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?

the mood to take photos, she dialed the number the driver had given her and waited for someone

had returned to his villa. He was still displeased with the woman for taking sneak photos of him, so he had no qualms about leaving her on the beach, even though

the 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, were all

which was why she had to show them

middle-aged man and asked for a cold drink.

they didn’t want to cause any trouble before the

still hadn’t managed to get any contact number from

day, and the wedding was still three days away.

eyes met, Selena was

daughter tottering into the house, she was shocked. She promptly passed

to obey her mother and recuperate in

the meantime, Selena told her mother about Selena and Heidi staying in the villa beside theirs. A displeased Olivia said, “I don’t think they’re wealthy. Just look at their bags, which are worth less than 1,500 respectively. They’re probably some poor people who shamelessly came to the

was also that kind of person. She quickly

They’re also guests, just like us. Please stop

snapped. “Why did you even bring her up? We’ve been here for quite a while, but she has never come

doesn’t have time to visit us,” said

refusing to admit that we’re no different from outsiders to

the balcony. As she looked at the brightest spot, she realized that must

but it wasn’t like there was

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

this point, all the important guests had arrived. The Mansons, the Weisses, and the Lloyds were

in a cafe by the beach and had a

free to gather together from time to time. They were best friends who met up frequently, so their relationship

the world, they would come into contact often,

ladies, ready to serve

husbands and brilliant children by their

were the

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

Jared to come out and have a drink with him. However, he decided not to bother his friend since the latter had

seated in the bar alone as he drank beer and pondered

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 that

the night. He was seated under

man. As she looked at the

feet. Selena was

a glass of wine in her hand, she

woman was about to reach Ethan, Selena intentionally bumped into her, causing the wine to splash

supposed to chat up a handsome guy. How did I end up splashing my wine onto

chance, Selena stood closer to

It was

her chest. Even the bartender couldn’t help but glance at her. Meanwhile, Ethan looked in the same direction to find out what

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

cousin, she apologized to her again. “I’m truly sorry!” Everyone in the bar

at Selena and

the man, Selena pretended to be innocent and replied, “Yes,

said to the bartender, “Give me a glass

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

turned to look at Ethan. “You must be Jared’s

best friend,”

Jared is also brilliant. She initially thought that she would never get to marry a wealthy man like Ellen, but the man before her

was determined to

another glass for her. She soon chugged down three glasses of cocktails. Although she could drink

Ethan asked caringly, “What

to be tough and shook her head before smiling at Ethan with teary eyes. “I’m

to leave. The moment she came down from the stool, she staggered and placed her hands on the

mind sending me back to the villa? I can

woman was Ellen’s cousin, and he was Jared’s best

you home.” He didn’t turn her

support my weight?” Selena asked in a

leaned closer to Selena, Ethan held her shoulders and left the place with

women around them were jealous and bitter. They could tell that Selena had played a trick to get the chance, but she was Ellen’s cousin, after all. It was only natural that she could

away, cars were always at the ready to send the guests back. Both of them entered the backseat. Selena felt her heart pounding

use to stay over

how to seduce the man. She certainly wouldn’t let

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

her eyes. Unwilling to go back, she said to the

reached your

don’t want to go back. I’m in a

so you’d better go back to prevent any accidents from happening.” Since Ethan was Jared’s best friend, he wouldn’t let anything happen to Ellen’s relatives. He had to send her back no

you go back first?” Then, Selena obstinately left the car. When Ethan got out of

the villa, he decided to walk

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

your name?” asked Selena, looking

“Ethan Quarles.”

very handsome too,” Selena said in an

capture some photos of the night view. Just then, she caught sight of a couple walking under the

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

dumped me on the beach in the afternoon, and now he’s making out with a woman in the

in the afternoon, she was no longer in the mood to take any photos. Just as she was ready to go

of how handsome a man was, Josephine wouldn’t

she couldn’t walk stably. Although Ethan felt helpless, he

on, miss. We’ll

your villa? I had an argument with my mom,” pleaded

you.” Ethan fished out his phone and was ready

for one night. Please.” Selena pouted, pretending to be

Just give me a second.” Ethan insisted

Selena had no choice but to give up. “It’s fine, Mr. Quarles. I guess I’ll just go back to

Ethan nodded. “See you.”

and left. Behind him, Selena 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

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 and asked, “Can we

“Willow Presgrave.”

Presgrave?” The young

“Yeah. What’s wrong?”

your relationship

brother,” Willow

by her side, said,

he had been

“Hey…”

bodyguard lifted his hand and said, “Please stop right

Willow headed to the car park with

to go out with her mother and have breakfast together. However, when Heidi came

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

the man, she immediately leaped from the bench and

man quickly

was the man Josephine’s grandfather wanted her to go on dates with. He had been trying to woo her for over a year. Although Josephine didn’t love him, he was still zestful.

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

she

surprise. After all, the man was wealthy, and

“Stop running, Joey!”

she started running as fast as her legs could carry her. However, the man was getting closer to her, so it was apparent he didn’t want to miss

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

was coming out of the lounge with a thud. She started seeing stars after her head

he supported her weight and

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

Ethan frowned when he realized who the woman was.

anxiously as he panted.

run, so she racked her brains while panting. As an idea sprang into her mind, she hooked her arm around Ethan’s and pleaded, “Please lend

could react, he saw a man in a suit entering the place and looking at

“Joey…”

sorry, Luke. Let me introduce my boyfriend to you,” said Josephine charmingly as

that he couldn’t compare to him. He didn’t expect Josephine to

he your boyfriend?” Luke asked

nodded firmly. “Yes, he is.” Then, she flashed a sweet smile at the man

and said in a masculine voice, “Dear, why don’t you tell him what my

is this man making things difficult for me? How am I

was waiting for the woman to introduce her boyfriend. He had to find out the man’s name so

name?” Luke directly

questioned the man beside

supposed to know my name. Hurry up. Tell him proudly what my name is.” Ethan gaped

with a random name. She then said to

he won’t expose

staff member came over and asked, “Do

acting, huh? Stop trying to use all

He’s got quite

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

that, he turned around and left.

embarrassment. Luke looked sympathetically at her and placated her by