Never Too Far Novel

Willow hugged her mother and smiled sweetly.

“Mom, did you know my future sister-in-law is the sister of the guy who donated his heart to Jared?!” Willow couldn’t help asking as she didn’t hear Anastasia bring the topic up the entire journey.

On the other hand, Anastasia was stunned by the revelation. “What? Really?!”

“Yeah!” Willow affirmed. “Jared told me on the road. I thought he would’ve told you guys!”

At that, Anastasia pondered for a quick second. Knowing Jared, he would certainly bring it up.

As for why he didn’t, it wasn’t that he had forgotten but that he wanted to introduce Ellen solemnly when they officially met. It was an intentional move. That said, Anastasia was pleasantly surprised that Jared’s beloved was the donor’s sister. Though 18 years had passed since the car accident, Anastasia’s heart constricted every time she was reminded of the incident.

Hence, the Presgraves had always been grateful to the family. Even when so many years had passed, they would help the family out whenever the latter needed it. But who’d have thought Jared one-upped them and gave himself to the family?!

“She’s our family’s savior and also a future member of our family.” Anastasia had already acknowledged Ellen even though she had yet to meet the young woman.

What the Reisses did for them was something they could never repay.

“Yeah!” Willow was on cloud nine, too. We’ll be having a new addition to the family! No, wait. Two additions! Nearly forgot my unborn nephew. Oops!

Following that, Anastasia brought the fact up with Elliot, and the man, too, was lost for words. He wasn’t sure why Jared would hide this from them, but he knew there must be a good reason.

“Do you want to take a nap? You barely slept the entire journey,” Elliot suggested lovingly.

Anastasia was indeed feeling a little tired. At that, she checked the time to find it was only 2:30PM, a few hours away from their dinner booking. She could take a nap.

“Nap with me, then,” Anastasia asked her dear husband; she could fall asleep faster with him around. As such, Elliot followed Anastasia back to their room.

As Willow had always studied abroad, she spent little time within the country. That said, she made many friends. When she came out to the yard, she bumped into a bodyguard opening the trunk for a large Doberman to dash out. However, it appeared very alarmed as this was unfamiliar ground to it.

“Duke,” Willow called out with a beam, and the canine immediately ran to her and circled her happily. Meanwhile, Willow cupped its head and petted him affectionately.

Duke was a member of the family. As it had been six years since the Doberman came into their lives, it had long become a part of the family and played an important role in their lives.

“Do you miss me?”

“Woof!”

“This is our home,” Willow introduced. “I’ll find you a spot for your bed, but don’t run around, okay?”

Duke gazed at Willow as though it understood her, then ran happily for a few circles before following Willow into the house.

…

Jared, on the other hand, had returned to Ellen, who was taking a nap in the master bedroom right then; she was honestly really lethargic. Meanwhile, Jared tiptoed to her side and watched her sleep. He didn’t have the heart to wake her up, and there was still plenty of time. No rush. Let her have a good nap.

One reason Jared didn’t tell his parents about Ellen’s identity was due to the complicated arrangements. Plus, she never received a sliver of his family’s kindness and was instead bullied and neglected by the Aguirres. Hence, even if his parents were grateful for Ellen, she never received warmth in her life in the past. At the end of the day, he decided to find a good time to bring this up with his parents after they returned.

Now, the Presgraves weren’t only grateful for Ellen because of her brother’s generosity and because she was willing to give them a progeny.

In actuality, Jared didn’t want her to suffer such torment, but Ellen was anticipating the growth and arrival of their little one every day now, even though she started off rather lost and overwhelmed.

Ellen woke up naturally at 4.30PM, but she was still startled when she opened her eyes. Shoot, what time is it?!

Just as she was frantically getting out of bed, the man on the couch reassured her gently. “Take it easy. It’s still early.”

Seeing that Jared had returned, she heaved a sigh of relief. “What time is it? Have I overslept?”

“Four-thirty. The dinner reservation my parents got is at six. We have plenty of time,” said Jared as he sat next to her and draped her jacket over her shoulder. It was already winter, and it felt a little chilly when she had just woken up.

At the thought that she was going to meet his parents, and that she was the only one remaining in her family, Ellen couldn’t help feeling sad.

“From now on, you’re a Presgrave too. We will be your loving family,” Jared comforted her. He immediately knew what was running through her head when he saw the bitterness in her eyes.

With that, the sliver of bitterness in Ellen’s heart was driven away. “Okay!” She nodded while leaning in his arms. “And I will be your dutiful wife.”

At 5.00PM, the Presgraves headed to the restaurant. They had come in advance to wait for Jared and Ellen’s arrival.

Meanwhile, in New Town, Jared and Ellen had also departed under the bodyguards’ escort.

Back in the restaurant’s private room, Elliot and Willow were discussing her future, and he enjoined her about thinking twice when she wanted to go anywhere dangerous. As she interacted with antiques, Elliot worried that his precious baby girl would get curious and follow others into a graveyard. That was very, very alarming.

“Relax, Dad. I wasn’t born yesterday,” Willow said to her father.

However, to Elliot, Willow was a child no matter how old she became, and he wouldn’t feel assured unless he enjoined her anything three times.

After all, he personally raised this little one up. No way was he going to let anyone take advantage of her. However, at the thought that he would eventually have to marry a man, he didn’t feel too happy about it.

“When has your father ever seen you as a big girl?” Anastasia teased.

Willow felt loved. Growing up, she did love to hide behind her father whenever she made a mistake or got into trouble, as he would take care of it every time.

Hence, she knew her father would forever be her strongest support, and it also made her fearless. The more Elliot spoiled her, the more daring she became.

Just then, Jared led Ellen through the door, and the Presgrave couple looked with gentle gazes in their direction at once. Anastasia stood up and greeted Ellen even more so. “Hi, Ellen. I’m Jared’s mother.”

The young woman was awestruck, for she thought it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to assume her future mother-in-law was only a few years older than herself. She looks so young! And she’s absolutely stunning!

“Ellen!” Just then, a sweet, crisp voice rang out beside her, and she found a gorgeous girl greeting her.

Though abashed, she still looked up at Anastasia and greeted, “Hello, Mrs. Presgrave.”

A chuckle escaped Anastasia as she extended her hand out for a handshake. “Just call me ‘Mom’ like Jared does, Ellen. From now on, you’re my other daughter.”

Anastasia’s words truly touched Ellen, and she couldn’t help but well up with emotional tears. “Mom!” she said with a quivering voice; it had been far too long since she had addressed anyone with the word.

“Yes, dear?” Anastasia replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, Willow handed Ellen a paper napkin and said, “Hi, Ellen, I’m Willow.”

“Hi, Willow.” Ellen was immediately in love with her future sister-in-law as well, and as she looked up, she found that her future father-in-law had gotten up from his seat as well. That said, her heart skipped a beat, for it was her first time meeting someone so intimidating.

Elliot had likely caught the young woman’s evasive gaze as he smiled warmly and said, “I’m your father-in-law. Welcome to the family. From now on, I’m your father.”

At that, Ellen raised her head, and her eyes welled up with moving tears once more. The nervousness she had vanished, too, as she called out timidly, “Hello, Dad.”

“This is awesome! We have a new addition to the family! Now our house will become even livelier,” Willow exulted, then recalled something. “Oops, I mean, two additions. I forgot I have a nephew coming.”

Her adorable behavior amused everyone, and the mood was instantly relaxed as everyone guffawed.

Later, everyone took their seats. As Jared behaved very relaxed in front of his family, Ellen eased as well.

“Ellie, you and Jared decide on a date for the wedding tonight. I’ll take you to a wedding service agency tomorrow to learn more about wedding procedures, alright?”

“Sure, Mom.” Ellen nodded.

“Mom, I’ll join you guys,” said Jared before turning to Willow. “You should come with us too. You’re going to be Ellie’s bridesmaid.”

“Okay! What a great honor. It’s my first time being a bridesmaid too!” Willow gushed, then asked, “What about your best man? Have you gotten one?”

“I’m getting my guy to come back from wherever he is, of course,” said Jared. He had a close friend whom he had known since childhood and was also born to the purple. On top of that, he had a quarter of foreign origin.

“It’s Ethan, isn’t it?!” Willow was spot on.

“It is.” Jared nodded, then turned to Ellen. “He’s my closest friend. I’ll introduce you guys to each other when he comes back.”

Ellen nodded in response and thought his friends were likely as outstanding as he was.

“It’s been a while since I last saw Ethan,” Anastasia said with a smile. “It was about three years ago, I think, when you two came home and stayed for two weeks.”

“I heard he’s gone to the North Pole for business. He should be back soon,” Jared added. Ethan’s family was a leading enterprise in shipping, and their business stretched across all major cities of the world. Plus, they also had some business dealings with the Presgraves.

had prepared for her new daughter-in-law. “Ellie, this is a first-meeting gift from me to you. Take a look and see if you like

the box and didn’t even need to guess to know it likely contained jewelry. With that, she

Ellen gushed from the bottom of her heart. While she knew

you,” said Willow, and Ellen felt extremely

told her his mother used to work as a jewelry designer and even had her own listed

you, Mom,”

husband and a father and made him a more responsible and conscientious man,”

and held Ellen’s hand before turning to his mother. “Mom, there’s something I should tell you. Ellen

it. It must be

with Ellen when they were on their

got the 15 million we gave the Aguirres. Not even a portion. They claimed it for themselves. Not only that, they even treated Ellie poorly, making her

father to have a

her the best of everything but left Ellie under the care of a great-aunt. Not only did they neglect her, but they wouldn’t even give

The person who donated their heart was Ellen’s brother. Hence, given the young woman’s

Willow,

fault for not seeing things to the end back then. We

let anyone upset you ever again,” Anastasia promised as she held

you again, bring it up with Jared. Have him fight back,” Willow echoed, causing a chuckle to escape Ellen as she

too, beamed.

you.” Anastasia gazed at Ellen with an aching heart. She was aware that the Aguirres struggled to make ends meet back then. Hence, they gave

the money for themselves and even sent the sister of their savior away. Their

becoming a part of this family is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Ellen treasured everything she had now and was grateful to

and nodded with a smile. “This is

you, Ellen, Jared will make you

This is

Anastasia had Jared take Ellen home to rest early so as to discuss

best wedding date. Ultimately, they settled on the 18th of February as

with fury as the night grew late. She thought the Aguirres were terrible. They had even donated 700 thousand

But now that hearing

will certainly see that

grumbled before going to bed, still

comfort her. “We’re partly responsible as well. It’s our fault for not

right. I’m spoiling this daughter-in-law

dear wife was like. Hence,

…

Anastasia took Willow to a wedding service agency while Jared brought Ellen over. For the

guests who’d be flying over from all over the world. Plus, it was very private. Jared didn’t want to give Ellen a grand wedding so that people would comment on it, but he only wanted to give her

and the most luxurious wedding. After the wedding service agency was certain of the wedding venue, they would provide the young couple with several proposals. As for the details, it would

afternoon, they went to a bridal shop accompanied by Anastasia. Averna had the world’s top-of-the-line bridal shop;

catalog together, with Willow providing suggestions and Ellen making the final call. In the end, they decided on four sets of wedding gowns

had a month to prepare for the wedding, anything that had to be decided early on was

to the company later in the afternoon, so he left his soon-to-be

women had more to

held Ellen’s arm as they followed Anastasia

of the two attendants who stood at the entrance stiffened instantly, for it was none other than Selena. The young woman had gotten a

Ellen just two days into her new job, and it made her absolutely embarrassed. Looking at the beautiful

sized Anastasia up. Can she be the wife of Presgrave Group’s

eyes at that. Ellen has become the Presgraves’ daughter-in-law,

It wasn’t until

inflicted on her. She dreaded the fact that she might run into someone familiar. However,

took the table

to the customers,” the

the tea house, but

“Ma’am.”

the table over there,” demanded the manager

not do

did you say?” The manager thought she heard wrong. She couldn’t believe a new employee dared to bargain with

she

order when Selena came to their table, and Ellen met Selena’s gaze as soon as she looked up. Selena, on

lessen now that Selena was willing to take up a job. At that, she pushed her cup closer to Selena to make it easier

my mom’s company,” said Willow, and Anastasia echoed,

“Thanks, Mom.” Ellen smiled.

to pick at least ten sets. Don’t forget you have

As the water flowed to Anastasia’s leg, she stood up and took a step back reflexively before looking toward this attendant serving

ma’am!” Spooked, Selena hurriedly

away, and the latter hurriedly approached her. “I am so sorry, ma’am. What’s the

and apologized, “I’m so sorry I slipped.” In the end,

she saw Selena calling out to Ellen. “Do you know

uncle, Mom,” Ellen answered, prompting Anastasia to size Selena up. She’s the girl

still fresh here, so I’m still learning.” Selena immediately pulled the pity

Anastasia decided to overlook the

got someone else to serve them, and as Anastasia watched the manager lecture Selena in the corner, she mused, Looks like they only sent her abroad for dignity. She

do you want to invite your uncle and his family to the wedding?” Anastasia asked. She knew it was something she had to check

didn’t want to forgive the Aguirres for

actually thought about it, and she thought it wasn’t morally right if she didn’t invite her uncle. Hence, she nodded. “I’d like to

invitation over. It’ll be up to them whether they want to show up.” Anastasia

the corner not far away, Selena stood gazing in Ellen’s direction with envy and jealousy. However, she couldn’t

Now, she just wanted to live, and judging from what she heard

What have I done to lose to Ellen when I started off so much better

still couldn’t figure out what she had done wrong. Plus, what happened with Charlie trampled her dignity and crushed her confidence, causing the social circle she tried so hard to build to come to nothing. Rather, it became her life’s burden. The balderdash and big talks she made now taunted her, putting her in a state where even she looked down on herself. The path that she didn’t take by herself would eventually send her back to

for a while as he stood in front of

The line connected, and at the same time, howling wind could be heard from

sent you

“Jared, perfect timing!”

would you

snow could be heard as he spoke, worrying Jared instantly. At that, he made it a quick one. “Alright, I’ll just say this.

could’ve at

words concise, for

I promise I’ll come back in

safe!” Jared

to getting the wedding ready. The private island was immediately reserved for three months, becoming a place for the Presgraves to welcome the

out very quickly, too, and Ellen provided them with Connor’s address, which Connor gave her the last time. With that, one

leave, and it sure as

while heaving before knocking on Connor’s door, and the person to answer the door was none other than Connor himself.

you Mr. Connor Aguirre? I’ve been assigned to deliver

Presgrave Family’s invitation?” Connor exclaimed with excitement as he

Reiss. We look forward

sat excitedly on the couch and looked through the invitation. As he read the name, a pang of guilt hit him,

her husband looking at a wedding invitation on the couch, “Who’s getting married this time? Don’t tell

is Ellie’s,”

invitation from him and huffed while looking at the name. “To think that wretched girl is lucky enough

at Connor and asked, “Say, Connor, do you think Ellen invited you or all

guys just stay here. I’ll

I’m her aunt. Why can’t I go? And Lena’s her cousin. She has the right to go too!” Olivia’s life was absolutely miserable now. There was no way she would miss out on such an event.

was insistent. “You just stay here.” He didn’t want to bring his wife along because he didn’t want to upset Ellen. Actually, even he felt

do you mean I stay?! Well, I’m going, and

Selena came in listlessly. Seeing that her parents were arguing again, she exasperated, “Do you two have to yell at each

stopped her.

walked away. She couldn’t even be bothered to

Ellen’s wedding,” Olivia revealed, causing Selena to immediately turn around just as she was about to step into her bedroom. “Ellen’s wedding? She’s getting married? Let me see!” she demanded as she charged

focused on the bride and groom that they didn’t take a

private island. Dad, can we go?” Selena turned excited at once. She absolutely needed a high-end event like this to relax,

Olivia snatched the card

questioningly at her father, who was in a dilemma. Should he really take his wife and daughter

Ellen a call? Cajole her and see that she’ll allow Lena and me to attend.” Olivia was dying to go to the

would never get a second chance to have fun on a private island. Hence, they had to go, even if they

call before anybody makes a final decision. I’ll see if Ellen will welcome you guys,” said

glanced at each other. Right then, they wanted nothing more than for Ellen to say yes. That said, they felt just as guilty about everything they did to Ellen. Now that they needed to beg

daughter gazed at each other, and Selena said while

attend. The most important thing is to get on the

will be attending the wedding. As if I’ll ever need to be a server again if I can befriend a few of

Connor still shamelessly called Ellen after

seconds before Ellen’s voice finally came through. “Hello?

at

“No.”

got your wedding invitation. Congratulations. Your parents would’ve been