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?

crying, she 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

the woman for taking sneak photos of him, so he had no qualms about leaving her on the beach, even though her ankle

a lot of attention. Middle-aged men especially loved

men were worth billions, respectively, which was why she had to show them she had

and asked for a cold drink. As she

didn’t want to

still hadn’t managed to get any contact

it was only the first day, and the wedding was still three days away. Furthermore, she could stay there for a week, so she still

the sightseeing car. As their eyes met, Selena was surprised to learn that the woman

the house, she was shocked. She promptly passed her

mother and

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

words, Olivia was startled for a moment, for she was also that kind of person. She quickly

They’re also guests, just like us. Please

while, but she has never come over

doesn’t have time

that we’re no different from

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 many people who propose a toast to her and greet her.

and jealous, but it wasn’t like there was anything

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

The Mansons, the

group of women were seated in a cafe by the

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

worked in different parts of the world, they would come into contact often, which strengthened the ties

ladies, ready to serve them at any moment. The younger waitresses were

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

like them were the

to go back to their rooms as they roamed

people who just couldn’t sleep. He initially wanted to ask Jared to come out and have a drink with him. However, he decided not to bother his friend

seated in the bar alone as

wealthy men she came across on the beach in the morning made her think that

her surprise, she saw a man who was just as handsome as Jared in a bar in the middle of the night. He was seated under

she looked at the man’s wristwatch, she realized he wasn’t just

feet. Selena was someone who would achieve her goal

woman was walking toward Ethan with a glass of wine in her hand, she strode

intentionally bumped into her, causing the wine to splash

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

the chance, Selena stood closer to Ethan and questioned, “What’s wrong

It was

dress lower and revealed more of her chest. Even the bartender couldn’t help but glance

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

“I’m truly sorry!” Everyone in the bar had fallen silent because of the incident, and now they had learned that Selena

surprised as he looked at Selena

the man, Selena pretended to be innocent and replied,

and said to the bartender,

services on the island were free, so Selena seized the chance and ordered her favorite

look at Ethan. “You must be Jared’s

I’m his best

initially thought that she would never get to marry a wealthy man like Ellen, but

determined to win the man’s

the bartender to prepare another glass for her. She soon chugged down three glasses of cocktails. Although she could drink more than that, she pretended to be

asked caringly, “What happened,

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

she came down from the stool, she staggered and placed

Ethan. “Mister, would you mind sending me

was about to go back as well. Since the woman was Ellen’s cousin, and he was Jared’s best friend, it would be inappropriate if he refused to lend her

I’ll send you home.”

weight?” Selena asked in a

closer to Selena, Ethan held her shoulders and

tell that Selena had played a trick to get the chance, but she was Ellen’s cousin, after all. It was only natural

always at the ready to send the guests back. Both of them entered the backseat.

I use to stay over in

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

her head on the man’s shoulder. Ethan stiffened in an instant. He turned to

villa, Selena opened her eyes. Unwilling to go back, she said to the driver, “Please

reached your

to go back. I’m in

now, 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

be, mister. Why don’t you go back first?” Then, Selena obstinately left the car. When Ethan got out of the vehicle, he saw Selena holding her arms and walking under the lamplights,

were about to reach the villa, he decided to walk

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

name?” asked Selena,

“Ethan Quarles.”

name. You’re very handsome too,” Selena said in an

to capture some photos of the night view. Just then, she

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

the afternoon, and now he’s making out with a woman in the middle of the night. How inappropriate! Can’t they get a

feeling vexed over the incident in the afternoon, she was no longer in the mood to take any photos. Just as she was ready

handsome a man was, Josephine wouldn’t find

she couldn’t walk stably. Although Ethan felt

on, miss. We’ll be

an argument with my mom,” pleaded Selena

to get another villa for you.” Ethan fished out his phone and

for one night. Please.” Selena

me a second.” Ethan insisted

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

Ethan nodded. “See you.”

Ethan Quarles… I’ll get you no matter what! The trip is

ship pulled up at the dock. While wearing a backpack, Willow stepped out of the vessel. The people in that area

her while on their way there, but he still hadn’t managed to find out her name. Since they were about to

“Willow Presgrave.”

you a Presgrave?” The young man was

“Yeah. What’s wrong?”

your relationship with

brother,”

who had been by her side, said,

been trying to woo a

“Hey…”

bodyguard lifted his hand and said, “Please stop

the car park

to go out with her mother and have breakfast together. However, when Heidi came across some old friends, she started ignoring

bored Josephine sat down on a bench in the park and spaced out at the sea. Just then, she

Josephine turned her head and saw the man, she immediately leaped from the bench and ran away in a particular direction,

The man quickly

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

waiting for her outside her company with flowers, proposing to her in front of many people, surprising her with lots of

him, so she could

there, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, the man was wealthy, and his family was powerful

“Stop running, Joey!”

man calling out to her dearly, she started running as fast as her legs could carry her. However, the man

was running out of energy, she realized she had lost her way. She looked around and saw that she was on a golf course, so she ran directly into a lounge to

into a man who was coming out of the lounge with a thud. She started seeing

supported her weight and asked caringly, “Are you

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

hand, Ethan frowned when he realized who the woman was. I can’t believe the Peeping

man anxiously as

her brains while panting. As an idea sprang into her mind, she hooked her arm around Ethan’s and

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

“Joey…”

me introduce my boyfriend to you,” said Josephine charmingly as she ran

expect Josephine

he your boyfriend?” Luke asked in

smile at the man beside her, hoping

lips, Ethan looked teasingly at her and said in a masculine voice, “Dear, why don’t you tell him what my name

this man making things difficult for

man’s name so that he could look into his background later. If the man was handsome but poor, that meant he still had

name?” Luke directly

questioned the man beside her, “Why don’t you tell him

to know my name. Hurry up. Tell him proudly what

trying to come up with a random name.

hope he won’t expose my

his fingers, after which a staff member came

pushed the woman away and sneered. “You’re pretty good at acting, huh? Stop trying

He’s got quite an

said to Luke, “My name is Ethan Quarles. I don’t know

he turned around and left. Luke was astonished,

flushing in embarrassment. Luke looked sympathetically at her and