Never Too Far Novel

“Young Master, I’d recommend you to undergo a check-up in the hospital when you have the time. You recently returned from abroad, after all. You should get your body checked,” Johnny suggested.

Meanwhile, Arthur furrowed his brows, suddenly feeling that his memories were a little jumbled up; he couldn’t grasp a certain fragment of it. “I’m going to make a move. I don’t feel so good.”

“Alright, Young Master Weiss,” Johnny saw him to the door.

On his way back to the manor, Arthur kept seeing flashing images in his head, but he couldn’t grasp what any of them were. Frustrated, he grabbed his phone to check the time, only to find a picture of an unfamiliar young woman set as his home screen background. Who in the world pulled this kind of prank? He frowned.

Arthur stared at the picture of the radiant young woman for a few seconds before entering his phone settings to switch the background into his preferred dark tone.

Arthur happened to see Emily approaching in his direction when he returned to the manor. At that, he stopped in his tracks and looked for a couple of seconds, allowing many memories of him and Emily to flash across his mind. However, these memories held no significance to him.

Emily stayed for dinner, and her heart raced when she watched Arthur walk down the stairs and into the dining room. She also noticed something surprising about him—his former sense of nobility and aloofness had returned to him.

This feeling felt different from the one in the morning. Though he also treated her with indifference earlier, the aura he was emitting at the dining table right now was completely different.

Martha, too, was surprised by Arthur’s expression, and she thought there was a change in his attitude toward her.

“Artie, are you okay?” she asked with concern.

“I’m fine,” he answered before getting up. “I’m going to deal with some work.”

Emily looked at Arthur, feeling rather aggrieved at that. Just when I thought I’d have the chance to talk to him!

Sometime later, Martha decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Arthur after Emily left. At the very least, she had to find out what he thought about marriage.

“Artie, I hope you can give your marriage some thought during tomorrow’s succession ceremony. You’re not getting any younger, after all.” Martha spoke after taking a seat on the lavish couch.

“You can decide on my behalf, Grandma.” Arthur’s eyes turned warmer as he shut his laptop.

“I can’t do that. You have to pick the woman you want to live with for the rest of your life yourself. Tell me, is there a lady you fancy?” Martha could only probe as she couldn’t disclose the fact that she had met Sophia in private to him.

Arthur narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment. “Emily’s alright.”

“Emily?” Martha was slightly stumped. “Are you saying you want to marry Emily?”

“She’s suited to be my wife.” Arthur nodded. “Emily, it is!”

Martha was dumbfounded. Did Artie break up with Sophia? The bodyguards reported that they’ve already moved in together, and he was even reluctant to come back. Why would he suddenly decide to let Emily become his wife?

“Artie, I won’t intervene too much on your own happiness. You can just tell me who it is that you like. I won’t object to it.” Martha had thought it through when she came back this time around. She had never seen Arthur care about a woman so much as he had with Sophia. After mulling over it, she decided that her grandson’s happiness was more important than family honor.

This time, it was Arthur’s turn to be surprised. “Is there someone more suitable to be my wife than Emily?”

Stumped, Martha couldn’t believe Arthur wouldn’t even mention Sophia. It seemed that he had decided to think of the greater good and marry their kind.

Of course, Emily’s father was a notable employee of the Weiss Family as well. It would be easier for them to manage things if Emily was married into their family, so Martha naturally approved of this.

“Are you certain it’s Emily? If you are, I’ll announce your engagement tomorrow, and we’ll hold a wedding in a few days. What do you say?” Martha looked toward her grandson.

“Sure, we’ll do that.” Arthur didn’t have a single problem with it. To him, it wasn’t important who his wife was.

Martha, on the other hand, was now certain her grandson had broken up with Sophia. Perhaps he had also taken into consideration that she wasn’t the right person for him.

“Alright, if that’s what you have decided on.”

With that, Martha walked away. Arthur looked out of the window at the night sky, then grabbed his phone with vexation and opened the photo album as he thought his memory of recent events was blurry. It felt as though he had slept for a long time and had a vague dream, which was absolutely unfathomable.

As soon as he opened the photo album, the picture of that mysterious young woman appeared again, and it wasn’t just that picture. There were many pictures of her from different angles and of her smiling, pouting, making faces, and even looking all innocent and adorable at the camera. Who had secretly taken pictures of this woman using his phone?

Who is she? Why is she on my phone? Why is she reacting so naturally in front of the camera? Also, who used my phone to take pictures of her? It dawned on him that he had no memory of any of it.

At that, he stared at this young woman while trying to recollect whatever encounters he had with her. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t pull her out from any of his memories.

Having said that, this young woman did catch his fancy, and her smile was really lovely.

As for her name, he really had no recollection of it, so he decided not to waste his time on this and deleted the pictures. However, just as he was about to do so, a thought held him back.

He had a feeling these photos held a certain significance to him. Plus, they didn’t take up much of his phone storage, so he just left them as they were.

Meanwhile, Martha made a call after going downstairs, instructing all who served Arthur to never mention Sophia in front of him ever again, lest the young man regretted his decision to marry Emily.

Drowsiness hit Arthur right then, and he fell asleep the second he hit the pillow. This actually had to do with the spiked water he drank earlier, for it contained sedative substances.

By the time Arthur woke up, it was already noon the following day. As the succession ceremony was set to be held in the afternoon, he was somewhat annoyed at himself when he stirred. I can’t believe I nearly missed the ceremony.

The Jennings had arrived at this time, and Johnny implicitly asked about Arthur. In the end, he and his wife got a piece of exciting news.

Arthur had decided to marry their daughter and would even announce their engagement on this day. Then, they would hold a wedding in a few days.

Naturally, Emily was the happiest to receive such news; little did she think that she would have the chance to become the young mistress of the Weiss Family. Better yet, Arthur was the one who requested to marry her.

The other guests who had arrived all congratulated her in advance. It didn’t come as a surprise for them that Emily could marry Arthur, for Johnny had made distinctive contributions to the Weiss Family’s biotech company.

Following the commencement of the succession ceremony in the afternoon, Arthur unsurprisingly became the patriarch of the Weiss Family, and he now had the final say in everything. Meanwhile, Martha decided to step down, leaving everything in Arthur’s hands while she lived the rest of her life in peace and quiet.

During the succession ceremony, Martha personally announced Emily to be Arthur’s wife and that the wedding would be held in a week’s time.

“Ma’am, should we notify everyone on the guest list?” the butler couldn’t help asking in the hall.

“Yes. This is a huge celebration. Don’t miss out on anyone. By the way, Artie has two close friends. They must be notified.”

“Understood, ma’am.”

Martha made sure that Elliot and Richard were notified of their best friend’s wedding.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Elliot had just exited his office at 4.00PM to pick up his dear wife down in Bourgeois when his phone rang. He took a gander to find it was an international call.

Elliot answered the call. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Mr. Elliot Presgrave?”

“Speaking. To whom am I speaking?” Elliot asked courteously.

After introducing himself, the caller then brought a piece of news that surprised Elliot. Artie’s getting married this Saturday?!

“Alright, I’ll definitely be there.” At that, Elliot couldn’t help asking, “Pardon me for asking, but may I know the name of the bride?”

“She is Miss Emily Jennings, the daughter of the Weiss Family’s prominent biologist.”

“Alright, please tell Arthur I said hi.” Elliot waited until the caller replied before hanging up, then entered the elevator with his phone in his hand.

I thought Sophia would surely be his wife, but to think that he’ll be marrying someone else. This sure is unexpected.

Meanwhile, in Bourgeois, Anastasia began sorting out the documents piled up on her desk soon after her meeting ended. While she was preoccupied, a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” she said.

When she realized the person behind the door was her beloved and not Grace, Anastasia couldn’t help propping her chin up with a beam. Then, she looked at him with adoration. “What brings you here?”

On the other hand, Elliot removed his suit jacket, put it on the couch, then went behind her to massage her shoulders, helping her relax her muscles. Anastasia leaned partially against him while enjoying it, taking in her beloved’s love and care.

“I got a call from Artie’s family informing me to attend his wedding this coming Saturday,” Elliot mentioned the call he got earlier.

“So soon?” Anastasia looked up at him with surprise.

However, a hint of resignation laced Elliot’s voice. “Sophia’s not the bride.”

Anastasia’s smile froze in an instant. Disbelief very quickly enveloped her face as she thought, How is it not Sophia?! They’re so in love!

“How can this be? Why isn’t it Sophia? Have they broken up? It’s only been a few days since the banquet, and Arthur’s already marrying another woman?! What’s going to happen to Sophia then?” Anastasia rambled on.

Elliot, too, thought it was unlike Arthur to do something like this. The man he knew was definitely not a womanizer.

arrangements. The woman he’s marrying

isn’t being kept in the dark, is she?” Anastasia truly felt bad

naturally sided with the woman and thought Arthur was

to tell

she’s kept in the dark while still hoping that Arthur would come around?!” Anastasia bit her lower lip and made a decision. “I’m

go over to her place. Pick Jared up, will you? I’ll come

it, for he couldn’t defend his brother from another mother too much on this, lest he

latter called Sophia asking where she was and if they

so the former said she was at home and later sent

the corner, Sophia. Why don’t you come

complex and entered the domineering black sedan that she realized Anastasia was joining

in Sophia, Anastasia immediately knew

Young Master Weiss?”

flew back for a

tell you when he’ll

after he’s done dealing with his family’s affairs.” Sophia’s

go home

it couldn’t be denied that he was a

in the car. I have an urgent matter with Sophia.” Anastasia decided the two of them should

the car, Anastasia and Sophia entered the cafe. While the former was ordering,

as it seemed that Anastasia

you want to talk to me about?” Sophia felt bad about it. She was supposed to be Anastasia’s assistant, but she

between you and Young Master Weiss?” Anastasia

bashfully in response.

where you

“He’s met my parents, and he said he’ll

he doing, marrying someone else as soon as he goes back to Flor? He can’t possibly be thinking of having two families

was innocent. This

you might come as a shock to you. Promise me you’ll stay calm and don’t freak out, okay?”

“Alright.” Sophia nodded.

4.00PM, inviting him to attend Arthur’s wedding in Flor this coming

in Sophia’s hand slipped and fell onto the table with a

some paper napkins to stop the coffee from spilling further, then

already formed in Sophia’s eyes when she looked

“It is. I thought you’d be the bride, but Elliot confirmed it’s

lips as tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls of a broken string. She didn’t want to embarrass herself in public,

Arthur would have a future together, to hear that he would be marrying as soon as he went home was still unbearable, so much so that it suffocated her.

paper napkin and went to her

she obviously knew telling Sophia this would break her heart. However, she was even less willing to see Sophia be kept in the dark. At least, it would

I…” Sophia choked on her words, and she couldn’t even

to her on the couch.

only made her feel worse. She couldn’t figure out why Arthur would leave that letter for her and why he would give her such expectations, telling her that he would only

marry someone else, why would he behave so passionately and tenderly all those nights? Why would his

didn’t fake it, nor was he

clearly loved her, but why would he suddenly marry someone else? It’s Emily, isn’t it? she thought. She’s Old Madam Weiss’ number one pick for

the wedding? I… I want to give him my blessings.” Despite being overwhelmed with sorrow, she still wanted to attend Arthur’s

pains to promise, “Anastasia, I promise I’ll just watch. I swear I won’t cause any trouble… I just want to see him get married.

fixed Sophia’s hair, her heart aching for this poor and heartbroken soul. “Sophia, I don’t think you should go. You’ll only

having a future with him. I know I don’t belong in his future. Now that he’s getting married, I’m not asking for much; I just want to see him. It might even help me

for a moment before saying, “Why don’t you think about it overnight? If you really want to go, you can

because she was a little weak at the knees, she had to

keep the woman

the mansion, after the father and son shared dinner together, Jared went to practice piano while Elliot went to the balcony for

Arthur’s wedding. Would Arthur, his brother from another mother, ask his family butler to inform him of something as

not even have the time to make a call? Knowing Arthur, he would

this made any sense. Just then, his ringtone sounded,

Richard,” Elliot answered the

you?” Richard asked on the other

this afternoon. What

busy do you think that dude is to ask someone else to inform us of

wondering the same thing. This isn’t

us, he likes to share the most. He

will you be heading

as I’m done with the things at hand. I want to verify some things myself.” As a bachelor, Richard was a man of

me know

the three of us. I heard Artie got involved in biotech after his parents passed from illness.

thought so too. “Alright, you go ahead.

then, he noticed that a car had driven in. With that, he put his phone

sitting dazedly on the couch as if something was weighing

couch and leaned forward, wrapping his arms around

told Sophia everything. She got really sad, and I could see that she truly

also see from the banquet last time that his best friend was

this time had been

you could as a friend, so leave

Sophia said that she wants to come with us to Arthur’s wedding, and I

“If Artie really wronged

for a look, and she won’t cause any trouble. I think she only wants to witness his wedding without doing anything that’ll cross the line. Can’t we bring her along?” Anastasia

matter—Arthur’s abnormal behavior. If something really

letter Arthur had prepared before he left, and he had

feelings he had for her. If this were

from himself. As such, she wanted to attend his wedding

their relationship before she completely gave up and forfeited everything related to him. Then, she’d start all

wouldn’t be taking his son to Flor. This time, both he and Richard felt that something was off, and

leading their son out of the

about so early in the

to bring him along

little stunned. “Why not?” Arthur was their son’s godfather, so

himself; it was his steward instead. Based on this fact alone, I know there’s something wrong. I think something might have happened to Artie’s wedding

reminded of this, Anastasia also felt that something was amiss. Arthur had been too cold and cruel when he ended things with Sophia. Throughout their relationship, Sophia’s love was completely humble. She didn’t ask for a future

agree

him on a tour around the world

nodded. “That’s good. We can

to be included as

Elliot’s plane took off. A dark gray private plane shimmered in the night sky above the international airport, exuding

had arrived. She picked up the pieces of her broken heart and was now boarding as

and Sophia could work

to do anything rash no matter what happened. Sophia was still young, and her

the outside. Her only reason for going was to seek for an answer, and once she received it, she would completely forget about Arthur before going home to

up at the parking lot outside the villa. Soon, a tall and upright figure opened the door and got out of the car. He

and well-defined features was a pair of

Mr. Lloyd. The guest bedroom is over here.” The

your young master? I want to

preparing for the wedding these days, and he’s also quite swamped tonight. I’ll inform

Richard frowned slightly. “Alright.”

into the guest room prepared beforehand, and an attendant immediately came over to serve dinner. He was told to take a good rest at night, which meant that

figure disappeared behind his window like a fleeting shadow despite the

master bedroom where Arthur would be in. He had been here before, and he was quite familiar with the place. He passed by a dark garden and finally arrived at the window which was still illuminated by the lights within. He positioned himself

still awake. Arthur wore a black nightgown as he swirled the glass of wine in his hand which was meant to aid with sleep. His dark hair drooped and covered his full forehead, whereas his exposed features were

then, he keenly sensed that there was someone

jumped through

him enter, he dropped his guard, but he wasn’t too surprised

to be greeted warmly by his best friend, while his highest expectation was to receive a hug from him. However, he never expected Arthur to just greet him so

was no better than getting abandoned by

Richard asked right away. He wanted

Arthur raised an eyebrow as he

a huge event, but you merely asked your steward to inform me about it. Are you so busy that you can’t even take time to call me and

him, confused. “Would you only come if

“You know, I was in such a rush and delayed everything else to come and see you. I was worried

the glass, the coldness in his eyes still unrelenting as if nothing in this world could

a good beating so that Arthur could stop acting so aloof. By then, perhaps Arthur would be reminded of

Richard sat up on the bed and looked at Arthur, who exuded a

to me?” Arthur looked at him, feeling slightly bored. Then, he stood up and said, “It’s getting late. You should go back and

He stared right into the latter’s eyes as if he were trying to find the truth

stunned by his actions, so he pushed him

with Arthur, but he couldn’t put a finger on it. Arthur

With that, Richard leaped out of the window. Arthur frowned, but he didn’t give Richard another

feel anything weird about himself these days, but everyone around him noticed the changes in him. He had become more indifferent, and even when faced with things he should be