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.

caught sight of the best man, her

expect him to be the best man. Admittedly, without considering anything else, the man was indeed

him while other young

with the groom, but the handsome best

can’t believe the b*stard is the best man! In that case, he must

blessed to walk down the aisle full of roses with the man she loved beside her.

the music sounded in the background, Jared and Ellen slowly went on stage. Everyone watched as they completed

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

couple’s love. After hearing Jared’s confession, as she sat among the guests, Selena realized how much of a fool she was when she tried seducing Jared in

on the stage, astonished at how beautiful she was. The bride was also

though there was quite a

vexedly and put his arm on the back

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

insisting that she go and catch the bouquet for

opposite them, was being urged by Olivia as well. “Hurry up, Lena! What are you

Josephine

space in front of the stage. At that moment, Ellen waved toward the girls in greeting as the music played,

sight of the girl who reluctantly walked toward the edge. His gaze locked onto her face. Everyone else tiptoed, fearing that they wouldn’t be able

was clear from her expression that she didn’t want to catch

the bouquet in her hands soared lightly and easily, then traced an arc in the air

Selena was one of them. She didn’t care about her identity anymore; she wanted to catch the bouquet and obtain the blessing from the heavens so that she could

her head. She almost instinctively reached out, and

as if fate had decreed

was stunned, and he couldn’t help

however, was filled with jealousy and hatred.

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

profound and captivating gaze. She looked and

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

Luke was overjoyed as he praised

because of anything else; she just thought it was too beautiful, so she

a different set of dresses for the remainder of

Olivia and Selena last had food as expensive as this. Even though they tried their best to suppress it, their

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

by this, and her disdain was reflected in her expression as well. Meanwhile, Josephine wasn’t interested in the food. Instead, she felt that the wine served here was delicious and sweet,

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

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

could grab the

front-row toasts. Just as Olivia was wondering

the

looking down on us,”

for the toasts. He treated every guest with proper respect, and the guests

on her phone. Suddenly, she felt some pressure on the back of her chair as though someone was pushing it. At the same time, Heidi gave Josephine’s dress a sharp tug under the table, signaling for

glass as she stood up. Just then, she realized Ethan

plaster a

taken the initiative to touch

gave her

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 comfortable set of pajamas. With Jared by her side, she took an afternoon 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 throat, and

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

Jacobson? She’s one of your guests. Do you know her background?” Ethan took the initiative to ask

heard that, he glanced at Ethan with a teasing look. “What’s the

times, she seems to be an interesting person.” Ethan would never admit that he had fallen for Josephine, for his pride wouldn’t allow

Jared narrowed his eyes as he fell into deep thought. He

“Which one?”

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

something and said, “Does your wife have a cousin

then cautioned Ethan, “Steer clear of

happened? Did she do something to

because she tried to harm Ellen. After she was released, she still went around

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

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

his arms as he said, “I never make the first move. Even if I were to go on a date, they would

experience. If you insist on maintaining your pride, you won’t get the girl.” Jared glanced at the time,

Jared left, Ethan took his phone and went downstairs. He unlocked his cool sports car

make

the bouquet home, she even sprayed some

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

of watching some TV when she heard

seemed to be summoning

garden. Then, she saw Ethan getting out

you here?” Josephine asked

weather today. Fancy going out for a

accept his invitation, for she

asking me out?” Josephine questioned with

nodded. “Yes. Care

mother had gone to sleep, Josephine said to Ethan,

a 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

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

your life

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 the first

committed it to memory. Now, she would send

Selena took out her laptop and went right to work. She would exact

in Ethan’s convertible, attracting many gazes along the way. Of course, the sports car wasn’t the only thing catching everyone’s attention; the good-looking young couple

to where we first

course.” Ethan immediately drove onto a wide road by the sea, then took her to the

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

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

Ethan also felt a little sorry for leaving her alone that

why did you

accidentally came across you and mistook you for a model. You’re quite

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

him generously, “You’re very

now. This feeling was different from when he was

Mr. Quarles, but I think personality triumphs over appearance. In

that

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

get to

from an extraordinary background, and he belonged to a world completely different from hers. Their

we will meet again,” Ethan suddenly

was stunned for a few seconds, and she suddenly felt her face turn hot. What

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

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

put down her camera and turned to look at Ethan. The man

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

pretty,” Ethan answered, his eyebrows

realize the deep hole in

the man’s arms. Her face was almost plastered onto his shirt, and she was slightly dazed from the faint scent of pines that wafted into

me

yourself,” the man said

a deep hole hiding among the lush grass. If she had stepped on it,

gratefully, then continued

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

and even posed a little.

few seconds by the man’s brilliant smile through

His deep eyes also possessed an alluring charm like

the lenses away and continued taking photos of the scenery. Soon, the man ran after her and suggested,

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 a

reserved. Act more naturally.” The man was complaining that she didn’t look natural

didn’t need more prodding. She pursed her 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

Josephine looked livelier and prettier in the photos now. The man curved his lips as he took the photos, and there was even a hint of mischief in his

then asked immediately, “Can you take

answered the

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 was only then that Josephine

asked in embarrassment, then rushed over to snatch her camera

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

Josephine reached out and

after him, and they continued the chase for a dozen yards. Suddenly, the man turned around and stopped running. Josephine

arms. He was also holding Josephine’s hands, so in an instant, the banter turned

turned red as she looked up,

way.” The

the anger, and she could only resort to struggling

backward and looked at him, complaining, “Do you

first girl I’ve ever teased like that,” the

lot of ways to showcase his allure. He looked like he was in his late 20s, so he