Never Too Far Novel

“We’ve discussed it earlier. You just have to propose a toast to those at the first three tables, then you can head to the private room and get some rest. I’ll handle the rest,” Jared said. They had to avoid any activity that might exhaust Ellen.

“Okay.” Ellen felt warm in her heart. While staying on the island, she had gotten closer to the Presgraves and felt that they were truly caring and compassionate.

The guests were dressed to the nines and ready to attend the wedding. Connor and his family were wearing the clothes that Olivia had borrowed, making them look less ordinary.

“Mom, this dress is too small. It doesn’t fit,” Selena complained.

“Stop complaining when you have a nice dress to wear! Just don’t eat too much later,” Olivia retorted. Suddenly thinking of something, she turned to look at her husband anxiously. “Connor, did Ellen call you and ask you to walk her down the aisle?”

“No.”

“Every bride needs an elder to walk her down the aisle. You’re her closest relative, so why didn’t she call you?” Olivia asked in shock.

Connor was embarrassed as well. “Perhaps a luxurious wedding like this is different. Moreover, I’m too bashful to do that.”

“I suppose Ellen no longer regards us as relatives, huh? How is she going to walk down the aisle and go on stage without you? Is she going to do that on her own? That will be laughable!” Nothing good ever came out of Olivia’s mouth.

Connor shot her a stern look. “It’s Ellie’s big day, so don’t say any nonsense as there will be many guests at the wedding. You mustn’t embarrass her.”

“Do you think she’s still your dearest Ellie? She probably won’t spare us a glance again after the wedding.” Olivia sneered.

Selena was fed up with their argument, so she went to the yard and happened to see Josephine and her mother leaving the villa, ready to head to the wedding.

Presently, Josephine was clad in a light blue dress with her hair hung loose on her shoulders. She looked charming and refreshing. A hint of resentment flashed across Selena’s eyes. She had always been a crafty person, but the woman managed to snatch Ethan from her the night before. It was only natural that she was vexed.

Just you wait, Josephine. I’ll let you know the consequences of offending me!

Meanwhile, Josephine and her mother entered the car and headed to the wedding. As the breeze whisked through her, she looked out the window and spaced out. When they passed by the walkway where Ethan carried her in his arms the night before, she suddenly wondered why the man was willing to lend her a helping hand.

Has he fallen in love with me? Well, a handsome man like him isn’t husband material, and it’s not like he can look young forever. Moreover, many women will try to snatch him from me, and he might even cheat on me.

After the analysis, Josephine felt that she’d better remain single. After all, there were many single people at her station, and they were all capable people who lived their lives to the fullest.

Soon, Connor’s car was ready, and they went to the wedding together.

There was a long stretch of roses that extended from the area where the guests got out of their cars to the banquet hall roughly 600 feet away. The roses were beautiful and fragrant. As the guests walked along the path, they felt rejuvenated.

Olivia was dumbfounded. “How much does it all cost? A bouquet of roses is already worth a ton at the florist!”

Selena was walking in front when she heard her mother’s words, so she couldn’t help but turn her head and retort, “Mom, stop behaving like a poor person. Do you want everyone to find out we’re not rich?”

Olivia naturally wouldn’t admit that she wasn’t from a well-to-do family. Upon hearing her daughter’s words, she felt aggrieved, for she indeed behaved like one.

The banquet hall could accommodate 500 people, and it was full of guests now. Gold and red were the main colors, making the wedding look solemn and magnificent.

A wedding like this was every woman’s dream. Olivia was awestruck, whereas Selena was green with envy. Jared was willing to spend so much money to hold a grand wedding for Ellen. If any woman could marry a man like him, she would die with no regrets.

Meanwhile, Heidi was shocked as well. After all, she wasn’t born into a wealthy family, and she would be delighted if her daughter also had a grand wedding one day.

“Look at how magnificent the wedding is, Joey! Aren’t you envious?” Heidi started urging her daughter to look for a husband again.

Josephine let out a sigh. “Mom, I probably won’t ever get married. You’d better give up on that idea sooner.”

“Stop saying nonsense. You’ll get married one day.” Heidi was confident about her daughter’s appearance. On the other hand, Josephine didn’t even dare imagine that she would marry the man she loved at such a wonderful wedding one day.

“Mom, I don’t even have a boyfriend. Don’t you think it’s too early for you to urge me to get married?” Josephine said helplessly.

“Well, a person can dream. I’m sure that my dream of seeing you getting married will come true someday,” Heidi said optimistically.

Meanwhile, Selena and Olivia were looking for their seats. Coincidentally, they had to share the same table with Heidi and Josephine.

“How unlucky!” When Olivia saw Heidi, she couldn’t help but annoy her.

Heidi also felt displeased that Olivia was seated with them.

A hint of resentment flashed across Selena’s eyes as she looked at Josephine. She sat down and ignored the woman. Josephine initially wanted to greet her, but since the woman refused to talk to her by looking at her phone, she gave up on the idea.

Meanwhile, she was wondering why Selena was seated with them. Since the woman claimed to be the bride’s relative, she was supposed to sit somewhere closer to the bride.

Just then, Luke came over and greeted Josephine. He somehow managed to persuade the guest beside Josephine to exchange seats with him. Just like that, he sat down beside the woman.

In the lounge behind the wedding venue, Ellen was getting some rest on the couch. She was already clad in her wedding dress and a veil. As the sunlight shone on her, she looked as beautiful as a doll.

An excited Willow took photos of Ellen from different angles with the camera in her hands. She also took some selfies and photos of the two of them together.

“You’re gorgeous, Ellen!” Willow said in amazement.

There was no doubt Ellen was a natural beauty. Although her face was small, it was delicate and glowing. Anyone would be drawn to her charm.

“Jared will be enchanted when he sees you,” Willow said exaggeratingly.

Upon hearing that, Ellen broke into laughter. “No doubt about it.”

Soon, the groom and the best man arrived. Jared was dressed to the nines, looking incredibly dapper. On the other hand, the best man was clad in a white suit, which made him look equally handsome.

Rarely any man could pull off a white suit. Although Ethan was wearing such a suit, he didn’t snatch the spotlight from the groom. He willingly played second fiddle in such a situation.

“Ethan, I’m sure many beautiful ladies will be smitten with you today. You have to be careful not to be surrounded by them,” Willow said while approaching him. She was a lovable woman who loved complimenting others.

All of a sudden, a woman’s face sprang into Ethan’s mind. It didn’t matter to him whether other women liked him; he just hoped that a certain someone would treat him better.

Jared walked up to Ellen and stared fixedly at her, looking as though he could never get enough of her. A blushing Ellen looked bashfully at him. “Stop looking. I’m already nervous, and you’re making me feel even tenser.”

The man squatted and held her hands before placating her gently, saying, “Stop worrying. I’m with you!”

Ellen seemed to derive confidence from the man’s gaze, so she nodded and replied, “Okay.”

With the camera in her hands, Willow said, “Come on, guys. Look in my direction and smile!”

Now, Willow was responsible for taking photos of everything and recording this wonderful day.

Anastasia and Elliot came over to take a look at them. The young couple was ready, and the wedding was about to begin.

“Jared, you have to hold Ellie’s hand tight later,” Anastasia reminded.

“I know, Mom. Don’t worry about it.” Jared dipped his head.

That was because the wedding was special.

The host came over and said, “The wedding will start in ten minutes. Get ready to enter the venue.”

Willow walked up to Ellen with a bouquet. “Take the flowers, Ellen. We’re going now.”

Since the wedding was about to begin, all the guests were looking forward to seeing the bride, for she was still a mystery. Many guests had been staying on the island for several days, but they hadn’t seen the bride yet.

They wondered what the woman looked like and what family she came from. No doubt she was lucky to marry Jared.

Even Josephine was curious about the bride’s appearance. Various media companies were aware of the wedding, and they had been trying hard to get into the venue to take some photos. If they managed to take some wedding photos, that would be big news across the country.

However, the Presgraves barred any media companies from entry, and even the guests were not allowed to take photos.

Therefore, as a reporter, Josephine felt lucky that she was there to witness the grand wedding.

“It’s going to start soon, Mom!” Josephine said to her mother excitedly.

“Yeah, I can’t wait!” Heidi was thrilled as well.

Josephine took a look at the family beside her. Although Connor was excited, Selena and her mother were expressionless.

The wedding finally started as the melodious music reverberated across the hall. All of them turned to look at the door that opened gradually.

Several page boys and flower girls who were as beautiful as angels stepped into the venue, followed by the bride and the groom. Unlike other weddings, the bride appeared while hooking her arm around the groom’s while holding flowers with her other hand. The long veil extended to the hem of the cloud-like dress. As the guests looked at the bride, they couldn’t help but feel that she was stunning and pure.

While everyone was watching their entry, there were two attractive figures behind the bride and the groom. They were none other than the young lady from the Presgraves Family and a handsome best man.

Everyone was genuinely happy for the married couple, but two people were extremely jealous. Although Olivia and Selena had shamelessly attended the wedding without an invitation, they didn’t want to give Ellen their blessings. Olivia even viciously thought that the Presgraves would probably start despising the woman someday. She wanted Ellen to be poor again, just like her.

Selena had been in love with Jared before, but the brilliant man was now walking down the aisle with Ellen. Certainly, she wasn’t happy about it.

she caught sight of the best man,

as well, and she didn’t expect him to be the best

stared fixedly at him while

longer had a chance with the groom, but the

is the best man! In that case, he must be wealthy! Wait a minute; from what

walk down the aisle full of roses with the man she loved beside her. Not only

the background, Jared and Ellen slowly went on stage. Everyone watched as they completed the ceremony by exchanging rings and confessing their love for

then narrated their love story to everyone. His voice was masculine, and every word he uttered was full of his love for Ellen, making all the women envious of her. Meanwhile, Ellen’s eyes were already welled up with tears as she gently held her chest. Willow promptly told someone to pass her a piece of tissue. Ellen took it and wiped the tears from her eyes, allowing her to clearly see

confession, as she sat among the guests, Selena realized how much of a fool she was when she

how beautiful she was. The bride was also very mysterious, for

the gaze of a certain best man on the stage. Even though there

so he immediately reached out vexedly and put his arm on the back of Josephine’s chair, deliberately getting into a more intimate position with

on the stage darkened his gaze. Just then, the host announced that the bride would be tossing the bouquet soon, so the ladies who wanted to catch some good luck could start getting ready

Joey.” Heidi nudged her daughter, insisting that

was being urged by Olivia

saw her daughter feigning ignorance and staying silent, she got physical as she pushed Josephine into a standing position. Josephine turned around and asked exasperatedly, “Mom, do

up at the empty space in front of the stage. At that moment, Ellen waved toward the girls in greeting as the music played, then turned her back toward them and got ready to toss

the stage, then naturally caught sight of the girl who reluctantly walked toward the

from her expression that she

her hands soared lightly

were enthusiastically trying to move forward by pushing her. Selena was one of them. She

hit her head. She almost instinctively reached out, and Ellen’s bouquet landed

as if

he couldn’t help but curve his lips

in her hands, receiving looks of admiration from the girls around her. Selena, however, was filled with jealousy and hatred.

gently at her, her heart

someone else’s profound and captivating gaze. She looked and saw that Ethan was staring at her with a half-smile on his

turned around, returning to her seat at once. When Heidi saw that her daughter had actually caught

overjoyed as he

her arms like some treasure. It wasn’t because of anything else; she just thought it was too beautiful, so she should care for it as much as

backstage, then changed into a different set of dresses

it turned out to be a sumptuous feast. It had been a long time since Olivia and Selena last had food as expensive as this. Even

placed some on Selena’s plate as well. Every time a new dish was served, Olivia would be

as well. Meanwhile, Josephine wasn’t interested in the food. Instead, she felt that the wine served here was delicious and

I don’t think we’ve prepared any gifts. What should we do?” It was only then that Olivia remembered they

it’s not necessary. We’re just here for

she could grab the chance to be on good terms with Ellen when the latter

appearance at the banquet, and she accompanied Jared during the front-row toasts. Just as Olivia was wondering when Ellen would come over, she noticed that Ellen had already finished

Ellen isn’t coming here for the toast,” Selena commented in

us,” Olivia said,

man were stopping by every table for the toasts. He treated every guest with proper respect, and the guests also got up

some pressure on the back of her chair as though someone was

Just then, she realized Ethan

mentioning the latter, so Olivia could only plaster a smile

Josephine. Josephine sensed that someone had taken the initiative to touch their glass

Heidi gave her best

of relief. The morning banquet ended at around 2.00PM, and she heard there would be another banquet at night accompanied by a dance hall, a show

took an afternoon nap. She was easily fatigued these days. Since she was in the early stages of her

his friends. He went to Ethan’s villa, and the two sat

your guests. Do you know her background?” Ethan took the initiative to

at Ethan with a

interesting person.” Ethan would never admit that he had

into deep thought. He had

“Which one?”

Peter Jacobson is one of the higher-ups in politics, and his words are very influential. Our families are probably connected because

something and said, “Does your wife

Ethan, “Steer clear of her. She’s bad

help but ask worriedly, “What happened? Did she do something to

harm Ellen. After she was released, she still went

already had a bad impression of Selena, so when he heard that, he decided right then that he’d

You can even ask Miss Jacobson out,” Jared said to his good friend, hoping that the

make the first move. Even if I were to go on a date, they would have to ask me out

you insist on maintaining your pride, you won’t get the girl.” Jared glanced at the time, then got up and

his phone and went downstairs. He unlocked his cool sports

he ate his words quickly enough. He said he wouldn’t make the first move,

Josephine took the bouquet home, she even sprayed some water on

while.” Heidi had a habit of taking afternoon naps, so she retired to her

watching some TV when she heard a car honking

to be summoning

went out to the garden. Then, she saw Ethan getting out of his sports car, which was parked by the

you here?” Josephine

today. Fancy going out for a ride?” said the man

his invitation, for

me out?” Josephine questioned

nodded. “Yes. Care

gone to sleep, Josephine said to Ethan, “Wait for me. I’ll

building next to them, a pair of eyes hiding behind curtains watched the scene unfold. Selena had also heard Ethan honking earlier, and when she saw Ethan coming over and asking Josephine out on his own accord,

before the two disappeared off the roads of the villa garden, Selena was so mad that she

make your life

be made known to the public,

to memory. Now, she would send an anonymous

and went right to work. She would exact

the sports car wasn’t the only thing catching everyone’s attention; the good-looking young couple in the car

to where we

road by the sea, then took her to

there as well, and he even went into the sea for a dip. Unfortunately,

have to clarify again that I didn’t mean to take photos of you that day.” Josephine felt like she needed

a little sorry

case, why did you take photos of me?” Ethan

“I accidentally came across you and mistook you for a model.

handsome, have a good build, and have an outstanding aura?” asked the man while praising

generously, “You’re

little giddy now. This feeling was different from when he was praised by other women,

Mr. Quarles, but I think personality triumphs over appearance. In other words, I like people who have good

man was speechless. “Does that mean I have a

don’t mean it like that. I still don’t know you that well, so

chances to get to know me,” Ethan said, raising

meet again after this wedding,” said Josephine. Ethan came from an extraordinary background, and he belonged to a world

will meet again,” Ethan suddenly turned around and

and she suddenly felt her face turn hot. What did he mean? Was he

a deserted road, and the scenery was beautiful all along the way. The car pulled up at the pavement next to the beach, which was

few photos. Meanwhile, Ethan stood next to her and watched her. Compared to the pretty scenery around

her from the side. She put down her camera and turned to look at Ethan. The man crossed his arms and met her gaze boldly. He wasn’t the slightest bit embarrassed that he was caught stealing glances at

straightforward person, so she asked directly, “Mr. Quarles, why do you keep staring

of pretty,”

continued taking more photos. She wasn’t bothered by the fact that a man was next to her. As she walked forward with her camera, she didn’t realize the deep hole in front of her. When the man

startled. When she came to her senses, she was already being held securely in the man’s arms. Her face was almost plastered onto his shirt, and she was slightly

did you pull me

yourself,” the

lowered her head. Soon, she noticed a deep hole hiding among the

gratefully, then

at the front while the man followed behind her. Josephine suddenly had an idea, and she turned around to point her camera at the man. She wanted to try and see if he would get mad if she took photos of him

the lenses, but he still put on a few expressions and even posed a

few seconds by the man’s brilliant smile through

of teeth that gleamed attractively. His deep eyes also possessed an alluring charm like a black

scenery. Soon, the man ran after

so she passed him her camera. After Ethan took

naturally.” The man was complaining that she

some poses to get rid of

The man curved his lips as

take

answered

only had to find a good angle to take the photo so that she looked like she was holding up the island. After the photo was taken, Josephine walked toward the man, but she realized he was still clicking the shutter. It

you still taking photos?!” she asked in embarrassment, then rushed over to snatch her

grabbed her camera and began looking through the photos. When she saw the numerous photos of herself, she was instantly pissed. This man hadn’t

and tried

Suddenly, the man turned around and stopped running. Josephine reached out to hit him, but she couldn’t control her momentum, so before she could hit him, she ran straight into

pretty woman running into his arms. He

face turned red as she

The man was

amidst the anger, and she could only resort to struggling

go of her. Josephine then took a small step backward and

I’ve ever teased like that,” the

didn’t believe him. Instead, she felt that this man had quite a lot of ways to showcase his allure.