My CEO Bestie And Me

Chapter 11, Anthony's birthday party

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 and applying a little makeup.

Nervous at seeing Anthony's name on the caller ID, Lerisa hesitated, unsure whether to answer. She felt anxious because she hadn’t told Anthony about Clara cheating on him.

Taking a deep breath, Lerisa finally answered just before the call could end. “Hello, Lerisa…” Anthony’s deep voice greeted her.

“Hi, Anthony. I’m on my way now,” Lerisa quickly replied.

“Are you sure? Or do you not want to attend my birthday party tonight?” he asked, wanting to see her face at the celebration since he regarded her as his younger sister.

“Why wouldn’t I attend your birthday? I’m coming, just give me a minute,” she begged.

“Alright, I’m expecting you. Please don’t disappoint me. Later, you can share what’s bothering you, and if you need money, I can help,” Anthony said.

“No, Anthony... I’m coming now,” Lerisa quickly replied.

“Okay, I’m still in my room getting ready too. You should aim to be here before the celebration starts,” Anthony teased, referring to Lerisa’s previous help with his birthday preparations.

Anthony noticed Lerisa seemed different lately and was worried about her. He thought, “Why are we friends if we can’t help each other?”

As the call ended, Lerisa hurried to wrap up the gift she had bought for Anthony, knowing many staff members from LH Group would be at his family house.

“Lerisa! What’s taking you so long? Hurry up; we’re leaving the house now!” her mother called from the corridor. Lerisa quickly finished wrapping the birthday gift.

She grabbed her phone and placed it in her handbag as she walked out of her room, wearing the new green gown and cream-colored shoes she had bought.

Her pretty face was adorned with minimal makeup, just a hint of pink lip gloss, along with golden earrings and a necklace.

Lerisa looked beautiful as she stepped out and saw her parents driving away from their mansion. Knowing her family didn’t want to be late for Anthony’s 30th birthday party, she hurried to her car.

“Come on, sister! I’m waiting for you!” Martha shouted to her.

Lerisa smiled and walked to her car, while Martha wore a black long gown with a center slit starting from her left thigh, paired with silver high-heeled shoes.

“You look cute,” Lerisa complimented her younger sister. After locking the gate, Martha climbed into the car.

“Thank you,” Martha replied, and Lerisa responded, “You’re welcome.”

Lerisa started her car and drove to Anthony’s family house, hoping to find a parking spot since she knew it would fill up quickly.

When they arrived at the front gate of Anthony's mansion, the security guard waved Lerisa to park her car outside on the street, as the driveway was already filled with exotic cars for the celebration.

“I knew we would be late and have to park outside,” Lerisa said to Martha, switching off the engine and stepping out of the car.

She locked the door, feeling nervous as she held the wrapped gift for Anthony. Together with Martha, she walked gracefully into the compound toward the event hall to witness the birthday party.

Meanwhile, Anthony was in his bedroom, dressed in a wine-colored suit with a white inner shirt, standing in front of the mirror and brushing his short black hair.

Noticing that night had fallen and he hadn’t yet greeted the guests, Anthony decided it was time to step out.

He walked to his bedside drawer, took out a beautiful diamond engagement ring he had bought for Clara, and smiled at the thought of proposing to her that night.

“I can’t wait to propose to Clara tonight,” Anthony said, opening the red ring box and admiring the stunning ring inside.

He envisioned how he would propose to Clara in front of all their friends and family, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about expressing his love.

Though he could have proposed privately, being the only child of his wealthy parents put pressure on him to marry soon, especially since he was already 30. His parents had often asked him about his plans for settling down.

“Anthony, when do you plan on starting a family? Your father and I want you to get married soon,” his mother had said.

“Mom, I will, but I’m still planning,” he had replied, keeping his plans with Clara to himself.

Wanting to surprise everyone, Anthony closed the red ring box and tucked it safely in the side pocket of his wine-colored suit trousers. After putting on his white socks and black shoes, he was ready for his birthday party.