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!”

flashed a smile at him, hoping that he would get

astonished when he saw how beautiful Josephine looked. It was his first time

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

brows.

Luke wanted to drape his arm around Josephine’s shoulders, but she dexterously dodged it. Left with no choice, he retracted his hand with

leave as

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 to

a seat, Mr. Quarles,”

friends.” Ethan didn’t want to sit beside Selena. He had previously sent her

peacefully since he wouldn’t engage in any ambiguous relationships or give the

bored on my own. Why don’t I join you guys as well?” Selena asked

is a woman. I’m worried she’ll be jealous,” Ethan replied, signaling for the woman not to approach

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

the man was gone, Selena appeared disappointed and displeased. At the same time, she looked furiously in Josephine’s direction, believing the woman was

was heading in Josephine’s direction while the woman was about to turn her head to find out if Selena and the man had

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

urge to run away, for she felt that the man was coming 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 man, and there’s no way I can’t handle

a word with you, miss?”

glared at him. “Hey, I warned

was an impetuous man, and he felt

girlfriend, she wouldn’t have made use of me to get rid of you,”

was about to blow his

for she didn’t want to draw everyone’s attention and let them watch two men fight for her. She took Luke’s

Let me

was Luke’s first time hearing the woman speak to him softly. Under the lights, her smile was just as

Ethan also noticed the woman showing her charm. It was as

turned to look at Ethan, the smile disappeared from her face, and her expression turned dispassionate

better talk

sported a dark expression because

going somewhere quiet, she was incensed. As expected, Josephine is

music. Then, she said to

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

word with me when you have nothing to say, then? Do you have

your name?” Ethan

that she hadn’t told

obliged to tell you my name.” Josephine arched her

snorted. “Do you know who

your identity has nothing to do with

to tell him her name, Ethan had the urge to find out more about her.

better go back and keep your girlfriend company. Don’t keep

girlfriend?” Ethan thought, Since when do I

told me her name is Selena. Isn’t she your girlfriend?” Josephine

her for several

they have only known each other for a few days,

that, Josephine brushed past him to leave.

grip,

was startled for a moment. He had done that subconsciously, not

I’m not interested in playboys like you,” Josephine said

the woman suddenly accused him of being a

playboy? Do you think I have no idea that you made out with Miss Selena while sending her home last night? She told me that the two of you kissed, but you claim that you’ve

a sudden. With his

backward. As she exclaimed, the man wrapped his arm around her waist. Just like that, the two of them got into a somewhat

her hand and slapped the man’s

would be the first person in his life to slap him in the

dazed state, Josephine pushed him away and

she left the place in a fury. Ethan held his reddened cheek, feeling frustrated. His gaze looked

water

the handsome man was. Someone guessed that Ethan was probably a model, for he had a fit figure and a good-looking

a woman suddenly said through gritted teeth from behind, “Josephine, right? You’re

to find fault

down her glass and said, “Would you mind letting

tell me about your relationship with Ethan?”

each 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

wrong with that? Does she have no regard for a handsome man like Ethan? What’s the

Josephine. You want me to stay away from him so that you can have him to yourself, right? Well, I won’t fall for your dirty trick.” Selena believed that

persuade Selena, she could only reply with a helpless smile, “I’m

beautiful? Let me tell you something—Ethan is out of

nonchalantly. “I’m indeed an

on an act? What gives you a sense of superiority? Are you trying to show off that you’re adept at seducing men?”

the

better stop right here. Bye.” Josephine refused to argue with the woman. She was a well-mannered lady, after

way, Joey. Come on, we’ve just started drinking. We’ll also

recalled that she could move out of her house by

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

I heard there will be fireworks later. Why don’t we watch it together?” Luke thought that if he could stay by her side during such a romantic moment, they would create

she caught sight of a man who was seated at the farthest table. He was none

It was as though he was shrouded in a sense of loneliness. Coupled with the bonfire in the distance, he

that she might have crossed the line by slapping the

she turned her head to look at him several minutes later, she realized the man was already surrounded by women. He’s a playboy, after all. I shouldn’t have taken

direction, he felt

tall. His bulging muscles showed

man was just a poor model who was

are you looking at, Joey?”

to him. “Nothing. I’m just looking

to go to Ethan’s side as well, but he was already surrounded by three women. It wasn’t like she could take a chair with her and sit down with them, for

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

the other hand, he still couldn’t forget about the woman who slapped him in the face. What’s wrong with me? Why do I love feisty women like her instead of obedient

us your name. Let’s be friends!” The women around Ethan were all wealthy young ladies, so they were

had ever met, so it was only natural that they wanted to

to be alone. Please

contact number, Mr. Handsome? We should grab a

a sudden, Ethan’s gaze turned

handsome

The three of them left in

looked in Josephine’s direction, his expression changed. He was like a

her to the walkway illuminated with lights. He thought it would be

on confessing to her. When he wooed the woman

the bright stars in the sky and the relaxing atmosphere, Josephine might agree to be

deafening music made Josephine feel uncomfortable, so she wanted to go somewhere quiet. Therefore, she followed Luke

how excited and expectant Luke appeared, he knew that the man was going

expected, Luke picked up a rose from the table and

when he saw that.

by the beautiful lights. As she walked along the

a corner, she saw a resting area for the guests. The lights in this area

he called out to her, “Joey, why don’t we get some rest here? This

saw a swing, she joyfully went over and

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

not expecting the man to

Luke! What are you doing? Why can’t we just be

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

obstinate person. Over the past year, he had tried confessing to her in all sorts of ways,

of 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 always appear when I’m in the

don’t you see me confessing to the woman I love? Can’t you show some respect and leave

his hand and pulled Josephine up from the swing. An unsuspecting Josephine crashed into his embrace as the man wrapped his arm

Josephine was vexed. Why is

see if he’ll continue

me! You’re a

moment, he wasn’t certain

dragged the woman to the other side of the

exerting much force. While panting, she snapped. “Stop

to thank me?” Ethan questioned

with you, anyway?” Josephine had turned Luke down many

the contrary, she would be grateful if

if I hadn’t dragged you away, you

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

looked at her. She’s

depressing, Josephine looked around. Since she had decided to return to the villa, she chose a direction and

go. Have a talk with me,” Ethan called out to her all

around and demanded, “I charge a fee if you want to

so? How much do you charge

was trying to intimidate

The man agreed

was stunned. Is he

to deter him. Now that he had agreed to it, she didn’t want to do