MY CEO BESTIE AND ME

On Friday evening, Lerisa Jonah rose from her office chair, having completed her work for the day.

She served as secretary to Anthony Gregson, so she gathered her black handbag from the desk and prepared to depart for home.

Lerisa was a fair-complexioned young woman of twenty-four years, dressed in a yellow blouse, a black pencil skirt, and black shoes. She wondered why she had not yet seen Anthony leave his office.

She knew that Anthony typically finished by five o’clock and departed the company before six o’clock, the standard closing time.

She proceeded to Anthony’s office door to determine what was delaying her boss. By then, the hour had passed six o’clock, and most staff members had already left for home.

Approaching the door, Lerisa knocked and heard Anthony reply, “Come in.”

She eased the door open and entered, observing Anthony seated in his executive chair, gazing at a red ring box in his hands.

Lerisa’s heart sank the instant she glimpsed the beautiful, sparkling diamond ring.

In that moment, she realized that Anthony was deeply committed to Clara Harry and intended to propose to her soon.

A surge of emotion welled within her, for she harbored a secret love for Anthony, yet she lacked the courage to confess it.

Her fair complexion flushed red with sorrow, and she averted her gaze to conceal her distress.

Anthony remained absorbed in admiring the ring and did not look up at Lerisa.

They had been childhood best friends, owing to the close relationship between their fathers in the past. Lerisa’s father had served as Anthony’s father’s assistant and had contributed significantly to establishing the fashion company that Anthony now led.

Lerisa believed that Clara Harry was unfaithful and unworthy of a man like Anthony. She had witnessed Clara flirting with other men behind Anthony’s back on several occasions, yet she could not bring herself to warn him against the relationship.

Lerisa had also seen Clara visit Anthony’s office and caught them kissing, an image that pierced her heart, confirming Anthony’s serious affection for Clara.

Anthony was a thirty-year-old Black man, attired in a black suit with a red dress shirt beneath and black shoes, an ensemble that accentuated his handsome features.

He sported a short mustache and beard, which enhanced his charm.

At last, Anthony looked toward Lerisa and noticed her staring at the floor. He wondered what had brought her there, as he had already interacted with her earlier that day.

He had lost track of time, engrossed in the ring he had purchased with the intention of proposing to Clara the following day.

“What do you want, Lerisa?” Anthony inquired.

“I… I…” Lerisa stammered, unable to articulate her purpose, her voice laced with heartbreak upon seeing the exquisite ring.

She had come merely to inform him that she was heading home, but he did not glance up again. He continued to admire the diamond, pondering whether Clara would approve.

“How do you find this ring, Lerisa?” Anthony asked. “Remember, I invited you and the rest of the staff to my birthday celebration tomorrow at my family’s home. I plan to propose to Clara then. I am uncertain, however, if she will accept this beautiful diamond I ordered from abroad. I love Clara deeply. What are your thoughts? Do you believe she will cherish the ring and agree to marry me? I selected it as a testament to my devotion.”

Lerisa’s heart shattered further at his earnest question.

She observed him smiling fondly at the ring as he continued to examine it.

“I thought you had finished for the day, sir,” she replied. “That is why I came to retrieve the office key from you. It appears, however, that you are not yet ready to leave.”

Anthony immediately detected the sadness in her tone.

He closed the red box and rose from his chair. Approaching her, he asked, “What is the matter, Lerisa?”

Lerisa turned away as tears streamed down her cheeks.

She could not reveal the truth—that she loved him. To Anthony, she was merely like a sister, despite their lack of blood relation.

“What is wrong, Lerisa?” Anthony persisted, gently turning her to face him.

Lerisa felt a spark at his touch, but he seemed oblivious, focusing intently on her expression.

“Tell me, what troubles you?” he pressed in a firm tone.

Lerisa trembled in his grasp but shook her head to signify that nothing was amiss.

“Nothing, sir,” she lied. “I only came to inform you that I am leaving for home. The company has closed for the day, and I need the office key from you.”

“Sir?” Anthony repeated, his gaze fixed on her face with a hint of pain in his narrowed eyes. “How many times must I ask you to stop addressing me that way, Lerisa? You are like a sister to me, not merely an employee.”

Lerisa recoiled inwardly at his words, as she despised the reminder of her place in his affections.

The office door swung open, and Anthony’s assistant, Mark Terry, entered.

Mark appeared startled to see Anthony holding Lerisa’s arms firmly, drawing her close to his chest. Anthony did not acknowledge him, remaining focused on Lerisa.

*Do they intend to kiss?* Mark wondered silently. He quickly schooled his features into composure and apologized, “I am sorry, boss.”