Chapter 11... Birthday party
698 Words
Later in the evening, Lerisa was in her room when she received a phone call from Anthony. It was already 5 PM, and she had finished dressing up and applying a little makeup.
She felt nervous seeing Anthony's name on the caller ID, unsure whether to pick up. She was worried because she hadn't told him about Clara cheating.
Taking a deep breath, Lerisa finally answered just before the call could end. Anthony's deep voice greeted her, "Hello, Lerisa..."
"Hi, Anthony. I'm on my way now," Lerisa replied quickly. Anthony asked, "Are you sure? Or do you not want to attend my birthday party tonight?"
Anthony wanted to see Lerisa, as he thought of her like a younger sister. Lerisa immediately said, "Why wouldn't I attend your birthday? I'm coming, please... Just a minute," she pleaded.
"Alright, I'm expecting you. Please don't disappoint me. Later, you can share your problems with me, and if you need money, I can help you out," Anthony said. Lerisa quickly replied, "No, Anthony... I'm coming now."
"Okay, I'm still in my room getting ready too. Be here on time, even before the celebration starts," Anthony teased, referring to Lerisa's previous help with his birthday preparations.
Anthony wasn't happy with Lerisa's recent changes, as she seemed sad but refused to share her problems. He thought, "Why are we friends if not to help each other?"
The call ended, and Lerisa quickly wrapped the gift she had bought for Anthony, knowing many staff from LH Group would be at Anthony's family house.
"Lerisa! What's taking so long? Hurry up, we're leaving now!" her sister called from the corridor. Lerisa finished wrapping the gift.
She picked up her phone, placed it in her handbag, and left her room, wearing a new green gown and cream-colored shoes.
Her face had minimal makeup, with a little pink lip gloss, and she wore golden earrings and a necklace.
Lerisa looked beautiful as she stepped out and saw her parents' car leaving the premises. She knew her family didn't want to be late for Anthony's 30th birthday party, so she hurried to her car.
"Come on, sister! I'm waiting for you," Martha called out. Lerisa smiled and walked to her car. Martha was wearing a black gown with a front slit and silver high-heeled shoes.
"You look cute," Lerisa praised her sister. Martha, after locking the gate, got into the car with Lerisa.
"Thank you," Martha replied, and Lerisa said, "You're welcome."
Lerisa started the car and drove to Anthony's family house, knowing she might not find parking if she arrived late.
At the front gate, the security guard directed Lerisa to park on the street, as the inside was full of visitors’ cars for Anthony's celebration.
"I knew we'd be late and have to park outside. Come on, sis," Lerisa said to Martha, turning off the engine and getting out.
She locked the car, feeling nervous as she held the gift for Anthony. She walked into the compound confidently with Martha, heading towards the event hall.
Meanwhile, Anthony was in his bedroom, wearing a wine-colored suit and a white shirt, brushing his hair.
He noticed night had fallen and he hadn't yet greeted his guests, despite being the birthday celebrant.
He went to his drawer, took out the diamond engagement ring for Clara, and smiled, loving Clara deeply.
"I can't wait to propose to Clara tonight," Anthony said, opening the ring box and admiring it.
He planned to propose in front of friends and family, feeling nervous but determined to show his love for Clara.
Being the only child of billionaire parents, they wanted him to marry soon, especially since he was 30. His parents had discussed marriage with him, but he hadn't taken it seriously at first. He remembered his mother asking, "Anthony, when do you plan on settling down? Your father and I want you to get married soon."
"Mom, I will, but I'm still planning," he had replied, not revealing his plans with Clara.
Anthony wanted to surprise them, so he closed the ring box and kept it safely in his pocket. After putting on his socks and shoes, he was ready for the party.
- Writer
