Never Too Far Novel

Ethan lifted his head slightly. Josephine immediately took the opportunity to cup his face tenderly in her hands and proactively planted a passionate kiss on his cheek. He was momentarily stunned by her actions before he instinctively wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her into his embrace. Smiling slightly, she playfully pushed him away. “I need to deliver these documents.”

When she moved away from him, he reluctantly withdrew his arm. Then, he turned around and watched her retreating figure with a pining look.

This scene was not only witnessed by Katrina but also by all of Josephine’s colleagues who were in the office at that time. They had seen the natural and intimate interaction between Ethan and Josephine, as well as the look of adoration and love for Josephine in Ethan’s eyes.

It was evident that Ethan loved Josephine more!

Jealousy was practically overflowing from Katrina’s eyes at this point. Once again, she could not understand what was so charming about Josephine.

Watching Josephine leave the room, she distractedly tidied her hair slightly. Then, she randomly picked up a document and walked toward Josephine’s desk.

Katrina innocently approached Ethan and said, “Mr. Quarles, I didn’t expect you to be here! Is Josephine away from her desk?”

“She went to deliver some documents,” Ethan replied curtly.

“Is that so? I happen to have another document for her!” she said, then she deliberately stepped to the side and continued, “In that case, I’ll just wait for her here!”

Standing in front of him, she occasionally tucked her hair behind her ear or pursed her lips. Her movements were filled with coquettish energy.

The rest of the female colleagues watched her flirtatious gestures with a mixture of scorn and derision. Be that as it may, Katrina brazenly continued to flaunt her coquettish charm.

After delivering the documents, Josephine rounded the corner and immediately caught sight of Katrina standing next to Ethan. She couldn’t help feeling extremely disgusted by Katrina’s aggressive courtship toward Ethan.

Approaching her desk, she questioned, “Can I help you?”

“Oh! You’re back! I just noticed that I brought the wrong document.” The document that Katrina was holding had been randomly taken from one of their colleagues’ desks. Naturally, she could not show nor hand them over to Josephine.

Josephine immediately saw through Katrina’s little trick and smiled. “Why don’t you show me the document?”

Katrina hastily hugged the document to her chest and guiltily burst out, “I grabbed the wrong document by mistake!”

“Did you grab the wrong document? Or were you deliberately being inappropriate in front of my boyfriend? Did you think I wouldn’t see through your schemes?” Josephine countered without giving Katrina any room to wriggle out of the situation.

“W-What are you saying?” Katrina blushed furiously, feeling so guilty that she did not dare to look at Ethan.

“What am I saying? I’m saying that you should stop sticking to my boyfriend like an annoying fly that won’t go away!” Josephine declared forcefully.

“Josephine, how can you insult me in such a manner? Mr. Quarles, please ask her to mind her manners!” Katrina immediately lodged her grievances to Ethan in hopes of showing him Josephine’s disgraceful side.

Ethan raised his eyes at those words. “Josephine is right.”

When Katrina heard that, she blushed so hard that even the tips of her ears went red. On the other hand, Josephine took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. “Katrina, you told me that my boyfriend invited Tori out for dinner. You also claimed that there was an ambiguous atmosphere between them in the restaurant. Did you witness the scene yourself, or were you simply repeating the nonsensical gossip you heard from others?”

His handsome face revealed his astonishment. “Who said that?”

Katrina immediately panicked. Waving her hands in denial, she quickly explained herself. “Josephine, I was just repeating the gossip I heard from others. I don’t know anything. Please don’t blame me!”

Ethan abruptly turned to glare at Katrina with a frigid look in his eyes. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“No, no… Mr. Quarles, I simply repeated the nonsensical gossip I heard from others. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry!” Katrina anxiously apologized repeatedly.

“That is to say, the meal he shared with Tori was just a normal interaction between employer and employee!” Josephine asserted. However, her gaze drifted toward a certain man. She was hoping that he could explain the incident.

Ethan quickly explained, “Joey, I did go to the restaurant that day, but I was planning to have lunch with you! I left immediately when I saw that you weren’t there. Afterward, I went to the place where you were holding an interview to have lunch with you! Do you remember that day?”

His response stunned her. “I do!”

“That’s right! Atticus invited me out for lunch that day. He claimed that he had business to discuss with me, so I asked him to bring you along. However, only a female employee was waiting at the restaurant when I arrived. That’s why I went looking for you instead.”

Katrina couldn’t help swallowing nervously. What? Is Miss Alford just a female employee in Mr. Quarles’ eyes? Doesn’t he know that she is the number one idol of the TV station?

“I see.” Josephine curved her lips into a smile and turned to Katrina. “Did you hear that? My boyfriend himself has clarified the matter. In the future, please stop spreading such malicious gossip lest you destroy his reputation.”

At this point, Katrina’s complexion had practically turned blue from fright. She frantically waved her hands and apologized. “I won’t! I really won’t! I will never listen to such nonsensical gossip again. I’m very sorry, Mr. Quarles. I was in the wrong.”

Ethan cast a grim look at her. “Leave!”

Katrina immediately slipped away as though she was fleeing for her life. The other employees who had gathered around to watch the show could also tell that Ethan was in a terrible mood at the moment, so they hastily clocked out of work and left the office without delay.

Hence, they did not see the man’s expression softening instantly when Josephine reached out to hold his hand.

“It’s fine. I didn’t misunderstand you either.” Josephine smiled brightly. She finally understood the whole situation now.

Now that she had gotten to the bottom of the matter, she felt extremely relieved. Nevertheless, Ethan’s gaze remained worried as he walked out of the company while holding her hand. When they entered the car, he immediately leaned over and looked into her eyes with a profound yet burning gaze. “Do you need me to explain further?”

Josephine shook her head with a smile. “There’s no need.”

In her opinion, he had not only been wronged but also falsely accused by her for no reason.

Ethan finally stepped on the accelerator. The sports car drove toward the villa that was just handed over to him.

The villa was one of the few bungalow villas located in the city center. It was very rare to have a villa with an exclusive courtyard of 500 square meters in the city center, where every inch of land was expensive. Hence, the price of the villa was naturally astronomical.

Josephine was amazed by the luxurious layout of the villa. There were eight European-style Roman columns decorating the front of the villa, which gave off an imperious atmosphere. Although they seemed fairly ancient, they were very well-maintained. When she walked into the hall, she was greeted by the sight of a spacious hall with a soaring ceiling of six meters. The crystal chandelier hanging down from the ceiling and the large floor-to-ceiling windows tempted her to take a nap on the couch. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning sun or admire the lights outside the window while leisurely working on an article she brought home from work.

On a weekday night, she could even cook a scrumptious feast, open a bottle of wine, and put on a song to enjoy a relaxing drink with Ethan after a grueling day at work. That also seemed like a pretty good choice!

“Do you like it?” the man behind her asked with a smile.

She turned around and exclaimed, “I love it!”

There was no denying that she truly enjoyed these types of villas that had their own unique atmosphere.

Therefore, she did not conceal her feelings and openly declared that she loved everything about the villa.

“Go upstairs and have a look.” Ethan took her upstairs, happy to see how much she adored the villa. It happened to be evening at the moment, so the glow of the sunset reflecting against the glass windows bathed the entire villa in warm colors.

Josephine and Ethan explored the second floor together. They eventually came to the master bedroom on the third floor. It was definitely the most luxurious master bedroom Josephine had ever seen in her life. Even the bathroom was bigger than her bedroom at home.

“In the future, we will be living here together. Just the two of us.” At that, he glanced over at her with a burning gaze.

Josephine nodded shyly. “Okay! I’ll move in with you.”

Ethan couldn’t help stretching out his arm to pull her into his embrace. Sensing what he was aiming for, she cooperatively raised her head to look at him. Their gazes met. Then, one leaned down while the other stood on tiptoes. They kissed each other gently, their movements natural.

Their kiss was so wild and passionate that Josephine could hardly control herself. Likewise, Ethan’s breathing became rough and heavy. Ever since meeting her, he had practically become a saint. His desire was often aroused by her, only to be forcefully suppressed by him.

“In that case, I will finish the renovations quickly so that we can move in together.” He held her hand with a look of anticipation in his eyes.

Josephine was also looking forward to that day. At the thought of them living together with him in this villa, she was certain that her future would be very wonderful indeed.

“Let’s go! I made a reservation at a restaurant for dinner.” Ethan led Josephine downstairs by the hand.

After dinner, Josephine received a message from her mother asking her to return home tonight. She knew that her mother wanted to talk to her. After all, she suddenly brought a boyfriend home. The unexpected situation had thrown her parents into confusion. It was only natural for her to return home to comfort them and explain the situation to them.

Ethan drove Josephine to the entrance of her house. Just as he was about to open his car door so that he could head inside to greet Josephine’s parents, Josephine stopped him and said, “Go back and rest. I’ll head inside by myself!”

He smiled and nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

She waved goodbye at him. “Drive carefully!”

After watching his car disappear into the distance, she finally turned around and went inside the house. Heidi was sitting on the couch, her posture indicating that she was obviously waiting for Josephine’s return. On the other hand, Mills had an apron tied around his waist as though he had just finished cleaning the house.

Josephine greeted them, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. “Dad! Mom!”

“You’re back. Come and have a seat. We need to talk,” Heidi said.

Josephine sat down on the couch while Mills brought over a cup of freshly squeezed juice that he specially prepared for her. Placing the cup in front of her, he urged, “Here, Joey. Drink this. It was freshly prepared just for you.”

“Dad, why don’t you take a break? Come take a seat and join us for a chat.” She persuaded her father to join them.

Taking off his apron, Mills took a seat beside them. Afterward, the small family of three began their frank discussion.

“Joey, do you genuinely have feelings for Ethan?” Heidi stared at her daughter seriously, trying to figure out whether her daughter was deeply in love with Ethan or not.

Josephine considered the question briefly before she nodded confidently. “Yes, I like him. I’ve never had such strong feelings for another person before.”

“Is that to say that you won’t marry anybody else but him?” Heidi probed further.

“I like him, and I also hope to marry him in the future,” Josephine answered. Whenever she started something new, she generally preferred to finish what she started and accomplish her goals. If she was only going to play around for fun, why waste her time in the first place?

“What about him? Does he like you? Does he like you to the point where he has decided that he will only marry you and nobody else?” Heidi carefully grilled Josephine for more details.

nodded once more. “I can tell that he likes

believe you should give him a chance and have a long-term

From his words, she could sense her father’s support for

heavily. “I don’t have any objections either. It’s just… When I think you might marry into another family far away, I…” Her eyes reddened with emotion. That was something she could not accept. It was not that she wanted her daughter to take care of her in her old age. She simply did not want a situation where it

this was something that she could not

enough. Our daughter’s happiness is the

away the tears from the corner of her eyes. “I know, but I just can’t

scooted over to her mother and hugged Heidi tightly. “Mom, I don’t want to be

If you won’t let Joey get married, when will you finally have grandchildren

too early to talk about

effective than any other consolation. Heidi was extremely envious that her best friends had grandchildren to pamper and love, so she sincerely wanted Josephine to give her

pursuing your own happiness.” The conflict in her heart had been

perform her obligations of filial piety toward her parents no

phone rang. Picking up her phone, she glanced at the message. It was a message from Ethan. He had sent her a picture of himself standing

This man was highly photogenic indeed, which meant that

What

about to take a shower,’ she

Get some rest once you

that occurred today had certainly

You too,’ she

received a phone call. Picking up

was because the person contacting him was a woman. Moreover, she was his admirer who was trying to court

a message. ‘Ethan, where are you? I missed

country, a female model who had just finished swimming picked up her phone to check her messages. When she saw that she had not

received news from the Quarles Family that Ethan had asked his family for half a year’s vacation,

half a year’s vacation, it was enough time for her to

definitely find you,” she muttered to herself

…

station early in the morning for work. At the same time, she

Cooke, the vice president of

an interview?” After she heard the interview location he provided,

Jacobson, I am very busy. Seeing as you are the one who wants to interview me, don’t you think you should be following my schedule?” Dane sounded very

with his initial suggestion.

to take this opportunity to have a good chat with you. As long as it is the company’s responsibility, the

profit. Although they would always speak about placing great importance on protecting

to provide a warning and reminder to the

received another call on the internal line.

end of the phone was none other than Tori, who had decided upon Josephine’s

the interview set

an application to Mr. Kowalski so that I can bring forward

was left speechless by the sudden turn of events, but she could sense the malice that Tori bore toward her.

not confident in your abilities, then I suggest you just forget about the interview! You’re not bad at your job

mocking voice came from the

my abilities. I’ll head over right away.” Naturally, Josephine had no plans to back down from the challenge. It was fortunate that she had made some preparations in

eavesdropping on Josephine’s phone call from the side, Wren leaned over with an

has been

the day when I

company. It was where the evening news and important programs were broadcasted every day. All the people who worked on

on the receiving end of many envious looks when she walked into the office. She headed straight

sitting at her desk and flipping through a document with a leisurely appearance.

up and walked over to the couch. Pointing at the seat on the opposite

questions that she had prepared for the interview. “I prepared ten

as she stated, “Okay. Please go ahead and ask your

confident in yourself!” Tori looked up from the document and

am confident in my

all, a person who worked as a reporter for the past three years like you must have forgotten all your learned knowledge by now!” Tori declared in a

pondered for a few seconds

slightly after listening to the answer. She did not expect

barely believe that Josephine had such a deep understanding of the learned knowledge in the

on textbook knowledge. It would seem that she could no longer rely on the questions she had prepared in advance. She had to

start asking the questions

qualities should a

decorum and a firm stance in any situation. Second, they should report the situation truthfully and comprehensively without any falsehoods. Third, they should have a good understanding of the overall situation

knowledge gained from books? Don’t you have your

things difficult for her. These were the correct and standard answers to the question that was asked, but Tori was intentionally asking for her personal

achieve, as well

seems to me that your knowledge is too shallow. Why don’t you train for another two years in the press department before trying again in the

that I did not perform well enough for your standards. Nevertheless, I hope I can be given

be my fault if you somehow damage the image of the company’s broadcasters and destroy the company’s reputation. So, I will be firm in my role as the interviewer. Josephine, I do not believe you qualify to become a

a deep breath and pleaded, “Miss Alford, it is only natural to make mistakes. If I remember correctly, you yourself often made mistakes when you were just a newcomer. Everybody goes through a process of

words. “Josephine, are you

a chance to prove myself on the job. I am

opportunity if Miss Ain had not fallen sick in the first place! Are you so impatient to replace her? Should I warn Miss Ain about you?” Tori deliberately

turned grim. “I

to squeeze your way into the broadcasting industry. You’re just trying to snatch the limelight all for yourself! What

speechless about the situation. Tori had always been looking for any opportunity to scold and criticize her, so the interview was just another means

sudden, she no longer wanted to continue with the interview. Standing up from the couch, she bluntly declared,

saying that, Josephine spun around to leave without another word. Tori made a cold and sneering remark from behind. “If you’re going to act in such a manner, then I won’t be able to sign your interview

in a domineering manner, “I don’t need

and slammed the door behind

What did Josephine mean? But,

her phone, she dialed Atticus’

Mr. Kowalski, I’ve interviewed Josephine. I don’t think she is suitable

you being so serious about this

work with somebody like that, then I refuse to

cost, so she was confident

his abilities, it would not take much effort for Mr. Quarles to hire ten others who are more famous than you. You should

in this company… Having offended her previous employer, she could no

eyes. It was Josephine who had pushed her into such a miserable

…

Wren saw Josephine returning to her seat, she couldn’t help exclaiming in astonishment, “Why are

one to interview me, so I found the whole interview session to be a waste

tell me… Does she have the final say over

interviewed by her. I will ask Mr. Kowalski to arrange for somebody else to interview me instead.” Having said that,

could just ask Mr. Quarles to sign your interview form! Wouldn’t that

Her eyes suddenly lit up

if you have Mr.

thought for a moment. “Alright, I’ll follow your advice and

“Joey, considering our friendship, I hope you don’t forget about me once you’ve become part of the rich and wealthy! I’m not asking you for much. It’s enough if you add another 300 to my base salary once you become the lady

the lady boss of the company, I’ll be the first to recommend you for the team leader position as soon as the position becomes

the other woman and hugged her tightly.

rang. She glanced at the screen and hastily answered the

about our interview session this afternoon! I specially made time for you, after

be at the clubhouse on time,” she said. After ending the

against inviting Ethan out for lunch. Nevertheless, she

Be safe!’ Ethan

lunch. Along the way, she received many looks from various

because most of them were from different departments and she did not know any of

and it was soon 2.00PM. Josephine was just about to leave for the interview with her colleague when she received a phone call from one of Dane’s assistants. According to the assistant, Dane had urgent matters to deal with and could not attend the interview today. The interview could only take place the next day. In addition, the assistant invited her to the clubhouse to discuss the topics of their

was that Josephine did not like that

working and can’t leave my position. Miss Jacobson, it’s best if you come over!” the female assistant

her team leader for instructions. Even her team leader seemed puzzled by the fact that Dane had chosen such roundabout interview

in advance,

that I should discuss the interview

have the time? If you don’t, I’ll send somebody else

Since she was in charge of the interview, it would undoubtedly be much easier if she went there herself. Besides, the other party was one of Dane’s female assistants. She believed that there was nothing to worry about since meeting with the female assistant would be

time right now, so

Grabbing her bag and notebook, she left the office

the third floor. There was no desk for work in the private room. She took a seat, and the female assistant served her a cup of

company’s background before bringing up certain issues that required special attention. After a while, she seemed to become thirsty from talking so much and offered some tea to Josephine. “Miss

so she picked up her teacup and drank the tea

once you’ve finished your cup.” The female assistant urged and stood

and finished the rest of her tea, then she handed her cup to

around, the hint of a triumphant smile appeared in her gaze. The truth was that she had not invited

a fancy to Josephine and wanted to take advantage of her. That was why he had made these arrangements. As long

the rug. That was his usual method to deal with beautiful women, and he believed that Josephine would also keep quiet

she answered her phone in front of Josephine. “What? Are you coming over now, Mr. Cooke?

the call, she turned to Josephine and stated, “Miss Jacobson, Mr. Cooke is coming over soon. Please wait for

frowned and answered, “In that case, I will ask my colleague to join me. We can finish the

documents,” the female assistant

left the

the

that the weather was

subtle changes. The same also applied to her own body, so she brushed away her doubts without much concern. Feeling slightly bored, she

monitoring the renovations,’

images of his body that she occasionally saw by accident also popped up in her mind unprompted, causing her entire

It was a