Chapter 4
811 Words
Anthony continued to ponder why Lerisa seemed unhappy. Having grown up without siblings, he had always considered Lerisa like a sister.
He sighed, focusing on the road as he drove home. Once there, he parked in the garage, got out of his car, and walked up to their duplex mansion.
“Good evening, Mom and Dad,” Anthony greeted as he entered the living room and saw his parents in the dining room.
His mother smiled warmly. “Welcome home, Anthony. How was work today?”
“Fine, Mother,” Anthony replied, heading toward the stairs to retire to his bedroom. But his mother stopped him. “Wait, Anthony, won't you join us for dinner before heading up?”
Anthony paused, turned back to his mother, and said, “Okay, Mom. How's the birthday preparation going? We're celebrating here tomorrow in the event hall.”
Anthony joined his parents at the dining table, pulling out a chair to sit across from his father. His mother responded, “Everything's going well.”
Just then, Anthony's phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and saw Clara was calling.
“Excuse me, Mom and Dad, I need to take this call.” He answered, “Hello, babe, I'll call you back later.” Ending the call, he smiled at his parents and scooted his chair closer to the table.
Mrs. Beatrice smiled knowingly, aware her son was in a relationship. She refrained from asking about Clara, hoping Anthony would eventually settle down with Lerisa Jonah, whom she adored as a potential daughter-in-law.
“How about Lerisa, Anthony? Did she come to the company today?” his father asked before they resumed eating.
Anthony frowned slightly, recalling the sadness on Lerisa's face earlier. His mother noticed. “What's wrong, Anthony?”
“Nothing, Mom. Lerisa is fine. She came to work today,” he replied, then asked, “Where's the meal?”
“Anthony, I know you see Lerisa as just a friend. But her father was not only my assistant but also a good friend. Mr. Fred Jonah supported and encouraged me in building the company you now run. The Jonah family means a lot to me, which is why I ask about Lerisa,” Mr. Joshua Gregson explained.
“I understand, Father. Where's Sandra, Mom?” Anthony asked. Just then, Sandra emerged from the kitchen with a tray of meals, ready to serve dinner.
“Sorry for the delay,” Sandra apologized. Mrs. Beatrice sighed, “It's okay, Sandra. Please hurry.”
They resumed eating in silence. Once finished, Anthony stood up. “Thanks, Mom, Dad. I'm heading upstairs to rest. Good night.”
“Good night, Anthony,” Mrs. Beatrice replied, watching him ascend the stairs to his bedroom.
In his room, Anthony sighed and decided to call Clara back. He missed her and wanted to know why she had called earlier. The call connected.
“Hello, babe,” Anthony said, removing his coat. Clara's voice came through, “Hi, sweetheart. How was your day at the office?”
Anthony could hear club music in the background. “Where are you, babe?” he asked.
“I'm at a club. My girlfriend's having a birthday party, and I couldn't turn down the invitation,” Clara explained.
“Hmm...” Anthony checked his watch; it was after 9 p.m. “It's getting late, babe. You should head home. I'm not comfortable with you being there.”
“Haha, relax, babe. I'm not here to sleep with anyone. It's a midnight party, and I'll be fine,” Clara assured him. Anthony frowned, but before he could protest, Clara added, “I have to go now, babe. Goodnight, and see you tomorrow at your parents' house. But I'm not thrilled about celebrating your birthday there instead of a hotel.”
“Hmm,” Anthony frowned. “It's what my parents want, Clara. I can't go against them.”
“Your parents' wishes, not mine. Anyway, good night,” Clara said, ending the call. Anthony's frown deepened.
Anthony loved Clara. Sighing, he removed his shirt and touched the red ring box in his pocket. He took it out, intending to propose to Clara the next day.
Anthony placed the ring box in his bedside drawer, then headed to the bathroom. After a shower, he donned his usual white robe and sat on his bed with his laptop.
Anthony considered calling Lerisa to check if she was okay and had gotten home safely. He sighed, picked up his phone, and called her.
Lerisa, having just finished her bath, was in an ash-colored nightgown, dining with her parents. Her phone was elsewhere, so she missed Anthony's call.
Anthony eventually put his phone in the drawer and continued his online research. After browsing for a while, he turned off his laptop and plugged it in to charge.
- Writer
