Veil of secrets

The icy fingers of winter clutched at the earth as the somber procession made its way through the snow-covered cemetery. The muted colors of the landscape seemed to mourn in silence, matching the heavy hearts of those gathered to bid a final farewell to Mr Derrick Peterson. “He was the best husband anyone could ask for,” says Mrs Spencer after she made her way to the podium. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued. “He showed me what true love was, I wish he stayed longer but who are we to change the hands of fate,” she said sighing. She then faces her husband's grave turning away from the audience " My lovely husband as I stand here today, surrounded by the memories of our life together, I am filled with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. Derrick, you were my rock, my light in the darkest times. Your love and presence will forever be etched in my heart. As we lay you to rest, I find solace in knowing that your spirit will live on in the beauty of the world you left behind. Farewell, my love, until we meet again." Alexander makes his way up to the podium afterward. “Today, as we bid farewell to my dad, I can't help but remember all the times he made us laugh with his silly jokes and contagious laughter. Dad…, you were not just my father but also my best friend, my mentor, and the one who taught me to find joy in every moment. Even in this somber moment, I can almost hear you whispering, 'Don't worry, son, I'll still be watching over you... probably with a bag of popcorn and a witty comment.' The crowd lets out a little laughter, he however continues “Rest in peace, Dad, and save a good seat for me up there in case I'm running late. Love you always." Alexander’s uncle mr Ezra, Mr Thompson, and the rest of Mr. Derrick Peterson’s family friends also make their way to the podium. “It’s okay mom, I'm sure he’s happy in heaven, “ Alexander says as he tries to console his mom. “Aren’t you going to say something?” Alexander says as he pokes his secretary Mia in her right arm. “Nah it’s fine I’m sure everyone already knows how lovely he was when he was alive,” she said. “ Does anyone else have anything to say “ says the priest. “Yes,” a strange voice said. A young man appeared on the podium. It was Luca, an estranged family friend of the Peterson’s. “What is he doing here?!!” Mrs. Spencer said fuming with anger “Let me handle this” Alexander said as he stood up waiting for Luca to finish his speech before he would go and confront him. "Hey there, old pal. Luca says, “It's strange standing here, saying goodbye when we've been distant for so long.“ Amidst his speech, he noticed Mia standing amongst the crowd, and he was blown away by her beauty. “Wow,” he muttered to himself. “We had our moments,” he however continued, “good and bad, but now it's time to part ways for good. Even though we drifted apart, I hope you find peace on the other side. So long, buddy." He came down from the podium and the priest proceeded to end the ceremony. Alexander now goes ahead to corner Lucas. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here,” Alexander says angrily “To pay my respect my last respects,” Luca said unfazed. “You better get out of here before I call the cops on you” “Feisty much?” Luca says as he lets out a devilish smirk At this point, Mr Ezra notices them talking and goes on to approach them. “He’s not worth it Alexander, let’s not make a scene here, when he’s done fooling around he’ll go back to where ever he came from” he then pulls Alexander away from Luca. Eventually, as the ceremony ends people exchange greetings and start to leave. Luca decides to approach Mia. She was packing some of the condolence gifts into her boss’s car. “Every burial mustn’t be sad yunno,” he said leaning on the car “Well hi to you too, did you know the deceased?” “ I mean…we were friends in the past “ “Okay…so what about the present?” Luca keeps quiet for a second and proceeds “Has anyone ever told you how stunning you are” Mia blushes “Well if no one has, I’m telling you now” “Thanks,” Mia said shyly “ Seems your boss is coming, Can I have your contact at least so we could talk more later?” Mia goes ahead and gives Luca her contact number. Just then Alexander approaches the car for them to leave “ You know for someone that is not welcomed here, you seem too comfortable,” he said to Luca “Well if you know me, you’ll know that what people think about me doesn’t matter to me, just came to say hi to your dad that’s all” Alexander ignores him and enters the car with Mia then zooms off. - - - While they were driving home Mia asked “Why did you talk to him in that manner?” “ Uhm well he’s my childhood friend but we fell out a couple of years ago” “Uhm why?… How?” Mia asks curiously “ Not sure I feel like talking about this…but he tried to cheat me when we decided to open a cybersecurity company together, apparently he wanted a 60/40 profit share because he pulled in our first investors and he’d leave me to do all the work too while he’s busy drinking and hanging with other women, we had a huge fight about it and that’s how we called it quits with our friendship” “Mm, that’s sad,…anyways you have a dinner meeting scheduled for 8 pm tonight at Haven restaurant, I’ll help you pick an outfit” “Thanks, Mia, you’re the best”. - - - The next morning Mrs Spencer calls for Alexander in her room. “Hi Mom, feeling better now? He says as he shuts the door behind him. “ Yeah I am,…I’m sure your dad wouldn’t want us to be sad for too long too” “Okay,” Alexander says feeling relieved. “But that was not why I called you here” “Okay, I’m listening” “Now your father has been properly laid to rest, it is time for you to step up. I’ll have the planning committee plan the event for the day you’ll be appointed as the new CEO” “Oh Mom, there’s no need to rush, we can do this at a later time if it’s okay with you” “Have you ever seen a ship without a captain?” No” Alexander said smiling “Exactly,…you’d do well okay? I and Ezra are always solidly behind you” “Thanks, Mom, I love you,” Alexander says and leaves her room. - - - He proceeds to go to work that morning and when he gets to his offices he calls for Mia using his desk phone. “You called,” Mia said “How’s our new video game going” "Yeah, so I've been coordinating with the development team. The graphics are looking amazing sir" "That's great to hear Let's ensure we stay on schedule for the launch. Keep me updated on any major developments." "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly. The players are going to love this game. “Are you good though?” Mia asks worriedly “Oh yeah I am, just thinking of my appointment as the new CEO, I’m worried I might not do so well at it as my dad” “Oh please if there’s anyone I know that’s smarter than your dad it’s you, you’d be perfect, let me go grab you a coffee” “Okay…” Alexander replied hesitantly. Later that night as Mia was preparing for bed, she got a text on her phone from a strange number.