MY CEO BESTIE AND ME

Inside L.H. Group, Lerisa Jonah rose from her office chair, having finished her work for the day.

As Anthony Gregson's secretary, she picked up her black handbag from her desk, ready to go home.

A fair-complexioned young woman of 24, Lerisa wore a yellow shirt, a black pencil skirt, and black shoes. She wondered why she hadn't seen Anthony leave his office yet.

She knew Anthony usually finished by 5 pm and left the company before 6 pm, the normal closing hour.

She headed toward Anthony's office door to see what was delaying her boss, as it was already after 6 pm and most of the staff had left.

Approaching the door, Lerisa knocked and heard him respond, "Come in."

She pushed the door slightly open and stepped into his office, seeing him seated in his executive chair, staring at a red ring box in his hands.

Lerisa's heart sank the moment she saw the beautiful, sparkling diamond ring.

She realized Anthony was in a serious relationship with Clara Harry and would soon propose.

Lerisa felt like crying out, secretly in love with Anthony herself, but too afraid to confess her feelings.

Her face flushed with sadness, and she looked down to hide her expression.

Anthony, engrossed in admiring the ring, didn't notice Lerisa.

They were childhood best friends, due to their fathers' close relationship. Lerisa's father had been Anthony's father's assistant, supporting him in building the shoe company that Anthony now owned.

Lerisa believed Clara Harry was a cheat, undeserving of Anthony. She had seen Clara flirting with other men behind Anthony's back, but she couldn't bring herself to advise Anthony to end the relationship.

Lerisa had even witnessed Clara visiting Anthony in his office and caught them kissing, which had crushed her, knowing Anthony was deeply in love.

Anthony was a 30-year-old Black man, handsome in a black suit with a red shirt underneath and black shoes.

A short mustache and beard enhanced his features, making him look charming.

Anthony finally looked up at Lerisa and saw her staring at the floor. He wondered what she wanted, assuming he had seen her for the day.

He had lost track of time, busy admiring the ring he intended to use to propose to Clara the following day.

Anthony asked, "What do you want, Lerisa?"

"I… I…" Lerisa stammered, unable to explain her presence, her voice betraying her heartbreak at the sight of the ring.

She had intended to tell Anthony she was leaving, but he didn't look up again, still captivated by the diamond ring and wondering if Clara would like it.

Anthony asked, "What do you think of this ring, Lerisa? Remember I invited you and the rest of the staff to my birthday party tomorrow at my family's house? Well, I want to propose to Clara then. But I don't know if she will accept this beautiful diamond ring that I bought for her and ordered from abroad. I do love Clara. What do you think, Lerisa? Do you think that Clara will love this ring and accept it? I bought it to prove my love to her!"

Lerisa's heart broke further at Anthony's question.

She saw him smiling sweetly at the ring. As he continued looking downward at the ring. She replied, “I thought you had closed, Sir. That's why I'm here to collect the office key from your hands. But it seemed like you're not yet ready to go home.”

Anthony immediately noticed the sadness in Lerisa's voice.

He shut the red ring box and stood up, walking toward her and asking, "What's wrong, Lerisa?"

Lerisa turned away, hot tears streaming down her face.

She couldn't confess her love. Anthony only saw her as a sister, despite their lack of familial connection.

"What's wrong, Lerisa?" Anthony approached her and turned her to face him.

Lerisa felt a spark, but Anthony ignored it, looking intently at her face.

"Tell me, what's wrong?" he asked sternly, and Lerisa shuddered but shook her head.

She lied, "Nothing, Sir… I only came to tell you that I'm already going home. The company has closed for the day, and to collect the office key from you…"

"Sir?" Anthony repeated, his eyes narrowing in concern. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me sir, Lerisa? You're like a sister to me, not just a staff member." Lerisa shuddered, hating that he always reminded her of this.

Anthony's office door opened, and his assistant, Mark Terry, entered.

Mark looked surprised to see Anthony holding Lerisa's arms closely. Anthony, however, was focused on Lerisa's face.

'Do they want to kiss?' Mark wondered, quickly composing himself and apologizing, "I'm sorry, boss."