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.

straight

garbage for some time and had to drag an extremely heavy bag of garbage on the road. A buggy stopped in front of her as she struggled to drag it, and a deep male voice asked,

before widening her eyes. She felt dizzy as if being shone by

was not the sun, but a man’s

you! I can do it by myself.” Ellen did

ride, miss! You’re working too hard.” After saying that, the middle-aged man got off the vehicle and helped her carry the garbage bag onto the buggy. Seeing

worry about it.” The young man smiled as he started scanning her before asking curiously, “Why are you working as a

take over her job for a few days.” After

of garbage alone than be scrutinized under the gaze of such a

She felt embarrassed.

intended to thank them for their

when she came back to her senses, she felt quite puzzled but deep inside,

nearby, she had to walk about 20 minutes to the nearest bus stop. While strolling on

a Bentley drove up

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

send you

father’s looking for connections,” Selena

help me to get

her head. “His friend can only help me to get a job

don’t even need a job! You can do any other job since your family’s so

hunt for my future 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.”

That was the man she wanted to get married to. I wish I could find a way to get to

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

that Ellen would see her driving the car—that would make her seem like she was a heartless person. Selena didn’t

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

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.

lone kitten that was terrified yet curious about the rest of the world around her. She couldn’t help but recall her brother sometimes. Her brother was the only person who had ever risked his life to protect her. From what she could remember, her brother was both bold and warm. Whenever he had good food, he made sure to share it with

grandmother’s warm meal. Even though it was nothing

into Ellen at the golf club. “She was so disgusting. I nearly got embarrassed in front of my

She can’t blame you for it.” Olivia had a beauty face mask that cost 1000

contact with her even if I saw her on the streets. She totally embarrassed

away from her. You don’t want her bad luck to rub off 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 someday. If they showed enough hostility toward Ellen, then Ellen wouldn’t have the guts to get too close to

get so rich? Some people’s families have a company that

a benefactor who provided us with a venture capital fund. Thanks to that, your father made a

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

you if the opportunity arises,” Olivia replied

our entire family rich overnight must be extremely

our family but also helped me. Without him, I would never have been able to enter such a prestigious university. Although it was tough

Likewise, Olivia

field today. It’s a pity I failed

“How handsome?”

who was born from true wealth. His entire body radiated with a sense of nobility and an extraordinary aura. I practically swooned on the spot when

then you shouldn’t randomly fall in love or

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

Averna, Jared stood by the floor-to-ceiling window and stared out at the lights in the distance. He was reminiscing about all the fun things

and stared out at the lights in the 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

an abrupt end on that fateful day, but God had given him the chance for a

parents who had donated the heart to him and saved his

seamlessly with

underwent back then, but the scar did not take away from

hours of the morning, Ellen was sleeping deeply when she heard her

grandmother’s

Hastily turning on the light, she saw her grandmother lying there motionlessly with an ashen complexion.

room at the hospital, the nurse urged her to pay the medical fees first. She had taken out all the money she had on her, but the nurse informed her to prepare another 20,000 by tomorrow morning to cover any unexpected medical expenses

for her son’s wedding and had no money to spare. She told

left. She could only hope that her uncle would be willing to

Be that as it may, the doctor warned Ellen to prepare herself for the worst. Jessica’s fall had resulted in serious

her mouth with her hands in horror as tears began to flow down her cheeks. She felt

the money. Please save my grandmother no matter

frayed clothes and the worn-out phone clutched in her hands, but he nodded comfortingly. “Of course. I

the hospital ward, she accompanied her grandmother throughout the night. When 7.00AM finally rolled around,

he immediately

you please loan me some money? I want

you need? Just

consideration that she might need more money later, so she decided to ask for more from the beginning. No matter

to you right away.” After

this moment, she was delighted to have a rich uncle who could help her during the

the house, Olivia caught sight of him and hurriedly

lacks the funds for the medical expenses, so I’m bringing some

further. “How much

“100,000.”

for 100,000!? No way! The most you can loan her is 20,000. And you must insist that she pays you back,”

be so

the road for her medical expenses after suffering from a serious fall. Besides, she 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

to compromise with her. “Alright, I’ll only lend her 50,000 then! It’s not easy for a child like her.” After saying that, he opened the

her 50,000 then! It’s not easy for a child like her.” After saying

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

yelling about?” Selena came downstairs with a

hospitalized. Ellen asked us for money early this morning, and your father

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

to starve herself, it would take more than three years for

about something like this so early in the morning. “Mom, I’m going shopping later. You

I’ll do it in a bit.” Olivia’s expression immediately became gentle. She would never skimp on her

in a certain principle since she was young. A daughter should be raised in luxury to raise her horizons

sense that she no longer had much time left

money over and sat down beside her bed. She spoke to him with tears in her eyes. “Connor, I won’t be alive for

relative was about to pass away, he naturally felt

promise you. I will bring Ellie home

have to help care for her child,” she said. “After all, that was how your sister took care of you when

had been forgotten. He felt like he had just woken up from a dream. This child was his sister’s daughter, and he could not bring himself

Jessica was not afraid of death. The only thing she feared was that Ellen

promise made her feel relieved and reassured. With

knew that her grandmother would pass away soon, and the pain in her heart was

any form of treatment because she wanted to leave all her money to

Connor hung around too. On the other hand, Ellen was too young and

“Grandma! Grandma!”

the hearse, she wept sadly as she kneeled on the

car. It didn’t take long before the urn containing Jessica’s ashes was placed in front of Ellen. She hugged the urn to her chest, and Connor bought a burial plot for Jessica on

and scared to be all alone at such a young age. After all, there

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

Olivia when he stopped to buy a pack of

stay at our house for a few days!? No

Jessica just passed away. Ellie is just a child. She is scared and all alone. I promise that I will do whatever you want next time. Please just let Ellie stay for a few days!” When Ellen walked in through the door, her eyes were swollen from crying. She knew that her grandmother would pass away soon, and the pain in her heart was so intense

heard his promise, she grudgingly

she grudgingly agreed.

it was

here, Ellie! Come inside quickly!” she greeted them

crying. Nevertheless, she greeted Olivia politely. “Aunt

with me.” After saying that, Olivia led Ellen

So that’s why Olivia sent the

be said that their house was a two-story duplex. Aside from the master bedroom, there were six other guest rooms available. However, Olivia was not willing to let

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 at this

Olivia,” she

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

her, this small room was already more luxurious than any

soon as Olivia closed the door, Connor grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into the other smaller living room. Then, he angrily questioned her, “There are so many guest rooms in the house.

home in the first place. You’re the one who stubbornly insisted

was worried that Ellen would no longer want

is Lena?”

out with her

How can a girl stay out so late? That’s highly improper!” He directed all his resentment and frustrations upon the fact that his

Connor Aguirre? What’s wrong with our daughter having fun with her

could not be bothered to argue with her. The last two days had

on the bed inside the small room. She

returned home. She was changing her shoes at the doorway when Olivia came and whispered something in her

Although she knew that her Great Aunt Jessica had passed away, was Ellen really going to stay at their home from

on her face. “I don’t

I plan to kick her out after three days.” After saying that, Olivia made a shushing sound. “Don’t be so loud. Why don’t you return to your room? I’ve placed

was jealous that her father was being so

had been extremely 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

morning, a knock sounded on Ellen’s door. She immediately got out of bed and changed her clothes. When she opened the door, she saw Olivia

“Good morning, Aunt Olivia.”

Our housekeeper is on leave, so there’s nobody in the house to make