Chapter 12... Birthday celebration
757 Words
Staring at his handsome reflection in the wide wall mirror one last time, Anthony finally walked out of his bedroom. He followed the passage on the top floor and went downstairs to the event hall in the second wing of their mansion.
"Welcome the celebrant! We've been waiting for this joyful moment to begin celebrating his new age with him: Anthony Gregson!" the female host shouted as Anthony walked onto the stage.
"Thank you all, thank you," Anthony said as the applause grew. He accepted the microphone from the host in a white gown.
She was a young lady, married, but the host of the show. She smiled sweetly at Anthony, who smiled back at her and all the guests. They all clapped happily for him too.
Lerisa stood in a corner of the event hall and smiled at Anthony. She watched him on stage and then sat beside her sister as most guests took their seats.
"I appreciate you all for accepting my birthday invitation. Today wouldn't be memorable without you here to celebrate this joyous day and a new beginning. Thank you all," Anthony smiled at the guests, who clapped for him as he ended his speech and turned to give the microphone back to the host.
He concluded, "I appreciate all our staff present, my assistant Mark Terry, my secretary Lerisa Jonah, my family and friends, and everyone who made time to visit and accept my invitation. Thank you all; you're blessed. Without you, I wouldn't be the man I am today. Thank you for honoring my invitation. You are welcome."
"Music, please!" the host called out as Anthony ended his speech and handed back the microphone before leaving the stage.
The birthday music started playing, and Anthony left the stage to welcome some of his top partners arriving to wish him a happy birthday.
His uncle and aunt were also present, as many came to celebrate with him.
Anthony kept looking around the hall for Clara, but he hadn't seen her yet.
Lerisa sat with Martha, clutching the gift she had bought for Anthony tightly.
She knew that before the night ended, Anthony would likely propose to Clara.
"Hello, Lerisa. How are you tonight? Wow! You look so beautiful," a male voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts as her face turned red and teary, remembering Anthony and Clara's possible engagement.
Lerisa still hadn't told Anthony about seeing Clara cheating on him, even though she had proof with her—the photos she took on her way to the mall.
She wasn't brave enough, and she knew it.
"Good evening, Ben," Lerisa finally greeted, meeting his gaze. He was wearing a black tux and looked charming, with a dark complexion like Anthony.
The DJ changed the music to a cool love song. Lerisa saw some people starting to dance happily.
"Do you mind joining me for a dance?" Ben asked, watching her admiring the dancers.
His white shirt and black bow tie made him look charming, with his short black wavy hair neatly combed, resembling Anthony.
His black tuxedo matched his sparkling black shoes. Lerisa shook her head, not in the mood to dance. But Ben persisted, "Why, Lerisa? Don’t I look pleasing enough?"
"No, Ben," Lerisa said, puzzled, not wanting to compliment him.
Ben didn't take no for an answer and heard a feminine voice from behind, "Hi Ben, good to see you tonight. Can we dance?"
Lerisa looked at the woman who approached Ben, wearing a long yellow gown with black heels, standing out attractively.
She was asking Ben to dance, and Lerisa wondered where she'd seen her face before.
"No, Emma, I've already asked Lerisa. Shall we dance, Lerisa?" Ben ignored Emma, and Lerisa gulped in surprise as all eyes turned to her.
She had already rejected Ben, so why was he putting her in this situation and rejecting Emma?
Lerisa knew Ben liked her, but she had no feelings for him.
She sighed and stood up to dance with him, not wanting to embarrass Ben in front of the guests.
Lerisa knew Anthony had neglected her, and she hadn't told him she liked him or loved him. She couldn’t gather the courage to confess.
She believed it was a man's duty to express his feelings first.
How could she tell Anthony she loved him? Lerisa thought as she accepted Ben's hand for a dance.
Ben looked handsome and manly cologne relaxed her, making her feel less uncomfortable as he held her hands. They walked on the stage together.
- Writer
