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.

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

doing right

straightened up and replied, ‘Hasn’t the

off our phones.’ He wasn’t willing to turn off his phone, for he wouldn’t be able to contact

off your phone now,’

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

‘I miss you. We’ll talk when

too,’ he replied and

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

happens when

on her own. Now that she had one, she felt

days since she became a

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

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

replied, “Alright. I’ll upload the photos right

first step was to upload photos of a female model whose face had been changed to

and looked at the photos while giggling with her mouth covered. Josephine, let’s see how you’re going to deal with

lounge. She had been lacking sleep as of late, so her assistant didn’t dare to disturb her as

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

at her. Some of them even asked for

news was in

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

has made a move. When she saw how thrilled her colleagues were in the group chat, she believed

the news, she flew into a rage. “Who’s pranking

on the couch. She was oblivious to everything

assistant sorting out documents,

office. She

door open and found the woman sleeping on the couch. She walked

she saw how anxious Wren looked, she batted her eyes.

Someone is smearing your name on the internet. They’ve even cut out

in an instant. She didn’t expect someone to paste her face on a woman wearing silk stockings and in sexy postures. Those

how dumbfounded the woman looked, she placated her by

calm down and figure out who pulled such

woman was enraged, so she quickly patted her back.

calm.” She wasn’t worried about what was being circulated on the internet. She had to get to

wanted to clear her name, she had

offended anyone in my private life, but I did fall out with several people in the company. Katrina? Tori? Could the

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

But I think it’s likely to be Katrina, for Tori probably won’t do anything that might

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

to the elevator where many colleagues looked judgingly at her. It was as though they were mocking her with their

without explaining anything. She frankly faced their

she entered the elevator, they started talking

take such salacious photos for money when she was a

colleagues are drooling over her body now. It’s no wonder

Mr. Quarles will think of

be displeased. The men out there have seen his girlfriend’s almost naked body.

Mr. Quarles will

now, so it’s expected that some people would try digging into what she did

Wren were greeted by another group of colleagues, who were usually on good terms

are those photos real?”

course, they’re not real,”

“She certainly wouldn’t admit to it in front of so

dug a hole and hidden my face into it

Josephine on her phone. No doubt she was pleased as she

take a sip of coffee, which

her

with you, Josephine? If you break

questioned while staring

appeared as if she had been wronged. “What

to alter the photos and post them online? You couldn’t outcompete me, so you pulled such

doing such a thing without any evidence? What right do you have to slander me? I

forward and clenched her collars before pulling

never seen Josephine being so ferocious. A furious Katrina shouted, “Are you

was you!” Josephine said through

She started sobbing and said aggrievedly, “What right do you have to bully me? I don’t

Josephine pushed her away and stepped backward. “Just you wait. I’ll look into the matter. Regardless of who the

right there!” Katrina barked, then turned to her colleagues who were watching 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

Katrina’s side, finding

colleagues even stood up for Katrina. “We believe you’re innocent, Katrina. Josephine only acts high and mighty in the office because of her relationship with Mr. Quarles.

would kick Josephine down and remove her from her

want to explain yourself, Jacobson? When did you take these

“Yeah! Are you broke?”

short of broke women, yet none would

“I won’t explain myself. All of you will know the kind of person I

leaving Katrina barking behind her, “Do you really think you’re some

just returned to her office when Atticus’ assistant

regret. “Josephine, how can something so damaging happen? Do you

me some time, Mr. Kowalski,” Josephine requested. She was the

agreed after some thought. “I’ll have someone cover for you for the time being. Take some time off for now. Do you want me to report this to Mr.

quickly said, “I’ll tell him myself. No

thing Josephine wanted was for Ethan to learn about this incident. Although the pictures were fake, they would still leave a negative note

wanted to deal with

remained calm. She didn’t lose her rationality and give in to anxiety and anger because she knew the people trying to kick her

about their family, especially never to talk about Peter’s job. Josephine never got it when she was little. But a couple of middle-aged men approached her in school and gave her a gift that was worth tens of thousands

out, Josephine ran away, and since then, she stuck fast to her father’s words, never mentioning her grandfather’s job

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 to catch the culprit and make them pay at

her phone

“Hey, Joey, missing Grandpa?”

I need your help with

“Have you been mistreated?”

With

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

you. I’m doing good.” Josephine

ran into Tori just as she left the elevator, and it was inevitable that Tori would have a few

Jacobson? Did you really take licentious photos for

you a part of this?” Josephine

are you

which caused Tori to snort disdainfully and retort, “What are you trying to say, Jacobson? Are you saying I’m

in response. “You better have nothing to do with this, or I’ll have you expelled from the

out? Whom do you think you’re kicking down when you’re already in deep sh*t yourself! Mr. Quarles

this, tell me now and confess to the police yourself before I turn

Josephine’s expression, but she knew that she was

but there’s nothing I can do. If you don’t take care of yourself, don’t blame

clasped her wrist and pulled her back. “What do

attack me. I don’t have the proof yet, but I will find it. By then, you better

down Tori’s spine. For a moment, she thought

wrested her arm away and sneered. “You better not speak out of turn without

will have the evidence,” Josephine

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

such, she went straight to

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

“Good job,” Tori praised.

Sullivan, have always been reliable. Tori, you

you up after Josephine comes down. However, I ran into Josephine just now. She seems confident about finding evidence. You didn’t

to 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 country, so he can only

not