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,” Luke

Josephine smiled. “Sure.”

leave when Heidi called out to her from

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

your relationship with Mr. Quarles? Why did he come over to pick you

“I don’t know either.”

He looks like he’s of mixed heritage, so is he a foreigner?” Heidi had

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

she sighed and said, “He’s handsome, and very rich as well. However, we’re just commoners, and we

I really not marry off to a place far

her a

Actually, 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 only hope

and just marry off to a place far

Ethan sat on the couch and held a wine glass in his hand. There was silent contemplation behind his

ask any woman out for a meal either. Even if he did, it was purely for business purposes. Josephine was the first woman he

paper. “Sir, this is

out and took it, his lips curving into a smile. Fine,

a way to get what

nap, Josephine woke up to find that it was 4.30PM. She washed her hair, then picked an outfit suitable for early spring. After putting on some light makeup, she waited for Luke to come and

phone again. Ethan didn’t send her any messages

seem like the patient

she could bring Luke for dinner tonight. Josephine suddenly had a craving for a barbecue. All the wedding banquet offered was fine dining; hence, upon returning, she craved something more familiar

Barbecue it is, then.

Luke a message, asking him if he was up for some barbecue. Luke immediately replied, ‘Sure, I’d like

at the barbecue

man, who wasn’t too familiar with this area, was looking at the GPS. This was part of the old town area, so the streets were more closely woven, making it difficult for one

instructions. The older man pointed

and continued driving. At the junction, Luke’s

stood at the door, waiting with her purse in hand. Soon, she saw Luke’s car heading her

gaze was drawn to a figure at 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 then, the window of the

other than Ethan. Josephine was completely stunned. He took off his sunglasses, his deep amber eyes staring at them. He finally

woman is going on a date with Luke. Ethan was greatly offended by what he saw, and Josephine’s mind turned blank for a few seconds. She never thought that Ethan

How awkward.

dinner with me tonight. Go back to where you came from,” Luke said

Luke, then looked at Josephine. “Do you mind

do mind,” Luke

and Ethan didn’t seem too fond of Luke either. If they had a meal together, what would she do if

so I’ll treat you to another meal next time, Mr. Quarles,” Josephine said, smiling. Then, she got

but the SUV behind it made a U-turn

the SUV, following closely behind them. Fuming, he said, “Why does this guy

take a look in the rearview mirror. Ethan’s car kept tailing them, and even when Luke rounded

same way as us,” Josephine

had just parked the car when the black SUV menacingly

and she was stunned for a few seconds. Does

but go up to him and ask, “Mr. Quarles, are you having dinner

dinner. Am

of course not.”

Luke reached out and grabbed Josephine’s hand. “Joey, let’s go

Luke’s force, but she turned and glanced at Ethan behind her. She actually hoped

the heat? The food here is known for its

shop. Luke and Josephine went over to the table they had reserved, and

she heard the whispering of the young female servers around her. They were praising how

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 served by a relatively innocent-looking waitress. He asked her questions whenever he didn’t understand something, and his amber-like eyes made her blush

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 the dishes on the menu as if he was afraid that there

ordering his food, and as soon as the waitress 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.

he’s definitely invited your grandfather. Come and join us for a

resuming work tomorrow.” Josephine politely declined, not exactly interested in

you can come.” Luke looked at her with

I need to go to the bathroom,” Josephine said as she got up from her seat. She felt too uncomfortable with Ethan being there, as if his presence had affected the vibe so much that it made her

cubicle, two female waitresses walked in and started talking

He must be mixed-race! He has facial

a perfect-looking mixed-raced man!

being near him makes me feel

came to

I noticed something. He seems to be constantly looking at that girl at the next table. Could it be

god! That girl is so lucky to be pursued by such

a blessing; it was also a form of pressure. She couldn’t be sure if Ethan went there to

cubicle, 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

sitting beside her, was irritated as Ethan clearly ruined his date with Josephine. Moreover, his existence overshadowed Luke’s advantages, leaving him with no chance. This is truly

Luke instantly suggested, “Hey, let’s

“Why?” Josephine asked.

there’s someone I don’t want to see, and he’s affecting my appetite,”

two of us so it’s inappropriate to

barbeque restaurant.” Luke took the chance to flaunt his

his remarks. Luke was wealthy, but there was no need to flaunt it

glance accidentally landed on the man across from

like her thoughts had been seen through and that it was as if she refused to change seats

Ethan ordered a single portion. Since he was born into a wealthy family, he possessed an inherent sense of nobility that made

her. She glanced over and saw Ethan holding a

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

glanced at him before getting up and walking to Ethan’s side. “Mr. Quarles, are you okay?” she asked concernedly. Hearing that, Ethan raised his head, and his eyes were so red that

handle spicy food, you can just

Miss Josephine.” Ethan

Josephine

please pour me a glass of

a glass of water. Luke then added, “Joey, you’re so good to

to her seat. She had originally planned

for a bottle of beer. Josephine quickly

well. Drinking a glass won’t make me drunk, and it won’t show up on a test,” Luke said. He was feeling down and needed a drink

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,

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

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

would treat you. Are you done? Let’s go,” Josephine

the counter to pay, he realized that Josephine had paid his bill too. He was stunned for a few seconds and hurriedly walked

took out his car key and said, “Josephine, do you want to go for a drive? It’s still early, and we can

and get some work done.” Josephine made

to work on it after I send you home. Let’s go and

send me home.” Josephine didn’t

her. She turned around in surprise, and Ethan pulled her to his side before saying, “He’s been drinking so you can’t ride in his car. It’s

I have a good tolerance for alcohol

deep voice. He

stunned, but Ethan had already pulled her to the passenger seat

can. Get in my car,” Luke said in a

again. Drinking and driving is no joke. I’ll let Mr. Quarles took me home first,” Josephine suggested and then got

SUV drove away. Josephine saw Ethan press on the navigation system a few times with his fingers, and a clear route was mapped out. She thought this was where he

left up ahead.” She

hand was awkwardly suspended in mid-air, which she withdrew

you took the

take you home yet.” Ethan

you taking me if you’re not taking me home?”

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

so how could she still agree to Ethan’s request? Wouldn’t

to go home to get some work done, so you should just give me a ride home,” Josephine

before chuckling, “Do you

had seen right through her and even called her out for it, she was so embarrassed that her face turned red. “Mr. Quarles, are you that confident that I’d go for a ride with

you want to?”

Josephine announced,

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

a call from you, a dozen

only want to invite

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