Chapter 2... Going home.

Anthony ignored responding to Mark. He didn't even avert his gaze or bat an eye at Mark Terry for a second when Mark stepped into his office. Anthony's gaze was fixed on Lerisa, whom he was staring at with concern.

Lerisa felt embarrassed after seeing Mark apologize to Anthony. Mark exited Anthony's office immediately, shutting the door behind him.

Mark already knew that Lerisa had a crush on Anthony, which was why she rejected his love proposal.

He shook his head in denial after seeing Anthony holding Lerisa closely by her arms, confirming to him that they were secret lovers pretending to be siblings in front of the other staff.

“Lerisa..." Anthony called her name again, making her shudder in his hold and snap out of her trance, as he was still holding her arms closely.

Anthony knew Lerisa was not in a relationship, so he wondered what had made her look sad and if someone had broken her heart or was troubling her.

"What's wrong with you? Don't tell me it's nothing when you look this sad," Anthony asked, looking deeply into Lerisa's face.

"Nothing is wrong with me, Anthony. I just came to collect the office key from you, but it seems like you aren't ready to leave for home,” Lerisa replied, staring downward at Anthony's chest, not wanting to meet his gaze.

“Hmm, it's alright. I'm already going home now. But I hope you're not putting up this act just to avoid attending my birthday party tomorrow?” Anthony asked her.

“No..." Lerisa responded, forcing a fake smile, which relieved Anthony, knowing she was fine and would attend his birthday party at home, as usual.

“That's fine. Wait, let me drop you off,” Anthony proposed, but Lerisa immediately rejected his offer. “No need, sir… I came with my car today, so I will be leaving now..."

“Sir? Haven't I told you to stop calling me sir, Lerisa? You're like a sister to me, not just my staff here.”

Lerisa gulped heavily, feeling more hurt than when she saw the ring earlier. Anthony kept repeating that she was like a sister to him, making it clear that he couldn't see her beyond that.

“Okay, Anthony… But I have to go home now,” Lerisa corrected herself, not wanting to be reminded that she was like a 'sister' to him.

“Okay, drive safely home. I'll come to see you tomorrow morning, once I'm through with my morning routine and exercise too,” Anthony said, but Lerisa replied, "No need for that, Anthony, I said I'm fine."

"Hmm…" Anthony hummed, finally releasing her arms, and said, “Alright. You can leave for home now."

Anthony continued watching Lerisa's face as she nervously responded, “Okay, bye, Anthony.”

Lerisa quickly turned her back on Anthony and exited his office, making her way to the elevator on the third floor.

Anthony knew Lerisa was a 24-year-old woman, and he felt bad for not being able to comfort her.

He walked back to his desk, shut down his computer, and prepared to go home to his family house.

Likewise, he slipped the red ring box into his trouser pocket and picked up his briefcase to leave.

***

Lerisa rushed into the elevator, avoiding the stares of other staff as she exited Anthony's office.

She felt like crying, knowing Anthony would never notice her feelings, especially now that he was settling down with Clara Harry.

Lerisa had hoped Anthony would eventually notice her feelings and fall in love with her, but he failed to see how much she loved him.

She stepped out of the elevator onto the first floor, where the company lobby advertised their new products.

The receptionist's office was also there, along with their advertising section.

Lerisa rushed towards the exit door, nearly bumping into some staff on her way out. She exited the first floor, where they mainly advertised their brand-new shoes and other fashion products.

She bumped into Ben Wilfred on her way out, as Ben was also Anthony's friend.

“Hey, Lerisa," Ben caught her left arm, but she immediately pulled away, not liking his touch.

“What's wrong with you, Lerisa? Who hurt you?" Ben asked, noticing her saddened face.

“Nothing. I'm fine. I have to go home now,” Lerisa said, running to her car in the parking lot, seeing that most of the staff were already leaving for home as it was Friday.

Ben sighed, clenching his fist. He had come to see Anthony and Lerisa too.

He loved Lerisa, but she didn't give him any chance to prove his love or even speak to her.

Likewise, he sighed again and finally walked into the company building to meet Anthony, making his way to the third floor where Anthony Gregson's office was.

***

Lerisa quickly got into her small red car, picked up her white handkerchief, blew her nose, and started her car engine. She drove out of the company premises, passing the security checkpoint at the exit gate, and headed home to her parents' house. She was the second-born and first daughter, with a younger sister and an elder brother.

Lerisa arrived home, drove her car into her father's compound, parked, and got out.

She picked up her black handbag, shut her car door, and walked into her family house as night fell.