Chapter 4: The Call

Anthony continued to think about why Lerisa was not happy, as he had no siblings and had grown up seeing her as one.

He sighed and focused on the road as he drove home. Soon, he arrived, drove into the garage, got out of his car, and walked up to their duplex mansion.

“Good evening, Mom and Dad,” Anthony greeted his parents as he stepped into the living room and saw them sitting in the dining room.

His mother smiled and replied first, “Welcome home, Anthony. How was work today?”

“Fine, Mother,” Anthony said as he walked toward the living room stairs to retire to his bedroom. However, his mother spoke. “Wait, Anthony. Won't you join us for dinner before retiring to your bedroom?”

Anthony paused, looked back at his mother, and replied, “Okay, Mom. How is the birthday preparation going? We will celebrate it here tomorrow in the event hall.”

Anthony walked to the dining room to join his parents. He pulled out a seat before sitting down across from his father. His mother replied, “Fine.”

Anthony's phone rang, and he took it from his trouser pocket. He saw Clara was calling.

“Excuse me, Mom and Dad. I have to take this call. Hello, babe. I will call you back later,” Anthony said into the phone to Clara. He ended the call and smiled at his parents as he pulled his chair closer to the dining table.

Mrs. Beatrice smiled at Anthony, knowing her son was in a relationship. She did not want to pry by asking who the woman was, as she eagerly awaited Anthony settling down with Lerisa Jonah, whom she loved and wanted as her daughter-in-law.

“How about Lerisa, Anthony? Did she come to the company today?” Anthony's father finally asked, before they resumed eating.

Anthony frowned slightly, remembering the sad look on Lerisa's face before she left the company. His mother asked, “What's wrong, Anthony?”

“Nothing, Mom. Lerisa is fine. She came to work today,” Anthony answered, then asked, “Where is the meal?”

“Anthony, I know you only see Lerisa as a friend. But her father is a good friend of mine—not just my former assistant. Mr. Fred Jonah supported and encouraged me in building the company you now control. So I want you to know the Jonah family matters greatly to me—that is why I ask about Lerisa,” Mr. Joshua said.

“I understand, Father. Where is Sandra, Mom?” Anthony asked. Just then, Sandra stepped out of the kitchen with a tray of meals and approached the dining table to serve dinner, as she was their maid.

“I'm sorry for the delay,” Sandra apologized. Mrs. Beatrice sighed and replied, “It's okay, Sandra. Be quick.”

Anthony and his parents resumed eating their dinner in silence. When Anthony finished, he stood from his seat and said to his parents, "Thanks, Mom and Dad. I'm going upstairs to my bedroom to rest. Good night."

“Yes, good night, Anthony,” Mrs. Beatrice replied. She watched as Anthony walked away and climbed the stairs in the living room to his bedroom.

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Anthony entered his bedroom and sighed as he decided to call Clara to learn why she had called earlier. He could not answer then because he was with his parents. He missed Clara, and the call connected.

“Hello, babe,” Anthony said as he removed his coat. He heard Clara respond, “Hi, sweetheart. How was your day at the office?”

Clara was in a clubhouse, and Anthony could hear club music in the background. He asked, “Where are you, babe?”

“I'm at the club. My best friend is having a birthday party, so she invited me. You know I cannot turn her down," Clara replied.

“Hmm.” Anthony glanced at his wristwatch and saw it was after 9 p.m. He said, “But it's getting late, babe. Head home now; I am not happy with you being there.”

“Hahaha. I know, babe. Relax. I did not come here to sleep with anyone, and it is a midnight party. I will be fine,” Clara assured him. Anthony frowned, but before he could complain, Clara said, “I have to go now, babe. Good night, and see you tomorrow at your parents' house. But you know I'm not happy with you celebrating your birthday at home instead of a hotel like an adult.”

“Hmm,” Anthony frowned and said, “It is how my parents want it, Clara, and I cannot go against them."

“How your parents want it? But not how I want it, Anthony. Anyway, it's okay. Good night," Clara said, and Anthony heard the call disconnect, which deepened his frown.

Anthony loved Clara. He sighed and removed his long-sleeved red shirt. He was about to take off his trousers when he touched the red ring box in his pocket.

Anthony took out the ring box and stared at it again, intending to propose to Clara the next day.

Anthony sighed and walked to his bedside drawer to place the red ring box there.

He went to his bathroom to bathe. After finishing, he emerged, donned his usual white robe, walked to his bed, and sat on it to use his laptop.

Anthony considered calling Lerisa to check if she was fine and had gotten home safely. He picked up his phone, unlocked the screen, and dialed her directly.

Lerisa had finished wearing her blue nightgown. She sat at the dining table with her parents, eating dinner. She did not have her phone with her, so Anthony's call did not connect.

Anthony placed his mobile phone in his bedside drawer and continued his online research on his laptop. After browsing for a while, he turned off the laptop and plugged it in to charge.