The Billionaire’s Assistant

“The Trio and the big bang”

Anthony’s POV

My light reflection today started with my journey through college, it felt like an overwhelming journey orchestrated by others, leaving me wandering through life in a park I never truly wanted to be in. My high school experience was not about pursuing my passions, but rather about fulfilling the predetermined requirements set by others. From the compulsory electives to the extra credits, the languages, the business camps, and the musical instrument I had to master, everything seemed like a script written for me.

One peculiar aspect that stood out was the emphasis on mastering a musical instrument. The reason given was to instill discipline, preparing me for potential situations where my parents might need to impress clients with my musical talents. It was an interesting yet slightly perplexing concept, considering the domain of finance I was destined to pursue.

Throughout my upbringing, I was constantly reminded of the family legacy and the expectations that came with it. I was meant to study finance at the prestigious University of Toronto and then assume control of the family business from my mother. There was no room for debate or diverging from this path. As a result, I seemed to coast through life in a rat race, my pockets filled with a ridiculous amount of money, perhaps even more than most people would dream of.

But with this lavish lifestyle, I found myself grappling with a sense of uncertainty. Who was I truly, and what did I want to become in this predetermined life? The irony lay in the fact that despite all the wealth and success, I still felt lost in my own identity.

The roadmap for my academic journey was already charted: first, a degree at the University of Toronto, followed by a master's at the University of McGill, and finally, a Ph.D. at Princeton. This path was an echo of my father's and grandfather's before me - generations of the same trajectory, without any room for deviation.

My parents' own love story unfolded within the hallowed halls of the college. They met on their first day at the University of Toronto, and their bond was unbreakable until the cold hands of death took my father away. His death held certain secrets that were hidden deeply within our family roots. The strength of my parents' connections cemented the family's deep ties to the institutions they attended.

Despite these connections, my spot at the University of Toronto was not handed to me on a silver platter. Surprisingly, my family allowed me to work hard and earn my place, perhaps recognizing the importance of experiencing challenges and achievements firsthand.

I can't help but wonder if there's a way to break free from the predetermined script. Maybe there's a chance to carve my legacy, to find my true passions and purpose in life beyond the expectations that have been placed upon me.

In the grand mansion that has been in my family for generations, I was surrounded by guards and extensive domestic staff, numbering up to one hundred, catering to my every need. Simplicity was a foreign concept to me, and I couldn't help but marvel when Veronica, my school project partner, invited me to her small apartment. It was a stark contrast to the opulence I was accustomed to; her entire place was not even as big as my kitchen. Despite the lack of luxurious amenities, Veronica seemed so at ease and comfortable in her "rat hole," as I teasingly called it.

Veronica hailed from a family that owned a start-up back in China, a company with stable shares in the stock market. Despite this, she spoke about her desire to blaze her trail in life, a notion that had never crossed my mind before. Her industrious spirit and independence intrigued me, and even during our college days, she had a job and paid for most of her expenses herself.

After college, I was certain that Veronica would be a valuable addition to McCarty Enterprises, not only to strengthen our business ties in China but also to help me improve my Chinese knowledge. She had the drive and passion that I admired, qualities that would elevate our collaboration.

Our school project trio included one more member - Jayden. Jayden was the epitome of carefree and laid-back. He carried few belongings, and his nomadic spirit led him from one place to another. Despite his carefree nature, he was someone I found comfort in, and after a thorough background check, I allowed him to move into my mansion. With over 30 bedrooms, I had the space, and Jayden was one of the few people at school who didn't find my extravagant lifestyle obnoxious.

It was amusing to me that Jayden would often be found partying late into the night, even staying over at fraternity houses filled with sweaty bodies and untamed energy. The nomadic spirit in him refused to be constrained.

The dynamic between the three of us was fascinating. We had an unspoken agreement that Jayden and I wouldn't hit on Veronica to maintain the comfort of our friendship. While both Jayden and I found Veronica incredibly attractive, Jayden harbored more feelings for her than I did. I knew that Veronica would not be interested in a nomadic lifestyle, so encouraging Jayden to pursue her romantically would be futile and might even jeopardize our cherished trio.

Despite the truce, Veronica couldn't help but be flirtatious with me, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Jayden. His discomfort was evident, but we navigated this delicate situation, cherishing our friendship and respecting each other's boundaries.

As I caught up with Jayden after the executive meeting, I couldn't help but bring up the assistant I had hired, hoping to see him react with a mix of envy and admiration. However, Jayden's response was far from what I expected. He seemed distant and annoyed, clearly still bothered by a recent incident where he saw me being overly familiar with Veronica, even going as far as grabbing her behind during a hug at my office.

I naively thought that Jayden would have moved past it by now, but his cold reaction spoke volumes. He didn't acknowledge my achievement nor engage in our usual banter. The tension between us was palpable, all because of his unresolved feelings for Veronica.

“Ten years and you still get angry when you see me close to Veronica,” I said.

“I am not pissed and you can stop following me now,” Jayden said with a high pitch, it was clear he was raging in anger.

“It's high time you get over your little crush on Veronica,” I said.

“It’s not a crush” Jaden insisted.

“it is what then? True love? I asked as I tried to bump his shoulder with mine from behind while unable to control my laughter. Surprisingly Jayden had vehemently denied being infatuated claiming it was more than just a crush - he believed it was true love.

“Yeah man,” he said, words I was stunned to hear.

Amidst my laughter, I playfully challenged Jayden's statement, doubting the depth of his feelings for Veronica. I even brought up his past behavior, how he slept with all of Veronica's college friends in an attempt to prove something, unknowingly making it impossible for him to ever be with her.

As I observed Jayden's reaction, I could see that my words had struck a nerve. He tried to increase his pace to avoid me, clearly wanting to escape the conversation. But the truth remained - Jayden's reckless actions in the past had led to the destruction of any chances he might have had with Veronica.

It was evident to everyone that Veronica had a thing for me. Her flirtatious gestures and playful banter were not fooling anyone. But deep down, I knew that her affection wasn't for me as a person, but rather for the power, status, and wealth that my life provided. She was drawn to the lifestyle I embodied, not to the real me.

Love is a concept that I've always considered weak and irrational. To me, it's nothing more than a chemical reaction in the brain, creating an emotion without any solid foundation. The conditional release of serotonin, tied to a specific person, only makes you dependent on them, essentially becoming a slave to your own emotions.

I see myself as a king, and I refuse to be subservient to anyone else's desires or whims. Love holds no tangible benefits in the grand scheme of things. It does not influence matters that truly shape the world, such as stock market fluctuations, politics, economic growth, or even global warming. Love, to me, seems to have no say in the crucial aspects of life.

Yet, despite my skepticism towards love, I can't help but wonder why so many people willingly sacrifice so much for the sake of this emotion. It puzzles me why individuals like Jayden would settle for what I perceive as a mediocre feeling when there are greater aspirations to be pursued.

As I go about my day, I enter my car and head to my appointment, contemplating the futility of love. My driver confirms our destination - a place called "big bang," an exclusive venue where I am assumed to be conducting important meetings and transactions.

Accompanied by only two guards, I step out of the car and enter the elevator. The key card is swiped giving access before the penthouse button is accessible. We ascend to the highest floor, where I've reserved an opulent penthouse for my exclusive use. The privacy and prestige it offers are paramount to me, and I cover the costs to ensure no one else sets foot inside.

As I enter the penthouse, I find everything in its place, untouched and unmoved, just as I had requested. The panoramic view of the city from the heights is breathtaking, and the interior design exudes elegance. One particular item that catches my attention is a bowl of handmade ceramic rocks known for their calming effect when held and rubbed. I pick one up and begin to indulge in its soothing sensation.

Lost in my thoughts, I'm jolted back to reality by the sound of the elevator doors opening. As my guest arrived, dressed exactly as I had requested, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Her appearance was meticulously crafted to my specifications - leather pants, suspenders, a white bodysuit, and a matching fur coat, all paired with elegant stiletto heels. Her hair was expertly tied into a neat ponytail, accentuating her eyes and high cheekbones. The heavy makeup, including a shimmering green eyeshadow, added to the allure.

"Perfect," I remarked with approval as I admired her appearance.

However, despite her stunning appearance, she couldn't help but voice her complaint about the dress code for our sessions. It was a recurring discussion, and she knew very well that I wouldn't budge on this matter.

"Anonymity is crucial," I reminded her. "No one can ever find out about us."

With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, she reluctantly agreed to proceed with our session. As she stepped into the restroom to change her attire.

Within minutes, she emerged from the restroom, now dressed in a corporate outfit, complete with a pair of black-framed blue-cut eyeglasses. She chose the high-back office chair, opting for a more formal setting rather than the couch that awaited her. Equipped with a notepad and a pen, she confidently took her seat, preparing for our therapy session.

"May we begin, Mr. Anthony," she said with a sense of authority.

The roles were reversed. In the eyes of the world, I was the powerful and influential businessman, known as Mr. Anthony, who commanded respect and attention. But in this secret and intimate therapy session, I was a vulnerable human being, opening up to Mrs. Bang, a skilled and discreet therapist.