Never Too Far Novel

Ethan respected her, so he gave her the space and platform needed for her to achieve her dreams.

Josephine couldn’t talk to him about work. If she told him about her situation, he would fire all the people who crossed her, and the company would be left with no people to run it. That would be bad for work. “Work’s fine, really.” Josephine smiled.

“Yeah. Don’t worry about anything else. I’m looking forward to your show.”

“I’m preparing for it. It’ll be done soon.” Josephine picked up her glass and raised it. “Thank you, honey.”

Ethan raised a toast as well. “No problem.”

They went shopping at a nearby mall after dinner. Ethan thought Josephine needed more clothes.

Jenna had been waiting in the car, so when she saw the couple, she and her bodyguards followed them.

Josephine wanted to let her hair down too and walking around was good for digestion. The problem was that Ethan stood out too much. A lot of women were staring at him, and Josephine had half the mind to take him home right away so these women couldn’t see him. Ethan had a peculiar shopping style. Most people would pick the things they wanted, but he would pick the ones he didn’t want and buy everything else. It didn’t take long for him to pick all the clothes and bags the shop had to offer, and Josephine couldn’t stop him.

Jenna was standing outside taking photos surreptitiously, especially the ones where Josephine held Ethan’s hand as she stopped him from buying more. However, in the photo, it looked like Josephine was asking Ethan to buy more. Yep. Photos are more deceptive. Jenna looked at the photo and smirked. She could see that Josephine was trying to stop Ethan from buying more, but Ethan led her to more aisles and bought everything money could buy. If he could, he would’ve bought the whole shop.

Jenna loved shopping too, and she loved this particular brand, but she wasn’t rich enough to shop like Ethan. The Quarles Family had enough money to last them for centuries, while her family only got rich because they buttered up to the Quarles Family. Her mother would even restrict her allowance. She envied Josephine for all the love she was shown. I wish that were me.

After following the couple and taking photos and videos of them, Jenna was exhausted. She went back to the hotel and sent those photos to Donna.

Donna called her right after that, and Jenna picked up the call. “Hey, Mrs. Quarles.”

“Where’s Ethan?”

“Are you coming over?” Jenna asked quickly. She could tell that Donna was angry.

“That woman is going to take him away from me. Of course, I’m coming.”

I knew it. She’s going to stop her son from dating a gold digger. “Don’t tell him I took the pictures, alright?”

“You helped me, so of course, I won’t. Wait for me,” said Donna.

Jenna texted her the country and city she was in, and then she waited happily for Donna’s arrival. Let’s see what Josephine will do. Donna’s a feisty woman. I wonder if Ethan will take his mother’s side or an outsider’s side. Oh, I really want to see Donna teaching that woman a lesson.

The night was peaceful. After taking a shower, Josephine took a book and sat beside the French window to read, while Ethan went to the study to work. He might be on vacation, but some of the more important work must be done by him. He was so engrossed in his work that he forgot about the time, and when he realized it, it was already midnight. He closed his laptop.

He went to the second floor and noticed Josephine sleeping on the couch covered by nothing but a blanket, and he blamed himself for not noticing the time sooner. I should’ve told her to not wait for me. She would be sleeping on a bed right now instead of a couch.

Ethan approached her, then he stared at her face that was illuminated by the light. Josephine had a beautiful face, but she looked adorable when she was asleep. Her skin was smooth and silky as milk and her facial features were softly defined. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her beautiful arms slid through the sleeves of her oversized robes, and she looked that bit alluring in this state.

Ethan felt like playing a prank on her to wake her up, and then they would have a bit of fun in the night. Just as he picked her up to carry her to the room, Josephine woke up.

When she realized it was him holding her, she closed her eyes, and a sweet smile curled her lips.

“Are you sure you’re sleepy?” asked Ethan.

“Yeah,” said Josephine. Ethan kept kissing her neck, and it stirred something in her. She protested, “Hey, stop it. It tickles.”

Ethan didn’t listen. He kept doing what he wanted, so Josephine was already wide awake before they even got to their bed. After he placed her on the bed, he pinned her down, and she saw the light of desire glinting in his eyes. She gasped. He’s going to do it even when I’m asleep? I guess I’ll have to really pretend to be asleep next time.

She couldn’t pretend to be asleep this time since Ethan saw her wake up, and he wouldn’t let her fall asleep after he spent so much time waking her up.

Josephine felt like a fire was lit up in her, and she wanted to burn with Ethan too.

“You’re so beautiful,” said Ethan. He loved Josephine’s looks. She was beautiful and lively.

Happy about being praised, Josephine let him kiss her. They did it all around the room, from the bed to the bathroom. The next morning, Josephine asked for a half-day off since she couldn’t get out of bed.

…

Jenna got a message after she woke up. It was from Donna, and she said she was already boarding the flight. Jenna smirked. Donna will be here in eighteen hours. Then it’s time for Josephine to step aside.

Ethan didn’t get any news about his mother’s visit. Donna made sure it was a secret—she told everyone not to tell Ethan about it. She wanted to check out her son’s relationship, but even before she came, she had decided that this woman was not to be allowed to date her son.

She had three criteria for her son’s partner. One, they must have good character; two, they must not be materialistic; and three, they must love her son more than his money, for anyone who loved money more than her son was selfish and greedy. Obviously, she thought this girl failed her litmus test, so she wanted to tell her son to break up with her.

Josephine came to work. She would be taking over Ain’s show. Since the episode that was airing now was recorded prior, Josephine still had time to train and prepare for the takeover. She changed into her work attire and sat in the studio. Even though she was a little nervous, she presented herself to be calm and composed.

Tori stepped into the studio to watch. She heard that this was Josephine’s first show and was here to watch how Josephine would embarrass herself. However, she would be disappointed, as Josephine presented herself perfectly to the camera. She was the perfect candidate for the job.

After Josephine read the first line, the producer gave her a thumbs up. “Good show, Josephine. That’s a great performance for a first-timer.”

“Thank you.” Josephine smiled.

Tori crossed her arms, feeling disappointed. It was frustrating that Josephine didn’t embarrass herself. She had to say that this woman had talent, and she was worried that Josephine might take over her spot if she became more popular in the company.

She was the host of prime-time news, and that was the most important show for the company.

Josephine was sipping some water when she saw Ethan coming into the studio holding a bouquet of roses. Happily, she smiled.

Everyone looked at the entrance, after which they became nervous. They couldn’t believe Ethan would come here, and he was holding a bouquet of flowers too.

Tori saw Ethan, and she quickly straightened herself out, then she put on her most dazzling smile. “Hello, Mr. Quarles.”

Ethan only glanced at her before he turned to look at Josephine, then the producer approached him. “The recording went well. Josephine did a good job.”

Ethan smiled and nodded proudly. “I knew she could do it.”

Josephine was sitting under a beam of light, her clothes showing off her perfect curves. Her face seemed to shine under the light, and a hint of healthy red tinged her skin. She was perfect for the camera.

Tori watched this scene unfold, and she was reminded of what she saw on the monitor of the film camera earlier. She had to say that Josephine was a great presenter as she looked good on camera and had a memorable voice.

When Josephine left the studio, Ethan presented her with the flowers. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her forehead, his eyes filled with love.

Everyone envied Josephine for getting a boyfriend who loved and spoiled her so much.

Josephine wrapped her arm around Ethan, and her female colleagues almost went green with envy. They would love to be in her spot. If they could even touch Ethan once, they would die happy.

That night, Ethan threw a celebration, and he even bought a set of jewelry for Josephine. It might be expensive, but it was nothing to Ethan. If Josephine refused it, it would be disrespectful to their relationship, so she took it.

Unbeknownst to Ethan, Jenna had taken a few photos of him picking out the jewelry for Josephine in the afternoon. She wanted to get more ‘evidence’ to show Donna that Josephine was just a materialistic woman who kept asking Ethan to buy things for her.

the villa, which was like their secret garden. It was where

munching down on some fruits when Ethan took them away from her.

her a look of allure. Josephine couldn’t

he gulped. He put his hand behind Josephine’s head and pressed his

this. Josephine might be reserved most of the time, but she always let herself

her being handsy, Ethan asked

else touch you, get it?” declared

“Of course. I’m yours

leaned down and kissed him. All of a sudden, he picked her up, and she reflexively wrapped her legs

wife. You don’t have to write any reports.” Ethan chuckled. He wouldn’t

pleaded, “Please, just give me half an hour. You can do anything

eyes, wondering if this was a good deal.

nothing good ever comes from that. However, I’m not scared. Not like he can gobble me up. He’ll always let me go if I just cry a little. Josephine had a few tricks up her sleeves,

put her down, and Josephine grabbed herself a glass of water before she darted off to do her report. She could not get into it at first, for she kept getting distracted by

she refused to come out, he would have to go in. When she noticed what he

you’ll have to leave it.” He

closed her laptop and looked at him. “What will you

say?” asked Ethan. “What would you like

She got a little excited, but then Ethan took her to the couch and she panicked. He’s going to do it right here? That’s a bit embarrassing. “We should take

get to pick the spot,” Ethan declared. I get to

who suggested this, so she had to take it. Thus, a

…

female bodyguards. Donna was wearing a long, beautiful dress, and her accessories looked elegant and expensive. She was the

her. “You’re

to

were on their way, Jenna showed Donna the picture she took the day before. “Ethan got her some jewelry. I bet she kept asking him for it, and

do it for me! And now he’s picking gifts for another girl?” Donna was a little jealous that her son was treating another woman so

them from seeing each other, or he’s going

was wondering

be prepared. I bet she’s going to ask

like that the most. Even though she was rich, she would not let herself get taken advantage

hotel. I’d like to make some observations myself.” I should check it out with

The producer didn’t forget to praise her. “We’re going to throw a celebration tonight. Can you ask Mr. Quarles to

“Tonight?” Josephine smiled.

notice, and it’s only for

She then texted Ethan, and he said

said, “Great. Looking forward to

was donning her earrings, and she

and he

and smiled. I’m going to dress myself up and take all the

5.30PM, the excitement started to fill the air in the office. The employees were looking forward to the gathering later since their boss made reservations at an expensive restaurant. Their

to doll themselves up! The ladies had heard that Ethan was

had a report to write, and she did not need to captivate Ethan anyway.

picking out the best dress for the night. A black, shining dress caught her eye, and she took

style you up after

Tori radiated the air of a goddess, and

beautiful and hot. Is someone you like

in

he’s so lucky. You dressed yourself up just

she knew she would be the star of the event.

finished work. When she saw who

done with work? Come downstairs. I want

But the event’s starting

have enough time before that,”

took her bag and said goodbye to everyone. She then left the building and saw Ethan’s car right outside. Ethan’s bodyguard was in the driver’s seat while Ethan

toward him with a smile. She hadn’t seen him for the entire day and she missed him, so she hugged him. Ethan wrapped his arms around her as well and leaned down for a kiss, which made

them, and the passengers of that vehicle saw what happened. Jenna was filled with envy, and Donna was a little surprised too. It was the first time her son showed so

was jealous that he was treating someone else so nicely, especially when that someone was a girl she didn’t really

away, Jenna said, “Follow

her, but she got her answer when they stopped in front of an expensive boutique ten minutes

“Go on.”

a dress?” Josephine looked at

You’re showing up

but she didn’t want to

Jenna said, “See? All she does is spend

should leave. Let’s grab dinner. I’ll talk to her in a couple

but she couldn’t push it, so she said,

Jenna would make a good girlfriend for

couch while Josephine selected her dress on the second floor. She chose a simple white dress. The hem extended to her knees, and the

of the dressing table as the stylist styled her up. As she closed her

turned around. What he saw captivated him. Josephine was adorable even

then she held his hand. “Let’s go. Everyone’s waiting for us.” The group chat was asking her

made them feel inadequate. Tori was a gorgeous woman, and she looked even more beautiful in makeup. A

my gosh, she’s

Mr. Quarles must be

This isn’t going to

knew she dressed herself up just to attract Ethan. She’s trying to seduce

the main seat, which belonged to Ethan. This way, she could be close to him. She knew people were staring at her, but she didn’t care. She remained shining and brilliant, and it garnered a bit of attention from the

He went to sit beside Tori, though he was just

and then someone opened the door. In came

mocked. She didn’t expect Josephine to dress herself up, and she looked as beautiful and radiant as Tori, if not

her immaculate getup. Moreover, she was sitting in the seat right beside Ethan. Josephine shot her a look. Even though Tori felt like she was mocked earlier, she still stared back at Josephine like

man. “So, what’s your position in

and producer, sir.” The man named Dustin Oserova stood up, feeling

talk about work.” Ethan

froze for a moment, and then she smiled. “Of course, sir.” She stood

treated like this, and Ethan obviously did this to make sure Josephine would feel happy. Ah, he loves her. Any man would love to be surrounded by women. The love of women is their bragging right, and yet Mr.

held a cup of tea and sipped from it, and then Atticus chuckled.

we can

but Ethan didn’t take one. He leaned over and looked at Josephine’s instead. “Order

Josephine nodded. “Sure.”

without even checking the prices. Ethan would be the one paying after all, and they wouldn’t let go of any chance

bad mood. She didn’t think Ethan would push her away so far just to make sure Josephine wasn’t upset, but she still couldn’t help liking

Josephine’s face when I steal her boyfriend

Josephine joined in the conversations as well. She would listen closely especially when they were talking about

going to hold a concert? I’ve been waiting for five years! Five years!”

bit. He thought it was a female singer, but then the worker got into fangirl mode. “I’ve seen his interview live. He’s more handsome than he

his interview live too. Man,

coughed. She’s praising another man right in front of me? Come on, show me some respect.