Never Too Far Novel

“Just deal with the problem as best you can. I can’t go away. What? Is that how you solve a problem?” Ethan sounded furious. Then, he started speaking in a different language. He still sounded displeased as though his subordinate had made a huge mistake at work.

Josephine was worried as she listened to him. Did anything happen to his company? He seems exasperated.

Since she was well-versed in the language, she understood that Ethan had been asking for a solution from the other party, but he couldn’t get a satisfactory answer. When the call ended, he even spoke in foul language.

Josephine had to leave at once, for she didn’t want Ethan to know she eavesdropped on him. She realized he must’ve spent too much time keeping her company and ignored his work, which was why such a mistake happened. Therefore, she decided to let him go back and deal with his work. Although they would be separated for a while, she was fine with it.

When she returned to her office, she started working on her laptop. However, when she recalled how furious the man looked, she let out a sigh. Does he think I won’t let him leave? Is that why he’s been neglecting his work and staying by my side?

While she spaced out, a towering figure stepped into the place. When she turned around and saw the man, she rose from her chair and asked, “Are you alright?”

Ethan curled his lips. “I’m fine. Am I disturbing you?”

“No. Do you have work to attend to, Ethan? You can go ahead and deal with it,” Josephine said.

Ethan was an intelligent man. He realized she must’ve passed by the corridor and overheard him lecturing his subordinate.

“Don’t worry. It’s no big deal.”

“No. Even though I love staying with you, I don’t want to affect your work. We can be separated for a while,” Josephine said sincerely.

Ethan indeed had a problem to solve, but he said calmly, “I don’t have the heart to leave you.”

Josephine placated him by saying, “It’s fine. We can always hop on a video call. If you miss me, I can take some time off work and visit you.”

“I’d like to invite your family members to have a meal with my mom in the evening so that they can meet up,” Ethan said gently. He wanted both parties to meet each other and arrange for the marriage.

“Alright, I’ll contact my parents. I have to call my dad earlier so that he’ll have enough time to come back.” Josephine was pleased that both parties were finally going to meet.

Then, Josephine called her mother. When Heidi learned about the dinner, she was elated. She had always been worried that the Quarles Family would look down on her daughter. It wasn’t that she was diffident, but the Quarles Family’s wealth was beyond her imagination.

“I’ll call your dad. We’re not going to invite your grandpa, though,” Heidi said.

Josephine understood her mother’s concerns. Peter loved alcohol, so she was worried he would drink excessively during dinner. Given his old age, they had to ensure he would only drink moderately.

“Sure. Let’s meet up with Mrs. Quarles in the evening,” Josephine replied.

Meanwhile, Ethan informed his mother about the dinner. Donna had always wanted to meet the Jacobsons. With Jenna serving as a bad example, Donna was satisfied with Josephine. The most important qualities of a woman were kindness and sincerity, after all. Her appearance and background weren’t so important.

Josephine was joyful as well, for her first live stream was successful. Her company had arranged a celebratory dinner party for her, but she turned them down since she had a more important meal to attend.

Ethan had already booked a place in a restaurant. He and Josephine waited for their parents’ arrival. Donna arrived at 6.00PM, followed by the well-dressed Mills and Heidi. When Josephine saw her mother wearing her most expensive pearl necklace, she knew the latter treated the meet-up seriously.

Donna and Heidi greeted each other. Although they came from vastly different family backgrounds, a sincere and frank smile was the best way to start a conversation.

“Hi, you guys have raised Joey well. She’s beautiful and capable.”

“You have no idea how envious I am of you for having a son like Ethan. He’s handsome and intelligent.”

The two mothers praised each other’s children. When they looked at the young couple, they were truly pleased to see them getting together.

Meanwhile, Josephine and Ethan held hands under the table. They were happy to see each other’s parents getting along well. After all, their lives would be filled with joy since they had their parents’ blessings.

Their parents got closer during the dinner. After seeing them off at around 8.30PM, Josephine and Ethan finally had some time alone.

Ethan was in a hurry as he had to leave by 3.00PM the next day. He promised that he would come back to her in half a month.

On the other hand, Josephine didn’t need him to come back in a rush. However, when she learned that he was heading to the Arctic, she was worried and hoped he would come back safely.

After a night of intimacy, Ethan suffered from insomnia. No woman had ever made him unwilling to leave her before. He was even worried that Josephine would stop loving him when he returned half a month later.

Josephine awakened before dawn. When she realized the man beside her was wide awake, she was shocked. She hugged him and asked, “Why didn’t you sleep?”

“It’s fine. I can get some shut-eye on the flight.” Ethan wrapped his arms around her and ran his fingers through her soft hair.

“Let’s go to the beach and watch the sunrise,” he suggested.

Since Josephine was well-rested, she nodded. “Sure.”

Young people like them could go wherever they wanted to when they felt like it. Josephine put on some light makeup and changed into a dress before leaving with Ethan.

The road was empty at this hour, so they didn’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic. Ethan and Josephine were thrilled as the car moved at an incredible speed. They were in a hurry as they could already see the sun spreading its glow across the clouds. Needless to say, the sun was about to rise.

Ethan found the best place to watch the sunrise on the internet and drove to the destination. They soon left a coconut grove and arrived at the beach where the sunrise would be the most beautiful.

Josephine opened the door and walked along the beach while holding hands with the man. As they watched the sun rising above the clouds and shining its rays everywhere, they couldn’t help but feel awestruck.

“It’s magnificent!” she exclaimed. It had been a long time since she last watched such a beautiful sight at ease.

It was made even more meaningful since she could do it with the man she loved.

Ethan’s gaze fell upon her face. No doubt she was alluring as the morning rays shone on her. The morning breeze blew through her long hair, making her look adorable yet charming. His heart fluttered at the sight.

He placed his arm around her shoulder and kissed her hair. When Josephine looked up and saw the attractive man beside her, she was aroused. She boldly draped her arms around his neck and tiptoed.

The man lowered his figure and supported her weight, so she didn’t have to exert herself. Then, he easily lifted her off her feet and let her legs wrap around his waist.

The kiss was intimate and intense.

Their breathing became unstable as Ethan shuffled toward the car while carrying the woman. Realizing what the man was up to, Josephine was shocked. She thumped his chest and demanded, “Put me down, Ethan.”

However, the man had been aroused, so he wouldn’t let her go. Moreover, they were in the right place and at the right time. He wanted to try out a different kind of excitement with her.

Since they were about to part ways, Josephine decided to let the man do whatever he wanted. The intimate session was intense as they were reluctant to bid each other farewell.

A long time later, it was fully bright outside as the breeze whisked through them gently. Ethan sent her home. After she took a shower and put on her clothes, he sent her to the company.

“I have to go home and pack up. Let’s have lunch together later,” he suggested.

“Alright, see you later.” Josephine got out of the car and entered the company.

When she was done with her makeup, she headed to the studio in tip-top condition. In the corridor outside the studio, Katrina stood there and looked at the confident Josephine in a blue suit while the woman presented the news. No doubt she was green with envy. Perhaps I’ll replace her soon and present the news to the audience. Just wait, Josephine. I’ll destroy you!

Katrina sent a document to Atticus. When she saw several documents that had to be dealt with urgently on the table, she asked, “Atticus, do you want me to send these to Mr. Quarles?”

“There’s no need for that. Mr. Quarles isn’t in his office. He’s leaving the country.”

“Where is he going? How long will he be absent?” she asked.

“I have no idea where he’s going, but I suppose he’ll be absent for one to two months. He told me to take care of Josephine, though.”

Katrina was secretly pleased. When the scandal breaks out, Ethan won’t be in the country. That’s wonderful. Since he can’t help Josephine, her reputation will be ruined. When that happens, all the viewers in the country will hate her. By then, I just have to hire some trolls to flame her online. She will be so embarrassed that she will have no choice but to resign.

At the thought of this, Katrina was ecstatic. When she left the place, she even sported a smug smile. She had prepared some material, so she could post it online whenever she felt like it.

After Josephine and Ethan had their lunch, he had to head to the airport. Donna would be leaving with him this time, and he would send his mother home before going to the Arctic to deal with his work.

When Josephine arrived home in the afternoon, she cleaned up the house and realized she had already started missing Ethan barely an hour after the man was gone. She missed him so much that she could no longer do anything else. She just wanted to space out and think about him.

At that moment, she couldn’t help teasing herself. Before she fell in love, she never expected to miss someone so much.

Now, she finally realized the power of love.

recalled that he must be boarding the plane at this hour, she put it down and scrolled through her photos. Just then, she received

doing right now?’

and replied, ‘Hasn’t the plane taken

off our phones.’ He wasn’t willing to turn off

off your phone

was taken from a weird angle. He wasn’t used to taking selfies, but since he was

miss you. We’ll talk when

too,’ he replied and turned off

Josephine arrived at the company with faint dark circles under her eyes. Fortunately, the makeup artist was able to conceal them for her. She had suffered from insomnia last night since Ethan wasn’t there to hug her. She kept tossing and turning until 4.00AM before she finally fell

this what happens when a person falls

have a boyfriend, she could sleep soundly on her own. Now that she had one, she felt hollow and uneasy when he

Although it had only been a few days since

smear her name in secret. Katrina had passed the information to a small media company. As long as the scandal broke out, all the major news companies would report the incident, so she didn’t have to worry about the

longer in any mood to work. One hour after Josephine finished presenting the news, Katrina dialed a number and said to the person, “You can take action

right away and

was to upload photos of a female model whose face had been changed to Josephine’s. Although the face was blurred, she believed the

while giggling with her mouth covered. Josephine, let’s see how you’re going

some rest in the lounge. She had been lacking sleep as of late, so her assistant didn’t dare to disturb her as she closed the door for

such photos of a famous news anchor had been leaked, they certainly wouldn’t want to miss the hype. They also

started cursing at her.

well. The first person who saw the news was in

was shared in the company’s group chat. All the colleagues were excited, as though awaiting a good

well. It seems that Katrina has made a move. When she saw how thrilled her colleagues were in the group chat, she believed Josephine’s reputation would be destroyed this time. I don’t think she can ever be a news presenter

into a rage. “Who’s pranking Joey by spreading such

the internet, Josephine, was asleep on the couch. She was oblivious to everything that was going on and the

rushed over and saw the assistant sorting out documents,

the office. She didn’t sleep well

open and found the woman sleeping on the couch. She walked up to her and patted

slowly opened her eyes. When she saw how anxious Wren looked, she batted her eyes.

her the iPad. “Look. Someone is smearing your name on the internet. They’ve even

expect someone to paste her face on a woman wearing

Wren saw how dumbfounded the woman looked, she placated her by saying,

needed to calm down and figure out who pulled such a

woman was enraged, so she quickly patted her back.

was being circulated on the internet. She

her to explain anything on the internet. If she wanted to clear her name, she had to bring the culprit to

don’t think I’ve offended anyone in my private life, but I did fall out with several people in the company. Katrina? Tori? Could the culprit

be the culprit. It was apparent to her that the culprit intended to smear her name

to be Katrina, for Tori probably won’t do

the room. Wren quickly followed her and asked, “Where are you going, Joey? Aren’t we supposed to call the police

walked up to the elevator where many colleagues looked judgingly at her. It was as though they were

her ears without explaining anything. She frankly faced their gazes, for when the truth was revealed,

the elevator, they started talking behind

didn’t expect her to take such salacious photos for money when

now. It’s no wonder

wonder what Mr. Quarles will think of these photos when

have seen his girlfriend’s almost naked body. There’s no way he can

right. I suppose Mr. Quarles will dump her very

that some people would try digging into

the elevator, Josephine and Wren were greeted by another group of colleagues, who

photos real?”

course, they’re not real,” Josephine

she was gone, someone sneered. “She certainly wouldn’t admit to

her, I would’ve dug a hole and

she could already imagine Josephine losing her job. The netizens commented that they

coffee, which

to jump in shock. She lifted her head and saw Josephine storming into the place. Her gaze was filled

and snapped. “What’s wrong with you, Josephine? If you break my door, I’ll make you

you?” Josephine questioned while

she appeared as if she had been wronged.

photos and post them online? You couldn’t outcompete me, so you pulled such a dirty trick on me, didn’t you?” Josephine balled up her fists. She was certain that

How can you accuse me of doing such a thing without any evidence? What

collars before

astonished. She had never seen Josephine being so ferocious. A furious Katrina

it was you!” Josephine

gathered outside to watch a good show. Katrina had wanted to push the woman away, but when she saw so many people around, she decided to put on an act. She started sobbing and said aggrievedly, “What right do you have to bully me? I don’t know what you’re

backward. “Just you wait. I’ll look into the matter.

the commotion at the door and said, “Everyone, let’s reason this out. Josephine wrongly accused me without distinguishing right from wrong. She’s the one who engaged in such licentious actions, yet she wants to push

side, finding Josephine

acts high and mighty in the office because of

Naturally, they would kick Josephine down and remove her from her position

to explain yourself, Jacobson? When

“Yeah! Are you broke?”

of broke women, yet none would take such licentious

the crowd’s self-righteous accusations, Josephine calmly announced, “I won’t explain myself. All of

barking behind her, “Do you really think you’re

her office when Atticus’ assistant approached her, asking her

the young woman went to Atticus, who gazed at her with some regret. “Josephine, how can something so damaging happen?

up. I will get to the bottom of it. Please give me some time, Mr. Kowalski,” Josephine requested. She was the number-one victim in this

the time being. Take some time off for now. Do you want me

up at once, and she quickly said, “I’ll tell him myself. No need to

Ethan to learn about this incident. Although the pictures were fake, they would still leave a negative note on Ethan when it was

she wanted to deal with this

and give in to anxiety and anger because she knew the people

talk about Peter’s job. Josephine never got it when she was little. But a couple of middle-aged men

since then, she stuck fast to her father’s

already retired, he remained influential in politics. She never requested anything substantial from her grandfather, either. In fact, she didn’t even use his influence to get into college or a job. It was

what happened this time had crossed the line, and she was absolutely livid. She wanted

grabbed her

“Hey, Joey, missing Grandpa?”

your help with something. I’ll come to

“Have you been mistreated?”

With that, Josephine grabbed her bag

into the elevator, a senior who was usually kind to her comforted her. “Don’t let it get to you, Joey. I know it’s

I’m doing good.” Josephine

left the elevator, and it

you really take licentious photos for money in the past?” Tori questioned with crossed

a part of this?” Josephine looked up and

you talking

internet,” Josephine reiterated, which caused Tori to snort disdainfully and retort, “What are you trying to say,

a brow in response. “You better have nothing to do with this, or I’ll have you expelled from the broadcasting industry,” she

ridiculed, “You? Kick me out? Whom do you think you’re kicking down when you’re already in deep sh*t yourself! Mr. Quarles has probably

better mark my words,” Josephine warned. “If you are involved in this, tell

an illusion that the issue was severe when she looked at Josephine’s expression, but she knew that she was merely being threatened into admitting the truth.

If you don’t take care of yourself, don’t blame others for wanting

she did, Josephine clasped

me. I don’t have

it sent chills down Tori’s spine. For a moment,

“You better not

I will have the evidence,” Josephine

hoped Katrina had done a clean job and not given Josephine any chances of finding any evidence, or Katrina,

such, she went straight to

upon seeing Katrina. “Did you see it? The whole internet is

“Good job,” Tori praised.

reliable. Tori,

send you up after Josephine comes down. However, I ran into Josephine just now. She seems confident about finding

find anything even if she gets the police involved. Besides, does she even have that kind of ability?! If anything, Mr. Quarles might be questioning her now! Then again, he’s not in the

is not in the