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?

bypassed the receptionist’s desk, she intentionally glanced at Ellen’s place to find it empty. Where is she? Why isn’t she on duty? Perhaps she’s fired after making a mistake? Or

curious Selena approached Olive with a smile. “Hi, there. I’m wondering where Ellen has gone

say? She’s transferred

“To?”

“We’re not sure either.”

But hasn’t it been two weeks since she started

up, “Didn’t President Presgrave speak to Ellen personally this morning? I bet she’s

happened to hear that and quickly followed up. “He spoke to Ellen this

all gentle and smiling,

but promoted? Is she working for the

feelings boiled in the pit of Selena’s stomach. She fished out her phone to message Ellen as she was on her

Noticing that it was Selena, she sighed. However,

presidential floor,’ Ellen replied, not wanting

blank upon the shocking news, which attested to the receptionist’s guess—Ellen was indeed working

that point, 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 sooner or later. After

my parents will be 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, who

have a lot of friends? Why must

as Connor called her. She quickly

a few days, so I’m wondering if Lena can stay with

with her. Now that he had made a

quality time together. You girls were separated for so many years and

go his way. Even if they shared the same space, it would not pull

another message. ‘See you tonight, Ellie. Mom

‘Okay,’ responded Ellen.

will be at home, though. Why

with the questions. Just do as I say. It’s for Lena,”

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

3.00PM, Ellen’s landline rang, prompting her to pick up the call immediately.

make me a cup of

“Sure, President Presgrave.”

“Less sugar, no cream.”

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 the beans and coffee

later, she held a tray to bring Jared coffee. After knocking and opening the door, she saw the

It smells great.” He praised

Ellen

and savored the aromatic light texture that came with a smidgen of bitterness. The pleasant texture prodded him to nod approvingly. “Not bad. I

lips, feeling the spiking sense of achievement inside her. “Enjoy. I’ll

assistant examining the coffee machine. Since Ellen

I think it’s

for you. Give me

Awesome! I

A smiling Ellen

to the pantry again while Ellen served her freshly brewed coffee. As soon as the assistant had

at a cafe

Thanks!”

work in the presidential office, one had to be the best of the best; their jurisdictions revolved

get off work, she was uncertain whether to leave, 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

blinked her eyes. “I-Is this one

“Yes.” He reassured her.

Let’s go.” She nodded with red

The kitchen served different menus every day, and enticing dishes were on today’s menu. Every dish was meticulously concocted, and the

while he recounted their background stories. For

knowledge knew no bounds. She was deeply impressed by the

desire to enjoy life with little money in hand. However, this man possessed not only an abundance of wealth

requested

to make her work in the first place. His sole wish was to protect her and that smile on her

passed away. Just how lucky am I to meet such a capable gentleman? How can I repay his

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

the garden and answered the call, after which Selena’s voice resounded. “Ellie, where do you live? I’ve

you have dinner on

you with?” Selena questioned

“A-A friend of mine.”

it’s

let out a silent sigh. “Yeah. I’m

when you’re home,”

Ellen ended the call and

a piece of beef for her. Now that she was back, he placed it on her

pleasant surprise, Ellen took a small bite of the meat. Its smooth yet juicy texture elicited a smile on her face.

gave her a ride back home. She

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

when he left the place that she finally sent her address to Selena, who would arrive soon. Ellen wandered outside the neighborhood to buy some

here?” Selena scanned the area in disbelief because she was aware no ordinary people would be able to afford

time being,”

curious about something. “Where are Uncle Connor and Aunt Olivia going? Is it something

I’m scared.” Selena made up an excuse for herself. Since she had set her heart to approach Jared

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

the second Ellen opened the door. She lives here? It’s huge and luxurious! And how is this a one-bedroom

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

to reveal that employee welfare included accommodations, so she glossed it over. “About five

it impossible. “No way.

hurry to leave the country. That’s why,”

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

proportion was the epitome of perfection. Her

I can’t sleep. Let’s have a girls’ talk!” Selena planned on digging into Jared because girls tend to be

do you meet President Presgrave every

a moment. “Almost. I’m in charge of making

bad, she was not offered the chance. “Ellie, tell me more about him! I’d love

see through her intentions. Thus, an idea sprouted in her mind as she nodded. “Sure. There’s this one beautiful lady

“What? A beautiful lady?”

a

Selena blurted, “He’s taken?”

Of course, he has one.” Ellen put on a serious face while making up a story, hoping it would

a girlfriend?! She must be someone extraordinary. I have

about this?” She held on

putting her plan into operation. “Selena, do you perhaps have

did not hide the truth. “So what if

up for you out there. Why don’t you choose someone from an influential family to be

her an eye roll. “Not

“Yeah, yeah. I’m the only one. You studied abroad, at

twinkled with pride. It was, in actuality, a hoax because she paid

had always had poor grades, let alone scoring on the SAT. Therefore, how was it

him I wanna get into that university, and they offered me a place a few

up to her toxic friends, so she felt like bringing up her ‘remarkable’ past

Uncle Connor’s the best!” Ellen feigned

proud to have a father like Connor, who granted

Group.” Then, she wondered how Ellen got a job in the company. “Did you pass the

doubt plaguing Ellen’s mind was finally answered, so she reconfirmed.

called one of the senior employees.”

helped me too. She mustn’t know about this, or she’ll throw a fit at him. Therefore, Ellen lied. “A-As

attractive Ellen while thinking that receptionists were indeed dolls. Next, she steered the topic back. “Tell me

don’t know what

mentioned? Who is she? Is she

to be from a rich family. She has that air

identity, it was nearly impossible that he was single. Women would throw themselves at a capable man like him, so that marked the end of

could not understand why Jared noticed a newcomer like Ellen

circumstances.” Ellen added, “I once cried at work when I bumped into him.

knew it! She planned it from the start! She acted pitifully in front of him to make him empathize with her. And here I am, thinking that he had fallen for her. Selena was

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 getting

No wonder President Presgrave is so protective of her. He knew

much, but I don’t know how to repay his kindness. That’s why I treated him to a meal.

wryly. “I was just

misunderstand things between me and President Presgrave. He did

seemed to be in a good mood. At least, things 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 she became a rich man’s wife. Now, it seemed like it was a mere act out of pity and empathy; it was nothing remotely close