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.

tonight, then. My treat,”

be here

Josephine smiled. “Sure.”

to leave when Heidi called out to her from the

to sit next to her mother. She then grabbed

your relationship with Mr. Quarles? Why did he come

“I don’t know either.”

looks like he’s of mixed heritage, so is he

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

well. However, we’re just commoners, and we just want

marry off to a place far from home?” Josephine

even asked her

would be no. Actually, she was reluctant to get married off to a faraway place too. After giving birth to

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

held a wine glass in his hand. There was silent contemplation behind his eyes. He

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

passed him a piece of paper. “Sir, this

reached out and took it, his lips curving into a smile. Fine, if she’s not

a way to get what he wanted

to find that it was 4.30PM. She washed her hair, then picked an outfit suitable for early

her any messages after

didn’t seem like the

Josephine suddenly had a craving for a barbecue. All the wedding banquet offered was fine

Barbecue it is, then.

if he was up for some barbecue. Luke immediately replied, ‘Sure, I’d like some barbecue too. I’ll be there in

booked a reservation at the barbecue shop

man, who wasn’t too familiar with this area, was looking at the GPS. This was part of the old town area, so the

car and ask an older man for instructions. The older

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

purse in hand. Soon, she saw Luke’s car heading her way. However, she didn’t

his gaze was drawn to

window as she looked at the car beside them. Just then, the window of the

stunned. He took off his sunglasses, his deep amber eyes staring at them. He

mind turned blank for a few seconds. She never thought that Ethan would show up at her doorstep, even

How awkward.

Joey promised to have dinner with me tonight. Go back to

his eyes at Luke, then looked at Josephine. “Do you mind the

mind,”

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

treat you to another meal next

the SUV behind it made a

he stared at the SUV, following closely behind them. Fuming, he said, “Why does

the rearview mirror. Ethan’s car kept tailing them, and even when Luke rounded the corner, Ethan

way as us,”

with Josephine’s guidance, Luke arrived at the entrance right away. Luke had just parked the car when the black SUV menacingly pulled up in the empty parking space

a few seconds. Does he want to have

Josephine couldn’t help but go up

where to have dinner. Am I bothering

not.” Josephine smiled

snatch Josephine away, Luke reached

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

heat? The food here is known

were quite a lot of customers at the barbecue shop. Luke and Josephine went over to the table they had reserved, and Josephine couldn’t help looking at Ethan. The waiter led Ethan to a table right next to

servers around her. They were

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 and stutter the entire

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 the dishes on the menu as if he was afraid that there wouldn’t be enough for Josephine to eat. In reality, he had planned to take her to

As she held her teacup, she smiled back politely and decided not to look at him anymore. After all, she was here with Luke, so why was she staring at him

and he’s definitely invited your grandfather.

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

can come.” Luke looked at

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

soon as Josephine entered the toilet cubicle, two female waitresses

has facial features that don’t

perfect-looking mixed-raced man! He’s like

being near him makes

came to

seems to be constantly looking at that girl at the next table. Could it be that he came

be pursued by such a handsome

it was also a form of pressure. She couldn’t be sure if Ethan went there to eat because of her. What if he just wanted food? She believed that she shouldn’t flatter herself. Otherwise,

returned to her seat. She then saw Ethan sitting under the light

Luke, who was 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

down, Luke instantly suggested, “Hey, let’s change seats and move to

“Why?” Josephine asked.

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

okay. There’s just two of

could easily buy this barbeque restaurant.” Luke took the chance to flaunt his

her forehead as she was speechless after hearing his remarks. Luke was wealthy, but there was no need to flaunt

to change seats. Let’s just eat here,” Josephine said, and the next moment, her glance accidentally landed on the man across from

through and that it was as if she refused to change seats because

some reason, she stared at Ethan across from her and watched how he ate. Ethan ordered a single portion. Since he was born into a wealthy family, he possessed an inherent sense of nobility that made even eating barbeque seem

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

have come here. You took it

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

over here. If you can’t handle spicy

Miss Josephine.” Ethan smiled,

as well. Hearing that, Josephine turned around

you please pour me a

water. Luke then added, “Joey,

upon hearing that and returned to her seat. She had originally planned to have a good

the waiter and asked for a bottle of beer. Josephine quickly said to him, “Luke,

Drinking a glass won’t make me drunk, and it won’t show up on

She was taking small bites and chewing softly. In fact, she didn’t want to

eating. Luke ordered a lot, but she was full after just having a third of the food he ordered. Meanwhile, Luke had

Josephine went to the restroom, she paid the bill for both tables. When Luke wanted to get the bill, he complained, “Josephine, I know you said you are treating me,

Are you done?

he got to the counter to pay, he realized that Josephine had paid his bill too. He was stunned for a

Luke took out his car key and said, “Josephine, do you want to go for a

and get some work done.”

enough time to work on it after I send you home. Let’s go and relax a bit,” Luke

me home.” Josephine didn’t want to go out

as Josephine was about to get in the car, a man’s big hand grabbed her. She turned around in surprise, and Ethan pulled her to his side before saying,

that, Luke hastily explained, “Joey, I’m not drunk. I have a good

Ethan said in a deep voice. He then took Josephine’s hand. “I’ll take

Well…” Josephine was momentarily stunned, but Ethan had already pulled her to

really can. Get in my

took me home first,” Josephine suggested and then got into Ethan’s

Ethan press on the navigation system a few times with his fingers, and a clear route was mapped out. She thought this

Quarles, please turn left up ahead.” She

ahead. Josephine’s hand was awkwardly suspended in

Quarles, you took the wrong

you home yet.”

you taking me if you’re not

drive, and then later, we get dinner together.” Ethan turned Luke’s

so how could she still agree to Ethan’s

some work done, so you should just give me a ride home,”

turned his head and glanced at her before chuckling, “Do you think I can’t tell that you made

called her out for it, she was so embarrassed that her face turned red.

you want to?” Ethan

don’t want to,” Josephine announced, wanting

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

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

only want

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