Never Too Far Novel

Anastasia heard them discussing another girl, so she listened silently. She reckoned that a girl brought up in the Presgrave Family would definitely be an outstanding individual. After Anastasia got to know the Presgrave Family better, she realized that they maintained a very strict family hierarchy and that they placed importance on the education their children received.

At the same time, in the direction of the side door, there was a figure that walked in. It was a fashionably-dressed and elegant girl.

Anastasia lifted her head and noticed that the girl was stunning and elegant. She resembled an elegant swan.

“Wow! Lorelai has changed so much. She has become so pretty,” someone exclaimed.

“The Presgrave Family is full of beauty indeed.”

Lorelai lifted her head and glanced at the girl next to Harriet. That was the woman Elliot was about to marry, and she had a simple dress on. She appeared quite elegant, and her luscious black hair, which was swept to the side, accentuated her delicate features. Her eyes were quite attractive with a clear look in them.

The girl that Elliot is about to marry is indeed exceptionally stunning. There was a slightly complicated feeling that welled up within Lorelai.

“I’m sorry for being late.” Lorelai finished saying that and headed toward Harriet. “Grandma.”

“Lorelai, you’ve grown into such a beautiful girl. Come on over and sit by my side.” Coincidentally, there was another empty spot next to Harriet, so Lorelai took a seat next to Harriet and greeted Anastasia. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Presgrave. I’m Lorelai.”

“Nice to meet you,” Anastasia greeted Lorelai with a smile.

“Look at them. With these two beautiful ladies in attendance, we’re insignificant next to them,” one of the women said with a smile.

Instantly, the entire room erupted into laughter while Anastasia and Lorelai revealed shy looks on their faces.

Subsequently, the atmosphere of the room became less tense. As everyone chatted about the past, suddenly, someone piped up, “I remember Lorelai and Elliot were very close when they were kids. She used to trail after Elliot every day!”

Lorelai responded graciously, “That happened in the past when we were kids. I don’t quite recall it anymore.”

“Yes. Lorelai was quite a wild child when she was young,” Kendra added.

The woman who had brought up the topic suddenly caught herself as she glanced anxiously in Anastasia’s direction before lifting her tea cup and smiling awkwardly, “I was just mentioning this in passing.”

Harriet immediately tried to lighten the mood. “Elliot has always regarded Lorelai as his younger sister. He was too lonely when he was a kid.”

Anastasia realized that the crowd intentionally avoided any mention of this topic because they must be afraid that she would overthink the situation.

From her memory, Lorelai’s father was one of the extended descendants of the Presgrave Family lineage, and they were quite a well-to-do family. As such, logically, although Lorelai and Harriet had the same last name, Lorelai was completely unrelated by blood to Harriet’s line of the Presgraves.

As such, this became quite a sensitive topic.

“Nice to meet you,” Anastasia greeted Lorelai with a smile.

“I heard that the bridesmaids in the wedding are some of the younger girls in the family. It’s quite unfortunate that I didn’t come back in time to be one of the bridesmaids.” Lorelai instantly mentioned, quite regretfully.

“It’s alright for not being on time to be one of the bridesmaids. You can join in when it’s time to pitch the bridal bouquet. I’m looking forward to attending your wedding celebration next.” Harriet comforted her.

At that point, everyone started to chime in, “Yeah! We’re all looking forward to attending your wedding celebration.”

Just then, Anastasia had the urge to go to the toilet. Lorelai instantly got up too. “Mrs. Presgrave, I’ll keep you company.”

“Sure, let’s go.” Anastasia and Lorelai went off together in the direction of the toilet.

Lorelai noticed then that there was a piece of leaf that had fallen on Anastasia’s hair, and she instantly voiced out, “Mrs. Presgrave, hold still for a moment. There is a piece of fallen leaf on your hair.”

Anastasia stood still at the mention of that, and Lorelai affectionately reached over to remove the leaf quite gently from Anastasia’s hair. “Done! I’ve removed the leaf.”

“Thanks.” Anastasia was quite grateful for the help.

“You’re welcome. You’re the young mistress of the entire Presgrace Family, so everyone respects you. The same goes to me.” Lorelai looked at Anastasia sincerely.

Anastasia knew the Presgrave Family rule, and she was initially quite astonished by it, but now she had finally accepted this completely.

“I hope we can get along better as friends,” Anastasia told her.

“I want to be your friend too. I’m not sure why, but I have a feeling we’ll hit it off right away.” Lorelai complimented her on her beauty, saying, “You are so beautiful.”

“And you’re just as gorgeous yourself,” Anastasia responded.

“People claim that beautiful women tend to fight with each other. I don’t think this statement is accurate since we can be really great friends,” Lorelai said.

“Yeah!” Anastasia exclaimed, nodding in agreement.

Anastasia went back to her villa after the tea party. Elliot took Jared out to sea for fishing, and they would not be back until later in the afternoon. It was a great chance for her to finish making preparations for the wedding.

When Anastasia was getting ready to take a nap in the afternoon, Adriana came in and said, “Madam, someone named Katrina wants to see you.”

“Please invite her in,” Anastasia said after being slightly startled.

Soon, Katrina entered in her sexy attire. “I hope I didn’t bother you, Anastasia!” She greeted her warmly and when she looked at Anastasia’s luxurious home, she felt a little envious.

“Not at all. Did you have fun on the island? When is your brother going to come?” Anastasia asked.

“He said that he would arrive no later than tomorrow morning.” Katrina sat on the couch and whispered on purpose, “Is your husband not at the villa?”

Anastasia responded, “He went out to the sea for fishing.”

Katrina sighed with relief. “That’s good.” As soon as she finished speaking, she took out her phone and brought up the video clip she had taken in the morning. “Anastasia, take a look at this. I’m doing it for you. This footage was captured by pure coincidence.”

Anastasia then took the phone, which showed a video recording of Lorelai and Elliot having a lovely conversation. She had never seen a woman having such a pleasant chat with Elliot before.

“Since she’s a Presgrave, you could perhaps assume she’s Elliot’s sister. Please delete this video clip!” She returned the phone to Katrina.

“A family member of the Presgraves?” After pausing for a few while, Katrina said, “It seems like I’m overcomplicating things.”

After that, she deleted the video clip from her phone. “Anastasia, I need to ask you a question: do any of the guests here have the last name of Weiss? Would you mind introducing the two of us?”

“I don’t know Young Master Weiss. He’s Elliot’s guest,” Anastasia replied with the shake of her head because she could tell what Katrina was thinking.

It seemed to Katrina that Anastasia was harboring a grudge and refused to make the introductions. She sulked and remarked after that, “Still holding me responsible for things that happened in the past? Under those circumstances, you are indeed not suitable to be with my brother.”

“I’m done talking about the past now. I am grateful to your brother for his kindness, which I will always cherish.” Anastasia sipped from the tea cup in an attempt to get Katrina to leave the room.

Katrina sighed with relief. “That’s good.” As soon as she finished speaking, she took out her phone and brought up the video clip she had taken in the morning. “Anastasia, take a look at this. I’m doing it for you. This footage was captured by pure coincidence.”

Katrina took the hint and stood up. “Then, I’ll stop bothering you. I’m sorry for what went wrong in the past. Don’t hold anything against me. I hope that when you become the Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family, you will continue to help us.”

Her attitude changed quickly toward those in positions of power to her advantage.

“I’ll take care of your brother at the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier where he works,” Anastasia responded, indicating that she would support Katrina’s brother rather than her.

Even if Katrina was still resentful, she couldn’t do anything but apologize to Anastasia with a smile, “That’s awesome. I no longer have to worry about his future.”

She left the room.

Anastasia held the teacup in her palm, but her mind was preoccupied with the video. Elliot and Lorelai were childhood friends who grew up together.

She learned from Old Madam Presgrave that it was best to keep her feelings and anger hidden and not show them.

In the future, she would need to deal with the people and affairs of the whole Presgrave Family, and she should have the most faith in her husband. She did not want to suspect anything and trust in her husband, and there was nothing more important than trusting in someone you care about deeply.

Anastasia decided not to nap. She sat down in front of the genealogy book to read about the lineage history of the Presgrave Family. By writing down important information, Old Madam Presgrave helped her to remember the influences and relationships of each family.

After looking at it for a while, she fell asleep on the couch because reading the book was too exhausting..

When Elliot got home in the evening, he saw her sleeping on the couch. She held the book close to her chest and had her eyebrows slightly raised. He thought it was both disheartening and funny.

He sat quietly next to her and held her to his chest when he saw she was sleeping in an awkward position against the couch. As she slept in his arms, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

“How did the fishing go?” Anastasia asked as she smiled and gently opened her lovely, dreamy eyes to catch his gaze.

Elliot curled his lips into a grin, obviously pleased with the outcome. “You may eat the salmon your husband caught tonight.”

“Did Jared have fun?”

“He was really happy, and as soon as he got off the boat, he fell asleep.”

Anastasia also believed that her son would have fun. Elliot took the genealogy book out of her hands and told her, “Don’t read it if you don’t want to. Let me take care of the family household matters.”

She shook her head. “No. You are managing the external affairs, and I will be handling the family household matters.”

to lessen his responsibility. While stroking her hair, he said, “Don’t worry too

from the Presgraves today. Her name is Lorelai, and I heard that you used to play with her when you were younger. Both of you must be very close to each other.” With a

me in my heart; other than that, we have no other kind of bond.” Elliot’s eyes widened

recall, “You do not seem to be related to her by blood!

faith in me, Mrs. Presgrave. I won’t even

his cheek and said

with Lorelai in the future to avoid his wife’s jealousy,

was still shocked; it seemed that the future Young Mistress of the Presgrave

his wife had already considered ways to lessen his responsibility. While stroking her hair, he said, “Don’t

Villa No. 58.

Besides checking her phone, she only went downstairs for her food. As Arthur was very particular about what he ate, he had a personal chef to prepare their

of the bride and groom. As soon as she left the table, she saw the man on the opposite side raising his eyebrow to ask, “Do you have a

blinked, wondering as to

gown. All I have are the dresses I wear most

are accompanying me to the wedding tomorrow as my partner, so make sure not to

sentiments, “If you think I’m an embarrassment, just let me stay in the villa!” He had already made

quite remarkable,

fact that he had not even requested her

seems like he’d have to discipline her

was a sunny morning too, and the day everyone had been waiting

from the

problem? What happened?” Elliot rushed

night…” Anastasia glared at him

not because of anything threatening, but it was due to a bite mark

which led to the concerns that she

still find it funny. You’re a jerk. How can I meet people today?” Anastasia demanded as she went up to him and softly whacked

mischievous smirk, “Let me

to a bright crimson bite mark. “It’s adorable. Let the makeup artist draw a

back as she saw him about

her small, fair face, he pulled her over, saying, “You are my wife, so why can’t I kiss

had been acting in intimate behavior throughout the morning without giving any thought to the moment of

The makeup artist is still waiting for me!” In her embarrassment, she tried to push him away, but he

in the mirror. Because it was so humiliating, this was not something that should not be

way that she could hide the bite mark.

fair skin was already in such terrific form. Even when she was not wearing makeup, her face was delicate and smooth with well-defined facial

had a lot of work since he had just started

could not help as she saw her brother peering in the direction of the banquet hall, mocking him by saying. “Are you upset with me for preventing you from marrying Anastasia back then,

future with her.

up with hers now,” she said. “Not to worry, Mason. I have asked her, and she said that she will

for me!” In her embarrassment, she tried to push

about the past in front of her any more. It

to remind her often that it was you who never left her side when things were hard for her, and that it is also because of you that her child survived. You are not only her savior,

want to be Anastasia’s friend now.” Mason muttered, and his face went

to you, and he should reward us

I won’t forgive you,” Mason

was done telling

and scheme. Since Mason was not keen to pursue the matter, it

his grandson since he wanted Anastasia to inherit his business and company, and this would also be passed on to his grandson too. He didn’t want to search for the next apparent heir since Naomi had deeply broken

to spend the rest of his life with his daughter and grandchild. As he had a wonderful son-in-law, he did not have to worry about

the best men today and he seemed lively in the early morning. The other two best men were from the Presgrave Family with one of them being Jacob. He was able to attend the wedding since his grandfather was Mr. Presgrave’s closest cousin, and as such earned him a spot at the

other best men. The three best men were partnered with the

“Grandpa.” Jared embraced Francis.

you’ve gotten taller again and in future, do strive to be just as successful as your father was!” Francis pondered, I’m going to keep an eye on

as capable as Daddy, “Jared answered with confidence. His name was still registered as Jared Tillman,

occurred, he was still

Francis led Jared out

was excited today as well. She rose from bed earlier to view the

her and said, “I’m the manager of the

him to surprise her by getting her a gown. Then, she nodded and went

pushed the cart down the hall. They were stunning gowns that were definitely made

her choice one at a time since she had her own personal style and color preferences too. The gown that she chose was a stunning light champagne color with a U-shaped neckline and two strands of light veil covering the shoulders. Such a design would showcase a woman’s gorgeous collarbone and

skirt ornament that shimmered with tiny star-like glitters; the whole combination in

“I’ll take this one!”

makeup artist will be here in half an

“Thank you.”

pair of high-heeled shoes to match her attire. She had no idea Arthur had planned such

he could have prevented her from attending the wedding if he believed she’d embarrass him. Is he trying to

her wedding gown. It was a French court dress with an elegant off-shoulder design. The gown was entirely adorned with handmade

of what Arthur had said and never expected him to surprise

waist was beautiful and enchanting in its own way. The gown’s

the makeup, Mrs. Presgrave?” the makeup artist asked. The mirror reflected a gorgeous woman

“Excellent.” The foundation that the makeup artist used on her had concealed the bite mark that

a while! She had

bridesmaids—approached Anastasia. One of them, who was two

you, Miss Anastasia, is worthy of our

of young members of the Presgrave Family when he was merely twenty-nine

too,” she praised. The three of them were all of the same

in with a smile and

girls said as they turned around

and grab a bite!”

her eyes were filled with awe and envy. She was familiar with everything about Anastasia including Anastasia’s childhood, but she had no idea about the power that transformed this girl into who she

at the time seemed to be Elliot’s special preference for her, and Lorelai thought

makes me want to find love right away.”

to be?” Anastasia asked, a curious expression on her

haven’t met a man who makes my heart skip a beat,” Lorelai said as she

hope you find your soulmate soon,” Anastasia

you,” Lorelai responded as she reached for Anastasia’s wedding

had finished arranging her dress and said, “In one hour’s time, it will be an auspicious time. I heard that

the stairs. The door was then pushed open to reveal Elliot entering with a black suit. Instead of his usual tie, he was wearing a black

hair was combed behind his head. His sharp facial

wife. His eyes were

when she was stared at, but she was also drawn to his handsome appearance today. The two

gaze to hide the light in her eyes. She then pursed her red lips tightly, as if trying to

I speak with my wife briefly?”

wheel. “I won’t bother you two then,” she said

around Anastasia’s waist and hugged her

from the stairs. The door was then pushed open to reveal Elliot entering with a black suit. Instead of his usual tie, he was wearing a black bow tie, and the dark

you were normally beautiful, but I didn’t expect you to be even more stunning,” he

he was attractive and captivating, but she didn’t expect him to be drop dead

Mrs. Presgrave soon. Do you have anything to say to me?” She wrapped her arms around his neck to smell the cool and charming breath on

Mrs. Presgrave.” Elliot’s lips curled into

He pressed his lips against hers as she smiled. He couldn’t help but kiss her because she was so

red lips were lovely, but Elliot

walked out of the villa and into the field where three girls approached her, one of whom addressed her as

and the three girls couldn’t help but stare at each other. What is Miss Lorelai thinking about

turned red as she looked out the

have one duty that you must fulfill. Your life can never be

back to

can’t. You must quell your feelings and bide your time

going to get married. You should come back to the

as tears streamed down her

root

turn into a

Presgraves. As though the rule-maker had been through the affliction of being

reasonable to say that Elliot possessed every penny the family had, whereas the others could only establish their own business. They couldn’t

every industry thanks to the family’s influence, a shining star was undeniably pale in

greedy frog in them had been fed little by little as the days went by, hence the strong desire to own everything. Like the avaricious ministers of the country, they were approaching closer and

and the family honor had always been one; the comprehensive system had included rules that could protect the other members of the family. Thus, they were never neglected despite

all of the elderly family members—the greedy snakes—were present, and beneath the harmonious facade were calculative

make-up room. He hugged his

dress, she wasn’t able to return the hug, so she crouched down to stroke his head. Her eyes were smitten with warmth as she gazed at the face that resembled

love me together forever!” There was no reason for him to be upset, as he wished to have a younger sibling

in every industry thanks to the family’s influence, a shining star was

Elliot in the future? When the time comes, will he be crushed by the weight of the responsibilities he has to

intelligence and capability, it would be a no-brainer for him to get a decent job like a doctor

arms before giving him a kiss

Jared sensed the tinge of sorrow in

haven’t hugged you these last few days.” She gently

a staff member came in to

the page

you.” Anastasia pecked his

walked into the room. It was Kendra and