Never Too Far Novel

Even if Ellen had fallen in love with Jared, she could still walk out of it and think of it as sweet memories. She was all alone, like a bird free from its cage, so she could go wherever she wanted without having much thought.

Ellen was gone. She left a letter for Jared and disappeared without hesitation.

Jared was baffled as he sat on the couch and read the letter. He couldn’t believe that Ellen would leave him behind without any notice.

“Darling, who gave you permission to leave? You didn’t even say goodbye,” Jared said after reading the letter. “I will find you.” As he spoke, he raised his head, and his eyes were filled with determination. No matter where you are, I will find you. Then, I will ask about your sudden departure.

A week later, Selena was on trial and was sentenced to a jail time of a year and three months. Although Connor tried to have another lawsuit, it was rejected by the jury. Never would Selena imagine that she would go to jail for messing with Ellen. Moreover, she had to be in prison for a year and three months. When she found out about it, she almost cried her eyes out.

Oliver couldn’t do anything either. All she could do was watch Selena being taken away by the officers. When Selena was imprisoned, Ellen didn’t show herself, and Olivia loathed her for this. Truthfully, all Ellen had to do was talk to Jared, and she could bail Selena out of jail. However, she didn’t. Hence, Oliver thought Ellen was joyful when she saw how miserable they were.

Even Connor didn’t realize how ruthless Ellen would be. No matter how he looked for her, he couldn’t find her. At that moment, he decided to cut ties with her and denied her as their relative.

However, none of them knew that there was another person as miserable as them. That person was Jared. For the past seven days consecutively, he couldn’t find any traces of her, no matter what he did.

Just like that, Ellen was gone. However, Jared remembered that she had written such words in the letter. ‘Please don’t come and look for me. I am going to pursue my dreams. I wish you good luck, Jared.’

What exactly is her dream? Jared thought. At this moment, realization struck him when he knew nothing about Ellen. When he read her letter, he could tell she was determined to seek freedom. If he were to look for her, he would have gotten in her way. Although Jared was reluctant to let her go, he still decided to do so. He hoped that they would meet again after she had pursued her dreams. He would wait for her as long as he could.

However, questions still filled in his head. Where exactly did she go? What is her dream?

In the meantime, in Brook’s hometown, Ellen lived in a place known as The Home of Chess. It was a tourist destination where the four seasons were warm. Ellen bought a house and officially became a member of the Chess Academy. She wanted to elevate herself and find what she truly desired. Thus, she stayed there for one and a half years. Sometimes, she would see Jared on the news, but she had never wanted to look for him. After all, she felt peace when facing chess pieces.

A year later, Ellen participated in the chess league that was held in the city. Then, she took part in open tournaments and won many matches. After that, she was ranked as a FIDE Master and was titled the most beautiful chess player by the local judges.

However, she was only famous in the city and not nationwide. Since Ellen had her ways of earning money, she didn’t have to worry about cash. Plus, she was a pro when it came to saving money. Thus, her life went on smoothly. She was doing what she liked and found what she truly wanted. Soon, it would be her 25th birthday. Compared to last year, she had changed a lot. Now, she was at peace, had something she was proud of, and was famous.

“Good luck, Ellen. We have signed you up for the world chess tournament. You, Jay, and Austin will be our representatives. We hope you can bring victory to us.”

“After all, you are the apprentice of Mr. Linton, the national champion. You can do it. When that time comes, you will show the world what you are capable of and become a chess star.”

Ellen nodded and smiled. “I’ll try my best.”

Recently, the media had been reporting that Lockwood Village had become an important development area of Averna. The old houses were gone and were turned into skyscrapers. There were also costly residential areas and industries. Lockwood Village had turned into a new landmark.

On the balcony of a newly furnished apartment, a tall figure was standing by the window. He was looking outside and seemed to be deep in thought.

“It’s getting late, President Jared. You should head home.” Stanley stood behind him and felt his legs getting sore from standing too long.

They were at one of the residential areas that the Presgrave Group had built. Jared had reserved one of the penthouses and furnished it himself. While furnishing, he chose everything that a woman needed. Thus, it was obvious that he had prepared this place for a woman, and Stanley knew who it was. However, he wondered if Ellen would still be back. One and a half years had passed, but Jared was still love-struck with Ellen. Initially, he had many ways to find out where she was, but he didn’t do so. He waited patiently as time passed and refused any women who came to him. It went to the point that even Anastasia, who was abroad, had personally asked about his condition. However, Jared was always alone. Now that Jared was going to be twenty-eight years old, even Stanley was worried about his life.

“Do you think she will be back, Stanley?” Jared asked while lowering his eyes.

“I will search everywhere and bring her back as long as you are willing to,” replied Stanley.

“What if she doesn’t love me?” Jared sighed.

Stanley was also clueless about women. I’m sure every woman loves Jared. After all, he is such a perfect and wealthy man! Although… Miss Reiss is an exception. I guess that makes her different from the other girls who are crazy for Jared.

Thinking about it, Stanley felt that Ellen might have left due to how outstanding Jared was. Ellen must have felt insecure. Hence, he said, “Don’t think of such things, President Jared. I’m sure she loves you.”

“I hope so! I have prepared this house for her. It’s where her old mansion used to be. I really wish that she will return and accept this gift.” Jared sighed.

Stanley knew what he was talking about. In the past, no one wanted to build any residential area in Lockwood Village, but Jared had made this place into a residential area just because he wanted to keep a place for Ellen.

…

The world chess tournament would be held in Averna by next Friday, and many media outlets were paying attention to it. A black van stopped by a hotel, and the door was opened from the inside. Soon, a middle-aged man, an old man, and a girl exited the car. The girl wore a black down jacket and took a deep breath, smiling when she caught the whiff of the familiar scent.

“This is your hometown, Ellie. Do you feel happy to be back?” Jay asked.

“Yes. It’s been a year and a half since I last visited here,” Ellen replied.

“Where is your house at?” Austin asked curiously.

What came to Ellen’s mind first was the old manor where her Grandma used to live. That place used to be her home, but now it was gone.

“My old house was demolished, so I don’t really have a home here.” Ellen smiled.

Afterward, they entered the hotel and rested to prepare for the tournament.

After Ellen had unpacked her stuff, she called a cab and went to the old manor.

Everyone would feel safe and happy when they went to their hometown, even if it had changed.

Ellen got out of the cab and tugged on her hat. Windy winter days were the worst, and her ears were freezing. Standing by a lamppost, she raised her head and looked where her grandma used to live. However, the place had turned into a residential area. Rumors had it that the house price was up to thirty million.

Looking at the building, Ellen sighed. She knew she had wishful thinking to think that she could recall the past by coming. However, New Town had already changed into a landmark with commercial value.

At this moment, a black Rolls-Royce drove past her. A figure was sitting in the back of the car with his eyes closed. As the light shone on his handsome face, Ellen took a glance and felt her heart skip a beat. Looking at the car, she thought, Am I seeing things? Why did I think he looked a lot like Jared? It must have been my imagination! After all, how could I have encountered him in such a big city?

Then, she returned to the hotel and spent a whole week there. Soon, the day of the tournament arrived. It went on for three days, and chess players from all over the world gathered, challenging each other. Besides filming the chess game, the media would also do a close-up of the players. One of the players shocked them as they had never imagined that there would be a young girl in the final round.

The girl was ordinary. She wore a black turtleneck, and her hair was tied into a ponytail. As some of her bangs fell, they highlighted the perfect curves of her cheeks. Although she wore black-framed glasses, she still looked gorgeous. The reporters were shocked to see such a beautiful woman in the tournament’s final round. However, the woman was calm and composed as she looked at the chessboard.

Among the audience, Brook clasped his hands in excitement. He had been accompanying Ellen, hoping she would win the championship for his sake.

Ellen’s opponent was a middle-aged man. He was calm and experienced, but his eyes were filled with disdain as he looked at her, seemingly to have underestimated her. However, Ellen wasn’t fazed for one bit and didn’t even look at him. All she did was stared at the black and white chess pieces. The commentator had explained the chess game thoroughly, but no one was sure who would win since a slight change in the chess would make a significant twist.

Looking at the chessboard on the big screen, Brook suddenly smiled. He knew that Ellen had mastered his ultimate move.

As expected, the man lost due to underestimation and she narrowly won.

With that, the champion of this year’s tournament was born.

“Oh my god! The champion of this year’s tournament is a young girl. Who exactly is she? Her name is Ellen Reiss. The rookies in this year’s chess game sure have many surprises.”

Ellen breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Brook. She smiled when she saw him, knowing she did not disappoint him.

At this moment, the camera followed Ellen’s gaze and caught Brook. Immediately, the commentator was shocked. “She is the apprentice of our former champion! No wonder she is so skillful.”

The middle-aged man who lost was furious. He threw the chess pieces on the board and cussed toward Ellen before leaving. Then, Ellen got up and returned to the lounge. Fifteen minutes later, she would be on stage and became this year’s youngest chess champion.

…

On the other hand, at the Aguirre Residence. Connor had just finished lunch and was switching the TV channels with the remote control. Then, he saw the live stream of the chess tournament. Subconsciously, he stopped. In the meantime, the live stream was showing the award ceremony. Connor sipped his tea when the host said excitedly, “Next up, let us welcome the champion of this year’s chess tournament.”

The camera turned toward a figure while the host continued. “This is the champion of this year’s tournament. She is a young chess player who is only twenty-five years old. She is a rookie in chess, and her name is Ellen Reiss. A round of applause for Miss Reiss.”

at Ellen intently, watching her take the trophy. He never expected that

beyond frustrated. After all, there was no use in finding her now when Selena would be getting out of jail. Her life was ruined, and this case would forever taint

house. Seeing Connor staring at the TV with a surprised look, she asked, “What are you looking at? Come and see the clothes I bought for Lena. When she comes

this girl, Oli,” said Connor as he pointed

saw that he was pointing at the TV screen, she subconsciously looked over. In the meantime, Ellen’s

Why is she on TV and being awarded? As she thought, she exclaimed, “What is she

He used to think that Ellen couldn’t do anything and was just an ordinary girl. However, he didn’t

chess champion! If not, her opponent must have thrown the game. Thus, what

with Jared. Maybe the Presgrave Family had given her some benefits. They let her become a chess champion so she will have a better

a great life and stand on the stage with spotlights on her when she let Lena be in prison for a year! She is ruthless!” Olivia was

she refused to look at the TV anymore and went to do the laundry. However, Connor sat back and hit replay, rewinding the stream. When he saw Ellen’s first match, he sat down and observed the process. Connor was a chess lover himself, and he would always play chess

of the top-tier players. However, he stopped competing after a tragedy happened

a surprise that he is Ellen’s mentor. No wonder

and saw Connor was still looking at Ellen, she was angry. “Why are you still watching? What is

At the same time, he didn’t tell Olivia that Ellen had won the championship with her own skill. After all, he didn’t want his wife

If Connor refused to give her money, she would not allow him to visit his son. Luckily for him, Olivia had not known about Connor’s

…

ceremony, Ellen returned to the hotel with the others. Everyone was thrilled because they had returned with fruitful

they discussed whether they should stay and have fun in Averna before going back. Since Brook had a place he could stay for the long term, he asked Ellen, “Do you want to stay here, Ellie? You have already achieved your goal. Next, it’s time for you to find someone and

thought about it yet, Mr. Linton.” Ellen smiled. It went without saying that she was excited because winning the championship was the

chairman of the team got a phone call. Then, he quickly said to Brook and Ellen in excitement, “Mr. Linton, Ellie,

his words, she was shocked. Brook looked at her

didn’t mind the cameras when she played chess. However, she would be

famous when you are still young!”

You are even more beautiful than

the end, Ellen agreed to it. Since the staff from the TV station kept urging them, she and Brook would be interviewed on live TV that

…

his favorite show—the chess tournament held at Averna. He had wanted to watch it but didn’t have the spare time since he had been busy the past few days. Now, he had finished his job and was ready to

the cameraman gave them a close-up. At that moment, Stanley almost jumped out of his chair in shock when

about it. Then, he took out his phone and dialed Jared’s number, wanting to tell him

voice sounded from the other end of the

told Jared that Ellen had taken part in the chess

news to tell you. Go and watch the chess tournament that was held in Averna when you have the time. Maybe you will find the person you have always

“Who is it?”

the phone. Although he was dying to spill the beans, he still suppressed the

hung up the phone, Stanley texted and urged him. ‘You

After he had ended the call with Stanley, he had another business call. It was a discussion about a recent investment proposal. Soon, Jared went back to work. When he finally returned home, it was already 9.00PM. As soon as he entered the living room, he took off his suit, revealing a dark shirt that showed his perfect figure. Then,

Then, he took the remote control

the TV showed the special highlight from the chess tournament, Jared scrolled through it with curiosity. Suddenly, he seemed to have seen something. His eyes widened as he stared at

name on the list? Jared knew there was no mistake. It was Ellen’s

her name to rewatch her match. When the screen switched scenes, Ellen’s beautiful face unfolded right before his eyes.

wasn’t wearing anything classy, sporting a plain turtleneck, looking sharp. When the camera zoomed in on

Jared grabbed his phone

“Stanley.”

“Yes, Mr. Presgrave.”

did you find

for work, I love to play chess. Hence, I knew a chess tournament would be right around the

still in Averna? Which hotel is she at?” Jared suppressed

tonight, Mr. Presgrave? It’s already 10.00PM,

she stays in

beforehand and replied, “I have already checked that. I’ll send the address to you right

“What?”

you know about

“Really?”

match. It was amazing. She is truly gifted as a chess

words, he felt a pang in his chest. Does that mean more men will like her? Will she be popular around people? A sudden rush of

the address, including Ellen’s room number. Immediately, Jared grabbed his coat and quickly rushed to the garage. He didn’t want to wait any longer. At that moment,

a sports car dashed through the road as fast

table. Looking at it, she thought about a familiar face. She wanted to see Jared but had no reason to do so. After all, he had never come looking for her when she left without saying anything for an entire year. That meant that they

window. The neon lights were shining brightly. Is there a woman beside him now?

rang. Ellen believed it was the hotel staff since she had ordered a plate of fruits. Thus, she stood up and opened the door without much thought. However, it wasn’t the hotel staff who stood before her, but a man who was panting. He was leaning against the doorframe, seemingly out

In that split second,

had got a hold of his breath, he pointed into her room and asked, “Can

Ellen

room while Ellen closed the door and followed suit. Suddenly, he stopped and turned around abruptly,

and was going to hit her head when Jared quickly pulled her. Immediately, their bodies were pressed close to each other. Ellen was shocked by the sudden outcome. Her face was pale, and she opened her lips to say something. At that moment, Jared cupped her cheeks and kissed her. In that split second, Ellen was dumbfounded. She stood there stiffly, allowing him to kiss

his forehead against hers. “How rude of you. You didn’t even inform me that you

“I’m here to participate in the tournament. I’m

you want to share with me after

afraid that you might be busy.” Ellen pursed her

exasperatedly. He could tell that she was making up an excuse, and the real

get the fruit.” After that, she opened the door and saw a young, elegant man standing there. He was Hendrix O’rion, one of the chess players. Hendrix heard

Hendrix waved

“Hello.” Ellen smiled.

Miss Reiss. I really admire you and wish that we could play together sometime later. Is it okay if I get your number?” asked

say anything, a cold male voice replied,

he saw a handsome man come out of the room, he asked curiously,

Jared announced without

Ellen was speechless.

disappointed. I had asked her teammates, and none said she

at the next

my leave now.” Hendrix

as the door was closed, Ellen heard Jared say sulkily. “As expected. You have more admirers after a

felt funny and looked at him. “What about you?

that other men were looking for Ellen. He even wondered

Jared spoke, he walked over to the trophy. When he saw it, he was happy for her. After all, he had never expected her to be

I still have a television

pursuing your dream in the past year.” Jared gave her

my dream. I found what I was looking for.”

me again.” Jared looked at her with a darkened gaze.

She knew he was hurt

fine. I’m not a petty person. I’ll forgive you, but on one condition. My next ten meals

Ellen

to a cheap restaurant. I won’t

if you want that, but… won’t your girlfriend be upset about it?” asked Ellen as she bit her lip. He must be dating that

thought, When did

question, Ellen

one?” Jared raised his eyebrow

his words. “How many

I only have one.” As Jared spoke, he

second. Does that mean that the woman he hugged isn’t his girlfriend? No, I can’t let him know about this.

to tell them to give you

late. Why don’t you go home and

staying on the top floor. Just call me if anything