I Want All of You

Episode Two

Jason's POV

“Another morning, another day to make more money.” I muttered as I adjusted my tie in front of the mirror in my room.

Living all alone in this big mansion has been quite depressing to say the least. The divorce process had just been concluded after five long years and while I was happy about that, I still longed for companionship. Just then, my phone rang and on the display screen, the name of my long time best friend showed up.

“Hey, Anthony.” I greeted through the phone, my voice husky.

“What’s up Jason?”

“Nothing much, just have a few meetings to attend today, and some files to sort.” I replied.

“ Oh the life of a young and single billionaire CEO.” Anthony giggled.

“Well I guess we belong to the same club.. except you're an old man of course” And with that, we both burst out laughing, our sounds in unison.

“I believe you are aware that my daughter, Anastasia, is going to live with you until she is able to find a comfortable and safe place on her own.” Anthony mentioned, bringing the conversation to a more serious tone.

“Yes, I’m perfectly aware of that. I’ve had my maids prepare a room for her, trust me I would do everything to make her comfortable.”

Anthony went mute over the line and I knew something was bothering him.

“Anthony, are you still there?”

“Yes, yes I am.” He paused briefly then continued, “I'm just worried for her safety, I know she's going to be in the safest place in the U.S with you, but I just can't help but worry…especially with how..how Angela died.”

I felt pity for Anthony, life had been hard for him after the sudden murder of his wife, Angela and although we tracked down the assassin and made him pay with his life, the identity of who sent him was still unknown. It didn't help that Anthony consistently blamed himself for her death.

“Anthony, I understand your fears. They are valid. Why don't you come over to New York too? Your family and friends are all here.”

“You know I can't leave my home here in Toronto…it's like I would be leaving a part of myself behind; the part of myself that belonged to Angela. I also need to continue my investigation, I really can't rest until I find the bastard that ordered the death of my wife.”

I knew I couldn't convince him to come so I promised him the one thing that will keep him at ease. “Trust me Anthony, I will protect and guard Anastasia with my life, with my power and with all my resources, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a fly that tries to perch on her. Focus on what you need to do in Toronto and I will take care of everything and everyone dear to you here in New York.”

“Thank you Jason, I know I can always count on you…”

“But, Anthony, have you told her yet? About…you know what really happened to her mother.”

“ No, no Jason, you know I can't bring myself to tell her. I want her to live a life without fear, I want her to chase her dreams and be happy.”

“I don't think lying to her is—” but before I could continue, I heard Anastasia’s voice in the background and Anthony ended the call immediately.

It had been some time since I heard her voice and hearing it over the phone made me remember the days I used to watch her face light up over the gifts I gave her. It would be really nice to have such a lively presence in this gloomy house.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, it was my assistant, Stella.

“Come in Stella” I called out.

Stella walked in, dressed as smart and as sharp as always in her well tailored suit gown. “Mr. Sterling, the client you are to have a meeting with this morning just informed me that he wouldn’t be available, due to some unforeseen circumstances.”

“Oh great, just what I needed to start the day.” I whined.

“Check in with the other clients and ensure their availability. I don't want to have to be disappointed an hour before the meeting again.”

“Yes sir, I'm on it.”

But just after some minutes Stella walked out, she walked back in, without knocking.

“What did I tell you about knocking before barging into my office Stella?” I asked coldly.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry sir. It's just that I just got really pertinent news that I have to tell you…”

“Well, go on, say it”

“Sir, it's Mr. Zenith, he suffered a heart attack and is now in critical condition.”

I was shocked and confused. More confused because I just finished speaking to Anthony and he sounded perfectly fine.

“Which Mr. Zenith are we talking about here…”

“Your best friend sir,” Stella replied, unsure of whether the question I asked was a rhetorical one or not.

“I don't understand what you're saying, my friend, Anthony, who I just spoke to some minutes ago, suffered a heart attack? How?!” My voice was getting higher and I didn't like raising my voice but the news was too shocking to stay calm.

“Sir, his assistant, James, just called in to inform you.”

James was always around Anthony and could be trusted so there's no way he could lie about such a horrible thing.

“Okay, you know what? Cancel all my appointments today.” I calmly said, regaining my composure.

“Excuse me sir?”

“I don't like repeating myself Stella. I said, cancel all my appointments for today.”

I stood up and adjusted my suit jacket then continued, “Prepare the private jet. Get everything ready, we are going to Toronto.”