Never Too Far Novel

Connor gave his wife’s idea a thought and reckoned that it was reasonable. He then nodded. “You’re right. I can be in charge of her romantic future.”

“That’s right! So, we should look for a boy from a good family to woo Ellen as soon as possible. Since Ellen hasn’t been exposed to the world much, she might just agree to get married right away.” Olivia was immersed in her imagination.

After pondering for a bit, he stated, “I’ve got a friend. His son is twenty-six this year, and he seems to be looking for a wife. Perhaps I could introduce Ellen to him.”

“You should do that, then! We’ll match them up by then and have her married to him!” Olivia was relieved by the future she fantasized about.

Meanwhile, in another room, Selena no longer had the energy to do anything. Whenever the thought of Ellen and Jared’s relationship arose in her mind, she would behave as though she lost her source of happiness, feeling that no matter how marvelous of a life she led or how excellent her job was, she could never be as happy as Ellen, who got to enjoy Jared’s care.

The next morning, Ellen came to the company early. Being the diligent person she was, she wiped the surface of the desks around her even though the janitor had done that before her, perfecting the cleanliness by tidying up the desks and leaving behind a satisfying sight.

At half past nine, she took the opportunity to visit the Human Resource Department and looked for the lady manager who arranged her accommodation. The manager was surprised to see her knocking on her doors and entering her office.

“How may I help you?”

“Excuse me, Miss Curry. Has there been some kind of mistake in the living quarter the company arranged for me?” Ellen sternly inquired.

“What’s wrong? Could you not find it yesterday?”

“It’s not that. I’ve found it, but the room is too big and lavish… Why am I, a mere receptionist, assigned to such an extravagant unit?” Ellen genuinely hoped that the company was mistaken.

Hearing that, Joanna, the manager, immediately laughed aloud. It was her first time seeing someone complaining about the spaciousness of the living quarter assigned to them. “Ellen, I absolutely assure you that there is no mistake. That was indeed the living quarter we have arranged for you, so spare the doubt and settle in at ease!”

“But the unit is too big for me… Are there not smaller ones?”

“Well, that is the benefit our company offers. There are no smaller units. Just remain there. You just have to continue working hard to repay the company.”

At once, Ellen was dazed for a few seconds, after which she nodded. “Understood. Thank you, Miss Curry!”

Joanna watched as Ellen left before heaving a sigh. “Oh, she just doesn’t realize how fortunate she is!”

With that, Ellen returned to the reception, and it didn’t take long until she saw Selena and a few of her coworkers walking in a group. When Selena saw Ellen, cunning flashed across her eyes, after which she hastily grabbed the cup of coffee in her hand and walked toward Ellen. With utmost enthusiasm, she greeted, “Morning, Ellie. Here, I got you some coffee.”

“Thank you, Lena, but I had my cup earlier!” Ellen tactfully refused her offer.

“Aww, what’s wrong? Why are you being so courteous to me? Are you still mad at me?” Selena questioned.

Ellen shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

“Ellie, where are you currently staying?”

“I… rented an apartment by myself…” Ellen answered.

“Really? Then perhaps I should go hang out at your place sometimes.” Selena attempted to build a sisterly relationship with Ellen so that she could make things work between her and Jared.

“Sure.” Ellen couldn’t reject her right away, though she didn’t want anyone to visit her new place either.

As the next day would be the weekend, the reception crew was rather joyous since Presgrave Group’s best benefit to its employees was the two-day break during the weekend. As Ellen had been needing some rest recently, she wanted to take the time to relax.

“Ellen! What’s going on between you and President Presgrave?” Olive suddenly asked out of boredom.

In response, Ellen honestly replied, “President Presgrave and I know each other. As simple as that.”

Given that Ellen was an honest, innocent woman, Olive believed what she was told.

After getting off work, Ellen bought some takeout for dinner on her way home. Later, she sat by the French windows. Captivated by the distant sunset, she couldn’t help but snap a few photos of it. Then, for some reason, she felt the urge to share the photos with Jared and unconsciously sent him a text, stating, ‘The sunset glow is beautiful today. You should take a look at it if you have the time now.’

Currently, in the meeting room, the man received the message, the corners of his mouth curling upward as he read it. However, he couldn’t see the sunset in the meeting room, and it made him curious whether the evening sunset today was really that beautiful. After taking a glance at the time, he dismissed the meeting and left the room. As he stood in the hallway, he admired the evening sunset, which was even more magnificent and spectacular with the bird’s eye view. He then took a photo of it before replying to Ellen.

‘I saw it. It’s beautiful.’

After sending the message, Ellen was filled with sudden regret. He was busy, so how could she send him trivial text messages? Wouldn’t that take up his time?

Either way, it was too late to think about deleting her message now. Ellen was just berating herself for not doing something as thoughtless as this anymore when she heard a message notification and saw his reply. Instantly, her earlier frustration disappeared, and the corners of her mouth curled up in a smile.

So, he was looking at it too! He even sent a picture.

‘Are you still at work?’ Ellen asked, noticing keenly that the place he was standing at was a hallway in the company.

‘Yeah. I left work after my meeting ended earlier. Have you eaten?’

Ellen looked at the bread she was eating in amusement before replying, ‘Yes.’

What an honest girl, he thought. If it were anyone else, they’d be able to tell that he was going to treat her to a meal, while she told him that she’d already eaten instead, making him somewhat embarrassed to invite her out.

‘All right. I’ll treat you to a meal next time.’

Upon seeing his text, Ellen lost interest in the bread in her hands. She couldn’t help but let out a forced laugh. Was he planning to treat her to a meal earlier?

‘No, no, I only ate some bread, so I’m still hungry. Why don’t we eat together?’ Ellen replied, attempting to salvage the dinner he mentioned.

Jared was just about to enter the elevator when he heard the notification. His lips curled up into a smile, making Dean, who was trailing along next to him, curious about whom he was texting.

‘Okay, I’ll pick you up,’ he replied.

Ellen asked, ‘Do you know which neighborhood I’m staying in?’

‘Of course, I do. I won’t take long, so come to the entrance in ten minutes.’

Ellen sent a smiling emoji in reply. ‘Okay.’

After their texts ended, Ellen couldn’t help but blush and cover her face happily. She couldn’t believe she had taken the initiative to ask him out for dinner so boldly. If he’d refused, she did not know how she would face him again. Upon looking down, she realized that she was still wearing her uniform. As she was going to have dinner with him, she decided to put on something casual.

Therefore, Ellen went digging through her clothes. Soon, she found a white dress that she was most satisfied with and put it on. Although its design was nothing out of the ordinary, fortunately for her, she had a pretty face and a decent figure, so it didn’t look too bad on her. With that, she took her bag and went out quickly.

Ten minutes later, a gray sports car slowly came from the driveway, and she reached out to wave at it before heading over. The door of the car opened and revealed Jared in a black suit, who was exuding the charm and elegance befitting of a business elite.

“You look really good in a suit.” Ellen praised him. In fact, she wanted to tell him that he was the best-looking man she had seen so far.

“Is that so?” Jared was in a good mood as well. He was tired of hearing compliments from others, but he felt exceptionally happy when this girl praised him.

He took her to the restaurant they had been to in the past. As it was her second visit, she didn’t feel constrained. Besides, it had a homey and warm atmosphere, and it was quiet and private.

“Are your relatives still harassing you with phone calls?” he asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Not anymore. Speaking of it, it’s all thanks to you. I wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise.” She looked at him thankfully. As soon as he made a move, even people like Garrett obeyed him wholly.

“If you find yourself in a tight situation in the future, you can just tell me and I’ll solve it for you,” Jared assured readily.

Ellen smiled. Of course, she hoped that she wouldn’t have to bother him in the future.

“By the way, did you know how big the apartment unit that the company assigned to me was? It’s at least two thousand square feet!” She nearly forgot to tell him about this.

Jared froze for a beat before he played dumb and replied, “Is that so? The company randomly assigns the units sometimes. You should take it.”

“But I’m just a receptionist. How can I stay in such a nice place?”

“Just enjoy your stay!” Jared assured her, worried that she might notice something.

With a sigh, Ellen continued, “I even asked Miss Curry if she gave me the wrong unit, but she said she didn’t make a mistake.”

Immediately, Jared coughed and said, “The HR team is usually in charge of these things. Since there weren’t any mistakes, you should just make the most out of it and stop overthinking things.”

she turned her gaze to him and blinked as she asked, “President

nearly choked on a mouthful of water. After hurriedly controlling his expression, he denied, “I don’t have time for this sort of thing! I’m swamped with

Ellen was a little skeptical, she couldn’t press him any further, so she propped up her chin and said, “In that case, I’ll work hard in

finally let out a sigh. It seemed that she had her bright moments at times as

dropped her off at her house. After getting out of the car, she reminded him, “Be careful while you’re on the

looked at her and said,

back with each step she took. Meanwhile, Jared

grandmother’s death, she was really all

to find someone to rely on if she was hurt in any way. Hence, she made up her mind to spend the rest of her life alone. In any case, she had enough money in her account to live

doing her laundry, she received a call from

today,” Connor

it’s

haven’t seen each other for some time, no?” he pressed, his tone holding a hint

no choice but to agree. “Okay, Uncle

you

address, and

by me. I’ll send the address to you later.” Upon saying that, Connor

to be by herself as eating with her uncle’s family was constraining for

ten, Connor sent the address and urged her to be there on time. She agreed, and at eleven o’clock, she went out

and was led into a private room by the waiter soon after. There, she saw three other people that looked like a family at the table in addition to Connor and

Quick, come and have a seat.” Connor greeted her enthusiastically, pulling out a chair

bewildered by the sight. Wasn’t she supposed to eat with Connor and his family?

greeted, “Good to

introduce you to them.” Connor said to her, “This is my old friend, Murray Fuller, and beside him is his wife, Christina. And this man here is

before glancing at the young man. “Nice

Christina praised, grinning from ear to

the girls in our family

had been glued to her face. He thought his date today would be just an ordinary girl, but he didn’t expect the heavens to give

a better mood at first glance. Moreover, he had been informed about Ellen while he was on his way to the restaurant. She was a relocatee from Lockwood Village, and she

served, and the two families ate while chatting. Ellen only had a few bites when she heard Connor’s voice. “Ellie is beautiful and kind-hearted, but she seems lonely from living alone for a while

hurriedly explained, “Uncle Connor, I’m doing

to take care of you and protect you, to give you a shoulder to lean on,”

as she had an epiphany. Did Connor invite her for a meal to set her up on a blind date? Was he trying

man! He has the personality and looks,

despised

contacts? I heard that you’re working in Presgrave

and said, “Oh! I have Ellie’s phone number here. I’ll give it to you,

lose her temper. Hence, she watched as Olivia gave Harvey her

bush, Christina said, “Miss Reiss, I heard that you’ve been relocated. You’re so lucky! That place used to be worth nothing, but

an awkward yet

wrong about that. Ellie has always been lucky.” Olivia could tell

be honest with you. Murray has been my colleague for many years, and his son, Harvey, is a good boy, so I want to match you two together. Once you

went blank, and she hurriedly waved her hands in disagreement. “Uncle Connor, I’m not looking to get

nice is it to have someone you can rely on and who would take care of you?” Olivia cajoled from the

with anger. She deeply regretted showing up for

as long as you marry our son, we promise to treat you like our

as well. “Although our family is not that well off, we’ll definitely treat

sense of inferiority in front of Connor, as if he was not confident and was constantly trying to please him. While Ellen did not look down on them, there was nothing sincere about

Our families know each other well, and you shouldn’t be too picky at your age. As a girl, it’s about time for

was an easygoing person and that she would even agree to marry someone on a whim. However, while she was indeed an easygoing

done with my meal. I have some other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving first.” Upon saying that, Ellen picked up her bag and fled

longer, she might forget about maintaining Connor’s pride and throw a tantrum right then and

and Olivia exchanged a glance, and the latter immediately chided, “How

benevolently. “Oh, it’s fine. Girls are always shy!

clear from a glance that Harvey was a mommy’s boy. Knowing this, Olivia sneered inwardly. If Ellen married into this family, her days would definitely be difficult as Christina didn’t look like she was easy

tears flowed out. Why was Connor doing this? Couldn’t she just live

leave, while the Fullers still remained seated. Without any

over. Once you do, make her pay half of the down payment, then you can pay your mortgage off together. Since she’s rich, you don’t

her your

him as well. “We aren’t that well off, but things will get easier if we

determination. Not only was Ellen pretty, but she was also wealthy. He had to win her over even if it meant going through

doing this for her own

It’s our fault for not telling her about the blind date,” Connor

a millionaire now that she’s gotten somewhat rich? Is she trying to

so things are up to

Olivia felt a surge of joy. Upon hearing that Ellen was a relocatee, the Fullers nearly had their

Reiss, are you free tonight? Let’s have

but irritation,

the son of Connor’s friend, she put up with it and rejected him courteously. ‘I’m sorry, but I

‘Miss Reiss, I had a really good impression of you after today. I

she decided not to respond, thinking that

ringtone of her phone shocked her into consciousness, after which she grabbed it and took a look at it. Seeing that it was Jared who called her, she

free today? The weather’s nice

was still feeling

I’m on the way to get

bed and widened her

your

take her time and make her boss wait for her. Hastily, she replied, “Okay. I’ll head down in a

you soon, then.” Finished, Jared hung

up before picking a set of sportswear from her wardrobe. Then, she sat before the mirror and pondered whether to put on some subtle makeup, but since she was

her skin looked as delicate and smooth as a

waited for five minutes before a black SUV dazzling under the sunlight approached her. The car window slid down, revealing a man in gray sportswear that was shrouded in unrelenting masculinity in the driver’s seat. Ellen was used

all, she was no longer a little girl but a twenty-two-year-old woman, so it was understandable if she were to take a few more glances at such an impeccably dashing man on

will

Thereupon, she pulled open the car door and got into the car, only to find herself enthralled by the fine scenery one could only perceive in

asked, “Where are we

once we’re

alertness would have gone off the charts. Nonetheless, because Jared was the very man who uttered those words, she felt only one thing whenever she followed him around—a sense of security. She had little to worry about whenever she was around him, except whether she

the viaduct, his car phone rang, to which he accepted the call

furrowed his brows. “Do you

his phone. He then turned to the side and saw Ellen slightly startled, after which he comforted, “Don’t worry. My bodyguards wanted to follow us as per

Just in case one

want too many on his trip. Essentially, his destination was a mountain his father brought him to hike back when he was a child. Although it was somewhat distant, he wished to revisit it once

hour of high-speed drive, they reached a county road near Averna, before proceeding for another twenty miles from the county road. Eventually, they

Jared took out a map and said, “I brought some food over. We’ll be hiking for about two hours.

Ellen gazed at the mountain and nodded.

foot of the mountain. In the beginning, there were man-made

well as families along with their children. The atmosphere was quite

on top of the mountain. Perhaps we can pay our respects when

started to hike, they arrived at a slope, which not only challenged one’s legs but their arms as well since they would have to hike with the support of the branches by the sides. After climbing up the slope, Jared naturally

his hand over, Ellen was dazed for a moment before bashfully reaching for his hand. As her petite hand was grasped by the man’s massive palm, a force dragged her upward, allowing her to borrow

the moment he sensed that she was going to fall, he exerted an even greater force to lift her up. Fearing that she would fall

hugged Jared especially tightly, while he comfortingly

tightly, let alone the fact that the man was her very boss, but by no

they continued to traverse through the captivating, primitive scenery and fresh air. As a chilly breeze blew over, they were highly invigorated,

the side, there were a few smooth boulders. Jared sat on one of them and pulled out two water bottles from his backpack

spoiled, Ellen extended her arm to receive the

him a call for her to

surrounding scenery. At the same time, Jared’s phone beeped as a notification popped up. He then put down his bottle

more photos of the scenery, Ellen suddenly felt thirsty again. She then grabbed an opened bottle and started

he reached for his bottle the next moment, he realized that the bottle he drank from disappeared as there was only a bottle that was sipped a few times left. Then, he was stunned to

awkward matter. Otherwise, if she knew that she was drinking from Jared’s bottle, she

and snacks. Among the snacks, a box of chocolate, which he brought over specifically for Ellen, stirred up her desperation. “Here.

bring this just for me?” she

“Mm-hmm.” Jared nodded.

pieces and handed it to him. “Do you want one? It

Jared accepted it and munched it. Although it

saw this perfect specimen of a man back when they were at the foot of the mountain,