My CEO Bestie And Me

3| Anthony's invitation

Lerisa walked into the living room of her family mansion and found her mother standing beside the dining room, arranging the dining chairs.

Her elder brother and younger sister were not around, as they were still in school.

"Good evening, Mom," Lerisa greeted her mother but did not stop in the living room as she walked toward the corridor that led to all the rooms in the large house.

Mrs. Antonia wondered what had happened to her first daughter, as she noticed that Lerisa's face looked quite red.

She immediately called Lerisa back.

"Come here, Lerisa! What happened in the office today? Why does your face look so red?"

Lerisa stopped and replied, "Nothing, Mom, I'm fine."

Mrs. Antonia sighed and dismissed Lerisa.

"That's alright; do so quickly and come join your father and me for dinner."

"Okay, Mom," Lerisa replied, darting into the corridor as she went to her room to take her bath.

She stepped into her room and shut the door. She cried and leaned against the door for support as she walked toward her pink bed to drop her black handbag.

Lerisa saw that it was past 7 p.m. in her room, as the company was a 30-minute drive from her home.

She went to strip off her clothes to take her bath, knowing she couldn't keep her parents waiting for dinner.

After she finished her bath, Lerisa walked out of her room and paused at her mirror to stare at her face. She braced herself, knowing that Anthony would never love her.

She muttered to her reflection, which was a curvy, seductive woman staring back at her.

"What am I going to do? Anthony will never notice me, and he will soon be married."

Lerisa understood that there was nothing she could do, so she searched her wardrobe for the evening gown she would wear.

She took out a long blue gown, put it on, and finally walked back to apply dusting powder to her face and neck to hide her sad expression from her parents and to avoid any further questions.

Meanwhile, Anthony was still in the third-floor hallway when Ben got out of the elevator and walked up to meet him.

Ben smiled and greeted Anthony. "What's up with you, bro?"

Anthony did not enjoy Ben's company, despite them being a high school friend. Ben owned a hotel and loved hanging out with different women. However, Ben would not back off, as he usually visited Anthony in his office, even though Anthony did not return the favor.

"Nothing much. How about you? I'm leaving for home now, as you can see we have closed," Anthony replied casually as he walked into the elevator with Ben. They both went down to the first floor and outside to the company parking lot, where their cars were parked.

"That reminds me. I saw your secretary earlier when I arrived, and she looked red. What's wrong with her? Did you fire her?" Ben inquired. Anthony sighed and shook his head, hoping he understood Lerisa, but he did not.

Anthony replied, "I don't know what happened to Lerisa, but she said she's fine. I didn't terminate her employment here."

Anthony thought that perhaps Lerisa was unhappy about him being engaged to Clara. He speculated that her mood might have changed when she saw him staring at the red ring box in his hands. He could not understand why she would be sad when she was supposed to be happy for him, as he was finally getting married.

"Hmm… That's alright. I do like Lerisa, and I have been asking her out, but she wouldn't consider me. Can you please help me talk to her on my behalf?" Ben asked.

Anthony stared at Ben coldly as they stood beside their cars, while the remaining vehicles had all left the parking lot, the darkness enveloping the previously bright sky.

Anthony replied, "How many times do you want me to help you talk to Lerisa? She doesn't want you or want to accept your proposal, and I don't understand why either. She's not in any relationship that I know of."

Anthony stared at his golden wristwatch and saw that it was already past 8 p.m. However, Ben replied, “But she listens to you, Anthony, and if you help me apply pressure in speaking with her, I think she will accept my offer to date her, as I’m serious about her and I want to marry her."

“Are you serious about settling down with Lerisa? So you think Lerisa will agree to marry you if I order her to? She’s only working for me because my father and her father were friends who worked together to build this factory. That also made our families close, as she is like a sister to me, and I want her happiness. I don’t think you’re very deserving of her. But not to worry, I will try to help you talk to Lerisa again to see if she will accept you," Anthony said.

“Thanks, Anthony, I will be looking forward to that," Ben replied, shaking hands with Anthony. They parted and strode to their cars.

Anthony remembered and asked Ben, "Tomorrow is my birthday; Ben, Lerisa will be attending it; won’t you attend it too? I am expecting to see you around."

Ben frowned and said, “I know, but where do you plan on celebrating it? Why not come to my club and celebrate there? You will have more fun than being at home with your parents as a mummy’s boy."

Anthony glared at Ben before he answered, “No. My parents want me to celebrate at home, and it has been our tradition to always celebrate whatever event we want at home in our family hall. I will be expecting to see you tomorrow, Ben. Good night."

Anthony quickly got into his car by pulling the black door open. He hopped in, started the engine, and drove out of his company shortly after Ben left in his car as well.