Chapter 5... Anthony's visit.
950 Words
Lerisa finished dinner with her parents in the dining room. With none of her siblings at home, she stood up, locked the house entrance door, and returned to her bedroom to sleep.
She went into her bedroom, picked up her phone, and saw that it was after 10 p.m. She was surprised to see many missed calls from Anthony, so she immediately called him back to find out why he had called.
When the call connected, she spoke first: “Hello, Anthony.”
Anthony was still in his bedroom, preparing to have dinner with his parents before returning to sleep.
He saw his phone ringing, noticed it was Lerisa, and answered.
“Hey, Lerisa. I called earlier to check if you got home safely and if you're alright now.”
"Yeah, I'm fine now. Thanks for checking," Lerisa replied. She knew Anthony cared for her like an older brother, but she wished he could see her beyond just a sibling bond, as she loved him too.
Anthony said, “Okay then. Goodnight. I'll visit you tomorrow morning to check on you again.”
"Okay," Lerisa agreed, knowing it wasn’t his first time visiting her family home, as her mother liked him a lot.
“Goodnight too,” she said.
After the call disconnected, Lerisa stared at her phone screen in silence for a while.
She had saved Anthony's photos on her phone and even used his photo as her wallpaper.
She smiled and kissed his photo on her screen, feeling her heart flutter for Anthony.
If only he could hear her heart beating.
Lerisa finally plugged her phone in to charge, then went into her bathroom before heading to bed.
****
The next Saturday morning, after Anthony finished his exercise and fitness routine, he went for a jog.
Even as a billionaire, he prioritized exercising, especially in a town mostly occupied by rich folks.
Anthony wore a white sports jersey that morning—white singlet top, shorts, socks, and canvas.
He looked breathtakingly handsome, and many young women along the way stole glances at him while he jogged.
Anthony's family home was just two streets away from Lerisa's.
He decided to visit Lerisa at her family mansion to see how she was, considering her like a younger sister and best friend.
Anthony approached Lerisa's family gate and knocked, waiting for someone to open it.
The gate was locked from the inside, and Anthony didn't have his phone to call Lerisa and inform her he was there.
He checked his wristwatch and saw it was after 8 a.m. The sun was rising, and Anthony knocked again. Before Lerisa, who was sweeping the front yard, went to open the gate.
She gasped, surprised to see Anthony standing there, looking handsome and sweaty.
Her breath caught at the sight of Anthony in a singlet that revealed his abs. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like to touch them.
She gulped as she looked up at his handsome, dark face.
She met his eyes and greeted him, shyly, “Good morning, Sir."
Anthony smiled, happy to see Lerisa blushing, as she often did. He liked her pretty, light-skinned face.
“Good morning, Lerisa. How was your night?" Anthony asked.
He took a drink from his water bottle. Water dripped from the corners of his lips.
Lerisa swallowed, watching Anthony drink. She looked down as he finished and asked, “I came to see you. How are you feeling now?”
“Lerisa! Who's at the gate?” her mother called from the house.
Lerisa looked back and replied, “Anthony is here, Mom.”
Anthony moved closer and said, "Let me say hello to your parents first."
Lerisa, not wearing a bra under her nightgown, felt heat radiate from Anthony's proximity.
She stepped aside, allowing him to enter the compound.
Anthony smiled at Lerisa, his eyes lingering on her chest, noticing her pointed n*****s. He quickly looked away, avoiding her catching his gaze.
Lerisa stepped aside, and Anthony entered the beautiful compound to greet her mother, who smiled at him.
Mrs. Antonia Jonah stepped outside of the bungalow, seeing Anthony approach, and greeted him, “Good morning, sir.”
Anthony smiled and replied, “Good morning, Ma. How are you?”
“I'm fine, Anthony, and you? It's a pleasant surprise to see you! You rarely visit since becoming CEO. Did we do anything to offend you?” Mrs. Antonia asked.
“No, Ma. Not at all," Anthony said with a friendly smile, relieving Mrs. Antonia.
She smiled back and said, “You're welcome anytime. Come inside; I'm about to make breakfast. Join us if you like.”
“No, Ma. Thank you. I just came to check on Lerisa, as she seemed sad yesterday,” Anthony said, glancing at Lerisa, who smiled shyly.
“Oh! Lerisa. She was sad yesterday, and I wondered what was wrong with her. I hope there's no problem between you two at the office?” Mrs. Antonia asked.
“No, Ma. There's no problem. She's fine now, and I can see that. I should head home; I just wanted to check on her,” Anthony said politely.
“Okay then. Thank you for checking on my daughter. Your mother invited me to your birthday celebration tonight. I hope you invited my daughter too,” Mrs. Antonia said, smiling.
“Yes, Ma. I did.” Anthony smiled back.
“Okay then. We'll see you later. I need to get back to preparing our breakfasts. Goodbye, Anthony,” Mrs. Antonia said.
“Okay, Ma,” Anthony replied.
Lerisa stood aside, listening to her mother's conversation with Anthony. Her mother went back inside the house, leaving her alone with Anthony.
- Writer
