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

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

she couldn’t press him any further, so she propped up her chin and said, “In that

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

off at her house. After getting out of the car, she reminded

at her and said, “I’ll leave

warm, she turned around and went in, looking back with each step she took. Meanwhile, Jared was surprised by his

She knew that after her grandmother’s death, she was really all alone now. Her uncle, Connor, the only one who was related to her by blood right now, was someone she couldn’t rely on. Besides,

about 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

her laundry, she received

I’ll take you out for lunch today,” Connor said on the other end

Connor, it’s fine,

We haven’t seen

Ellen had no choice but to

you

Just tell me the address, and I’ll take a cab

address to you later.” Upon saying that, Connor

sigh. In fact, she preferred to be by herself as eating with

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

waiter soon after. There, she saw three

a seat.” Connor greeted her enthusiastically,

supposed to eat with Connor and his family? Why were

politely and greeted, “Good to see you, Uncle Connor and

her, “This is my old friend, Murray Fuller, and beside him is his wife, Christina. And

couple a courteous smile before glancing at the

she’s gorgeous!” Christina praised, grinning from

the girls in our family are pretty,”

tea for Ellen, and she hurriedly thanked him. Ever since Ellen entered the room, Harvey’s eyes had been glued to

pure 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

a few bites when she heard

“Uncle Connor, I’m doing good. I’m

of you and protect you, to give you a

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

the personality and looks, and he’s capable too.

looks talented to me.” Although Olivia inwardly despised this family, she

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 of coffee next

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

nerves to lose her temper. Hence, she watched as Olivia gave Harvey her phone number, who happily called her

so lucky! That

her an awkward yet courteous

not wrong about that. Ellie has always been lucky.” Olivia could tell that the

Murray has been my colleague for many years, and his son, Harvey, is a good boy, so I want

hurriedly waved her hands in disagreement. “Uncle Connor,

eventually! How nice is it to have someone you can rely on and who would take

red with anger. She deeply regretted showing up for this

to treat you like our own daughter,” Christina added, expressing

our family is not that well off, we’ll definitely

dressed averagely, and that Murray always had a sense of inferiority in front of Connor, as if he was not confident and was constantly trying to

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

would even agree to marry someone on a whim. However,

attend to, so I’ll be leaving first.” Upon saying that, Ellen picked up her

she stayed any longer, she might forget about maintaining Connor’s

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

always shy! I’ll just

a mommy’s boy. Knowing this, Olivia sneered inwardly. If Ellen married into this family, her days

Why was Connor doing this? Couldn’t she just live a good

and Olivia had other business and took their leave, while the Fullers still remained seated. Without any

pay half of the down payment, then you can pay your mortgage off together. Since she’s rich,

I’ll definitely make her

aren’t that well off, but

with determination. Not only was Ellen pretty, but she was also wealthy. He had

doing this for her own good, but all she does is

our fault for not telling her about the blind date,”

now that she’s gotten somewhat rich? Is she trying to find someone

things are up to them now,” he

Ellen was a relocatee, the Fullers nearly had their eyes bulging out of their sockets. They’d definitely

‘Miss Reiss, are you

seeing the text, she felt nothing but irritation,

friend, she put up with

yet another text. ‘Miss Reiss, I had a really good impression of you

not to

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 couldn’t help but suspect whether she was still in her dreams. Quickly, she answered the call. “Good morning,

weather’s nice today.

Ellen was still

on the way to

widened her charming eyes. “You’re already

your

wait for her. Hastily, she

then.” Finished, Jared hung

whether to put

on, her skin looked as delicate and smooth as a baby’s. Moreover, it accentuated

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 to seeing him in his expensive suits, but now that she saw him in his casual

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 the street, let alone after being asked out to

get in, will you?” Jared laughed

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 huge SUV. And so,

moment, Ellen curiously asked, “Where

once

because Jared was the very man who uttered those words, she felt only one thing whenever she followed him

phone rang, to which he accepted the

his brows. “Do you not hear

and saw Ellen slightly startled, after which he comforted, “Don’t worry. My bodyguards wanted to follow us as per my father’s arrangement. They

follow us. Just in case

to hike back when he was a child. Although it was somewhat distant, he

proceeding for another twenty miles from the

map and said, “I brought some food over. We’ll be hiking for about

gazed at the mountain and nodded. “No problem. I can do

mountain. In the beginning, there were man-made stone steps, but as they ventured deeper, the steps faded away, replaced by the harsh

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

of the mountain. Perhaps we can pay our respects when we reach there,” Jared

they would have to hike

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

a shriek. Fortunately, Jared had yet to unhand her, and the moment he sensed that she was going to fall, he exerted an even greater force

Ellen was shocked, she hugged Jared especially tightly, while he comfortingly patted the woman in his arms as he encouraged, “It’s okay.

man this tightly, let alone the fact

As a chilly breeze blew over, they were highly invigorated, since such a sensation couldn’t be

one of them and pulled out two water bottles from his backpack and delicately twisted

extended her arm to receive the bottle and

him a call

took out her phone to snap pictures of the surrounding scenery. At the same time, Jared’s phone beeped as a notification popped up. He then put down his bottle to check

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

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 find

knew that she was drinking from Jared’s bottle, she would have

out some bread and snacks. Among the snacks, a box of chocolate, which

this just for

“Mm-hmm.” Jared nodded.

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

it and munched it. Although it wasn’t his favorite dessert, he

palpitated. They saw this perfect specimen of a man back when they were at the foot of the mountain, but never expected to bump into him again