2: Anthony's worry

Anthony paid no attention to Mark, completely engrossed in his unwavering gaze upon Lerisa. Mark Terry had entered his office to speak with him, but Anthony's focus remained solely on Lerisa, his expression filled with concern.

Lerisa blushed as she witnessed Mark's heartfelt apology to Anthony. Without wasting a moment, he swiftly left Anthony's office, closing the door behind him.

Mark was well aware of Lerisa's feelings for Anthony, which is why she turned down his heartfelt confession.

He couldn't believe his eyes as he watched Anthony embrace Lerisa, their closeness revealing a hidden connection that they tried to hide from their colleagues.

"Lerisa..." Anthony softly whispered Lerisa's name once more, causing her to tremble in his embrace and break free from her reverie, as he continued to keep her arms gently within his grasp.

Anthony couldn't help but notice the sadness in Lerisa's eyes. He wondered what could be causing her pain, and if there was someone who had hurt her or was causing her trouble.

"What's the matter with you? Why do you try to downplay your emotions when your sadness is so evident?" Anthony gazed into Lerisa's face, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"There's nothing wrong with me, Anthony. I only came here to collect the office key from you, but it seems like you're not ready to leave for home," Lerisa repeated, her eyes fixed on Anthony's chest, avoiding his gaze.

"Well, it's not bad. I'm heading home now. But I really hope you won't tolerate this behavior and decide not to come to my birthday party tomorrow?" Anthony inquired of her.

"No..." Lerisa responded with a smile, putting Anthony at ease, knowing that she would be attending his birthday party at home, just like she always does.

"That's perfectly alright. Wait, let me give you a ride," Anthony suggested, but Lerisa quickly declined his offer. "There's no need, sir... I arrived in my car earlier, so it's time for me to depart..."

"Excuse me, sir? Haven't I asked you to refrain from addressing me as sir, Lerisa? You hold a special place in my heart, not just as a colleague, but as someone I deeply care for like my sister."

Lerisa took a deep breath, feeling a heaviness in her heart that surpassed the disappointment she had felt when she saw the ring earlier. Anthony continued to emphasize their close bond, reiterating that he saw her as nothing more than a sister to him.

"Alright, Anthony... But I have to go home now," Lerisa corrected her statement, not wanting to be reminded of their close bond.

“Alright, make sure you drive safely on your way home. I will come to see you tomorrow morning, once I'm done with my morning routine and my exercise too,” Anthony informed her, but Lerisa replied, "No need for that, Anthony, I already told you I'm fine."

"Hmm..." Anthony hummed, gently letting go of Lerisa's arms, and said, "Don't worry, everything is fine. You are free to depart for your residence now."

Anthony couldn't tear his eyes away from Lerisa's face as she gave her nervous response, "Okay, bye, Anthony."

Lerisa swiftly turned away from Anthony and left his office, heading towards the elevator on the third floor.

Anthony was aware of Lerisa's age and felt a pang of guilt for not being able to provide her with solace.

He strolled back to his office chair, closed his computer, and prepared to head home to his family residence.

With a gentle gesture, Anthony carefully tucked the red ring box into his pocket and gracefully gathered his belongings, preparing to leave his office.

Lerisa hurriedly entered the elevator, avoiding eye contact with the curious gazes of her colleagues who watched her leave Anthony's office.

Her heart ached as she held back tears, realizing that Anthony would never be aware of the depth of her emotions for him, especially now that he was starting a life with Clara Harry.

Lerisa had always yearned for the day when Anthony would finally see the depth of her affection and reciprocate her love. Unfortunately, Anthony remained oblivious to the passion that burned in her eyes, mistaking her devoted work for mere professional dedication.

As Lerisa exited the elevator and entered the first floor, she found herself in the company lobby, a space often adorned with displays showcasing their latest products.

The receptionist's office was located nearby, along with their advertising section.

Lerisa hurriedly made her way towards the exit door, narrowly avoiding some staff members in her path. She gracefully stepped out of the ground level, where the store proudly displayed their latest collection of exquisite footwear and fashionable items.

Lerisa unexpectedly crossed paths with Ben Wilfred while heading outside, as Ben happened to be a friend of Anthony's as well.

“Hey, Lerisa," Ben reached out to her left arm, but Lerisa quickly pulled away, clearly uncomfortable with Ben's touch.

"What's the matter, Lerisa? Wait, who caused you pain?" Ben inquired, observing the melancholy expression on her face.

"There is nothing wrong. I'm doing well." Lerisa hurriedly made her way to her car in the parking lot, noticing that the majority of the staff had already departed for the weekend. "I have to go home now," she said, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.

Ben let out a deep sigh as his hand tightened into a fist. He made a visit to Anthony and Lerisa as well.

Ben was deeply infatuated with Lerisa, but she never granted him the opportunity to express his affection or engage in a meaningful conversation with her.

With a wistful sigh, Ben entered the company building, eager to see Anthony. Climbing up to the third floor, he made his way to Anthony Gregson's office.

Lerisa eagerly hopped into her charming red car, grabbed her delicate white handkerchief, gently dabbed her nose, and finally ignited the engine of her crimson vehicle. As she left the company premises, she gracefully passed the security checkpoint at the exit gate, making her way back home to her father's house, where she resided with her parents. 

Lerisa was the second-born and first daughter, with a younger sister and an elder brother. She arrived home, gracefully maneuvered her crimson vehicle into her father's estate, carefully parked her petite automobile, and finally stepped out of the car.

She gracefully lifted her sleek handbag, gently closed the door of her vibrant car, and entered her beloved family home as the night enveloped the surroundings.