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.

sight of the best

didn’t expect him to be the best man. Admittedly,

while other young women whispered among

had a chance with the groom, but

is the best man! In that case, he must be wealthy! Wait a minute; from what I’ve heard, he’s

with the man she loved beside

Jared and Ellen slowly went on stage. Everyone watched as they completed the ceremony by exchanging rings and confessing

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

touched by the young couple’s love. After hearing Jared’s confession, as she sat among the guests, Selena realized how much of a fool she was

at the bride on the stage, astonished at how beautiful she was. The bride was also very mysterious, for the media

the stage. Even though there was quite a distance between them, she

Ethan had his eyes on Josephine, so he immediately reached out vexedly and put his arm on

tossing the bouquet soon, so the ladies who wanted to catch some good luck could start

her daughter, insisting that she go and catch

sitting opposite them, was being urged by Olivia as well. “Hurry

got physical as she pushed Josephine into a standing

the stage. At that moment, Ellen waved toward

toward the edge. His gaze locked

clear from her expression that she didn’t want

her

by pushing her. Selena was one of them. She didn’t care about her identity anymore; she wanted to catch the bouquet and obtain the

her head. She almost instinctively reached out,

other girls couldn’t even catch it while tiptoeing, but as if fate had decreed

Ethan was stunned, and he couldn’t help but curve

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

know either. She looked up and met Ellen’s gaze on the stage. When Ellen smiled gently at her, her heart warmed up instantly as

captivating gaze. She looked and saw that Ethan was staring at her with a half-smile

her seat at once. When Heidi saw that her daughter had actually caught the bouquet, she knew that it was a good sign, signifying that her

as he praised Josephine, “You’re amazing,

she just thought

different set of dresses for the remainder of the

feast. It had been a long time since Olivia and Selena last had food as expensive as this. Even though they tried their best to suppress it, their table

she placed some on Selena’s plate

was upset by this, and her disdain was reflected in her expression as well. Meanwhile, Josephine wasn’t interested in the

right? I don’t think we’ve prepared any gifts. What should we do?” It

it’s not necessary. We’re just here for a meal,” Connor

she could grab the

during the front-row toasts. Just as Olivia was wondering when Ellen would come over, she noticed that Ellen had already finished toasting

coming here for the toast,” Selena commented

us,” Olivia said, secretly

Jared and his best man were stopping by every table for the toasts. He treated every guest with proper respect, and the guests also got up and clinked glasses with the bridegroom as they gave

as though someone was pushing it. At the same time, Heidi gave

then, she realized Ethan was standing right behind her. She couldn’t help the sudden hastening of her

mentioning the latter, so Olivia could only plaster a smile on her face as she said, “You’re so handsome today, Jared! I hope

taken the initiative to touch their glass against hers, and when she turned to look,

Heidi gave her best wishes

over, Josephine finally let out a sigh 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

nap. She was easily fatigued these days. Since she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, she couldn’t get much food down her

spent time with his friends. He went to

of your guests. Do you know her

glanced at Ethan with a teasing look. “What’s the

Ethan would never admit that he had

eyes as he fell into deep thought. He had an impression that the Jacobsons were quite

“Which one?”

one of the higher-ups in politics, and his words are very influential. Our families

“Does your wife have a

cautioned Ethan, “Steer clear of her. She’s

help but ask worriedly, “What happened? Did

got her jailed for a year because she tried to harm Ellen. After she was released, she still went around and caused trouble. She and her family are unbelievably

of Selena, so when he heard that, he decided right then that he’d ignore her every

as you’d like tonight. You can even ask Miss Jacobson out,” Jared said to his good friend, hoping that

arms as he said, “I never make the first move. Even if I

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

downstairs. He unlocked his cool sports car and got in, then drove toward

He said he wouldn’t make the first move,

sprayed some water on the flowers so

while.” Heidi had a

thinking of watching some TV

to

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

you here?” Josephine

Fancy going out for a ride?”

tempted to accept his invitation, for she was indeed

out?” Josephine

Care to

Josephine said to Ethan, “Wait for

balcony on the third floor of the 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, her heart was

sports car before the two disappeared off the roads of

b*tch! I’ll make your life

that, Selena had already conjured up an insidious plot: she would frame Josephine. The wedding wasn’t supposed to be made known to the public, but Josephine was a reporter. If news of the wedding were exposed, Josephine would be

and Selena had committed it to memory. Now, she

hatred, Selena took out her laptop and went right to work. She would exact revenge on Josephine for snatching Ethan away from

the sports car wasn’t the

take me to where

drove onto a wide road by the sea, then took her

then, he had driven there as well, and he even went into the sea for

that I didn’t mean to take photos of you that

also felt a little sorry

you take photos of me?”

came across you and mistook you for a

I’m handsome, have a good build, and have an outstanding aura?” asked

him generously, “You’re very handsome

mean you like me?” Ethan was a little giddy now. This feeling was different from when he was praised by other women, and he was

In other words, I like people who

was speechless. “Does that mean I have a bad

still don’t know you that well, so I won’t judge you.”

to know me,” Ethan said, raising an

wedding,” said Josephine. Ethan came from an extraordinary background, and he belonged to a world completely different from hers. Their

chances, we will meet again,” Ethan suddenly turned around

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

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

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

her camera and turned to look at Ethan. The man crossed his arms and met her gaze boldly.

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

kind of pretty,” Ethan answered, his eyebrows

to her. As she walked forward with her camera, she didn’t realize the deep hole in front of her. When

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 dazed from the faint scent

you pull me back?” Josephine

the

head. Soon, she noticed a deep hole hiding among the lush grass. If she had stepped on it, she could’ve tripped and

gratefully,

while the man followed behind her. Josephine suddenly had an idea, and she turned around to

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

charmed for a few seconds

attractively. His deep eyes also possessed an alluring charm like a

and continued taking photos of the scenery. Soon, the man ran after her and suggested, “Why don’t I take a

too beautiful not to take some photos of herself in it, so she passed him her camera. After Ethan took the camera, Josephine found a wall that served as the background, then gave the camera

too reserved. Act more naturally.” The man

lips at once, then puffed up her cheeks shortly after. She even struck some poses to get rid of the awkwardness. Unbeknownst to her, as she adjusted herself and struck different poses, the man was

as he took the photos, and there was even a hint of mischief

then asked immediately, “Can you take a

answered the

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

in embarrassment,

and began looking through the photos. When she saw the numerous photos of herself, she was instantly

reached out and tried to hit

a dozen yards. Suddenly, the man turned around and stopped running. Josephine

the feeling of a pretty woman running into his arms. He was also holding Josephine’s hands, so in an instant, the banter turned into

Josephine’s face turned red as she looked up, asking the man to let

way.” The

amidst the anger, and she could only resort to struggling in his

small step backward and looked at him, complaining, “Do

girl I’ve ever teased like that,” the man said with raised

this man had quite a lot of ways to showcase his allure. He looked like he was