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.”

to him and blinked as she asked, “President Presgrave, don’t tell me

nearly choked on a mouthful of water. After hurriedly controlling his expression, he denied, “I don’t have time

her chin and said, “In that case, I’ll work hard in the future and live up

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

the time Jared dropped her off at her house. After getting out of the car, she

at her and said, “I’ll leave once

back with each step she took. Meanwhile, Jared was surprised

scenery as well as the crowd in the nearby square, feeling inexplicably lonely. She knew that after her grandmother’s death, she was really all alone now. Her uncle, Connor,

her future marriage and having children, she suddenly felt fearful and terrified that she would meet the wrong person and be unable 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

was doing her laundry, she received

Connor said on the other end of

Connor, it’s

seen each other for some time, no?” he pressed, his tone holding a

had no choice

pick you

tell me the address, and I’ll take a

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

a sigh. In fact, she preferred to be by herself as eating with her uncle’s family was

be there on time. She agreed, and at eleven o’clock, she went out and took a taxi,

she arrived a little late and was led into a private room by the waiter soon after. There, she saw

Quick, come and have a seat.” Connor

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

and greeted, “Good to

introduce you to them.” Connor said to her, “This is my old friend, Murray Fuller, and

a courteous smile before glancing at the young

gorgeous!” Christina praised, grinning from

course, she is. All of the girls in our family are pretty,”

entered the room, Harvey’s eyes had been glued to her face. He thought his

girls whom he rarely saw. In particular, the sweet way she smiled put him in 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 even had a small fortune. Who wouldn’t like a beautiful

dishes were served, and the two families ate while chatting. Ellen only had a few bites when she

Ellen hurriedly explained, “Uncle Connor, I’m doing good. I’m not

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

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

“Harv really is the ideal man! He has the personality and looks, and he’s capable too. He’s definitely the best candidate as a boyfriend and a

talented to me.” Although Olivia inwardly despised this family, she enthusiastically agreed with

if we exchange contacts? I heard that you’re working in Presgrave Group, and it so happens that I work nearby. I’m sure we can meet up for a cup

picked up her phone and said, “Oh! I have

but didn’t have the nerves to lose her temper. Hence, she watched as Olivia gave Harvey her phone number, who happily called her afterward.

been relocated. You’re so lucky! That place used to be

gave her an awkward

tell that the Fullers were happy

Ellie, I’m going to 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

waved her hands in disagreement. “Uncle Connor, I’m not looking to get into a relationship any time soon,

get married eventually! How nice is it to have someone you can rely on and

with anger. She

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

“Although our family is not that well off, we’ll

he was not confident and was constantly trying to please him. While Ellen

picky at your age. As a girl, it’s about time for you to get married.” Connor

out her emotions and they assumed that she was an easygoing person and that she would even agree to marry someone on

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

about maintaining Connor’s pride and throw a tantrum

immediately chided, “How dare that

actions, Christina laughed benevolently. “Oh, it’s fine. Girls are always shy! I’ll

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

before she was suddenly unable to suppress her frustration and her tears flowed out. Why was Connor doing

their leave, while the Fullers still remained seated. Without any outsiders around,

to win Ellen over. Once you do, make her pay half of the down payment, then you can pay your mortgage

make her your

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

Ellen pretty, but she was also wealthy. He had to win her over even if it meant going

Connor, Olivia fumed, “Ellen is so ungrateful! We’re just doing this for her own good, but all she does is give us

our fault for not telling

think that she can marry a millionaire now that she’s gotten somewhat

are up

joy. Upon hearing that Ellen was a relocatee, the Fullers nearly had their eyes

Reiss, are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner

the text, she felt nothing but irritation, not wanting to be

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

another text. ‘Miss Reiss, I had a really good impression of you after today. I wonder what you think

lips as she decided not to respond, thinking

the weekend morning again. As Ellen was still sleeping, the unexpected ringtone of her phone shocked her into consciousness, after which she grabbed it and took a look

The weather’s nice today.

Ellen was still feeling a little

on the way to get

sprung up from her bed and widened

Take your time

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

then.” Finished, Jared hung up the

before the mirror and pondered whether to put on some subtle makeup, but since she was to go hiking for the

to simply put on some sunscreen. Despite having no makeup on, her skin looked as

a man in gray sportswear that was shrouded in unrelenting masculinity in the driver’s seat. Ellen was used to seeing him in his expensive suits, but now that she saw him

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 the street, let alone after being asked out to a hike. Amidst the excitement in her heart, there were

will you?” Jared laughed and

that she was so dazed that she forgot to get into the car. 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 a

curiously asked, “Where are we going to

know once

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 would be a hassle to

to which he accepted the call with his Bluetooth earphones,

caller’s response, he tensely furrowed his

that, he hung up his phone. He then turned to the side and saw Ellen slightly startled, after which he comforted, “Don’t worry. My bodyguards

them follow us. Just in case one

mountain his father brought him to hike back when he was a child.

a county road near Averna, before proceeding for another twenty miles

food over.

mountain and nodded. “No problem. I can

foot of the mountain. In the beginning, there were man-made stone steps, but as they ventured deeper, the steps

well as families along with their

temple on top of the mountain. Perhaps we can pay our

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

dazed for a moment before bashfully reaching for his hand. As her petite hand was grasped by the man’s massive palm, a

yet to unhand her, and the moment he sensed that she was going to fall, he exerted an even

shocked, she hugged Jared especially tightly, while he comfortingly patted the woman in his arms as

this tightly,

breeze blew over, they were highly invigorated, since such a sensation couldn’t be felt in the city. Ellen felt exceptionally

pulled out two water bottles from his backpack and delicately twisted open the cap before handing

extended her arm to receive the bottle and said,

a call for her to

bottle and took out her phone to snap pictures of the surrounding scenery. At the same time, Jared’s phone

Ellen suddenly felt thirsty again.

a few times left. Then, he was stunned to find Ellen drinking from the bottle he drank from. Taking a huge gulp, he pretended as

clueless about the awkward matter. Otherwise, if she knew that she

bread and snacks. Among the snacks, a box of chocolate, which he brought over specifically for Ellen, stirred up

bring this just for me?” she asked

“Mm-hmm.” Jared nodded.

Ellen grabbed one of the chocolate pieces and handed it to him. “Do you

accepted it and munched it. Although it wasn’t

were. When their gazes fell upon Jared, their hearts palpitated. They saw this perfect specimen of a man back when they were