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

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

Ellen, you say? She’s transferred to another

“To?”

“We’re not sure either.”

But hasn’t it been two weeks since she

President Presgrave speak to Ellen personally this morning? I bet she’s working for him

“He spoke to Ellen this morning? Has she done something

all gentle and smiling, though?” the receptionist

promoted? Is she working for the presidential office

the pit of Selena’s stomach. She fished out her phone to message Ellen as she

her phone upon hearing the notification. Noticing that it was Selena, she sighed.

Ellen replied, not wanting to point out her

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

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

crash at your place for two days?’ Selena made up her mind to curry favor with Ellen,

that message. Doesn’t she have a lot of friends? Why

rang as Connor called her.

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

by Selena to stay with her. Now that he had made a personal request, she could only

time together. You girls

they shared the same space, it would not pull them closer because they were of different

shot another message. ‘See you tonight, Ellie. Mom and Dad will board the

‘Okay,’ responded Ellen.

eyes. “We will be at home, though. Why must we lie to Ellie that we’ll

as I say.

hanging out

landline rang, prompting her to pick up

me a cup of

“Sure, President Presgrave.”

“Less sugar, no cream.”

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

and opening the door, she saw the man perusing documents on the couch. He set the files down

praised as the aroma wafted

like it.” Ellen proffered the

savored the aromatic light texture that came with a smidgen of bitterness. The pleasant texture prodded him to

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

the coffee machine. Since Ellen had time, she approached the woman. “Fancy a cup

but I think

you. Give me

I

A smiling

soon as the assistant had her first sip, she exclaimed, “Woah! It tastes the same as

worked at a cafe before,” Ellen

you have the touch. Thanks!” said the assistant

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 around

It was then that a figure appeared

help you with?” She stood up

with me for dinner.” Jared often had dinner alone, so he would

job? A curious Ellen blinked her eyes. “I-Is

“Yes.” He reassured her.

go.” She nodded

parking lot and that private restaurant Jared frequented. The kitchen served different menus every day, and enticing dishes were on today’s menu. Every dish was meticulously concocted, and

stories. For instance, the fish’s origin and the type of shrimp used for today’s dish. Ellen pricked her ears

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

in hand. However, this

work?” Ellen requested on the account that daydreaming was simply an act

to his jurisdiction to make her work in the first place. His sole wish was

how lucky am I to meet such

call from Selena.

where do you live? I’ve packed up my

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

with?”

“A-A friend of mine.”

me it’s President

grasp. Ellen let out a silent

inform me when you’re

Ellen ended the call

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

bite of the meat. Its smooth yet juicy texture elicited a smile on

enjoyed their dinner until 8.00PM, after which Jared gave her a ride back home. She alighted from the car and waved

light, which shrouded him

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

disbelief because she was aware no ordinary people would be able to afford a house there. Never had she imagined that Ellen would be this rich after

for the time

something. “Where are Uncle Connor and Aunt

they’ll be helping with the funeral for the next few days. I’m scared.” Selena made up an excuse for herself. Since she had set her heart to

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

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

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

recalled the conversation she shared with Joanna, who told her not to reveal that employee welfare

it impossible. “No way.

a hurry to leave

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

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

sleep. Let’s have a girls’ talk!” Selena planned on digging into Jared because girls tend to

do you meet President Presgrave every day?” There went

moment. “Almost. I’m in

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

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

“What? A beautiful lady?”

a rich

Selena blurted, “He’s taken?”

one.” Ellen put on a serious face while making up a story, hoping it would stop Selena

She must be someone extraordinary. I have outstanding merits,

held

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

the truth. “So

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 never fall for

her an eye roll.

smile instead of getting angry. “Yeah, yeah. I’m

And I am a graduate of a privileged school!” Selena’s eyes twinkled with pride. It was, in actuality, a hoax

How did you enroll in that 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

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

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

Connor’s the best!” Ellen feigned

have a father like Connor,

took him 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

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

one of

or she’ll throw a fit at him. Therefore, Ellen lied. “A-As you’ve guessed,

receptionists were indeed dolls. Next, she steered the topic back.

don’t know what

that gorgeous lady you mentioned? Who is she? Is she a

but she appears to be from a rich family. She has that air

her story. Judging from Jared’s 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 Selena’s

so special?” She could not understand why Jared noticed a newcomer like Ellen

him. He asked, and I told him that Grandma left. I

in front of him to make him empathize with her. And here I am, thinking that he

me off when the

Presgrave is so protective

exclaimed, “He’s been helping me so much, but I don’t know how to repay his kindness. That’s why I treated

recall that day. She coughed wryly. “I

please do not misunderstand things between me and President Presgrave. He did all that out

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