would be a life-changing event for her, and she was there to change her fate.

After crossing the bridge, they were greeted by cars that were meant to pick up the guests. Olivia was amazed by the row of cars. “These are all Rolls-Royces! Never in my life have I dreamed about getting into one of these cars!”

The three of them then entered the vehicle. The view along the road was magnificent. Although Selena appeared calm, she was more excited than her parents. She wasn’t there for the view but for the men.

Upon arriving at a villa, the driver helped them get their luggage into the house.

“Your suitcases are all inside the house. Have a great day, Mr. Aguirre.”

“Thanks,” Connor said.

After the driver left and closed the gates, Olivia immediately entered the villa. “Oh, my gosh! All the villas face the sea! It’s wonderful!”

Meanwhile, Selena ran to the balcony on the third floor and looked at the beach where the guests were taking a stroll or swimming in the sea. She was eager to mingle with them.

She quickly opened her suitcase and fished out her best-looking swimwear. After changing into it, she also put on a gauze jacket. Then, she told her parents, “I’m going to the beach now.”

Connor reminded her by saying, “Be careful!”

“Got it,” Selena replied and left the house.

On the other hand, Olivia sat down and looked at the interior of the villa. She also ordered food delivery and waited for her meal to arrive.

In the meantime, Josephine and her mother entered the villa beside Connor’s. Since Mills was swamped with work, only the two of them were there to attend the wedding this time.

Josephine’s grandfather used to be an influential figure in the political scene. Although he no longer held any important position, he was still powerful in Averna. Although Josephine was born into such a family, the Jacobsons were less mighty than they used to be.

“Get some rest, Mom. I’ll take a walk,” Josephine said to her mother, feeling vexed. While the others happily attended the wedding, she was there for work.

She picked up her camera and was ready to gather some information. Her team leader called her just then. After the call connected, she said, “Hello, Mr. Fox.”

“Hey, Joey! Would you mind taking some photos of the wedding venue so that we will have some news to report?”

“No one is allowed to take photos here.” Josephine turned him down.

“Just one photo will do, alright? The director has been mounting pressure on us,” said Mr. Fox in a threatening tone.

Josephine let out a breath. “I don’t want to tarnish my family’s reputation. Otherwise, my grandpa will kill me. I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”

“Why are you so obstinate? Just take some photos and send them to us. No one will find out you took the photos,” Mr. Fox said.

“No.”

“I don’t care. Once the wedding is over, I want to see the photos within six hours.” Mr. Fox hung up the call upon finishing his words.

A speechless Josephine walked forward in a particular direction.

All of a sudden, she had a feeling that the team leader had lied about the infamous robber. She had been conned into coming to the wedding to take some photos.

How dare he lie to me?! I already know that the security at the wedding is top-notch. Even if a robber is indeed going to sneak into the venue, he won’t have the guts to steal anything. The elites of different fields have gathered in this place, so they can easily capture the robber.

At that moment, Josephine was no longer in the mood to work. All the same, she just couldn’t stay put and do nothing. Since the beach was so crowded, she decided not to go there. She wanted to go somewhere quiet and take some photos. After all, she was also an amateur photographer in her spare time.

She hopped onto a sightseeing car and said to the driver, “Please take me to somewhere quiet and beautiful. I’d like to take some photos.”

“I know a place that few people are aware of. I can take you there.”

“Yeah, sure. Thanks.”

They moved along the beach, taking about 20 minutes to arrive at their destination. Finally, the driver pointed at the railings and said, “Just go over there. Rarely anyone will come to this area, and the view is terrific. There’s also a smaller island beside the main island.”

“Thank you so much for taking me here!”

“When you want to go back, just dial this number. Someone will come over and pick you up.”

Josephine quickly took a photo of the contact number and bid the driver farewell. As she took a stroll around the area, she couldn’t help but be amazed by the view. It was indeed a naturally aesthetic sight.

She lifted her camera and took some photos. As she walked along the beach, she suddenly caught sight of a living creature.

Oh, my gosh! Is that a mermaid?! An excited Josephine looked in the sea’s direction. Just then, a well-built figure emerged from the sea amidst the waves.

She hurriedly zoomed in with the camera in her hands and focused on a handsome face.

Her pupils dilated. Whoa! That’s a merman, not a mermaid!

The man’s chiseled face was covered with water droplets. It was apparent that he was a biracial man with both local and foreign lineages. He was the epitome of the best of both worlds.

He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen! Josephine couldn’t help but take photos of him sneakily. She focused on the man’s face and pressed the shutter repeatedly.

Meanwhile, the man had already come out of the sea. He had well-built muscles, defined abs, and an attractive Adonis belt.

As the lens lowered, Josephine gulped. The man was only clad in swim trunks, and his package was bulging.

While walking on the beach, Ethan caught sight of camera flashes, which prompted him to look in that direction.

The moment the lens moved to the man’s face, Josephine shuddered in shock, for she realized that the handsome man was staring at her.

Damn it! I’m caught red-handed!

She didn’t want to be regarded as a pervert, so she turned around and ran away. However, since she was running on a narrow path, she accidentally lost her footing and fell onto the beach. “Ah!”

At that moment, she was unable to get up, and the dazzling sunlight made her close her eyes. Suddenly, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. When she opened her eyes, she saw a man looking down at her while clad only in a towel. He squinted his eyes and stared at her.

“Hi!” Although Josephine was a mess, she forced a smile and greeted the man.

“Do you love taking photos of men so much?” Ethan was displeased with the woman for taking photos of him without his consent.

If the woman uploaded the photos to some porn sites, his reputation would be ruined. Moreover, it wasn’t the first time he caught some paparazzi doing that.

He was only clad in swim trunks that day, so the woman had violated his privacy by taking photos of him. Therefore, he had to capture the culprit.

Josephine sat up at once and explained, “Please don’t get me wrong, mister. I’m just taking photos of the view around here.”

Ethan picked up the camera from the floor and went through the photos.

What a liar! Six out of ten photos are me! Furthermore, she has taken photos of me from head to toe, including my package. What makes her think I’ll believe her?

When Josephine saw the man going through the photos, she flushed. I shouldn’t have come to this place!

“Are you a paparazzo? Which company do you work for?”

“I’m not a paparazzo; I’m a reporter,” Josephine refuted.

Ethan sneered. If she’s not a paparazzo, why did she take sneak photos of me? What a liar!

He then started deleting the photos. When he was done with that, he tossed the camera back to her. “Don’t let me catch you doing this again.”

To him, Josephine was just a peeping Tom.

“Hey… I really didn’t mean to take photos of you.” Josephine patted the sand away and got to her feet. The next moment, she squatted, realizing that she had twisted her ankle.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed and looked at the man in front of her.

Ethan took a sip of water and was ready to go back. He had a beach buggy with him.

“Hey, mister. Can you give me a lift? I sprained my ankle,” Josephine pleaded.

“No.” Ethan turned her down directly.

“I’m a guest at the wedding too. Will you please lend me a helping hand?” Josephine asked politely.

Ethan entered the beach buggy and shot her a look. “Don’t try to use this trick to approach me. I’m not interested in women like you.” He then stepped on the gas pedal and left.

Josephine was dumbfounded upon hearing that. Although he’s handsome, he’s too narcissistic. Do I look like I want to approach him?

could only pick up her camera and stood up with difficulty. No longer in the mood to take photos, she dialed the number the driver had given her

taking sneak photos of him, so he had no qualms

villas, Selena was having fun. Her curvy figure caught a lot of attention. Middle-aged men especially loved staring at her. Selena knew that the men sitting under the umbrellas, regardless of their appearances,

why she had to show them she had an

a decent-looking middle-aged man and asked for a cold drink. As she took a sip,

for they didn’t want to cause any trouble before the

hadn’t managed to get any contact number from

still three days away. Furthermore, she could stay there for a week, so she still had

of the sightseeing car. As their eyes met, Selena was surprised

She promptly passed her a hot towel and reminded her

her mother and recuperate in the

“I don’t think they’re wealthy. Just look at

finishing her words, Olivia was startled for a moment, for she was also that kind of person. She quickly said, “We’re different, though. We’re Ellen’s relatives, so they can’t compare

shut, will you? They’re also guests, just like us. Please

up? We’ve been here for quite a while, but she

busy, which is why she doesn’t have time

you’re just refusing to admit that we’re no different from outsiders to Ellen

no longer wanted to listen to her parents’ conversation, so she went to the third floor and stood on the balcony. As she looked at the brightest spot, she realized that must be where Ellen stayed. She must be surrounded by

like there was anything she could

her speculation, Ellen didn’t meet many people since she was pregnant. Apart from the closest relatives, Jared didn’t let anyone else meet Ellen so that

Mansons, the Weisses, and

by the beach and had a talk. They

their children were all adults, and their careers were on the right track, so they were free to gather together from time to time. They were

world, they would come

breeze brought with it the night’s coolness. Some waiters stood near these wealthy ladies, ready to serve them at any

were elegant and in their element. Apparently, they had loving husbands and brilliant children by

were the winners

descended, the entire island fell into silence. Some guests refused to go back to their rooms as they roamed around the beach and took in the night view. Some

to ask Jared to come out and have a drink

seated in the bar alone as he drank beer and pondered his

elegantly walked into the bar. She was there to look for a potential husband. The wealthy men she came across on the beach in the morning made her think

saw a man who was just as handsome as Jared in a bar in the middle of the night. He was seated under a chandelier as the

with the man. As she looked at the man’s wristwatch, she

of them got to her feet. Selena was

toward Ethan with a glass of wine in

Ethan, Selena intentionally bumped

I’m supposed to chat up a handsome guy. How did I end up splashing

closer to Ethan and questioned,

sorry! It was

pulled her dress lower and revealed more of her chest. Even the bartender couldn’t help but glance at her. Meanwhile, Ethan

the man staring at her, she blurted, “Forget it. I know you’re a guest as well. Since my cousin is getting

Everyone in the bar had fallen silent because of the incident, and now they had learned that Selena

surprised as he looked at Selena

had attracted the man, Selena pretended to be

sat down beside Ethan and said to the bartender, “Give

glass of cocktail for her. All the services on the island were free, so Selena seized the chance

turned to look at Ethan. “You

his best

was shocked deep within. As expected, the friend of an outstanding man like Jared is also brilliant. She initially thought that she would never get to marry a wealthy man like Ellen, but the man before her eyes was a chance to get

that moment, she was determined to

She soon chugged down three glasses of cocktails. Although she could drink more than that, she pretended to be drunk. The average woman would’ve been inebriated after drinking so many glasses of cocktails. All of

that, Ethan asked caringly, “What

head before smiling at Ethan with teary eyes. “I’m fine. See

and placed her hands on the bar. She

Ethan. “Mister, would you mind sending me

as well. Since the woman was Ellen’s cousin, and he was Jared’s best friend, it would be inappropriate

I’ll send you home.” He didn’t turn

help support my weight?” Selena asked

his towering figure leaned closer to Selena, Ethan held her shoulders and left

get the chance, but she was Ellen’s cousin, after all. It

ready to send the guests back. Both of them entered the backseat. Selena felt her heart pounding in her chest. The faint smell of alcohol

use to stay over in

about was how to seduce the man. She certainly wouldn’t

asleep and rested her head on the man’s shoulder. Ethan stiffened in an instant. He turned to look at the woman and hoped that they would reach her villa sooner so that he could go back

reached the villa, Selena opened her eyes. Unwilling to go back, she

haven’t reached your villa yet,” reminded

want to go back. I’m in a terrible

accidents from happening.” Since Ethan was Jared’s best friend, he wouldn’t let anything happen to Ellen’s relatives. He had to

When Ethan got out of the vehicle, he saw Selena holding her arms and walking under the lamplights,

to reach the villa, he decided to

man, she pretended that she couldn’t walk straight. Left with no choice, Ethan stepped forward and supported her weight. “Hold

asked

“Ethan Quarles.”

a nice name. You’re very handsome too,” Selena said in an over-the-top tone.

a nearby villa, Josephine was trying to capture some photos of the night view. Just then, she caught sight of a couple walking under the

zoomed in on them, but when she realized who the man was,

the beach in the afternoon, and now he’s making

any photos. Just as she was ready

was, Josephine wouldn’t find him attractive

pretended that she couldn’t walk stably. Although Ethan felt helpless, he had to send her

on, miss. We’ll be there

can I stay over in your villa? I had an argument with my mom,” pleaded Selena as she lifted

to get another villa for you.” Ethan

one night. Please.” Selena pouted, pretending

vacant villas. Just give me a second.”

give up. “It’s fine, Mr. Quarles. I guess I’ll

Ethan nodded. “See you.”

watched him leave while feeling ecstatic. Ethan Quarles… I’ll get you no matter what! The trip is worth it, for I’ve found such

stepped out of the vessel. The people in that area couldn’t help but be attracted

had been trying to talk to her while on their way there, but he still hadn’t managed to find out her name. Since they were about to part ways, he bit the bullet

“Willow Presgrave.”

a Presgrave?” The

“Yeah. What’s wrong?”

relationship with

my brother,” Willow

bodyguard, who had been by

he realized he had been trying to woo a young lady from

“Hey…”

his hand and said,

Willow headed to the car park with the protection of four

her mother and have breakfast together.

spaced out at the sea. Just then, she heard a man calling out

saw the man, she immediately leaped from the bench and ran away in a

The man quickly ran

her to go on dates with. He had been trying to woo her for over a year. Although Josephine didn’t love him, he

flowers, proposing to her in front of many people, surprising her with lots of balloons, and putting up a banner

grandfather was fond of him, so she could only run

surprise. After all, the man

“Stop running, Joey!”

carry her.

energy, she realized she had lost her way. She looked around and saw that she was on a golf

out of the lounge with a thud. She started seeing stars after her head bumped into

a gentleman, he supported her weight and asked caringly, “Are you alright,

Josephine looked up and saw an attractive face. What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to crash

frowned when he realized who the woman was. I can’t believe the Peeping Tom is

anxiously as

while panting. As an idea sprang into her mind, she hooked her arm

a man in a suit entering the place and

“Joey…”

to you,” said Josephine charmingly as she ran her

didn’t expect Josephine to have a boyfriend. What was more, the man

boyfriend?” Luke

he is.” Then, she flashed a sweet smile at the man beside her, hoping that

her and said in a masculine

man making things difficult for me?

to find out the man’s name so that he could look into his background later.

name?” Luke directly

smile and questioned the man beside her,

name. Hurry up. Tell him proudly what my name is.”

a random name. She then

won’t expose my

after which a staff member came over and asked, “Do you

the woman away and sneered. “You’re pretty good at acting, huh? Stop trying to use all sorts of

got

to Luke, “My name is Ethan Quarles. I don’t know this woman, nor am I interested

and left.

flushing in embarrassment. Luke looked sympathetically at her and