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?

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 on duty? Perhaps she’s fired after making a mistake? Or

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

you say? She’s

“To?”

“We’re not sure either.”

it been two weeks since she started

Selena had questions, one of the other receptionists piped up, “Didn’t President Presgrave speak to Ellen personally this morning? I bet she’s working for

up. “He spoke to Ellen this morning?

all gentle and

Is she working for

out her phone to message Ellen as she was

hearing the notification. Noticing that it was Selena, she sighed. However,

now an assistant on the presidential floor,’ Ellen replied, not wanting to point out

news, which attested to the receptionist’s guess—Ellen

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

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 owned the

that message. Doesn’t she have a lot of friends? Why must it be my

minutes later, her phone rang as Connor called her. She quickly answered

I are going outstation for a few days, so I’m wondering if Lena can stay with you while

her initial assumption that it was a deliberate attempt by Selena to stay with her. Now that he had made a personal request, she could only go along with it.

for you guys to spend some quality time together. You girls were separated for so many years and haven’t hung

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

another message. ‘See you

‘Okay,’ responded Ellen.

be at home, though. Why must we lie to Ellie that

questions. Just do as I

happy to have the girls hanging

her to pick up the call immediately. “This is

me a cup

“Sure, President Presgrave.”

“Less sugar, no cream.”

to the pantry at the presidential office. In the fully 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

minutes later, she held a tray to bring Jared coffee. After knocking and opening the door, she saw the man perusing documents on the couch. He set

He praised

like it.” Ellen proffered the coffee to

savored the aromatic light texture that came with a smidgen of bitterness. The

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

coffee machine. Since

but I think it’s

one for you.

I like

it.” A smiling Ellen

assistant came to the 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 the ones I had

worked at a cafe

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

time serving the employees here. To work in the presidential office, one had to be the best of the best; their jurisdictions revolved around the incoming reports from all

to get off work, she was uncertain whether to leave, so she decided to stay temporarily. It was then that a figure appeared by the door before resting himself against the door frame. “It’s

is there anything that I can help you with?” She stood up at the drop of a

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

A curious Ellen blinked her

“Yes.” He reassured her.

Let’s go.” She nodded with

underground parking lot and that private restaurant Jared frequented. The kitchen served different menus every day, and enticing dishes

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

between them, his knowledge knew no bounds. She was deeply impressed by the fact that he knew

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

read when I don’t have incoming work?” Ellen requested on the account that

fancy.” Jared nodded because he did not transfer her to his jurisdiction to make her work in the first place. His sole

had ever treated her so well ever since Jessica passed away. Just how lucky am I to meet such a capable gentleman? How can I repay his kindness? I don’t

phone rang upon receiving a call from Selena. She rose from a seat and said,

call, after which Selena’s voice resounded. “Ellie, where do you live? I’ve packed up my stuff

you have dinner on your

are you with?” Selena questioned

“A-A friend of mine.”

tell me it’s

ever escape her grasp. Ellen let out a silent sigh. “Yeah.

me when

Ellen ended the call and returned to

of beef for her. Now that she was back, he placed it on her plate. “I’ve

meat. Its smooth yet juicy texture

which Jared gave her a ride back home. She alighted from the car and waved at

her as an acknowledgment. The control panel exuded faint blue light, which shrouded him

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

scanned the area in disbelief because she was aware no ordinary people would be able to afford a

the time being,” Ellen

luggage into the neighborhood when Ellen became curious about something. “Where are

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

hand, Ellen bought her lies without a shadow of a doubt since she

comprised only one bedroom. However, her eyes widened in astonishment the second Ellen opened the door. She lives here? It’s huge and luxurious! And

much is the monthly rent?” The

she shared with Joanna, who told her not to reveal that

it impossible. “No way.

in a hurry to leave

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

appeared slim, but she had the curves that one desired; her body proportion was the epitome of perfection. Her slick tress fell over her shoulders,

digging into Jared because girls tend to be more sentimental at night. They naturally spilled secrets when

meet President Presgrave every day?” There went her first

I’m

bad, she was not offered the chance. “Ellie, tell me more about

an idea sprouted in her mind

“What? A beautiful lady?”

be from a rich family. They’re

Selena blurted, “He’s taken?”

on a serious face while making up a story, hoping it

hit home, setting turmoil in Selena. Jared has a girlfriend?! She must be someone

this?” She held

cap.” Ellen nodded seriously, putting her plan into operation. “Selena, do you perhaps have feelings for President

deflated Selena did not hide the truth. “So what if I

I 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 your husband? I think President Presgrave is off-limits. He will

gave her an eye roll.

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

pride.

interest because Selena had always had poor grades, let alone scoring on

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

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

Uncle Connor’s the best!” Ellen feigned

is.” Selena was proud to have a father like Connor, who granted every

she wondered how Ellen got a job in

mind was finally answered, so she reconfirmed. “Uncle Connor helped you

of the senior

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

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

was helpless. “I don’t know what else

Who is she? Is she a celebrity or

a rich family. She has that air around her.”

one bit of her story. Judging from Jared’s identity, it was nearly impossible that he was single. Women would throw themselves at a capable man

he treat you so special?” She could not understand why

into him. He asked, and I told

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

to let her storytelling shine through. “President Presgrave is an empathetic man. Back then, Uncle Garrett and the others were trying to rip me off when

situation. No wonder President Presgrave is so protective of her.

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

wryly. “I was just hanging out with my friends. It was

So, Selena, please do not misunderstand things between me and President Presgrave. He did

Jared’s girlfriend and would look down upon them the day she became