Chapter 2

Anthony ignored Mark; he did not avert his gaze or even glance at Mark Terry, who had stepped into the office to see him. His attention remained fixed on Lerisa, whom he watched with concern.

Lerisa felt embarrassed when she saw Mark apologize to Anthony; Mark immediately left the office, closing the door behind him.

Mark already knew that Lerisa had a crush on Anthony, which was why she had rejected his proposal. He shook his head in disbelief when he saw Anthony holding Lerisa by the arms, convinced they were secret lovers pretending to be siblings in front of the staff.

“Lerisa...” Anthony called again, making her shudder in his arms and snap out of her trance. He was still holding her arms.

Anthony knew Lerisa was not in a relationship, so he wondered what had made her look so sad—whether someone had broken her heart or was troubling her. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t tell me it’s nothing when you look this sad,” he asked, looking deeply into her face.

“Nothing is wrong with me, Anthony. I only came to collect the office key from you, but it seems you aren’t ready to go home,” Lerisa replied, staring down at Anthony’s chest to avoid his gaze.

“Hmm, it’s all right. I’m going home now. But I hope this isn’t an act to avoid attending my birthday party tomorrow?” Anthony asked.

“No,” Lerisa answered, forcing a fake smile that relieved Anthony; as he assumed she would attend his birthday as usual.

“That’s fine. Wait—let me drop you off,” Anthony offered, but Lerisa immediately refused. “No need, sir. I came with my car today, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“Sir? Haven’t I told you to stop calling me ‘sir'? You’re like a sister to me, not just my staff,” Anthony said.

Lerisa gulped, feeling even more bitter than when she had seen the ring. Anthony’s repeated reminder that she was like a sister stung; it made clear he could not see her as anything more.

“Okay, Anthony. I have to go home now,” Lerisa said, wanting to avoid being reminded she was “like a sister.”

“Okay. Drive safely. I’ll come to see you tomorrow morning once I’ve finished my routine and exercise,” Anthony said.

“No need for that, Anthony. I told you I’m fine,” Lerisa replied.

“Hmm...” Anthony hummed, releasing her arms. “It’s all right. You can go home now.”

Lerisa nervously responded, “Okay. Goodbye, Anthony,” then she quickly turned away and left the office, making her way from the third floor to the elevator.

Anthony felt bad for not being able to comfort Lerisa. He returned to his desk, shut down his computer, and prepared to go home. He slipped the red ring box into his trouser pocket, picked up his briefcase, and left the office.

* * *

Lerisa had rushed into the elevator to avoid meeting the other staff’s eyes. She felt like crying, knowing Anthony would likely never notice her feelings, especially now that he seemed determined to settle down with Clara Harry. Lerisa had hoped one day Anthony would return her feelings, but he failed to see how much she loved him; she did not love him only as an employer.

She stepped out on the first floor—the company lobby where they usually displayed their new products. The receptionist’s desk and the advertising section were there as well.

Rushing toward the exit, Lerisa nearly bumped into some staff. She ran out of the lobby, where they displayed the brand’s new shoes and other fashion products.

Lerisa bumped into Ben Wilfred on her way out; Ben was also a friend of Anthony’s. “Hey, Lerisa,” Ben said, catching her by the left arm, but she pulled away, not liking his touch.

“What’s wrong with you, Lerisa? Wait—who hurt you?” Ben asked, noticing her distressed face.

“Nothing. I’m fine. I have to go home now,” Lerisa said, running to her car in the parking lot. It was Friday, and most of the staff were already leaving.

Ben sighed and clenched his fist. He had come to see both Anthony and Lerisa. He loved Lerisa, but she had never given him the green light or a chance to prove his feelings. Ben sighed again, then returned to the building to see Anthony, making his way up to the third floor.

Lerisa got into her small red car, took out a white handkerchief, blew her nose, and started the engine. She drove out of the company premises, passed the security checkpoint at the gate, and headed home to her father’s house, where she still lived with her parents. She was the second-born and the first daughter; she had a younger sister and an older brother.

Lerisa drove into her father’s compound, parked her car, and got out. She picked up her black handbag, closed the car door, and walked into her family home as night fell.