Chapter 24: Almost broke down

Lerisa walked into the living room and found her younger sister and mother engrossed in a lovely movie on the television screen that Sunday afternoon.

She greeted her mother and subtly made her way toward the corridor leading to her room, but her mother called her back, "Lerisa, wait... Where have you been?"

Lerisa paused at the entrance and heard Martha reply to their mother, "Mom, where else could she be? If not to see her lover, Anthony."

Martha smiled, teasing Lerisa, but instead of smiling at the mention of Anthony's name, Lerisa glared at her younger sister.

Mrs. Antonia noticed her first daughter's unhappiness at the mention of Anthony and remembered the failed engagement. She asked Lerisa, "What's wrong, dear?"

Lerisa sighed and replied, "Nothing, Mom. I went to Anthony's family house after church to see him, but that doesn’t mean Martha should call him 'my lover' again. Anthony has made it clear to his parents that he can never marry me after they suggested courting me. I feel