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.

Ellen to the couch and pulled out the present she had prepared for her new daughter-in-law. “Ellie, this is a first-meeting gift from me to

to know it likely contained jewelry. With that, she opened

of her heart. While she

mom designed it just for you,” said Willow, and Ellen felt

work as a jewelry designer and even had her own listed company. Now, seeing Anastasia’s design for herself, she was genuinely impressed by the

you, Mom,” Ellen

a son to a husband and a father and made him a

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

at that. “Willow told me about it. It must be

Jared, for he had expected Willow to tell their parents, and he also checked with Ellen when they were on their way to the restaurant. She

the 15 million we gave the Aguirres.

a chat with

strings and sent abroad for studies wasn’t Ellie but their own daughter. They gave her the best of everything but left Ellie under the care of a

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

they be so selfish?!” Willow, too,

the end back then. We shouldn’t have

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

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

too, beamed.

aware that the Aguirres struggled to make ends meet back then. Hence, they gave the family 15 million one

and behold, the Aguirres took the money for themselves and even sent the sister of their savior away. Their actions

just leave the past behind. Meeting Jared and becoming a part of this family is the best thing that has ever happened to

and nodded with a

Ellen, Jared will make you

was touched. This is the

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

together for the best wedding date. Ultimately, they settled on the 18th of February as it would give them a whole good

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

was more than happy to go all out for them. But now that hearing

enjoy the same privilege?! All they had to do was ask. We will certainly see

absolutely infuriating!” Anastasia grumbled before going to bed, still unable to come to terms with Ellen’s

her. “We’re partly responsible as well. It’s our fault for not looking into the situation. What

right. I’m spoiling this daughter-in-law no matter

always known just what his dear wife was like.

…

a wedding service agency while Jared brought Ellen over. For the venue, the young couple agreed on having it on the island where Anastasia and Elliot got

two airports. Hence, it was perfect for accommodating guests who’d be flying over from all over the world. Plus, it was very private.

the wedding, it would still be the grandest and the most luxurious wedding. After the wedding service agency was certain of the

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

and Ellen making the final call. In the end, they decided on four sets of wedding gowns and eight evening dresses. As

had a month to prepare for the wedding, anything that had

a trip to the company later in the afternoon, so he left his soon-to-be wife with his mother and sister,

women had more

arm as they followed Anastasia into

none other than Selena. The young woman had gotten a

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

Anastasia up. Can she be the wife

envy flashed across Selena’s eyes at that.

say hi either when she saw Selena looking away. It wasn’t until the

couldn’t stand the pressure Olivia inflicted on her. She dreaded the fact that she might run into someone familiar. However, this tea house paid well, so she decided to

the trio took the table

and attend to the

tea house, but working here, she

“Ma’am.”

demanded the manager as she

I not do it?” Selena

She couldn’t

grim, Selena knew she could only bite the bullet. “Okay,

their table, and Ellen met Selena’s gaze as soon as she looked up. Selena,

that Selena was willing to take up a job. At that, she pushed her cup closer

said Willow, and Anastasia echoed, “Yeah. I’ll send you the catalog later. Pick as many

“Thanks, Mom.” Ellen smiled.

pick at least ten sets. Don’t forget you have eight evening gowns!” Willow

accident. As the

ma’am!” Spooked, Selena hurriedly grabbed some napkins to

was standing not far away, and the latter hurriedly approached her. “I

and apologized, “I’m so sorry I slipped.” In the end, she still turned to Ellen for help. “Ellie, please put in a

shocked when she saw

of that uncle, Mom,” Ellen answered, prompting Anastasia to

Please forgive me. I’m still fresh here, so

anything.” Anastasia

them, and as Anastasia watched the manager lecture Selena in the corner, she mused, Looks like they only sent her abroad for

asked. She knew it was something she had to check with Ellen, and if the young woman

too, if Ellen said no, for even Anastasia didn’t want to forgive the Aguirres for

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

the invitation over. It’ll be up to them whether they want

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

Now, she just wanted to live, and judging from what she heard about Ellen’s wedding, the latter’s life had

had gone wrong?! What have I done to lose to Ellen when I started off so much better

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

for a while as he stood in

time, howling wind could be

Pole wind not sent you back home yet?”

“Jared, perfect timing!”

Why would you say

At that, he made it a quick one. “Alright, I’ll just say this. I’m getting married on the 18th of

what? You’re getting married?! You could’ve at

Jared kept his words concise, for he feared for the safety of his adventurous

I’ll

then. Stay safe!”

the wedding ready. The private island was immediately

too, and Ellen provided them with Connor’s address, which Connor gave her the last

sure as hell was an adventure for him, for he had to ask for directions several times before he was finally

heaving before knocking on Connor’s door, and the person to

Connor Aguirre? I’ve been assigned to deliver invitations for the Presgrave Family. Please accept your

Family’s invitation?” Connor exclaimed with

the wedding invitation of Young Master Presgrave and Miss Reiss. We look forward to seeing you there. I’ll

couch and looked through the invitation. As he read the name, a pang of guilt hit him, for he never thought Ellen was still willing to invite him to her wedding even though

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

Ellie’s,”

while looking at the name. “To think that wretched girl is lucky enough to actually

she stared at Connor and asked, “Say, Connor, do you think Ellen invited you or all three of

guys just stay here. I’ll go

And Lena’s her cousin. She has the right to go too!” Olivia’s life was absolutely miserable now. There

bring his wife along because he

mean I stay?! Well, I’m going, and

door opened, and Selena came in listlessly. Seeing that her parents were arguing again, she exasperated, “Do you two have to yell at each other every day?! Give me a

she was about to enter her room, Olivia stopped her. “Lena, take

away. She couldn’t even be bothered to meet people now, let alone attend

as she was about to step into her bedroom. “Ellen’s wedding? She’s getting married? Let me see!” she demanded

and Olivia were so focused on the bride and groom that they

on a private island. Dad, can we go?” Selena turned excited at once. She absolutely needed a high-end event like this to relax, and since it was on an island, it would mean that she could enjoy an all-expenses paid

Let me see!” Olivia snatched the card away to

in a dilemma. Should he really take his wife

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

missed out on this opportunity, they sure as hell would never get a second chance to

final decision. I’ll see if Ellen will welcome you

wanted nothing more than for Ellen to say yes. That said, they felt just as guilty

at each other, and Selena said while biting her lip, “I’m going

she won’t let us attend. The most important thing

ourselves. The most important thing is that the world’s richest people will be attending the wedding. As if I’ll ever need to be a server again if I can befriend a few of them!” Selena’s confidence

shamelessly called Ellen after

before Ellen’s voice finally came through.

not calling at a bad time, am

“No.”

got your wedding invitation. Congratulations. Your parents