Never Too Far Novel

That amused Julian. “I thought you were a thief.”

“I didn’t mean it. My friend was arguing with your fans and she shoved me by accident, so I grabbed onto you. Your bodyguards scared me, so I yanked the necklace off,” she explained sheepishly.

Julian sat down and rested his chin on his hand. He thought she was cute when she explained things. As the older sister, Queenie was calm and collected, while as the younger sister, Jessie was adorable.

“It’s alright. I don’t blame you.” He even poured some tea for her, much to her surprise.

Jessie stood up.

Just then, someone opened the door. Before Jessie could tell what was going on, someone dashed toward her and gave her a big hug. “You’re my sister, Jessie. You’re my sister!” It was Queenie. She was crying tears of joy.

Jessie’s eyes went wide with surprise. She couldn’t believe Queenie was her actual sister. “Y-You’re actually my sister?” She held Queenie’s shoulder and gave the crying Queenie a tissue.

“Yes, I’m your sister. Dad and Mom have been waiting for you to come home.” Queenie was sobbing. Words couldn’t describe how she felt. Back when her fake sister came back, she did feel happy, but it wasn’t like how she felt now. She truly felt connected to Jessie.

Jessie started crying as well. She muttered under her breath, “I finally found my family.”

The gentlemen were moved by the reunion as well, and they exchanged a look. This was one of the best things that could happen to someone.

“We’ve been searching for you. For twenty years.” Queenie found it hard to calm down. Tears were still streaming down her cheeks.

Nigel quickly helped her sit down and wiped her tears with some tissue, but Queenie was wiping off Jessie’s tears instead. “We’ll go home in a couple of days. You can see Dad and Mom.”

“Okay.” Jessie nodded through sobs. She yearned for family and familial love. Now that she knew she wasn’t abandoned, she felt a surge of warmth in her heart to know her family had always been looking for her.

Julian rested his chin on his hand. His gaze was fixed on Jessie’s face for a long time.

Queenie finally calmed down a little. Everyone must be hungry. She smiled. “Let’s eat. Don’t starve yourself.”

Before she made any order, Queenie would ask Jessie if she liked it. She wanted to know if Jessie was allergic to anything, but fortunately, Jessie was no picky eater, nor was she allergic to anything. She never came to restaurants as expensive as this one before.

“I’m fine with anything, Queenie.” Jessie was starting to get reliant on Queenie. She was her sister. Her family.

The gentlemen said nothing and let the ladies do whatever they wanted. As Nigel watched Queenie taking care of Jessie, he thought, She will be a wonderful mother. And he was relieved as well. Now that Jessie was found, Queenie would no longer have to worry about the search. We can finally hold the wedding.

A sense of achievement welled within Julian’s heart. He found Queenie’s long-lost sister. I should have seen her last night, but it was dark, and I got annoyed because I thought she was a fan. Good thing she tore my necklace off. Thanks to that, we met again this morning.

If she hadn’t done that, he would have missed her. Even though they were in the same industry, he might never see her again. She was a stuntwoman who could never show her face on camera. Even if Queenie could find her, it would take a while. For some reason, he thought fate guided him to this meeting. Of all nights he could lose his necklace, it had to be the night she showed up, and she even took it with her, which led to this meeting.

“Are you still working, Jessie? I’d like you to meet Dad and Mom as soon as possible,” Queenie asked.

Well, I crossed Mabel. I can’t be her stuntwoman anymore, so I’ll quit tomorrow. I don’t care about the money. I want to see my family. “I’ll quit my job tomorrow and go home with you,” Jessie answered.

Julian arched his eyebrow. “You don’t have to work as a stuntwoman anymore. If you like this industry, you can work with me. I’ll show you the ropes,” he said languidly.

There was excitement and gratitude in Jessie’s eyes. She nodded. “I love acting.”

Even though she had been nothing but a stuntwoman for years, she still had a passion for acting. Every time she showed up, she put her heart and soul into it. Even though all the viewers could see was her back, she would still give it her all.

She would have joined the industry if not for the dark side of it. Thanks to her skills, she managed to stay around. A lot of directors loved to hire her due to her industrious attitude and cheap rates.

“We’re counting on you, Julian. Take care of her.” Nigel patted his friend’s shoulder. He was entrusting Jessie to him.

Julian nodded. “Of course.”

“Thank you, Julian. I’d love for her to be a big star.” Queenie smiled. We’ll give her the best of what we have.

Jessie blushed. She pursed her lips and answered humbly, “That’s a big dream. I’d already be happy with being able to act.”

“And you’ll get all the roles you want if you work with him. He’s the darling of the industry.” Nigel laughed.

Queenie froze for a moment. Julian was a mysterious man, and nobody knew what he did before he debuted. Now that she had the chance, Queenie asked, “So what’s his family business?”

“Stardom Corporation’s boss is his brother.”

The ladies exchanged a look of surprise. None of them expected Julian to be a part of Stardom Corporation. That was the top multinational entertainment company in the nation and one of the best entertainment companies around.

Julian smiled humbly. “My brother’s the reason Stardom got so far. I’m just an employee working for him.”

Wow. An award-winning actor calling himself an employee. “Can you get Jessie a spot in Stardom? We’d love for her to be a part of your company,” Queenie said.

Julian answered without hesitation, “Sure. She can work in Stardom.”

Jessie was still a little bemused. Whoa. I was just a stuntwoman a while ago, and now I’m a part of Stardom. Every celebrity would kill to get a spot in that place.

“Don’t worry, Jessie. You have our full support,” Queenie added. Yep. She’s my sister. I can give her everything, even if it means I have nothing. I never felt the same way with that fake.

Jessie teared up. She was moved, and it felt good to be spoiled. She nodded. “I’ll do my best.” Her phone rang, and she looked at it. “It’s the director. I need to take this call.”

Jessie left the room to take the call. As expected, her director hissed, “Mabel told me you’re too good for us now. If you want to leave, leave.”

“Sorry, sir. I can’t keep going on now, yeah.”

“Oh, someone got herself a new boss. Bigger and better, I assume?” the director remarked sarcastically.

“I’m sorry.”

“If you leave halfway through, I won’t pay you.”

“I know. I won’t be coming tomorrow, then.” She hung up and heaved a sigh of relief. From now on, I don’t have to bow down to anyone. From now on, I can confidently say no to the things I don’t want to do.

That night, Jessie checked out of the hotel and packed her stuff. Lexie was reluctant to see her go, and Jessie gave her a few gifts before she said goodbye. We can still keep in touch.

She returned to the hotel and stayed in the same room as Queenie. The ladies sat on the sofa and started chatting. Queenie wanted to know how Jessie grew up. After Jessie went missing, she was taken to an orphanage. Fortunately, it was run by a kind director. She watched over her like a mother. After she graduated high school, Jessie started working to repay her debt of gratitude.

“Madam Yancy is nice to me. Aside from the poverty and lack of college education, I grew up happily.” She smiled.

But Queenie felt a strong sense of guilt. Her heart went out to her sister. Unlike her, Jessie never had the love and wealth the Silversteins showered on Queenie. Instead of chasing her dreams, Jessie was forced to drop out of school and work. Queenie held her sister in her embrace.

Jessie leaned on her chest. She consoled, “Don’t feel sad for me, Queenie. My life was never really hard.”

There were tears in Jessie’s eyes as well, but there was also determination. The environment she grew up in sculpted her into a tough person.

“From now on, anything you want, I’ll help you with it,” Queenie promised.

“I don’t need anything. I just want to stay with you, Dad, and Mom. And I wanna take care of the orphanage and have a job that I like. That’s enough for me,” Jessie said. She was not a greedy person. That was all she wanted.

Queenie had told their parents to come home as soon as possible, and their reply finally came back. Since she said it was urgent, Brandon told her they would be flying home that night. “Dad and Mom’s coming home. I didn’t tell them about you in case they got too excited. But I’d like to take you home and surprise them.”

“Of course.” Jessie nodded.

The sisters chatted until two in the morning. They would have kept going, but they had a flight to board the next day and health was a concern.

Jessie was lying on the soft bed, still awake. She sat up and stared at the moon outside. It had been a long time since she lost sleep. Everything that happened today felt like a dream.

They had breakfast early the next morning. Nigel’s plane was already waiting for them, and Julian would like to return to Averna for a while. He only came to this town for a little break, but now he wanted to be with his friends.

They got to the airport and boarded the flight. The ladies chatted happily at first, but their lack of sleep caught up with them and they slowly dozed off.

Queenie leaned on Nigel’s shoulder and fell asleep a while later, while Jessie was resting her head on the armrest of the sofa. The air stewardess came by and covered them with some blankets.

Julian was sitting beside Jessie. Though he was reading a book, he couldn’t help but notice the beautiful face that was just within his range of sight.

were scattered across her gentle, attractive features. Julian’s heart stirred

he put his book down and glanced at Nigel, who was taking a nap

only one who had

her fright, her hands scrambled to grab onto something and ended up grabbing onto

just a bit of turbulence.” Julian patted Jessie

yet. She squeezed her eyes shut and started

between them and asked Jessie, “Are you

paralyzed with fear right now and couldn’t calm down despite knowing

out and held

her arms around him shyly and closed her eyes as she buried her head against his chest. The scent of him that she took in

two of them in an embrace. All of

think about it, it’d be great if

them would become

like I’ll have to

Jessie scuttled away from Julian feeling

felt a pang when the warmth in his arms

asking where she was the moment

and not

What’s the important matter that you mentioned?” Brandon

once I get home.” Queenie evaded the question before reminding them yet again, “Remember not to

in Averna as well, but she used to live in an orphanage on the poorer side of town. In fact, she didn’t

and business district. Silverstein Residence

only the other three who were heading

home. Although Maggie was

had given their youngest daughter, but now

name Bonnie anymore if our youngest

agreement, but he wondered, When

more years do we have? Ten? Twenty? What if we never get to see her again? I won’t

Maggie on the back to console her. “Don’t think about that. I’m sure our youngest daughter’s fine, wherever she

to spiritual beliefs to relieve her aching soul, yet no matter

maid came running over. “Mr. and Mrs. Silverstein, Miss Queenie is

I wonder what’s the important thing that she insisted on telling us

about the engagement,” Maggie suggested. We should start

into the driveway. Meanwhile, inside the car, Queenie turned to Jessie and

Queenie was trying

and stared at the couple in front of her. She did her best to hold back all the emotions inside of her as

up and tell us what’s going on. You’ve made us so anxious!” Maggie grumbled

on. Queenie, when did your hair get so long? When did you

exclaimed, “How did your hair grow so fast? Also,

other side. Queenie stepped out and called

stared in disbelief at the two identical young women standing in front of them. At last, it was

at Jessie. Tears welled up

to the news, but she didn’t expect them to be so overwhelmed. She came over and threw her arm around Jessie’s shoulders. “Mom. Dad, I found my little sister. We already

her arms around Jessie as she exclaimed with joy, “My daughter! My

and watched them with a smile. His eyes grew a little misty at the sight of the

lot. Where have you been all these years? Did anyone mistreat you? Quick, tell me everything.” Throughout all these years, Maggie avoided reading news of child trafficking as her heart would break even at the

her daughter had been hurt and mistreated in the same way. Thus, now that her long-lost

shook her head and assured Maggie, “I didn’t have to suffer

to hear that. She couldn’t take her eyes off Jessie. The thought of the imposter pretending to be her daughter made her feel even

and asked frantically, “Queenie, how did you find your

to usher her parents into the house. “Mom. Dad. Let’s talk inside. Jessie’s home now.

parents in on everything that happened the past two days. Brandon

Maggie declared gratefully. “We need to take him out for a meal sometime. We

a meal with all of us sometime soon!” Nigel agreed with a smile. He was more than happy

kind, motherly figure who treated Jessie well. Although the orphanage was poor, Jessie’s childhood had been filled

saying that Brandon and Maggie were determined to thank the director at the orphanage. They were also going to provide as much help as they

this while as if she was making up for the lost time. Jessie could sense the love her parents had for her,

life. She felt a weight lifted off her shoulders after

Silverstein couple couldn’t wait to refurbish a room for Jessie. The one that Bonnie used had been turned into

Jessie to stay in that room either. They didn’t want their precious daughter to be tainted by the

and Maggie’s permission, Queenie filled Jessie in on everything that

to be me and leeched off the family? She even spent over a

outcome. She was back now. No one could use her identity

was as

youngest daughter had truly come home

lovely name,” Maggie remarked

right off the tongue. From

to see both our daughters marry and start their own families. I’m sure

too. They stayed up talking until the

the next

one of Queenie’s dresses. When she came downstairs, the maid couldn’t recognize who she was and

and chuckled. “It’s

Jessie, you and Miss Queenie are so similar. I couldn’t

fine.” Jessie smiled. She was an easygoing

had to stare for a few moments before recognizing that she

over here, Jessie,” Maggie called out to

Maggie admired her

have discussed things and we want to hold a dinner party. We want to invite all of our family

want to meet my other relatives

then. We’ll hold it tomorrow night,” Maggie

talked to Nigel and confirmed that she and her family were going to have

daughter was blushing hard. Mom, do you know that Mr. Gilmore is the biggest celebrity in the industry? It’s

asked Nigel to invite him,” Queenie assured with a smile. She was certain that Nigel

I want to take Jessie to the mall.” Queenie wanted to

Jessie to the boutique and pick out an evening gown for her,”

will.” Queenie linked arms with Jessie.

and their parents were grinning ear to

Mrs. Silverstein! Your daughters are so beautiful. I’m sure they’ll find wonderful husbands

ears. Now that Queenie had found her life partner, they looked forward to

had the guts to step into these sorts of boutiques. It was her first time today, and Queenie kept getting her to try on all of the dresses she had only seen on the hottest actresses. Queenie bought everything

an eye, the two assistants who came out with the two

let’s stop. We don’t need to

enough. Let’s continue.” Queenie dragged Jessie off to another boutique and the sisters spent another hour shopping before they went for lunch. After lunch, Queenie brought Jessie to a boutique to try on evening gowns, and once that was over, they stopped by the spa for some

Jessie liked Julian but was too afraid to even

man she liked, so she supported Jessie’s acting career. One day, Jessie would reach the pinnacle of success, and she would be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Julian as a highly acclaimed actress in

herself, and she would be able

it her all to

Jessie, both Brandon and Maggie started tearing up again.

Dad, we’re ready,”

“Great. Let’s go!”

family of four drove off happily with Brandon in the driver’s seat, Maggie in the front passenger seat, and the two sisters together in the

into the car with him. No one knew that the award-winning actor was actually a homebody who had a relatively simple life outside of filming.

big deal out of thanking me? I didn’t do anything!” Julian felt a

home anyway, so you might as well have dinner with us,” Nigel shot

that Julian enjoyed hanging out

they arrived at the hotel, Nigel texted Queenie. The two men had arrived first but the Silversteins were soon arriving too, so the men decided to wait for them at

hotel. He parked the car beside Nigel’s and the

of them was Queenie, and Julian did the same with Jessie as well. Though

the same age, Queenie gave off an air of maturity, whereas Jessie had a cuter,

her parents to notice her reaction. In the past, she thought of him as the unattainable man who was way out of her league, but now, she was going to have dinner with him, and she

that made

no matter what he wore. Tonight, he was

Nigel. She wanted to hug him,

be Julian Gilmore! My, my! What a fine young man you are!” Maggie swiftly went forward to

and kindness from her. He nodded and smiled.

us find Jessie, Julian. Who knows when we would’ve reunited with her if it hadn’t

met Miss Silverstein by coincidence too.” Julian didn’t dare to take credit for it as he hadn’t been all that