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,

well, and she didn’t expect him to be the best man. Admittedly, without considering anything else, the man

how Selena stared fixedly at him while other young women whispered among themselves

with the groom,

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

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

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

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

by the young couple’s love. After hearing Jared’s confession, as she sat among the guests, Selena realized how

The bride was also very mysterious, for the media hadn’t

met the gaze of a certain best man on the stage. Even though there was quite a distance between them,

had his eyes on Josephine, so he immediately reached out vexedly and put his arm on the back of Josephine’s

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

nudged her daughter, insisting that she go

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

and staying silent, she got physical as she pushed Josephine into

other girls were already scrambling to line 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 edge. His gaze locked

from her expression that she didn’t want to catch

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

them. She didn’t care about her identity anymore; she wanted to

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

tiptoeing, but as if fate had decreed it, the bouquet fell squarely

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

with jealousy and hatred.

met Ellen’s gaze on the stage. When Ellen smiled gently at her, her

after that, Josephine felt someone else’s profound and captivating gaze. She looked and

held the bouquet and turned around, returning to 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 daughter could be the

Luke was overjoyed as he

she just thought it was

Willow went backstage, then changed into a different set of dresses for the remainder

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

her daughter wouldn’t get to taste it, she placed some on Selena’s plate as well. Every time a new dish was served, Olivia would be the

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, and she liked it

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

necessary. We’re just here for a meal,” Connor

generosity. She hoped that she could grab the chance to be on good terms with Ellen when the latter came over

her appearance at the banquet, and she accompanied Jared during the front-row toasts. Just as Olivia was wondering when Ellen

the toast,” Selena commented

us,” Olivia said, secretly

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 him their best

chair as though someone was pushing it. At the same time, Heidi gave Josephine’s dress a sharp

Just then, she realized Ethan

could only plaster a smile on her face as she said, “You’re so handsome today, Jared!

Ethan was standing behind Josephine. Josephine sensed that someone had taken the initiative to touch their glass against hers, and

Heidi gave

2.00PM, and she heard there

into 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

friends. He

a girl called Josephine Jacobson? She’s one of your guests.

with a teasing look.

Ethan would never admit that he had fallen

into deep thought. He had an impression that the Jacobsons

“Which one?”

his words are very influential. Our families are probably connected because of

suddenly thought of something and said, “Does your wife have

then cautioned Ethan, “Steer clear

ask worriedly, “What happened? Did she do something

a year because she tried to harm Ellen. After she was released, she still went around and caused trouble.

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

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

crossed his arms as he said, “I never make the first move.

give you a piece of advice as someone with experience. If you insist on maintaining your pride, you won’t get the girl.” Jared glanced at the time, then got up and patted him.

and went downstairs. He

He said he wouldn’t make the first

Josephine took the bouquet home, she even sprayed some water

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

some TV when she heard a car

seemed to

Ethan getting out of his

you here?” Josephine asked

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

his invitation, for she

me out?” Josephine questioned with a raised

Care to humor

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

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

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

make your life a living hell,” she

to be made known to the public, but Josephine was a reporter. If news of the wedding

it to memory. Now, she would send

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

Josephine was seated 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 in the car was

you take me to where we

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

he even went into the sea for a dip. Unfortunately, he bumped into

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

Ethan also felt a little sorry for

that case, why did you take photos

you and mistook

saying I’m handsome, have a good build, and have an outstanding

praised him generously, “You’re very

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

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

speechless. “Does that mean I have

don’t mean it like that. I still don’t know you that well, so I won’t judge you.” Josephine smiled, her eyes

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

Josephine. Ethan came from an extraordinary background, and he belonged to a world completely different from hers. Their paths were like parallel lines that

create more chances, we will meet

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

onto 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 incredibly picturesque as it spread out below

stood next to her and watched her. Compared to the pretty scenery around them, he was even more

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

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

of pretty,”

didn’t realize the deep hole in front of her. When the man noticed this, he hastily stretched out his long arms to hold her back, pulling

Her face was almost plastered onto his shirt, and she was slightly dazed from the faint scent of pines

me

for yourself,” the man

among the lush grass. If she had stepped on it, she could’ve

you.” Josephine smiled gratefully, then continued

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 still put on a few expressions and even posed a little. As Josephine looked at him through the high-definition lenses, she felt her heart

few seconds by

shiny rows of teeth that gleamed attractively. His deep eyes

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

him her camera. After Ethan took the camera, Josephine found a wall that served as

too reserved. Act more naturally.” The man was complaining that

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

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

take a photo so that I look like I’m holding up that

course,” answered

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 was only then that Josephine realized

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

When she saw the numerous photos of herself, she was

Josephine reached out and tried to hit

chase for a dozen yards. Suddenly, the man turned around and stopped running. Josephine reached out to hit him, but she couldn’t control her momentum,

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

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

The man was

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

backward and looked at him, complaining, “Do you like teasing girls that

I’ve ever teased like that,” the man

his allure. He looked like he was in his late 20s, so he didn’t seem