Never Too Far Novel

“I’m sleepy. Let’s talk about it next time.” Ellen politely wrapped up the discussion before terminating the call. After setting her phone into silent mode, she drifted into dreamland.

At that moment, the smoking Harvey cursed in his car, “What the f*ck? If you weren’t that pretty and loaded, I wouldn’t have set my eyes on you.”

He condemned orphans like Ellen because she was not from a powerful family to bolster his life. Thus, his parents told him to marry her to rip her off over that demolition payment. He need not ask her for kids to make it easy to bring up a divorce a few years later. By then, he could still marry an influential woman who would be the godsend to his breakthrough in life.

Ellen was merely the springboard for his life. She had no one to turn to even if she was tricked. Murray and Connor were acquaintances, so Harvey was aware of Connor’s apathy toward her.

The weekend passed just like that. Ellen went to work at 8.30AM. When it was barely 9.00AM, a man holding a bouquet appeared. She intended to run away at the sheer look of the incoming person. Oh, my goodness! Why is Harvey here?

Hugging a bouquet, he alternated his gaze left and right. In the end, his gaze landed on the receptionist’s desk as he heard of her position. Almost instantly, he caught sight of the girl sitting at the desk. Despite her intentional avoidance, he approached her enthusiastically.

“Ellen, you do work here. Look! I brought you flowers. Isn’t it pretty?” He went all out just to buy the most expensive roses for her.

She put on a stern face. “Mr. Fuller, it’s the working hour, so please do not cross the line.”

“I’ll leave right after I give you the flowers! I won’t bother you!” He quickly put the bouquet on her desk and decided to be thick-skinned until the end. “I’ll be sending flowers every day until you promise to have a meal with me.”

Ellen grabbed the flowers, which she did not wish to receive, and chased after him. However, he had already exited the lobby. He would not give her the chance to return them since he was aware of her intention.

Right when he opened the door to hop into the car, she caught up. “Harvey, wait!”

She almost tripped herself along the stairs due to her speed. At that moment, a black sports car almost ran into her. Fortunately, the driver reacted quickly enough to step on the brakes and was equally surprised.

When Jared realized it was none other than Ellen, he broke into a cold sweat. Ellen?

To his relief, she was unscathed. Holding onto the bouquet, she was talking to Harvey beside his car.

“Mr. Fuller, please take back the flowers. I don’t want them,” Ellen insisted.

“Don’t you girls love pretty stuff? I spent almost three hundred on them. I’m serious about you. Please accept them, Ellen. I’ll give you something better next time.” He feigned sincerity.

“I can’t take them. Please do not send me flowers during working hours. Thank you.” She placed the flowers into his car before leaving.

“Hey, hey! Ellen, what do you mean by this? I’d already bought them. Whom am I supposed to give them to other than you?” said the frantic man, as he did not wish to let his money go down the drain.

Still, she strode to the lobby’s entrance without looking back. Harvey grumbled in frustration, “Damn it!” He entered the car and wanted to drive away, yet a black sports car was blocking the way. He would usually go berserk, yet the sight of the expensive vehicle intimidated him. So, he wound down the window to talk to the other driver politely, “Hey, dude. Make way, please.”

Jared wound down his window and glanced at him before parking his car at the front. The interested Harvey followed suit and started a conversation with Jared. “Dude, how much did you spend on your car?”

Alighting from the car, Jared stared coldly at Harvey because he did not intend to respond to the guy. In the end, the awkward Harvey decided to take his leave.

Back at the receptionist’s desk, Olive whispered to Ellen, advising her not to loaf about during working hours, or she would be penalized. Ellen did not want that either, for she even warned Harvey not to send her flowers again.

At that moment, Olive straightened her back to greet the incoming young man along with the others. “Good morning, President Presgrave.”

Ellen could not react in time, hence the tardiness. “Good morning, President Presgrave.” Her voice alone reverberated in the lobby because everyone had done their salutations by the time she stood up. Feeling embarrassed, she could not help her flushing cheeks.

Jared’s eyes naturally fixed on her. A smile appeared across his lips the moment he saw her. Then, he responded to everyone, “Save the greetings whenever I’m at work.”

“And spare me a moment, Ellen,” he called for her on the spot.

She froze at her spot, looking left and right to realize that only her name was mentioned. She had no choice but to rise from her seat. Now that he was seeing her as the company’s president, her heart surged to her throat.

Once they came to a pillar, Jared cut to the chase. “I saw you and a guy fighting back there. Who is he?”

Ellen’s mind went blank, for she did not expect him to witness that scene. “He’s the son of my uncle’s friend.”

“Is he pursuing you?”

“No, no, no! I have nothing to do with him.” She shook her head vigorously in denial.

“He’s definitely up to no good. Don’t mind him,” he reminded.

“I know.” She nodded because she hoped for peace too. However, she worked in the lobby, where Harvey could drop by at any time, so she could not do anything about it.

Needless to say, Jared was also aware of the main problem. Why don’t I transfer her to somewhere close to me? I need a personal assistant anyway. She can help me with my daily routine, and I can keep her safe by keeping those unwanted harassments in check. Perfect!

“Ellen, do you want to have a change of job?”

“A change?” That idea did not cross her mind at all.

“I need a personal assistant, so you can take office from now on.”

“Huh? Me? But I haven’t done anything relevant to that.” She lacked confidence.

He smiled. “You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t bite.”

He assured her to get back to work first before treading toward the elevator. Once Ellen was back in her position, Olive came up to her. “Ellen, why did he ask for you?”

“Nothing.” Ellen figured that it was not the time to bring up the job rotation.

The tactful Olive quelled her doubts at her response. If President Presgrave takes special care of Ellen, she won’t need to serve as a receptionist anymore.

As Olive expected, Ellen received a job rotation email from the human resource department at noon. She went to the manager’s office as required, and Joanna looked at her enviously. “Ellen, you’re promoted! You’ll be working as the president’s personal assistant from now on.”

Her face turned crimson at that. That sounds kinda weird. Personal assistant?

Seeing through her mind, Joanna grinned. “Don’t get me wrong. We’re a proper international company. As the president’s assistant, you’re required to take care of his personal life. The president will elaborate on the details himself later.”

In actuality, Joanna was clueless about what kind of a person Jared was. The only time she encountered him was during a meeting among the senior employees. Thereafter, she had the impression that Jared was a strict and serious person.

Ellen did not foresee the promotion to be this soon either.

“You should report yourself at the floor where the presidential office is.”

After thanking Joanna, she headed upstairs by the elevator. The moment she came out of it, a secretary in her early thirties escorted her.

“Ellen Reiss, come this way, please.”

Ellen trailed behind the lady. The whole floor appeared unusually solemn and strict, and she was on tenterhooks. Jumbled thoughts flooded her because she did not have the slightest idea of what kind of work she needed to do.

“Ellen, here’s your office. You are directly under President Presgrave, so he will tell you your duties himself. All you gotta do is do as you’re told to.”

“Then… Do I need to go through any handover documents?” inquired Ellen.

The secretary gave it a thought before shaking her head. “I’m not sure either. You’re his first personal assistant, so just wait for his orders.”

She strode away just like that, leaving Ellen in muse while propping her chin. A couple of moments later, the landline on her desk rang out suddenly, making her jump. Quickly, she answered the call, “Hello?”

“Come to my office.” Jared’s gruff and enchanting voice resounded.

I guess I have incoming work now, Ellen thought. “Okay. I’m on my way.”

Taking a deep breath, she walked to his office and knocked on the door. The second she opened the door, Jared was removing his blazer to reveal the dark grey vest and white shirt underneath. Geez, he’s a real-life prince charming.

“Have a seat. Let’s talk about your job scope.” He pointed at the couch.

Is he going to deliver my job scope personally? She was not sure whether to cry or laugh at reality.

Once Jared took a seat, the jittery Ellen proceeded to sit down with a straightened back. With her hands placed on her knees, her serious gaze began to focus.

Seeing that, he burst into laughter. “Relax. I don’t bite.”

But you’re the boss! How am I supposed to relax in front of my boss? She was helpless. “May I know what I have to do from now on, President Presgrave?”

“Can you make coffee?”

“Yes, I worked at a cafe before.”

“Great. That is your job for now.” The lenient boss found something for her to do. Now that she worked as his assistant, he needed to at least put something on her plate, and it happened that no one was responsible for making coffee, yet.

“Is that it?” She blinked her eyes, recalling Joanna’s words about the fivefold increase in her income. Yet, that was all she had to do?

colleagues returned to the office upon having lunch. When they bypassed the receptionist’s desk, she intentionally glanced at Ellen’s place to find it empty. Where is she? Why isn’t she

with a smile. “Hi, there. I’m wondering where

Ellen, you say? She’s

“To?”

“We’re not sure either.”

position? But hasn’t it been two weeks since

President Presgrave speak to Ellen personally this morning?

followed up. “He spoke to Ellen this morning? Has

gentle and smiling, though?” the

she’s not fired but promoted? Is she working

Ellen as she was on her way to the elevator. ‘Ellie, I heard you’ve been

the notification. Noticing that it was Selena, she sighed. However, she could not ignore her

replied,

attested to the receptionist’s guess—Ellen was indeed working directly

jealousy spurred in Selena. Does that mean she gets to meet Jared every single day? Working at such a distance will be an advantage for her! If she’s up to something, Jared’s gonna be wrapped in her fingers

away for work. I’m scared to be home alone. Can I crash at your place for two days?’ Selena made up her mind to curry favor with Ellen,

Doesn’t she have a lot of friends? Why

as Connor called her. She

few days, so I’m wondering if Lena can

deliberate attempt by Selena to stay with

quality time together. You girls were

she was aware that things would not go his way. Even if they shared the same space, it would not pull them closer because they were

Selena shot another message. ‘See you tonight, Ellie. Mom and Dad

‘Okay,’ responded Ellen.

at home, though.

the questions. Just do as I say.

questions in his head, he was happy to have the girls hanging out together. That

landline rang, prompting her to pick up the

a cup

“Sure, President Presgrave.”

“Less sugar, no cream.”

facilitated area, she opened a cupboard that contained various kinds of coffee beans. As a trained barista, she was able to brew a nutty aromatic coffee like a breeze with

tray to bring Jared coffee. After knocking and opening the door, she saw the man perusing documents on the couch. He set the files down

praised as the aroma

you like it.” Ellen proffered the coffee to

that came with a smidgen of bitterness. The pleasant texture prodded him to nod

feeling the spiking sense of

the pantry, she saw a female assistant examining the coffee machine. Since Ellen had time, she approached the woman. “Fancy a cup

I think

you. Give me

Awesome! I

A smiling

pantry again while Ellen served her freshly brewed coffee. As soon as the assistant had her first sip, she exclaimed, “Woah! It tastes the same as

worked at a cafe before,” Ellen

wonder you have the touch. Thanks!” said the assistant who

office, one had to be the best of the best; their jurisdictions revolved around

so she decided to stay temporarily. It was then

is there anything that I can help you with?” She stood up at

is. Come with me for dinner.” Jared often had dinner alone, so he would not mind the

curious Ellen blinked her eyes.

“Yes.” He reassured her.

go.” She nodded with

Jared frequented. The kitchen served different menus every day, and enticing dishes were on today’s menu. Every dish was meticulously concocted, and the chefs prioritized taste and nutrition over quantity.

it was a gustatory feast, the dishes were served in ones and twos while he recounted their background stories. For instance, the fish’s origin and the type of shrimp used for today’s dish. Ellen pricked her

little age gap between them, his knowledge knew no bounds. She was deeply impressed by the fact that he knew everything from

money in hand. However, this man possessed not only an

when I don’t have incoming work?” Ellen requested

he did not transfer her to his jurisdiction to make her work in the first place. His sole wish was to

away. Just how lucky am I to meet such a capable gentleman? How can I repay his kindness? I don’t think I have

moment, her phone rang upon receiving a call from Selena. She rose from a seat and said, “Excuse me,

the call, after which Selena’s voice resounded. “Ellie, where do you live? I’ve packed up my stuff and am on my way to your

out, Selena. Why don’t you have dinner on your

with?” Selena questioned

“A-A friend of mine.”

tell me it’s

Ellen let out a

Just inform me when

ended the call and returned to the

she was back, he placed it on her plate. “I’ve grilled it. Have

the pleasant surprise, Ellen took a small bite of the meat. Its

gave her a ride back home. She alighted from the car

as an acknowledgment. The control panel exuded faint blue light, which shrouded him in a glowing sheen with a touch of sophisticated

who would arrive soon. Ellen wandered outside the neighborhood to buy some necessities. By the time Selena’s car halted at the entrance, Ellen happened to be there with

be able to afford a house there. Never had she imagined that

the time

into the neighborhood when Ellen became curious about something. “Where are Uncle Connor and Aunt Olivia going? Is it something

with the funeral for the next few days. I’m scared.” Selena made up an excuse for herself. Since she had set

Ellen bought her lies without a shadow of a doubt since she did not know her

Ellen’s place, Selena wondered if the rental house comprised only one bedroom. However, her eyes widened in astonishment the second Ellen opened the door. She lives here?

much is the monthly rent?” The question escaped Selena almost

told her not to reveal that employee welfare included accommodations, so she glossed it over. “About

deemed it impossible. “No

owner was in a hurry to leave the country. That’s why,” Ellen

on the notion that it was better to stay in such a place than a one-bedroom apartment. After her shower, she entered Ellen’s room on her own accord. She became salty at Ellen, who was donned in a

one desired; her body proportion was the epitome of perfection. Her slick tress fell over her shoulders, covering her angelic features

a girls’ talk!” Selena planned on digging into Jared because girls tend to be more sentimental

President Presgrave every day?” There

a moment. “Almost. I’m

desired to take over that position. Too bad, she was not offered the chance. “Ellie, tell me more about him! I’d

sprouted in her mind as she nodded. “Sure. There’s

“What? A beautiful lady?”

to be from a rich family.

Selena blurted, “He’s taken?”

was single? Of course, he has one.” Ellen put on a serious

turmoil in Selena. Jared has a girlfriend?! She must be someone extraordinary. I have outstanding merits, but there’s always someone better

held on the chance that

seriously, putting her plan into operation. “Selena, do you

did not hide the truth. “So what if

bet there’s a lot of people lining up for you out there. Why don’t you choose someone from an influential family to be

her an eye roll. “Not

of getting angry. “Yeah, yeah. I’m the only one. You studied

of a privileged school!” Selena’s eyes twinkled with pride. It was, in actuality,

university?” It piqued Ellen’s interest because Selena had always had poor grades, let alone scoring on the SAT. Therefore, how was it even possible for her to study in a recognized

pulled some strings. Dad has his connections. I told him I wanna get into that university, and they offered me a place a few days later. You have

she felt like bringing up her ‘remarkable’ past she took

Connor’s the best!”

was proud to have a father like

a phone call to get me a position in Presgrave Group.” Then, she wondered how Ellen got a job in the company. “Did you pass the interview with

plaguing Ellen’s mind was finally answered, so

called one of

Connor helped me too. She mustn’t know about this, or she’ll throw a fit at him. Therefore, Ellen

while thinking that receptionists were indeed dolls. Next, she steered the topic back. “Tell me more about Mr.

helpless. “I don’t know what else

is she? Is she a celebrity or someone

the former, but she appears to be from a rich family. She has that air around

not doubt one bit of her story. Judging from Jared’s identity, it was nearly impossible that he was single. Women would throw themselves at a

treat you so special?” She could not

cried at work when I bumped into him. He asked, and I told him

him to make him empathize with her. And here I am, thinking that he had fallen

to rip me off when the demolition was confirmed. I accidentally spilled the beans, and the rest is what you witnessed in the lobby. He knew I was

finally grasped the situation. No wonder President Presgrave is so protective of her.

know how to repay his kindness. That’s why I treated him to a meal. You were

Selena’s guilty conscience to recall that day. She coughed wryly. “I was just hanging out with my friends.

me and President Presgrave. He did all that

were not as she thought. She initially assumed that Ellen was going to be Jared’s girlfriend and would look down upon them the day