6: Anthony's concerns

Anthony gazed into Lerisa's eyes and softly spoke, "I must return home now, Lerisa. I hope you're feeling absolutely wonderful now."

Anthony took a sip from the bottled water in his hands, his gaze fixed on Lerisa's face. She responded, "Yes, I'm alright. Looking forward to seeing you later in the evening."

Lerisa's face took on a wistful expression once more as she recalled that Anthony would be asking Clara for her hand in marriage later that evening. Anthony and Clara have been together for over three years now.

Anthony couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Lerisa's demeanor, as her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. He quickly inquired, "What's troubling you now?"

Lerisa came back to reality and responded, "Oh, it's nothing. I'm perfectly alright."

"Hmm, it seems that you consistently hide your true emotions from me when you're not feeling well.. Be honest with me, Lerisa. What's troubling you? I'm here for you, ready to listen and support you through whatever you're going through. You know how much I value our connection, and I understand that you rely on me as your closest companion," Anthony expressed.

"You don't have a boyfriend, or perhaps you do, but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet. However, that's not why you should be looking sad," Anthony gently advised.

"I don't have any romantic partners," Lerisa confessed, and Anthony gazed at her once more and inquired, "Why? Why don't you possess one? You are truly enchanting, and I only wish to see you with the most deserving partner. What about my friend, Ben? He has been persistently inquiring about you. Have you thought about giving him a chance?"

"Sorry, but I can't." "I'm not interested in Ben," Lerisa replied, swiftly dismissing him.

Anthony's eyes narrowed with a hint of doubt, but he couldn't help but smile as he inquired, "So, who has caught your attention? I don't know anyone who could have made you look sad, my dear."

Lerisa looked up at Anthony's face, captivated by his presence. As their gazes locked, her voice caught in her throat, unable to confess her true feelings to him.

Lerisa quickly stared downward. Anthony finished his drink and looked at her, lost in thought.

Anthony let out a wistful sigh and reassured her, "Don't worry, Lerisa. If you're not inclined to share the details about the person who has captured your heart. But I want you to know that you mean a lot to me and I see you as more than just a friend."

"I should head home now, as I made a commitment to my mother to have breakfast with her after finishing my exercise. If not, I could have joined you and your mom for breakfast here. And what about your dad?" Anthony asked.

"He's gone out for the weekend meeting," Lerisa said with a wistful smile. Anthony let out a heartfelt sigh and gently advised her, "Just remember to be good, alright? Take good care of yourself."

Lerisa gently guided Anthony towards the exit gate. She graciously opened the gate for him and securely locked up their house after Anthony departed their compound. 

Unbeknownst to Lerisa, her mother lingered by the kitchen window, surreptitiously listening to their conversation, her gaze fixed upon them.

Lerisa brushed away her tears and headed back inside the house, unaware that her mother also harbored hopes for her and Anthony to tie the knot.

As she entered the living room, her mother quickly emerged from the kitchen and inquired, "Lerisa, what's happening between you and Anthony?"

Mrs. Antonia gracefully approached the dining table, delicately setting down a tray of perfectly cooked fried eggs.

Lerisa gracefully made her way to the dining room, eager to reunite with her mother. She responded, "Nothing, mom."

Lerisa perched on a chair, her cheeks flushed, lost in thoughts of the dazzling engagement ring she had glimpsed with Anthony just the day before.

"You always insist on saying 'nothing, mom' while blushing like a ripe tomato. Did you gaze at your reflection in the mirror, Lerisa?" Her mother inquired.

Lerisa let out a wistful sigh before responding, "I'm okay, mom."

"Alright. If you insist, but just be aware that I also have feelings for Anthony. I wouldn't want you to scare him off with your reddened face," playfully teased Mrs. Antonia. Lerisa simply shook her head and took a bite of the fried eggs on her plate.

"Ah! Before we indulge in a delightful breakfast, why don't you take a moment to freshen up? Your dad hasn't arrived yet, so it's the perfect opportunity for us to enjoy a romantic meal together. Have you chosen the attire for Anthony's birthday celebration tonight? We will be attending the event, as you are aware of my fondness for Anthony. I hope that he will eventually be ready to commit, as I believe he would make a wonderful partner for you. It would be lovely to solidify the connection between our families."

"Mom, Anthony is in a relationship, and you and Dad should stop envisioning me as Anthony's future spouse." Lerisa said, with a wistful expression, that Anthony will only remain her boss and family friend. She gracefully rose from the chair and made her way to the kitchen door, where she gently cleansed her hands in the sink.

"Hmm..." Mrs. Antonia's face contorted with concern as she made her way into the kitchen to meet her eldest daughter.

She asked, "Why would you say that, Lerisa? Anthony is unable to marry any girl he is currently dating. His parents are fully supportive of his decision to marry you and no one else. His dad and your father have a close bond, just like his mother and I do."

"I know, Mom." Lerisa gently shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips, as she meticulously finished washing her hands under the soothing flow of tap water. 

With a delicate teacup in hand, she gently spoke, "Mother, I must satisfy my hunger before embarking on a quest to find the perfect attire for Anthony's enchanting birthday celebration this evening."

"Okay," Mrs. Antonia sighed, and reluctantly granted Lerisa permission to proceed. Lerisa gracefully emerged from the kitchen, delicately cradling her teacup, and made her way to the dining table to savor her morning meal.

Mrs. Antonia gracefully emerged from the kitchen and joined her eldest daughter in the dining room, where they shared a delightful breakfast together.

Lerisa hesitated to reveal the truth to her mother—that she had caught a glimpse of Anthony with an engagement ring. 

Anthony had decided to take the next step in his relationship and was planning a special surprise for his girlfriend. He had chosen a beautiful event hall as the setting for this important moment in their lives.

Lerisa was aware that her parents would be deeply moved when they witnessed Anthony getting down on one knee and proposing to Clara Harry right in front of them, asking her to marry him.

Lerisa let out another wistful sigh as she continued to savor her breakfast of bread and fried eggs. However, her mother remained silent, her gaze fixed on Lerisa, as she too enjoyed her morning meal. 

As they savored the warmth of their tea, their eyes met and a gentle smile spread across their faces.

Once her breakfast with her mother came to a close, Lerisa tidied up her cup in the kitchen, giving it a thorough wash, before retiring to her bedroom to freshen up. 

With a desire to venture beyond the confines of her home, she set out to find the perfect gown for Anthony's birthday celebration.

Her mobile phone rang out, surprising her, and she couldn't help but wonder about the identity of the caller. Her phone lacked the contact information of many friends.

Lerisa approached her phone, which she stored in the drawer. As she reached for the phone, her heart fluttered with anticipation. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number, adding an air of mystery to the moment.

She answered the call and settled onto her bed, her voice filled with curiosity as she asked, "Hello, may I ask who's calling?"

"Hello Lerisa. How are you feeling on this lovely morning?" Lerisa was captivated by the sound of a deep, masculine voice that addressed her. 

"I'm perfectly content; may I ask who is reaching out to me?" Lerisa questioned, but she instantly recognized the voice as Ben's.

She furrowed her brow, pondering how he managed to acquire her phone number.

She inquired, "By what means did you acquire my mobile number, Ben?"