Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 1801-1810

“I had to attend an important meeting in the morning, so I didn’t get the chance to see you off at the pier. You didn’t answer my phone calls either, so I thought you must be mad at me. So, I came here especially to apologize to you,” Ethan replied earnestly.

“What? You called me? Why didn’t I know about it?” With that, Josephine hastily took out her phone to confirm. Just as Ethan said, there were two missed calls from him. She was troubled. She must have accidentally missed the calls.

“I wasn’t mad at you, I just happened to not notice your calls coming in. You don’t have to apologize to me.” Josephine felt a little sorry as well.

If she had answered his calls, he wouldn’t have come all the way here.

Ethan was still relieved. At least she missed the calls because she didn’t notice, not because she was mad at him.

Josephine’s face turned red for some reason. She was usually bold and outspoken, but now she had experienced what it was like to be embarrassed. She didn’t even dare to look at Ethan’s face.

This man went to such great lengths just to meet her. Putting everything else aside, this man knew how to woo a woman.

She was actually touched.

“Come here, Brennen.” Behind them, Luke called an assistant who had come to fetch them. He pointed at Josephine’s luggage, then said, “Help Miss Jacobson load her luggage into the car.”

Brennen Porter was Luke’s best assistant, so of course he knew how much effort Luke put in to pursue Josephine. Hence, he hastily ran over to do his boss’ bidding.

Also, he was also quite a perceptive man. When he saw the tall and handsome figure next to Josephine, he guessed that Luke had met with a strong rival.

“Miss Jacobson, I’ll help you with your luggage.” With that, Brennen moved to take Josephine’s suitcase. However, a large hand pressed on the suitcase, stopping him. He was even given a sharp look. “Don’t touch it.”

Obviously, only a certain somebody was allowed to carry this suitcase, and everyone else wasn’t permitted to touch it.

Josephine was feeling awkward now. On the cruise ship, she and Heidi had agreed to take Luke’s car home, so if she refused now, it wouldn’t look too good.

“Quarles, can’t you see that Josephine and Mrs. Jacobson are getting in my car?” Luke stepped forward and spoke up. Ethan made him feel very threatened.

At the side, Heidi was both surprised and shocked. Since when had her daughter gained so many admirers? Two men were fighting for the spot to send Josephine home; Heidi had nothing to worry about when it came to finding suitors for her daughter.

Josephine bit her lip and said, “Mr. Quarles, thank you for offering us a ride, but I’ve already promised to take Luke’s car home. Please go back.”

Josephine couldn’t back out on her promise to Luke. Also, she was caught off guard by Ethan’s sudden appearance. She was shaken, and she needed time to calm down.

Ethan was sullen. He came all the way to fetch her, but she refused his offer to send her home. Still, he respected her decision.

“All right. I’ll be in town for a while, so let’s have a meal together sometime,” the man said in a low voice.

When Josephine heard that, she recalled something her parents always said. She was their only daughter, so they didn’t want her to marry off to someone far away. They weren’t counting on her to take care of them, but they worried that she would have to take a long trip home if she was in trouble.

“Okay.” Josephine nodded. This man doesn’t live here permanently. I see…

Ethan still carried her luggage to Luke’s car. When Luke walked over to them, he thought his car was cool enough, but he didn’t expect to see the black car parked beside it. He couldn’t help but take another glance at it. He was quite knowledgeable about cars, and he knew that the car was unbelievably expensive. Also, this was definitely a private custom-made model.

He didn’t know which millionaire it belonged to. According to what he knew of Averna, no one was driving a car like that.

Just then, Ethan thought of something, then said to Josephine, who was about to get into the car, “Hold on. I have a gift for you.”

Josephine was stunned. He even prepared a gift?

Luke was wondering who owned the car when he saw Ethan walking to the back seat of the car and opening the door. Ethan retrieved an exquisitely wrapped golden box from it, and Luke’s eyes widened to twice their usual size.

F*ck, it’s his, thought Luke.

As Josephine gazed at the gift Ethan was extending toward her, she didn’t dare take it. She guessed that there would be jewelry of some sort inside, and those things were usually very expensive, so the gift would be on another level compared to normal gifts.

“Please, take it,” Ethan said to her.

Josephine hesitated for a moment, then pushed his gift away. “It’s okay. Thank you, anyway. See you next time.”

Josephine chose not to accept it. She feared that if she did, she wouldn’t be able to give him something of equal value in return.

Josephine got into the car and closed the door. Luke told his assistant Brennen to quickly start driving and leave the place. He didn’t want Ethan to take even one more look at Josephine.

Ethan stood where he was, watching the car drive away. A hunter’s look flitted across his eyes.

He was definitely going to pursue this woman.

Josephine sat in the car, listening to the conversation between Heidi and Luke as she filled her mind with thoughts of Ethan. She wasn’t a fool; she could sense that Ethan was trying to pursue her.

But why was the man pursuing her? Did he think she was different and wanted to play with her? Or did he actually want to marry her after he won her heart?

If it were the former, Josephine would say no without hesitation, because she didn’t want to be any man’s toy. If it were the latter, she didn’t know this man that well, and she realized she never knew much about him save for his name.

After Luke’s car drove into the city, it headed east. Then, it finally pulled up in front of a row of old bungalows. Josephine and Heidi got out of the car, and Luke enthusiastically carried their luggage inside as well. Heidi asked Luke to stay for some tea and rest a while.

Luke couldn’t have asked for a better offer. However, Josephine was quite tired, so she went upstairs to rest. After clearing her luggage, Josephine lay on the bed. She didn’t want to do anything. She just wanted to lie in bed.

Just then, there was a notification on her phone. She usually didn’t care about messages, but this time, she actively grabbed her phone and looked at it. Her heart skipped a beat again.

It was a message from Ethan.

‘Have you arrived? Tell me when you’re home.’ He actually spoke as if he were her boyfriend.

Josephine’s face warmed up.

‘I just got home. Thank you for your concern,’ Josephine replied.

‘Are you free tonight? Maybe we can go out for dinner,’ he then asked.

Josephine instantly closed her eyes and buried her face in the blanket as she thought about it. He was asking her out so actively. If she agreed, would he think that she was an easy woman?

However, she simply wanted to go. Josephine felt like she was a walking contradiction. When she remembered the kiss on the boat, Josephine felt an electric current running through her body, numbing her.

She had never touched a man in her 25 years of existence, and it was quite sad to think about. If she had gotten into a serious relationship before, she would have had more experience in romance, and she wouldn’t be like a maiden who had to consider so much and be so fearful simply because a man asked her out for dinner.

‘To go or not to go?’ That was a question worth pondering.

‘It’s just a meal, so it won’t hurt to get to know each other, right?’ said one part of her. Another part of her retorted, saying, ‘You’ll have to treat him to another meal next time. Also, Mom said that if the place is not reachable by bus, it’s considered a far place to get married off to.’

She wasn’t even sure if Ethan was a local. If so, was it even necessary to continue interacting with him?

Just then, she received another message on her phone.

‘What’s the matter? Is it a bad time?’ the man asked.

‘Yes, I don’t think I can make it. Sorry!’ Josephine replied, declining. It was exactly because she was a calm and logical person that she would be single in her 25 years of existence. She analyzed every man who approached her like a calculator. If the person wasn’t someone worth dating, she wouldn’t even give the person a chance.

Unfortunately, Ethan was sorted into this category.

Josephine scratched her messy hair, then let out a sigh. Forget it. I’m not worthy of a super rich and handsome man like Ethan, anyway.

Josephine decided that she would stop asking for trouble. She would focus on her goals at work and see if she could become a news anchor before she turned 27. She couldn’t be a reporter forever!

Josephine continued in the direction she had planned for her life. Anything getting in the way of her progress could be abandoned. She wanted to focus on money and her career.

“Joey, come down! Luke is leaving.” Heidi knocked on the door, calling out.

Josephine opened the door. Luke had helped them out a lot, so she should see him off at least. When Josephine arrived at the hall, she saw him standing there. “Luke, thank you so much for your help throughout the trip. I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”

“Next time? Why not tonight? I’ll book a restaurant.” He didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

When Heidi heard that, she chimed, “Yes, let’s do it tonight! Joey, you’re always so busy with work, so who knows when you’ll have the time.”

Heidi was quite satisfied with Luke. After all, she knew his background well, and his grandfather was good friends with Josephine’s grandfather too. Heidi would be satisfied if her daughter could get married to Luke.

Josephine thought it made sense. She would have to start working soon, and she might get so busy that she wouldn’t even have time to eat.

then.

here by 5.00PM,”

Josephine smiled. “Sure.”

called out to her from the couch. “Joey, come take a seat. I

but to sit next to her mother. She then grabbed an orange

me, what’s your relationship with Mr. Quarles? Why did he come over to

“I don’t know either.”

of mixed

from around here. Oh, he probably isn’t local too,” suggested

“He’s handsome, and very rich as well. However, we’re just commoners, and we just want to live our lives in peace. So,

can I really not marry off to a place far from home?” Josephine

a look and even asked her a rhetorical

she was reluctant to get married off to a faraway place too. After giving birth to her, her mother couldn’t bear another child due to health reasons. Josephine was the

and grandparents and just marry off to a place far from home. That would be

his hand. There was silent contemplation behind his eyes. He never thought that Josephine

out for a meal either. Even if he did, it was

passed him a piece of paper. “Sir, this is Miss Jacobson’s address,

a smile. Fine, if she’s

wasn’t good at waiting. He would always find a way to get what he wanted or to invite the person he wanted to

picked an outfit suitable for early spring. After putting on some light makeup, she waited for Luke to come and pick her

send her any messages

didn’t seem

had a craving for a barbecue. All the wedding banquet offered was fine dining; hence, upon returning,

Barbecue it is, then.

was up for some barbecue. Luke immediately replied, ‘Sure, I’d like some barbecue too.

reservation at the

wasn’t too familiar with this area, was looking at the

car and ask an older man for instructions. The older man pointed ahead. “There’s a park in front. Drive in and

into the car and continued driving. At the junction, Luke’s

at the door, waiting with her purse in hand. Soon, she saw Luke’s car heading her way. However, she didn’t notice a black

for Josephine. At the same time, Ethan was looking at the signs. Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to a figure at the door. In an instant, he stepped on the brakes, sparks flying out of the tires as the car stopped and jerked forward a

the door of Luke’s car, and Luke had just opened the door for Josephine. Startled, Josephine held onto the car window as she looked at the car beside them. Just

off his sunglasses,

by what he saw, and Josephine’s mind turned blank for a few seconds. She never thought that Ethan would show

How awkward.

to have dinner with me tonight. Go back to where you came

his eyes at Luke, then looked at Josephine. “Do you mind the three of us having dinner

mind,”

wasn’t a good idea. Luke didn’t like Ethan, and Ethan didn’t seem too fond

Luke to a meal tonight, so I’ll treat you to another meal next time,

U-turn, but the SUV behind

behind them. Fuming, he said, “Why does

kept tailing them, and even when Luke rounded the corner, Ethan followed

same way as

nearby, so with Josephine’s guidance, Luke arrived at the entrance right away. Luke had just parked the car when the black

well, and she was stunned for a few seconds. Does he want to have dinner here as

but go

I don’t really know where to have dinner. Am I

not.”

snatch Josephine away, Luke reached

turned and glanced at Ethan behind her. She actually hoped that Ethan would go to another restaurant. With his

stand the heat? The food here

over to the table they had reserved, and Josephine couldn’t help looking at Ethan. The waiter led Ethan to a table right

but soon, she heard the whispering of the young female servers around her. They were praising how handsome the man

charmed all the young waitresses in the restaurant as soon as he walked in. Meanwhile, Ethan didn’t seem uncomfortable at the attention that he was getting at all. He was then

by Josephine, who suddenly felt uncomfortable when she saw Ethan smiling charmingly at the waitress. Josephine didn’t feel like ordering anything, so she left it to Luke to do it for her. Luke ordered all

left, his gaze shifted toward Josephine. He gave her a charming wink and a mischievous smile. At that moment, Josephine suddenly realized how charming his smile was. As she held her teacup, she smiled back politely and decided not to look at him anymore.

grandfather is turning 60 this week, and he’s definitely invited your grandfather. Come and join us for a

work to do, and I’m resuming work tomorrow.” Josephine politely declined, not exactly interested in attending gatherings with the

can come.” Luke looked

She felt too uncomfortable with Ethan being there, as if his presence had affected the vibe so much that it made her feel hot and suffocating, but it

entered the toilet cubicle, two female waitresses walked in and started talking

must be mixed-race! He has facial features

man! He’s like

him makes me

came to our

girl at the next table. Could it

girl is so lucky to be pursued by such a handsome man. She

be sure if Ethan went

she washed her hands and returned to her seat. She then saw Ethan sitting under the light and wearing a black shirt that perfectly matched the surroundings. He seemed to be glowing, and even his hair strands were so

was irritated as Ethan clearly ruined his date with Josephine.

Josephine sat down, Luke instantly suggested, “Hey, let’s change

“Why?” Josephine asked.

see, and he’s affecting

him, “It’s okay. There’s just two of us so it’s

barbeque restaurant.” Luke took the chance to

her forehead as she was speechless after hearing his remarks. Luke was wealthy,

just eat here,” Josephine said, and the next moment, her glance accidentally landed on the man across from her. Although he was looking

that made Josephine blush as it seemed like her thoughts had been seen through and that it was as if she refused

dishes were served, for some reason, she stared at Ethan across from her and watched how he ate. Ethan ordered a single portion. Since he was born into

saw Ethan holding a glass of water while his fair face was flushed red. It was obvious that he choked on the

eat spicy food, you shouldn’t have come here. You took it upon yourself.”

to Ethan’s side. “Mr. Quarles, are you okay?” she asked concernedly. Hearing that, Ethan raised

spice over here. If you can’t handle spicy

Miss

that, Josephine turned around and asked, “Luke, are you

you please pour

poured him a glass of water. Luke then added,

had originally planned

dispirited Luke called the waiter and asked for a bottle of beer. Josephine

me drunk, and it won’t show up on a test,” Luke said. He was feeling down

Josephine, making her start eating more ladylike, unlike her hearty eating style. She was taking small bites and chewing softly. In fact, she didn’t want to act like this, but Ethan’s gaze exerted a kind of pressure, making her involuntarily want to be more refined in front

but she was full after just having a third of the food he ordered. Meanwhile, Luke had no appetite, so he drank a bottle of beer

the bill, he complained, “Josephine, I know you said you are treating me, but I should be paying! How can I let

told you I would treat you. Are

realized that Josephine had paid his bill too. He

do you want to go for a drive? It’s still early, and we can have something

home and get some work done.” Josephine made

only 7.30PM. You’ll have enough time to work on it after I send you home. Let’s

Josephine didn’t want to

a man’s big hand grabbed her. She turned around in surprise, and Ethan pulled her to his side before

“Joey, I’m not drunk. I have a good tolerance for

said in a deep voice.

had already pulled her to the passenger seat of

can take you home. I really can. Get in my car,” Luke

Quarles took me home first,” Josephine suggested and then got into Ethan’s car. Luke was extremely remorseful and regretted

the car, and the black SUV drove away. Josephine saw Ethan press on the navigation system a few times with his fingers, and a clear route was mapped out.

left up

hand

took the wrong

you home

me if you’re not taking me

later, we get dinner together.” Ethan turned Luke’s arrangement into

red. She had just refused Luke, so how could she still agree

some work done, so you should

at her before chuckling, “Do you think I can’t

for it, she was so embarrassed that her face turned red. “Mr. Quarles, are you

want to?” Ethan

want to,” Josephine announced, wanting

rejected my offer to give you a ride earlier on and even refused to have dinner with me. Now, you are again

be for you to find someone to accompany you? I believe that with just a call from you, a dozen girls will willingly turn up.” Josephine looked out the window and realized that it felt nice to sit in

a dozen girls. I only want to invite you,” Ethan answered

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