Never Too Far Novel

Selena couldn’t stand losing to Ellen. She commented harsh words under the video; every one of them was scolding Ellen. Then, she felt it wasn’t enough and snarled. “Ellen, you b*tch! I will never forgive you.”

Her voice shocked the girls, and they all looked at her. One of the girls frowned and said, “She is criticizing Ellen!”

Immediately, Selena smirked coldly and replied, “That’s right. I’m badmouthing the chess champion, Ellen. She is a b*tch, yet you guys admire her. This is just ridiculous.”

“Are you crazy?!”

“Yeah. She must be crazy from being jealous. Let’s go.”

When Selena heard their words, she glared at them angrily, and the girls left. Ellen must have won the championship by bribing. I need to find evidence of her cheating! Then, she will be thrown off the crown. I’m going to destroy her, even if it means I will ruin my life, thought Selena as she gritted her teeth.

Then, she took out her phone and called Olivia. “Have you seen the news about Ellen, Mom? It’s ridiculous that she is a chess champion,” Selena said with contempt,

“I know. Just ignore her and live our own lives,” replied Olivia.

“I went to jail for over a year because of her, Mom. Do you think I will let her get away with it?”

“What are you going to do, Lena?”

Hearing Olivia’s words, Selena quickly reacted and said, “I’m not going to do anything, Mom. I just hate her.”

“Don’t do anything stupid. You just got out of jail.” Olivia reminded her.

After Selena promised to Olivia, she searched for people connected to the chess tournament. Then, she saw the judge who was in charge of Ellen’s match. She decided that she was going to investigate to see whether Ellen had won fair and square.

On the other hand, after Ellen had finished the interview, she texted Jared. ‘Do you have any free time tonight? I’ll treat you to dinner.’ She wanted to buy him dinner since she still felt guilty about her sudden departure.

Just as she had sent the text, Jared immediately called her. Ellen was startled, but she soon answered the call. “Hello.”

“I’ll choose the place,” Jared said.

Ellen was cool with it. No matter how expensive it would be, she decided to pay. “Sure. Let’s meet up at 5.30PM.”

During the past year, she had managed her finances well, so she should be able to buy him a meal or two at a fancy restaurant.

“Sure. See you at 5.30PM, then.” Jared smiled on the other end of the phone.

As Ellen returned to her room, she searched the gossip about her and Jared. When she saw the articles, she was shocked. After all, their names were everywhere. Looking at it, she wondered if the media had overdone it. She was embarrassed to see how they had praised her. Initially, she didn’t want to be high profile, but as long as her name was bonded with Jared, it would go viral.

Then, she returned to her room and got some calls from her friends. She was embarrassed. She didn’t want to admit it, but gossip about her and Jared was everywhere. However, she couldn’t bring herself to admit it since this was the first time they had met after one year of departure. She needed time to sort it out!

When it was 5.30PM, there was a knock on Ellen’s door. She opened it and saw Jared standing there. Since she was also ready, they entered Jared’s car and headed to the restaurant. Jared was curious about her life.

“Why did you go to Brownsville?”

“It’s the Home of Chess, which is also my mentor’s hometown.”

“When did you learn to play chess? You never told me about it.”

“I started when I was seven. At first, I was just watching the others playing. The person who first taught me was also my mentor. Since Grandma loves to play poker, I would accompany her to the park. From preschool to high school, I spent most of my time at the park. After seeing it for such a long time, I just took an interest in it.” Ellen used to think of it as a hobby. However, after encountering Brook, he encouraged her, which made her work hard for it and go to the rank match.

“That’s great,” praised Jared earnestly as he looked over at her.

Ellen was glad to hear that, but she replied humbly, “Thank you, I’ll continue to treat my hobby as my career and further develop it.”

“You have my support.” He then looked at her with a deep gaze. “I’ll support you in whatever you do in the future.”

Ellen blushed upon hearing that; she wasn’t sure whether he was offering support as a friend or as someone beyond that. “Why did you post such a comment on social media?” Ellen asked.

“I’m speaking the truth. Is there anything wrong with it?”

“But we…”

“Do you think that you aren’t my girlfriend anymore just because we have been separated for a year? We haven’t officially broken up, you know.” Jared spoke in displeasure.

Ellen’s face flushed red and became hot instantly when she heard his remarks. She wound the car window down to get some air, not knowing how to answer him. After a brief pause, she replied shyly, “Alright!”

Upon hearing her reply, Jared smiled since it was the answer he wanted from her. “What about you? Have you been in contact with any guys in the past year?” Jared started fussing about it since he wanted to know how she felt about him.

“Nope.” She shook her head.

“Did anyone try courting you?” he asked again.

This time round, she didn’t shake her head but replied honestly, “Yeah, but I rejected his advances.”

“In the future, you should announce that you are taken.” Jared scoffed, still feeling jealous about it.

“Don’t be so domineering!” She chuckled.

“Do you blame me for not looking for you the past year?” he asked again.

“I don’t.” She shook her head. After all, she had written to Jared and told him not to look for her to give her some space and freedom.

“I knew that you’d be back. I had a feeling that you’d return for sure.” He revealed to her his thoughts in the past year. The reason he didn’t go looking for her was that he was waiting for her to return.

Tears welled up in her eyes upon hearing that. Does he really think that way?

“After dinner, I’ll bring you somewhere. You’ll love it.”

“Where is it?” she asked curiously.

“You’ll find out later on.”

As soon as they reached the upscale steakhouse, which was Ellen’s favorite restaurant, she told him about the house she had gotten in town. It came with a garden, which was how she imagined her dream house to be.

“If there’s a chance, I’d like to go take a look. Perhaps I’ll even stay a few nights there.” He was already looking forward to it.

“Sure!” She welcomed the idea.

It was only 8.30PM when their dinner ended. Following that, Jared drove Ellen in his car. The further they drove, the more familiar her surroundings looked.

Isn’t this where my house used to be? She even remembered that she had deliberately come over to look at it once before. “Why are you taking me here?”

“Take a guess.” He smiled.

However, nothing came to mind, so she could only wait for him to bring her there. As soon as Jared parked his car at a luxurious car park, he asked her to get out of the car. Then, the both of them took the elevator before heading over to the penthouse.

“Did you move here?” she asked.

After Jared opened the door, he stretched his hand out and made a welcoming gesture. “I designed this place, especially for you.”

Upon walking into the unit, Ellen was shocked. As she looked out through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she noticed the dazzling city lights and realized that she was within the central location of New Town. After giving it some thought, she looked up and asked, “No way. Is this location where my house used to be?”

“You’re right. This is where your house used to be, so I built you a house in the same spot. Do you like it?” he asked earnestly.

She was overwhelmed by emotions upon hearing that. The next moment, she walked toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist before burying her face in his chest. She couldn’t find the words to express herself. With that, Jared tightened his embrace around her and planted a kiss on the top of her head as he relished the long-awaited hug.

“Thank you.” Ellen didn’t know he had done so much for her, which made her feel guilty for leaving him.

won’t leave again since I’ve gotten you a house!” Jared looked down and said in a raspy voice. After all, the reason he built her the

Jared smiled when she accepted his gift, and from today onward, this would be their home. After Ellen was given a tour around the duplex that spanned almost 10,000 square feet, she

she noticed the shelves on the balcony that were filled with pots of succulents, she turned to him

stood behind her with his arms folded and answered smilingly, “Yes. I was also the one who picked them out. Do you like

so cute!” she gushed. She loved it and could feel that everything in the house was carefully curated by Jared, which

was referring to the succulents and

after, Ellen toured the living room before checking out the master bedroom on the second floor. There was a private multi-functional movie hall, a gymnasium, and various

was as if he had been living and preparing for her return in the past year. He believed that everything he had done would be rewarded, and the reward was Ellen. The moment when he saw her smile and the tears in her eyes, he knew that everything he had

it?” he asked

as his love for her was noticeable through the details

“Something’s missing, though.”

“What is it?”

to send it over tomorrow. That way, you can teach me how to play chess.” Jared was looking forward to playing chess with her as he thought

play chess with someone as intelligent as you. I’m afraid of losing to you.” She finally

play chess. I wasn’t able to master it, so they eventually gave up. So, I’d like to learn from you.”

She

can ask my parents when they’re back.” He would

thought of it made her anxious. It was probably because she had watched too many movies and read too many novels which instilled fear within her toward

how hesitant she was and comforted her, “Don’t worry, my parents are easy to get along with, and I have a cheeky

of a haughty girl from a wealthy family instantly popped into her mind, making her even more nervous. “Alright!” She

we should place the chess table?”

would be nice. We can look at the view if we

when his gaze fell on her

couple where the husband just bought something home and was asking the wife where he should place it,

and held her hand before saying, “Would you like to

luggage is in the hotel!”

hand and led her to her master bedroom before pushing open a hidden cabinet door. The next moment, a luxurious closet of nearly 500 square feet appeared, and

so surprised that she covered her mouth with one hand. When she was in the bedroom earlier on, she didn’t notice that there was a closet over there. Inside a row of lighted cabinets lay an array of women’s watches and jewelry, a row of neatly arranged bags, and three rows of women’s shoes. Not only that, comfortable sofas were placed in the

luxurious, and one could get a view of the night

of women’s clothes, and even a dozen pajamas were hanging in there. Ellen blushed a little, wondering if Jared had

and are ready to be worn. I bought them based on your size, so you should be able to fit

pounds when I returned? The clothes that you got me would

even if you become as chubby as

call me one?” She punched

you’re a pig, you’ll be the cutest piglet.” He pulled her into his

you are.” She wasn’t pleased with the

his parents who came up with nicknames for each other and called each other using that since the beginning while loving each other until now. He admired his parents’ relationship, and he wanted to love Ellen for the rest of

started contemplating which animal Jared resembled. After giving it some thought, she figured that he resembled a lone wolf since he didn’t have many

not we call each other piggy?!” Ellen looked up and suggested. She didn’t want to call him Mr. Wolf since it would make him seem uptight, and she was looking for a sweeter

adorable piglet.” He brushed her

piglet. He lowered his gaze and held her face before leaning in for a kiss. She didn’t push him away as

the night here!” Jared spoke in a hoarse voice after kissing her. It sounded like a plead, and she could tell. Tonight, she seemed to feel sorry for him because he had spent a year building a home for her, and she appreciated everything

my clothes. What about yours? Did you not prepare anything for yourself?” She

myself.” With that, he held her hand and they entered the guestroom next door. There was a small closet in there with

he had built her an amazing house but only prepared himself a small room

sleep here at times, so

noticed that there was no

asked my assistant to send it for dry cleaning, but

whispered to him while blushing, “In that case… You can sleep in my

but Jared understood what she was implying. He, too, blushed as he was

managed to find herself and build her self-confidence, so she was ready to start a relationship with him; she no longer felt scared and wanted to date him publicly. Even if

go to bed earlier!” she uttered

at her

go take a shower!” She pushed

give her some time and space and said, “Sure. You should go to bed first. I’ll take care of some work before going

her, and as she was standing in front of a row of pajamas, she bit her lip while trying to choose one. In the end, she chose a

hard time falling asleep; her mind was full of Jared as he continued

wait for me to fall asleep before he

computer, his mind was thinking about Ellen being in the room. He wondered if she had finished taking a shower and whether she would be

waiting for

it at the moment and wouldn’t even mind if he lost a hundred billion. He couldn’t help but look at the time. It’s been half an hour. Is she already asleep

racing with thoughts as she lay in bed. Does he not want to come in? Does he think that his work is more important? Should I go out and call him? Should I ask him to go to bed

to enter the room. As soon as he pushed the door open, Ellen, who was initially sitting on the bed nervously, lifted the blanket

in, he felt slightly disappointed when he saw the still figure in the bed. Was she so tired that she fell asleep? Just then, the figure moved,

under the blanket. She was extremely nervous. As she held her hot and flushed face, she found it hard to calm herself down. Soon, she heard the sound of water in the bathroom and quickly got out of bed to get a glass of water outside. All that

the bathroom door opened, and Ellen shut her eyes when she heard footsteps approaching her. The next moment, she felt the other side of the bed sink

breath pressed against her. Ellen shrieked in surprise as her head went blank. The next moment, she was wrapped in

asked with

I’m asleep,” Ellen answered with her eyes

me if you’re asleep?” Jared caught her flawed statement. Because of that, Ellen opened her eyes shyly. Her

the blanket. Jared was breathing heavily, and his breath was warm. Meanwhile, Ellen’s body

“Mmph…” Ellen was kissed.

…

winter morning fell on Ellen’s face, highlighting the hickey on her neck. She shrunk her body like a shrimp, and Jared was spooning her from the back. Both of them were still fast asleep. Even though Ellen was sleeping, she could still sense the dazzling sunlight. She turned over

in his arms, treating her like a treasure as he kissed her. He stretched his arm to grab the remote control for the curtains and

…

the cost, she was determined to uncover

outfit while pretending to look for someone. She then intentionally scanned the area. Finally, when the referee turned around with a glass of red wine in his hand, the wine spilled on Selena’s

okay?” Jay, the coach who was in his

gaze and sneered inwardly. She knew that men like him could

wear,” Selena said helplessly. “Also, I don’t have room

a room? Sorry about that!” Jay

clothes too? Anything will do,” Selena asked

had already started fantasizing about her. What was more, he wanted to get to know her as she

me a room, and I’ll go take a shower. Meanwhile, you can go to the nearby mall and buy

front desk and got another room before handing over the key card to Selena. Following that, he went to the mall

soon as Selena entered the room, she took a quick shower. Once she was done, she wrapped herself in a bath towel and waited on the sofa. Before that, she hid a set of equipment, so all she had

wrapped in a towel. She then deliberately fell, causing the two of them to fall onto the bed together. Everything happened so naturally, and

both of them exchanged phone numbers. However, half an hour later, she suddenly sent a bunch of photos to him. In the photos, only Jay’s face was shown

Harris, what do you think your family would do if I sent

after sleeping with him. Since he was a celebrity, especially in the world of chess, he certainly couldn’t risk ruining his reputation. He had no choice but to negotiate with Selena over

how much money do you

a question to ask

extremely surprised. Why is

championship based on talent. She did not cheat!”

I know is worthless. How could she become the champion?”

that the competition was fair and just. Moreover, all the players

extremely uncomfortable after listening to these words. It was like a bitter pill to swallow, and she did not want to admit

reputation, then

can give you the money. Although I’m not very wealthy, I can give you a few hundred thousand at most.” Jay didn’t want to get into trouble. He thought to himself that sleeping with a call girl would

but I want you to publicly admit that Ellen cheated. I

you just say?” Jay was shocked. “Do you have a

business. Anyway, if you don’t do as I say, I will ruin your reputation and your family,” Selena warned. At the same time, she was searching for Jay’s family online. He had mentioned his family in a few interviews, and his wife turned out to be an excellent doctor. Jay never thought that a romantic affair would ruin his reputation, and he was a

me an answer before 6.00PM tonight. We shall meet

…

hot milk in her hand. Suddenly, a

since it felt ticklish. He

different kind of charm after sleeping with a man for the

medicine bitter?” Jared asked in a

as she looked at him before asking, “The medicine should be

wedding so that we can