Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 2036

On a whim, Willow touched Jasper’s forehead, detecting a subtle warmth that piqued her concern. Leaning closer, she inquired with a hint of worry, “You’re so warm. Are you sick?” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Sick? It’s all because of you. “No, it’s just too stuffy here,” he murmured, trying not to blame anyone or anything.

Then, she extended her hand again to cautiously gauge his forehead’s temperature. Right. He’s not running a fever. He’s just sweating. “You should go outside for some fresh air,” she suggested, not wanting him to feel uncomfortable.

Willow’s words had an instant effect, propelling Jasper to his feet, and he walked out. With his departure came a gust of cold air, but undeterred, she swiftly claimed his vacated place, basking in the lingering warmth he had left behind.

When he stepped outside, a sudden gust of icy wind embraced him. Suddenly, his keen eyes caught sight of a boat emerging from the misty sea, steadily drawing closer to the island. In an instant, he darted back to the equipment storage, grabbed the binoculars, and eagerly trained them on the approaching vessel. Sure enough, it was heading straight for the same island he now stood upon.

His face creased with concern, and he hurriedly approached Winston’s tent, saying, “There’s a boat approaching. Wake everyone up.” There’s urgency in his voice.

Then, Winston cast off his drowsiness and sprang to his feet. As anticipated, he spotted the flickering of distant boat lights and wasted no time rousing his fellow team members. At the sound of the commotion, Willow emerged from her tent, too, curious to know what was going on. A female team member informed her, “There’s a strange boat approaching. The captain wants us all to wake up.”

Willow was startled upon hearing this, and questions whirled in her mind. Why would there be a boat coming here? Could it be a pirate ship?

“What kind of boat is it? Is it a pirate ship?” a female team member asked nervously.

“Don’t worry. My bodyguards will ensure everyone’s safety,” Willow reassured with a gentle smile. After saying this, she approached Jasper, who reached out and pulled her protectively behind him.

“Stand behind me,” he whispered in a gentle hush. No matter the circumstance, he vowed to shield her above all else.

Instantly, she felt loved, and she obediently stood behind him. Her eyes alighted upon the binoculars he held, and she couldn’t resist extending her hand to grab it. While peeking out from her shelter behind him, she brought the binoculars to her eyes to observe the approaching boat. As her gaze swept across the deck, a mysterious figure caught her attention, standing tall and waving in their direction. Intrigued, she hastily brought the binoculars to her eyes, and her beautiful orbs widened with astonishment. “Tommy?”

Jasper’s attention shifted to her, his eyes searching for answers as he inquired, “Do you know him?”

A tranquil exhale of relief escaped Willow’s lips as she responded, “He’s the persistent suitor who never gives up.”

As her words reached Winston’s ears, relief washed over him. “Are you sure you know the person on the boat? We have nothing to fear as long as they harbor no ill intentions toward us.”

“I know him, but I don’t know how he found his way here.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed as he fixated on the boat. Is this man the pursuer that goes after Willow?

After a mere 20 minutes, the boat finally docked, and a man emerged from the deck, overflowing with excitement. It was Tommy Donovan, the affluent heir who had ardently pursued Willow for a relentless three years, undeterred by her steadfast refusals.

“Willow, it’s really you! I thought my information was wrong. Haha. I finally found you,” he exclaimed happily as he approached. With warm enthusiasm, he turned to greet the rest of the team members. “Hello, everyone. I’m Willow’s friend, so you don’t need to be afraid.”

As he approached her, a mere three feet separating them, a sudden presence loomed tall, interposing between the two friends. An urge to gently push the obstructing figure aside arose within him. “Hey, move out of the way. I’m saying hello to my friend.”

However, as Tommy confidently anticipated the person would yield with a slight push, he was taken aback when the figure stood unwavering. His irritation surged, and he looked up to confront the obstruction. To his astonishment, he was momentarily dumbfounded. Why is there such a handsome man beside Willow? His appearance threatens mine; his physique is better, and his aura is stronger.

“Who are you? Who is this guy, Willow?” he inquired, a hint of annoyance trickling through his words.