Never Too Far Novel

“As long as you’re willing to attend the party, you can come up with a demand.” Heidi had no choice but to make such a promise.

“For real? Can I come up with any demand?” Josephine appeared tempted.

“Yes, that’s right,” Heidi replied sincerely.

Josephine put down the book and said, “Alright. When we go home, you can’t stop me from moving out. That’s my demand.”

Heidi was startled while considering whether she should agree to it.

“I’m 25, Mom. If you don’t let me move out, no man will ever marry me,” said Josephine, mounting pressure on her mother.

“You’re not very old, so what’s wrong with you staying with us?” Heidi felt that she couldn’t agree to it; she didn’t have the heart to let her daughter move out, after all.

“Mom, my friends are around my age, but none of their parents demand that they return home before 9.00PM. I’m the only one who has a curfew. How do you expect me to find a husband when you don’t give me freedom? Is that even possible?” Josephine said matter-of-factly.

After giving it some thought, Heidi nodded. “Okay, I’ll agree to it. However, you have to do your best to find a husband tonight.”

“Sure, I’ll try very hard to get a brilliant boyfriend.” Josephine was elated deep within. I’ll be free!

Since she was a young child, she had been forced to live a disciplined life, and it was finally coming to an end. She could order food delivery in the middle of the night and binge-watch dramas until the next morning, and no one would wake her up while she was asleep. She could also bring her friends to her place as she pleased. She felt unfettered at the thought of it.

“Go back to your room and change into a nice dress. Look at what you’re wearing. I don’t even wear such a tacky color, but you’re fine with it,” Heidi nagged.

Josephine refuted, “What do you know, Mom? It’s my style!”

With that, she went upstairs and opened the wardrobe before going through the clothes she had brought with her. Eventually, she found a camisole dress she had never put on before. She bought it while shopping in a mall back then, but since she was swamped with work, she hadn’t gotten around to wearing it yet.

When she heard that they were coming to an island, she decided to bring it with her, but she still hadn’t had the chance to put it on.

It’s the best dress for the party. It was a blue camisole dress made from silk. The design was niche, and it would make the wearer look both sexy and elegant.

Since she was going to put the dress on, she had to apply some makeup as well. Therefore, she fished out her cosmetic bag and focused on getting ready.

Since it’s nighttime, why don’t I make myself look more charming?

When Josephine was done, she went downstairs. Heidi almost couldn’t recognize her daughter. She looks as attractive as the hottest celebrities now!

“I’m heading out now, Mom.”

“Your makeup is a little heavy, and your lipstick might be too red,” Heidi said.

“Mom, bright red lipstick is very trendy now. I wouldn’t look attractive if I wore light makeup at night.” Josephine could always come up with an excuse to persuade her mother.

Meanwhile, a huge bonfire had been set up on the beach, and yellow tables with long tablecloths were placed around the bonfire. Bottles of wine, fruits, and roses filled the tables. The light show turned the beach into an exciting party under the night sky. It was a paradise for young people to have fun.

The uplifting music prompted the guests to dance; they could temporarily forget about their worries and seek happiness that night.

Selena had been there for quite a while. There were youngsters as well as middle-aged guests in their forties. Certainly, countless beautiful ladies had attended the party. Waitresses in revealing clothes and handsome waiters in white shirts were also a sight to behold.

Presently, Selena was seated near the entrance. She had been keeping an eye on every guest who entered the place since she was waiting for Ethan’s arrival. At that moment, most of the guests had arrived. Although they didn’t know each other, they had fun together at the party. The young people at the party could also seize the chance to look for potential partners.

Suddenly, Selena caught sight of a familiar face. She’s the young woman who stays beside our villa. She’s all dressed up tonight, and she looks even more beautiful now.

She took the initiative to say, “Hey! Do you want to sit with me?”

Although Josephine was a reporter, she was introverted when she wasn’t working. Since Selena had invited her, she pulled out a chair and sat down.

“What do you do for a living?” Selena asked curiously. She could tell that Josephine came from an ordinary family, unlike the other haughty, wealthy ladies.

“Hi, my name is Josephine Jacobson. I’m a reporter,” Josephine replied.

Hearing that, Selena asked, “You’re a reporter, eh? Are you here for work?”

“No. I’m here to attend the wedding with my mom.” Josephine shook her head and asked, “What about you?”

“I’m the bride’s cousin.” Selena loved introducing herself as Ellen’s relative as it gave her a sense of superiority.

As expected, Josephine looked at her in shock. “You’re the bride’s relative?!”

It’s no wonder her mother was so haughty after bumping into my mom the other day. They’re the bride’s relatives, after all.

A smug smile appeared on Selena’s face as she ran her fingers through her long hair. “Yeah.”

Josephine looked in the bonfire’s direction and saw that many people in expensive clothes had gathered as they spoke different languages. There were also many guests from foreign countries. It was her first time seeing so many people from different parts of the world, so it felt exciting.

“Do you have a target tonight?” Selena asked all of a sudden.

Josephine was startled for a moment before asking, “What about you?”

“Yes,” Selena replied confidently.

“Oh. What’s his name?” Josephine asked curiously as she took a glass of water from the waiter and drank it.

“His name is Ethan Quarles,” Selena uttered proudly.

Upon hearing that, Josephine sprayed out a mouthful of water. Embarrassed, she wiped her mouth with a piece of tissue and said, “I’m sorry. The water is too cold.”

“Do you know him?” Selena asked with squinted eyes. She felt that Josephine’s reaction was rather uncalled for.

Josephine quickly denied it by waving her hand and saying, “No, no, no. I don’t know him. Honestly speaking, I don’t know anyone else on the island apart from you. I haven’t even met the bride and the groom yet.”

Selena believed her as she rested her chin on her palm and said, “He’s a very handsome biracial man. Moreover, he’s the groom’s best friend.”

Josephine couldn’t help feeling gossipy. As she recalled the woman and Ethan making out the other night, she asked, “Since you know him so well, what base have you reached with him?”

Selena loved bragging, so she raised her hands and connected both of her index fingers. Josephine figured they must have kissed.

Just then, Selena looked behind Josephine as her pupils dilated. She cupped her face excitedly and said, “Oh, my gosh! He’s here!”

Hearing that, Josephine felt her chest tightening. She turned her head and saw Ethan appearing at the entrance that was embellished with lights. He was wearing a dark shirt and a pair of khaki pants, making him look attractive among the crowd.

Josephine hurriedly pocketed her gaze. Just then, Selena asked, “Is my makeup still intact? How does my lipstick look?”

After examining the woman, Josephine replied, “Your makeup looks perfect.”

The next moment, Selena rose from her chair and went to greet Ethan, who was about to brush past them. “Hey, Mr. Quarles. Would you like to sit with us?”

Ethan turned his head and saw Selena waving her hand. At the same time, he saw a woman at the same table.

In an instant, he was attracted to the slender figure under the lights. Although he hadn’t seen her face yet, she had the kind of figure that most men loved.

Since the woman was wearing a camisole dress, he could see her blemish-free shoulders. Her hair had been tied up loosely, which revealed her alluring neck.

Although Ethan could only see the woman’s back, she had an impeccable figure. He wondered if her face looked just as attractive.

As he grew curious, he walked toward Selena, hoping to see the woman’s face.

Selena felt her heart thumping in her chest when she saw the man approaching her, and she could barely conceal her excitement.

Josephine didn’t expect Selena to ask the man to sit with them, so she said to the woman, “I’d better not be the third wheel, then.”

With that, she rose from the chair and turned around, facing the man directly.

Under the lights, Ethan appeared doubtful. What? It’s her?! That’s impossible. She looked unkempt in the morning, but she looks so gorgeous at night.

Josephine pretended not to know him. Although she knew that Ethan was staring at her, she ignored him and hurriedly left the place.

Ethan was rooted to the spot for a few seconds before feeling displeased. What the hell?! Why is she pretending not to know me?

Hey!” he called out while turning around.

Josephine stopped in her tracks with a frustrated expression. Why did he call out to me? Isn’t he supposed to go on a date with that woman?

Ethan tucked one hand into his pocket and shuffled toward Josephine before sneering. “What’s wrong? Don’t you know me anymore?”

Upon seeing that, Selena was astounded. It never crossed her mind that Ethan and Josephine knew each other. She flushed and glared resentfully at Josephine, wondering why the woman lied to her.

On the other hand, Josephine was extremely embarrassed. She told Selena that she didn’t know Ethan, but the man exposed her lie. Hence, it was only natural that she was vexed.

She crossed her arms and questioned, “Do I know you, mister?”

Just then, Luke discovered Josephine and ran toward her excitedly. “Hi, Joey!”

a smile at him, hoping that he would get her out of

Josephine looked. It was his first

Joey! Your dress and makeup make a huge difference!” Luke complimented the woman while approaching her. When he

furrowed his brows. “Me, harassing your

My friends are over there. Let’s go.” Luke wanted to drape his arm around Josephine’s shoulders,

Josephine leave as his amber

he came to his senses, he saw Selena approaching him. Selena happened to see the man looking at Josephine’s figure. Her heart sank while she felt infuriated. She’s such a scheming woman! She knows Ethan, but she lied to me about it. What is she trying to achieve? Does she want

seat, Mr. Quarles,” Selena said with

had previously sent her back to her villa because she was the bride’s relative,

engage in any ambiguous relationships or give the other party

don’t I join you guys as

sorry, but my friend is a woman. I’m worried she’ll be jealous,” Ethan replied, signaling for the woman not

flushed in embarrassment and forced a smile. “Alright. I hope

she

about to turn her head to find out if Selena and the man had gone on

was shocked to realize that the man was only six feet away from her, and they

at her. However, she soon calmed herself down. Why should I run away? It’s not like I’m afraid of him. He’s just a

I have a word with you, miss?” Ethan’s masculine voice sounded from

glared at him. “Hey, I warned you not to harass my girlfriend. Are you

he felt that protecting Josephine was his

made use of me to get rid of

about to blow

draw everyone’s attention and let them watch two men fight for her. She took Luke’s hand and tried to appease him with

Let me deal

lights, her smile was just as bright as pearls. Her lips, brows, and eyes

into a dazed state, Ethan also noticed the woman showing her charm. It was

soon calmed down. When Josephine turned to look at Ethan, the smile disappeared from her face, and her expression turned dispassionate in an instant. It was as though she wasn’t even willing to spare him

they’d better talk everything out. She wondered if she had offended him in

dark expression because of the

and Ethan going somewhere quiet, she was incensed. As expected, Josephine is trying to snatch Ethan from me.

lamppost, staying away from the boisterous crowd and loud music. Then, she said to the man, “What do you want to tell me, Mr. Quarles? You’d better hurry

his arms, feeling speechless. She seems to be blaming everything

when you have nothing to say, then? Do you have nothing better to do?” Josephine felt

your name?”

she hadn’t told

you my name.” Josephine arched

you know who I am,

won’t come into contact again after the wedding, so your identity has nothing to do with me.” Josephine didn’t

Ethan had the urge to find out more about her.

better go back and keep your girlfriend company. Don’t keep her waiting,”

thought, Since when

me her name is Selena. Isn’t she your girlfriend?” Josephine knew that Selena was staring in their

her for

have only known each other for a few days, they have already made out. I guess

Josephine brushed past him to leave. For some reason, Ethan took her arm all

grip, displeased

for a moment. He had done that subconsciously, not wanting the

warning you—stop harassing me. I’m not interested in playboys like you,” Josephine said

puzzled as to why the woman suddenly accused him of being

of you kissed, but you claim that you’ve only known her

her arm all of a sudden. With his iron grip, he pulled the woman

the man wrapped his arm around her waist. Just like that, the two of them got into a somewhat awkward position. It was as though they had finished dancing and stopped for the last

Josephine raised her hand and slapped the

was dumbfounded. It never crossed his mind that Josephine would be the first person in his life

away and stepped backward. “If you dare harass me again, I’ll call for

his reddened cheek, feeling frustrated. His gaze looked inscrutable as he traced the woman.

of returning to Luke’s side, Josephine ordered a glass of cold water to calm

knew who the handsome man was. Someone guessed that Ethan was probably a model, for

Josephine was drinking water, a woman suddenly said through gritted

was there to find fault with

at her without feeling surprised. She put down her glass and said, “Would you mind

about your relationship with Ethan?” Selena was eager to know the answer to

other.” With that, Josephine raised the hand she had used to slap the man. “Do you see this? I just slapped him in the face because he harassed me. Miss Aguirre, I suggest that you stay as far away from him as

regard for a handsome man like Ethan? What’s the point of

yourself, right? Well, I won’t fall for your dirty trick.” Selena believed that

Selena, she could only reply

you’re beautiful? Let me tell you something—Ethan is out of your league!” Selena wanted to get

that, Josephine smiled nonchalantly. “I’m indeed an

What gives you a sense of superiority? Are you trying to

the

don’t want to offend you, so we’d better stop right here. Bye.” Josephine refused to argue with the woman.

just then and said, “This way, Joey. Come on,

she could move

Josephine romantically, so they treated her politely. Also, they were aware that the woman had

be fireworks later. Why don’t we watch it together?” Luke thought that if

with a smile and looked around. Inadvertently, she caught sight of a man who was seated at the farthest table.

own amidst the boisterous crowd. It was as though he was shrouded in a sense of loneliness.

have crossed the line

man was already surrounded by women. He’s a playboy, after all. I

looking in Ethan’s direction, he felt dejected. What’s

no doubt that Ethan was significantly more handsome, and he was six feet three inches tall. His bulging muscles showed that he worked out frequently, and he was

that the man was just a poor model who was there to flirt with women. It was a wonder how the man even managed to come

looking at, Joey?” asked

could only lie to him. “Nothing.

already surrounded by three women. It wasn’t like she could take a chair with her and sit down with

Ethan was surrounded by women, he wasn’t interested in any of them. In truth, they had beautiful faces and curvy figures, but they were not

still couldn’t forget about the woman who slapped him in the face. What’s wrong with me? Why do I

were all wealthy young ladies,

was one of the most good-looking men they had ever met, so it was only natural that they wanted to get to know

sorry, but I’d like to be alone. Please

Handsome? We

or something?” All of a sudden, Ethan’s gaze turned cold, and his tone was

not expecting the handsome man to

you.” The three of them left in a hurry as

vibe. Just as he looked in Josephine’s direction, his expression changed. He was like a predator who was gaping

heart, he decided to invite her to the walkway illuminated with lights. He thought it would be a

planning on confessing to her. When he wooed the woman back then, she turned

stars in the sky and the relaxing atmosphere, Josephine might agree to be his girlfriend this

feel uncomfortable, so she wanted to go somewhere quiet.

Luke appeared, he knew that the man was going to

expected, Luke picked up a rose from the

into a playful smile when he saw that. He rose

lights. As she walked along the walkway, she soon moved

she rounded a corner, she saw a resting area for the guests. The lights in this area were amazing too as they

he couldn’t miss the chance, so he called out to her, “Joey, why don’t we get

head. When she saw a swing, she joyfully went over and sat

he had been hiding behind him. All of a sudden, he fell to one knee and confessed to the woman with a loving expression. He declared, “Joey, you know I love you. Please be

was startled, not expecting the man to

Luke! What are you doing? Why

If you don’t agree to it, I will never get up!” replied Luke with determination written all over

past year, he had tried confessing to her in

a sudden, a man was heard sneering. “Oh! You’d better

as he walked toward Josephine. When she saw the man, she was frustrated. Why does this man

woman I love? Can’t you show some respect and leave us alone?” Although Luke was still kneeling, he

this. All of a sudden, he extended his hand and pulled Josephine up from the swing. An unsuspecting Josephine

was vexed. Why is

Jacobson, why don’t we witness this man’s true heart together? Let’s see if he’ll continue kneeling until the next morning.” With that, Ethan

Release me! You’re a

At that moment,

Ethan dragged the woman to the other side

finally managed to struggle out of the man’s grip after exerting much

you. Aren’t you supposed to thank

you, anyway?” Josephine had turned Luke down many times, so she knew what to do. As such, she didn’t need the man’s

grateful if the man could stop

away, you would’ve agreed to be his girlfriend?”

the very least, I know I will never get together with you.” Josephine snorted and adjusted her dress. A breeze whisked through her just then as her hair flapped in the air, which made her look charming. While she glanced at the sea,

awestruck as he looked at

depressing, Josephine looked around. Since she had decided to return

a talk with me,” Ethan called out to her all of a

demanded, “I charge a fee if you want to

much do you charge

trying

man

stunned. Is he that

deter him. Now that he had agreed to it, she didn’t want to do that. She frowned and said, “Forget it. I’m not interested in talking to