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

here

Josephine smiled. “Sure.”

her from

next to her mother. She then grabbed an orange to peel and

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

“I don’t know either.”

mixed heritage, so is he

here. Oh, he probably isn’t local

However, we’re just commoners, and we

can I really not marry off to a

and even asked her a rhetorical

married off to a faraway place too. After giving birth to her, her mother couldn’t bear another child due

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

sat on the couch and held a wine glass in his hand. There was silent contemplation behind his eyes. He never thought that Josephine

a meal either.

paper. “Sir, this is

into a smile. Fine, if she’s

would always find a way to get what he wanted or to invite the

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

any messages

man didn’t seem like

to think about where 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.

was up for some barbecue. Luke

at

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

could only get out of his car and ask an older man for instructions. The older man pointed ahead. “There’s a park in front. Drive in and you’ll get

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

with her purse in hand. Soon, she saw Luke’s car heading

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

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

off his sunglasses, his deep amber eyes staring at them. He finally knew

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 would show up

How awkward.

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

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

do mind,”

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

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

a U-turn, but the SUV behind it made a U-turn

he stared at the SUV, following closely behind them.

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

going the same way as us,” Josephine said to

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

and she was stunned for a few seconds. Does he want

tall figure getting out of the driver’s seat, Josephine couldn’t help but go up to him and ask, “Mr.

Am I bothering you?” Ethan raised

of course not.” Josephine smiled

fearing that Ethan would snatch Josephine away, Luke reached out and

She actually hoped that Ethan would

The food here

there were quite a lot of customers at the barbecue shop. Luke and Josephine went over to the table they had reserved, and

her throat, but soon, she heard the whispering of the young female servers around her.

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

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

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,

turning 60 this week, and he’s definitely invited your grandfather. Come and

and I’m resuming work tomorrow.” Josephine politely declined, not

hope you can come.” Luke looked

up from her seat. She felt too uncomfortable with Ethan being there, as if his presence had affected the vibe so much

as Josephine entered the toilet cubicle, two female waitresses walked

He must be mixed-race! He has facial features that don’t

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

near him

wonder why he came to our restaurant alone to

noticed something. He seems to be constantly looking at that girl at the next

be pursued by

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

under the light and wearing a black shirt that

ruined his date with Josephine. Moreover, his existence overshadowed Luke’s advantages, leaving him with no

let’s change

“Why?” Josephine asked.

don’t want to see, and he’s affecting my

that, she comforted him, “It’s okay. There’s just two of us so it’s inappropriate

could easily buy this barbeque restaurant.” Luke

forehead as she was speechless after hearing his remarks. Luke was wealthy, but there was no need to flaunt it since it was just a

moment, her glance accidentally landed on the man across from her. Although he was looking at his phone, he was

had been seen through and that it was as if she refused to

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

a while, Josephine suddenly heard coughs from next to her. She glanced over and saw Ethan holding a glass of water while his fair face was flushed red. It was obvious that he choked on the

You took

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 they seemed like they had

heavy on the spice over here. If you can’t handle spicy food, you can just have the non-spicy

concern, Miss Josephine.”

Luke started coughing as well. Hearing that, Josephine turned around and asked, “Luke, are

Joey, could you please pour me a

Josephine quickly poured him a glass of water. Luke then added, “Joey, you’re so good

and returned to her seat. She had originally planned

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

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

taking small bites and chewing softly. In

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

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

treat you. Are

to pay, he realized that Josephine had paid his

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

and get

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

Josephine didn’t want to

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

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

not reassured,” Ethan said in a deep voice. He then took Josephine’s hand. “I’ll take you

stunned, but Ethan had already

home. I really can. Get in my car,”

you should rest and sober up before driving again. Drinking and driving is no joke. I’ll let Mr. Quarles took me home first,” Josephine suggested and then got into

Ethan press on the navigation system a few times with his fingers, and

up ahead.” She pointed to the

ahead. Josephine’s hand was awkwardly suspended in mid-air, which she withdrew sheepishly shortly

you took the

you home

you taking me if you’re not taking me

then later, we get dinner

so how could she still

get some work done, so you should

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

embarrassed that her face turned red. “Mr. Quarles, are you that confident that

want

don’t want to,” Josephine announced, wanting

with

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

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

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