Never Too Far Novel

When Ellen returned home, she was hesitant to turn on the lights. As the light was dim, she turned on a nightlight and began cleaning the house. After Jessica informed her that macaroni and cheese would be on the menu for dinner that day, she retrieved a box from the back of the cupboard and set it to boil.

One of Jessica’s favorite pastimes was chatting with the other retirees in her neighborhood. Hence, she would return by 6.00PM, and Ellen would prepare dinner in advance while she awaited her return.

After Ellen had finished setting the table with the cutlery, Jessica returned home. She had turned sixty-six, and despite her silver hair and wrinkled face, she was full of life and vitality.

“Ellie, is dinner ready?”

“Grandma, did anything interesting happen today?” While cooking the macaroni, Ellen engaged her in conversation.

Jessica happily filled her in on the local tidbits, such as which family had been childless for years despite being married and whose daughter-in-law was going through a divorce. Ellen found it enjoyable to converse with her because she knew it would help Jessica’s memory and slow the progression of her dementia.

On the other hand, Ellen mentioned how she had met Selena earlier that day at the cafe. When Jessica heard that, she let out a sigh of sympathy for Ellen. Both Selena and Ellen were around the same age, but Selena had the privileged life of a wealthy daughter while Ellen was forced to make do with less.

“Ellie, please hear me out on this.”

“What is it?”

“If I pass away someday, you ought to look for your uncle and move in with them.”
When Ellen returned home, she was hesitant to turn on the lights. As the light was dim, she turned on a nightlight and began cleaning the house. After Jessica informed her that macaroni and cheese would be on the menu for dinner that day, she retrieved a box from the back of the cupboard and set it to boil.

“Grandma, what are you saying? You have a long life ahead of you.” Ellen hurriedly stopped her from continuing.

“Grandma, what are you saying? You have a long life ahead of you.” Ellen hurriedly stopped her from continuing.

Jessica chuckled. “I meant “if”, silly. So, remember to go live with your uncle when the time comes.”

“Uncle Connor has his own family. I can’t live with them anymore.” Ellen had never considered the possibility of such a scenario.

“It’s better to be turned down than to have nobody to rely on. After all, Connor is your uncle, so he will not leave you alone,” Jessica spoke firmly. She was getting on in years, so naturally, she was concerned about Ellen.

Ellen’s eyes turned misty as she nodded. “Okay.”

“If there’s one thing you’re not good at, it’s winning over others. If you spent more time with your uncle, you wouldn’t have to suffer alongside me.”

Ellen pursed her lips, knowing that Jessica had suggested that for her own good, but she was content with her current situation.

“Grandma, this month I was awarded a bonus. So, let me take you out for a delicious meal.”

“Nah. You need to put that cash aside for a rainy day. Then, when you marry, you will need a dowry!” Jessica laughed.

Ellen’s pretty face flushed. “Grandma, it’s too soon for me to marry!”

“I hope I live long enough to witness your wedding. I’m curious what kind of boy you’ll marry.”

A deeper flush of redness spread across Ellen’s face. “Grandma, hurry and eat your dinner before it gets cold!”

Meanwhile, at Aguirre Residence, Olivia bought a new set of clothes and wore them to show her husband. However, Connor seemed distracted, and without even looking at her, he said, “You look great in them, but you shouldn’t go out and spend so much money on clothing.”

“Why not? I am delighted to spend it on them,” she snorted. She was frustrated by her husband’s inattention and asked, “What’s the matter with you lately?”

“I wonder if Ellie has been treated unfairly. My conscience is bothering me.”

Then, Olivia sneered, “What’s the use of being sorry?”

“We can make amends for her loss by providing financial assistance so that she does not have to endure as much suffering in her daily life.”

“No way. Life is what you make of it; unfortunately, Ellen’s life is destined to be difficult. Moreover, we have no control over it,” Olivia stated sarcastically. “We have not yet secured a job for our daughter!”

“I called Mr. Wenlock, but he was away on business. When he returns, he will arrange a position for Lena.”

Seeing how soft-hearted Connor was, she sat beside him and persuaded him, “Think about it, Connor. What if helping Ellen leads to her becoming entangled with our family? If you lend a hand to her once, she’ll be back for more. So, will she move in with us after the passing of Aunt Jessica? Worse yet, what if she chooses to live off of us for the rest of her life? If you don’t give her money right now, you are telling her we are not people she can rely on. There’s no harm in being ruthless sometimes, right?”

Connor was brainwashed time and time again by Olivia, and since he also valued profit, he ruthlessly neglected his niece for years.

“Fine!” Connor had no choice but to listen to his wife and be ruthless.

Due to their conversation, Olivia was no longer interested in trying on clothes anymore, so she called her daughter and reminded her to come home early.

Meanwhile, Selena was hanging out with a bunch of foreign friends in a high-end bar. Selena’s circle of friends were all rich kids in Averna who were open to meeting new people and going to parties.

In the blink of an eye, it had been a few days since Selena returned. Today, she and her friends made an appointment to visit the golf course where Ellen happened to be. She wasn’t here for fun. Instead, she was there as a cleaner. The daughter of Jessica’s good friend worked as a janitor here, but she was hospitalized because she was not feeling well and couldn’t ask for leave, so Jessica asked Ellen to help her out for a few days.

Ellen had been working for two days in a row now, and she had also requested to take over the night shift for her cafe job so that she could make time during the day. On this day, she wore the janitor uniform and a sun hat. No one could tell that she was just a young girl.

Just as she was cleaning a particular area, four fashionable young ladies walked toward her while chatting. Ellen took a glimpse at them curiously before quickly recognizing Selena. At the same time, Selena turned in her direction, so Ellen called out to her, “Selena!”
Connor was brainwashed time and time again by Olivia, and since he also valued profit, he ruthlessly neglected his niece for years.

Selena was looking at the scenery at first, but she was startled by the sudden call of her name. Only then did her gaze fall on the janitor.

Selena was looking at the scenery at first, but she was startled by the sudden call of her name. Only then did her gaze fall on the janitor.

Surprisingly, the janitor turned out to be Ellen! Moreover, she was holding a garbage bag in one hand, while the other hand wearing gloves, and she was wearing an unfashionable sun hat. It was so embarrassing to watch.

“Do you know her, Lena?” one of the girls asked curiously and took a glance at Ellen. Since when did Selena have such a bum-looking relative?

Ellen felt the complicated gaze in Selena’s eyes as she looked at her. Thereafter, the latter smiled and replied to her friend, “No, I don’t know her.”

Feeling as if she had been stabbed in the heart, Ellen hurriedly turned around to leave, not wanting to embarrass Selena.

Selena watched Ellen’s embarrassed back with a smile, and there was no trace of guilt in her eyes. Ellen almost made her lose pride in front of her friends, for goodness sake!

She used to brag in front of her friends that her family was all wealthy, so it did not make sense that she had a relative who worked as a janitor!

Just then, one of the girls covered her mouth and exclaimed, “Oh my! Look at that man! He’s so handsome!”

The backs of two men were facing them, and the younger one resembled a prince under the morning light.

His thick raven hair was brushed backward, revealing a flawless face and sharp features. He had thick brows, a sharp nose, and beautiful lips. His overall temperament was elegant and charming.

Although they were nearly 30 feet away from him, all of them were in awe of the man’s good looks. Even Selena could feel her heart racing. Whether it was his temperament, figure, or his face, he was her ideal type.

“I wanna know him! Which family does he belong to?”

“I don’t think I have seen him before, but I can tell that he’s extremely well off.”

“He must belong to a higher class than us! How great would it be to know him? Why don’t we ask for his phone number?” one of the girls suggested.

“Then let’s decide with a game!” The four girls were here to take pictures of the scenery so that they could upload them online and maintain their perfect rich girl setup.

Eventually, Selena lost the game. She took a deep breath, and with eyes filled with ambition and desire, she mused, If I get his number, I won’t share it with anyone else!

“I’m going over now,” she declared while combing her hair with her digits and checking her outfit. Once she was content with her preparations, she walked up to the two men.

Beside the young man stood a middle-aged man. The duo was playing golf while chatting away.

When Selena approached them, she heard the middle-aged man respectfully addressing the young man, “Sir, it’s getting late. Shall we head back?”

“Sure. Let’s leave in a few minutes.” The man’s voice was crisp and clear, carrying a hint of masculine charm.

After he swung the golf club, Selena approached him. The middle-aged man turned to look at her and asked, “Is something the matter, miss?”

“Well, my friends and I… made a bet. Whoever can get this young man’s number will win the game. May I ask… if you are willing to help me out, sir? Can I get your contact number, please?” As Selena raised her head, she realized that the man had such a stunning face that she dared not look him in the eye. If she did so, her heart might beat even faster, and she might even risk stuttering in her speech.

Before the young man could reply, however, the middle-aged man rejected her request. “Sorry, miss. We cannot allow just anyone to have his phone number.”

Selena couldn’t help taking the opportunity to look at him and noticed that the collar of his white shirt was unbuttoned, and the cuffs of his shirt were rolled up to the middle of the arms, which revealed his fair and delicate skin. He had a pair of gleaming deep-set eyes, a sharp nose, and sexy lips. When all of those aspects were combined in one frame, he looked as perfect as a sculpture.
Beside the young man stood a middle-aged man. The duo was playing golf while chatting away.

Without backing down, she boldly asked the man, “Sir, please. Please help me out!”

Without backing down, she boldly asked the man, “Sir, please. Please help me out!”

In response, the man took a glimpse at her and replied indifferently, “Sorry, I can’t.”

Even his voice is charming!

Though she was extremely disappointed by his response, she dared not act presumptuously anymore. She stared at the man greedily for a few seconds before turning around to leave.

“Let’s go, sir!” the middle-aged man initiated.

When Selena returned to her friends, she had to disappoint them by telling them that she couldn’t get his number, so the girls became depressed as well. They just missed out on getting to know a handsome man!

But Selena was even more disappointed because she had admired the man up close. The feeling she had for him had intensified after their brief exchange.

honestly looked straight out of a

of garbage on the road. A buggy stopped in front

her eyes. She felt dizzy as if being shone by

not the sun, but

by myself.” Ellen did not expect a handsome man would

too hard.” After saying that, the middle-aged man got off the vehicle and helped her carry the garbage bag onto the buggy. Seeing that, Ellen thanked them

worry about it.” The young man smiled as he started scanning her before asking

over to take over her job for

garbage alone than be scrutinized under the gaze of such

She felt embarrassed.

down for her, but when she intended to thank them for their kind act, she realized that the young man had walked away with

made her stare blankly for a while, and when she came back to her senses, she felt quite puzzled but deep inside, she felt touched by

left the golf club. Since buses did not stop nearby, she had to walk about 20 minutes to the nearest bus stop. While strolling on the road,

a Bentley drove up from behind

and sped forward. She was afraid that Ellen

going to send you to work at

My father’s looking for connections,” Selena

to get into the company

friend can only help

You can do any other job since your family’s so well

partner! I heard that tons of talented figures earn millions a year in that company! They’re way better than the regular person! They’re smart and rich… It’d be a plus if they are also handsome.”

the golf club earlier. That was the man she wanted to

the window as she felt the air-conditioning against her face. She felt like a speck of dust in the universe as she looked at the bustling city outside the window. Oftentimes, she felt unworthy of being in this city. Those tall buildings and those brightly lit condominiums… I wonder what sort of people live there. Right then,

the driver’s seat. Her eyes glinted with hatred when she saw Ellen. Why does she have to be around all the time? Selena pressed down on the gas pedal and sped forward. She was afraid that Ellen would see her driving the car—that would make her seem like she was a heartless person. Selena didn’t want to pick Ellen up—she felt embarrassed to show her friends that she had a relative as poor

know I’m in the lowest class among all these people. Even though I graduated from university, finding a job is simply too hard. It’s practically impossible to find a good job without having some connections. Ellen had gotten into a decent company once, but the manager kept harassing her. In the end, she had to quit her job because she was too afraid of him. She didn’t have the guts to tell anyone else about this matter because she knew that no one was going to support her even if she told them about it. She didn’t dare to tell her grandmother about it either—she was worried that she would make her grandmother worry and cause her grandmother’s

because she was too

only person who had ever risked his life to protect her. From what she could remember, her brother was both bold and

finally got home, she was greeted with her grandmother’s warm meal. Even though it was nothing special, she felt her insides

into Ellen at the golf club. “She was so disgusting. I nearly

should just pretend not to know her. She can’t blame you for it.” Olivia had

saw her on the streets. She totally embarrassed our family.” Selena

on you,” Olivia reminded her daughter. The truth was that she didn’t want her daughter to get close to Ellen as she was afraid that Ellen would start pestering their family

nodded. “Mom, I have a question! How did we get so rich? Some people’s families have

met a benefactor who provided us with a venture

is that benefactor?” Selena couldn’t help wondering even more

you if

our entire

a prestigious university. Although it was tough for me to graduate with a diploma, nobody will dare to look down

Likewise, Olivia

field today. It’s a pity I failed to get

“How handsome?”

His entire body radiated with a sense of nobility and an extraordinary aura. I practically swooned on the spot when

into a good family in the future, then you shouldn’t randomly fall in love or enter a relationship with

this regard. An ordinary person wouldn’t catch my fancy anyway.” Selena assured her mother. Beneath the beauty face mask, Olivia’s expression stiffened. She turned around and looked at Selena reproachfully. “Didn’t I already tell you about this? Your father and I met a benefactor who provided us with a venture capital fund. Thanks to that, your father made

reminiscing about all the fun things he experienced with

distance. He was reminiscing about all the fun things he experienced with his parents when he was younger. At the same time, he also recalled

abrupt end on that fateful day, but God had given

parents who had donated the heart to him and saved his life as a result.

then had long since merged seamlessly with his body to provide him with great health

his shirt. Holding his shirt in his hand, he walked toward the bathroom. There was a visible scar on his chest that remained from the surgery he underwent back then, but the scar did not take away from the beauty of his strong figure. On the contrary, the scar added a touch of masculinity and sensuality to

was sleeping deeply when she heard her

the door to her grandmother’s

with an ashen complexion. Then, she quickly rushed

taken out all the money

recently paid for her son’s wedding

point, Ellen had no other options left. She could only hope that her uncle would be willing to loan

prepare herself for the worst. Jessica’s fall had resulted in serious

hands in horror as tears began to flow down her cheeks. She felt an absolute sense of despair and

save my grandmother no matter what,” she

worn-out phone clutched in her hands, but he nodded comfortingly. “Of course. I will do my

When 7.00AM finally rolled around, she hurriedly left the room and

call, he immediately showed concern.

says that it’s serious. Uncle Connor, can you please loan me some money? I want to treat Grandma’s

you need? Just let

I want to borrow 100,000.” Ellen took into consideration that she might need more money later, so she decided to ask for

over to you right away.” After a few seconds of

call, she heaved a sigh of relief. At this moment, she was delighted to

as Connor was leaving the house, Olivia caught sight of him and hurriedly

the

she immediately probed further. “How much do you plan to

“100,000.”

most you can loan her is 20,000. And you

so heartless? She is

won’t be saved even if we spent all that money on her. Why waste our money on something so useless?” After saying that, she continued, “If you help Ellen on this

“Alright, I’ll only lend her 50,000 then! It’s not easy for a child like

“Alright, I’ll only lend her 50,000 then! It’s not easy for a child like her.”

angrily. “Where are you getting that money from? Our money is for retirement! How can

you yelling about?” Selena came downstairs with a

asked us for money early this morning, and

pay us back!? She only earns a meager salary of 3,000 a month!” Selena couldn’t help feeling

was saying! Even if she did her best to starve herself, it would take more than three

this so early in the morning. “Mom, I’m going shopping later. You mentioned that you’d give me

expression immediately

a certain principle since she was young. A daughter should be raised in luxury

time Connor arrived at the hospital. She could sense that she no longer had much time left to live. Therefore, she encouraged Ellen to remain strong

in her eyes. “Connor, I won’t be alive for much longer. The one thing

away, he naturally felt very distressed. Not to mention, he had always been

Jessica. I promise you. I will

Ellie is your sister’s only child. As her younger brother, you have to help care for her child,” she said.

had been forgotten. He felt like he had just woken up from a dream. This child

afraid of death. The only thing she feared was that Ellen would be all alone in the world

made her feel relieved and reassured. With that, Jessica

her eyes were swollen from crying. She knew that her grandmother would pass away

her money to Ellen. For that reason, she passed away peacefully during the early hours of that

Jessica’s elder sister, Lilac came over with her son to help with the funeral procedures. Connor hung around too. On the other hand, Ellen was too young and could not understand anything. Nevertheless, her tears did not stop flowing down her face. She could not accept the

“Grandma! Grandma!”

sadly as she kneeled on the

Ellen to the crematorium in his car. It didn’t take long before the urn containing Jessica’s ashes was placed in front of Ellen. She hugged the urn to

would be depressed and scared to be all alone at such a young age. After all, there was nobody to

Connor brought Ellen home to retrieve her clothes before taking her back to his house. While he was driving on the road, he worried about his

took the opportunity to contact Olivia when

She’s going to stay at our

you want next time. Please just let Ellie stay for a few days!” When

Olivia heard his promise, she grudgingly

promise, she grudgingly agreed. “Fine!

with Ellen along the way. By the time they arrived home, it was already 10.00PM. Olivia had been waiting by the door and

Ellie! Come inside quickly!” she

were red and swollen from crying.

you. Come with me.” After saying that, Olivia led Ellen to the

that’s why Olivia sent the housekeeper away. She wanted to vacate the

Aside from the master bedroom, there were six other guest rooms available. However, Olivia was not willing to let

Ellen was highly grateful for the treatment she received. In fact, she couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable and awkward just standing in the bright and luxurious hall in her casual clothes

you, Aunt Olivia,”

such reservations. It’s late. There’s a bathroom inside the room. You should go straight to bed after a

room was already more luxurious

smaller living room. Then, he angrily questioned her, “There are so many guest rooms in the house. Why must you let Ellie stay in the

bring her home in the first

of arguing with her. He was worried that Ellen would no longer want to live in this

Lena?” he

out with

to come home immediately. How can a girl stay out so late? That’s highly improper!” He directed all

you mean by that, Connor Aguirre? What’s wrong with our daughter having

be bothered to argue with

inside the small room. She could tell this room belonged to the housekeeper, but she was not bothered

She was changing her shoes at the doorway when Olivia

Aunt Jessica had passed away, was Ellen really going to stay at their home from now

her dissatisfaction on her face. “I don’t like having strangers in

a long time. I plan to kick her out after three days.” After saying that, Olivia made a shushing sound. “Don’t be so loud.

words, Selena became even more upset. She was jealous that her father was being so

exhausting, so Ellen fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed. She dreamt of her grandmother that night, causing tears to flow down her

got out of bed

“Good morning, Aunt Olivia.”

is on leave,