The Trillionaire's Baby mama

Thirteen

Nerissa

The next morning, I arrived at the office feeling a sense of calm. The previous evening's drama with Jace and his girlfriend was behind me, and I was ready to tackle the day's tasks. Balancing work and caring for Luke had become my routine, and I was growing more comfortable with it.

As I stepped into the building, I exchanged greetings with Leah and Dan, who were chatting near the entrance. Their friendly smiles were a welcome start to the day.

"Morning, Nerissa," Leah called out.

"Good morning! How's everything?" I replied.

Dan chuckled. "Same old, same old. Ready for another thrilling day in the world of IT."

We shared a laugh before I made my way to Asher's office. My plan was to organize his workspace before he arrived, a routine I had maintained during his absence. I knocked lightly on the door, and hearing no response, I pushed it open.

To my surprise, Asher was seated at his desk, reviewing some documents. He looked up, his piercing blue eyes meeting mine.

"Nerissa," he said smoothly, setting the papers aside. "You're early."

I blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. "I... I didn't realize you were back, Mr. Asher. I was just coming in to organize your office before you arrived."

He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I returned late last night. Didn't think it was necessary to inform everyone immediately."

An awkward silence settled between us. I shifted my weight, unsure of what to say next.

"You seem startled," he observed, his gaze unwavering.

I hesitated. "It's just... unexpected. I wasn't prepared to see you this morning."

He arched an eyebrow. "Would you have preferred more notice? Or perhaps you didn't want me to return at all?"

My heart skipped a beat. The truth was, his absence had allowed me to relax, to breathe easier. But admitting that felt unwise.

"No, it's not that," I said quickly. "It's good to have you back."

He studied me for a moment longer before nodding. "Things are going to change around here."

I frowned slightly. "Change how?"

He stood up, moving around the desk to stand in front of me. Even in heels, I had to tilt my head to meet his gaze.

"From now on," he began, "I expect you to arrive an hour before me each morning. You'll prepare my coffee, organize my office, and ensure everything is set for the day."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued.

"Additionally, you'll be accompanying me to all meetings, events, and any other engagements. Consider yourself my personal assistant in every capacity."

His words took a moment to sink in. The implications were overwhelming.

"Mr. Asher, I have responsibilities outside of work," I began cautiously.

He held up a hand, silencing me. Reaching into a drawer, he pulled out a folder and handed it to me.

"This is the contract you signed when you joined the company," he said. "Take a look at the highlighted sections."

I flipped through the pages, my eyes landing on the clauses he indicated. To my dismay, they outlined the very duties he was now imposing. I had signed this without fully understanding the extent of the commitments.

"I... I wasn't aware," I murmured, feeling trapped.

He shrugged. "It's all there in black and white. I trust there won't be any issues?"

I swallowed hard, nodding reluctantly. "No, sir."

"Good." He glanced at his watch. "There's a charity gala tonight. You'll accompany me."

I blinked. "Tonight?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "We'll need to get you appropriate attire. I'll take you to my tailor now."

"I—" I hesitated, searching for an excuse. "I have personal commitments after work."

Asher's eyes narrowed slightly. "Reschedule them."

I bit my lip, feeling the weight of his authority pressing down on me. "Understood."

I stared at him, stunned by the rapid succession of directives. Before I could gather my thoughts, he was already moving toward the door.

"How long will it take you to be ready?" he asked, pausing at the threshold.

I blinked. "Ready for what?"

He smirked. "To leave for the dressmaker. I don't have all day, Nerissa."

Flustered, I glanced at the papers in my hand. "Just a few minutes."

"I'll be waiting by the elevator." With that, he disappeared down the hallway.

I exhaled slowly, trying to process everything. The peace I had enjoyed was shattered. Asher's return brought a whirlwind of …chaos I hadn’t prepared myself for.

I set the folder down on the desk and took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I was reeling, and I hadn’t even been in the office for thirty minutes. One thing was clear—Asher wasn’t just back; he was back to take control of everything. Including me.

I hurried to my desk to grab my phone and bag, mumbling to Leah that I had to step out for a bit. Her brows rose curiously, but thankfully, she didn’t press. I was too rattled to explain anything.

As I reached the elevator, there he was—leaning against the wall like he hadn’t just flipped my entire schedule upside down. His hands were tucked into his pockets, his shirt sleeves rolled to the elbows, and that ever-present smug look on his face.

“Took you long enough,” he said.

I pressed the button and gave him a tight smile. “Sorry. Had to make a call.”

The elevator dinged open, and we stepped inside. I stood on the far side, creating as much distance as possible between us.

“You’re awfully quiet,” he said after a moment.

I didn’t look at him. “I just wasn’t expecting… all of this.”

“You didn’t read the fine print in your contract. That’s on you.”

I turned to him then. “I thought I was hired to be an assistant. Not your shadow.”

He smirked, unfazed. “You are my assistant. And now, you’re assisting me with everything I need.”

“That’s not what I signed up for.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and calm. “You signed the paper, Nerissa. Whether you knew it or not, you agreed to the terms. And I’m simply enforcing them.”

The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out before I could reply. I followed, trying to steady my breathing. I had a child to take care of. I couldn’t afford to lose this job, even if it meant dealing with Asher and his maddening presence.

We arrived at a high-end boutique tucked between a row of glass-walled buildings. The moment we stepped inside, a tall woman in sleek black heels approached us with a bright smile.

“Asher! You’re back,” she said warmly, kissing him on both cheeks like they were old friends. “And this must be…?”

“This is Nerissa. She needs a wardrobe that fits her new position. Something appropriate for events. Classy, elegant. Not too loud.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. Was that a subtle jab at the way I dressed?

The woman, whose name turned out to be Celeste, gave me a once-over before smiling politely. “We’ll find something perfect. Come with me.”

I trailed after her, still flustered, while Asher settled onto one of the plush velvet chairs in the waiting area, scrolling through his phone like this was just another normal day.

Celeste led me to a back area where racks of gowns and suits stood like silent judges. She held up a navy-blue dress. “Try this first.”

“I don’t usually wear stuff like this,” I admitted as I took it.

“Then it’s time you started,” she said gently, then ushered me into the fitting room.

The dress fit like a glove, hugging my body in a way that made me feel a little too exposed. I stepped out cautiously, tugging at the sides.

Asher looked up from his phone. His gaze swept over me, slow and unreadable.

“It’ll do,” he said, standing.

Celeste clapped her hands. “Perfect. I’ll have the rest altered to her size.”

“There’ll be more events,” Asher added. “Have a few options ready by tomorrow.”

I wanted to protest. I wanted to say this wasn’t my life. I was just a woman trying to keep a job and take care of her son. But the words stayed stuck in my throat.

We walked out of the boutique in silence, and as we reached his car, he opened the door for me.

I paused. “This is too much, Asher.”

He looked at me, expression unreadable. “Get used to it. You’re mine now—for the duration of that contract.”

I stared at him. “You make it sound like a threat.”

“Just a fact,” he said smoothly, then gestured to the seat. “In.”

I sat down, my mind spinning. I had walked into this job hoping for stability. Instead, I was sitting beside a man who twisted every rule, controlled every space he entered, and now expected me to follow him around like I didn’t have a life of my own.

The drive back to the office was quiet. When we arrived, I stepped out quickly and walked ahead of him.

“Nerissa,” he called.

I turned around. “What?”

“I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said, hands in his pockets. “Wear the blue dress.”

And just like that, he disappeared into the building, leaving me standing on the pavement—overwhelmed, frustrated, and more confused than I had ever been.

I wasn’t sure what tonight would bring. But one thing was clear: the peace in my life was over.