Veil of secrets

CHAPTER FOUR

Mia got back to her apartment later that night wallowing in guilt. She ignores all of Luca’s calls but then Alexnder’s call comes in and she picks up

“Mia you haven't forgotten about our meeting with the venture vest investors tomorrow right?, ...I want us to go with our very best, if we lose them… ugh I don't even want to think about it.”? there was a short silence

“Mia?…are you there,” Alexander asks

“Y…yes sir, I heard you loud and clear “ Mia finally responds wearily.

“Are you okay?” Alexander asks worriedly

“Yeah,…no,… uhm I think I got a little fever”

“Want me to take you to the hospital?”

“No it's fine I have my drugs here at home, thanks for your concern”

“Sure anytime, okay so be at my house by 7 am okay?”

“Yes, sir”

“Feel better,” he says finally

“Bye”. Mia responds and hangs up.

The next day they finally set out for the meeting.

The venture vest investors had sent two representatives. When Alexander, Mia, and the two representatives finally settle down.

Alexander decides to pave the way for the discussion to start.

“Hi good day, thanks for coming in today. I'm beyond excited to have this chance to dive into the world of gaming with all of you. Our journey in crafting immersive and captivating video games has been a rollercoaster of creativity, perseverance, and a burning passion for storytelling through interactive experiences. Today, as we gathered here, ... “

“Actually…” one of the representatives says as he cuts Alexander off.

Alexander is startled for a while but doesn't show it.

“It's fine, you can continue,” Alexander says as he urges the representative to finish his statement.

“so, we heard this rumor about your company while we were considering investing in Seems like there's some plagiarism issue going on here”. The first investor says

“I understand your concern. Let me assure you that our company takes intellectual property and originality very seriously. Could you perhaps provide more details about this rumor you've heard?”

“Sorry, but we can't overlook potential plagiarism issues. Integrity is a non-negotiable aspect for us when it comes to investments. I'm afraid we won't be moving forward with this opportunity.” the second investor pitched in.

Alexander was disappointed, to say the least, but he always had a stoic expression on, that was one of the things he learned from his father Mr. Derrick Petterson; to never show how he felt and to keep his feelings in check as a man, so no one ever really knew how he felt most of the time. After a very short silence, Alexander continues…

“I appreciate your honesty and the importance you place on integrity. While it's unfortunate to hear your decision, we still respect your stance. Thank you for considering us, and I hope we can address any concerns in the future should they arise”

They finally bid farewell to the investors and finally made their way back to the office. Even though Alexander looked okay, Mia appeared to be let down.

“We’ll find other investors,” Alexander says encouragingly

“Of course” Mia responds.

- - -

The following morning at the Peterson’s house, Mrs. Spencer, Mr. Ezra, and Alexander are all having lunch together at the dinner table

“So my boutique launch party is this Friday, and you’re all invited,” Mrs Spencer says

“Wow, I forgot, silly me,” Alexander says jokingly

“Ha ha” Mrs Spencer laughs

“Happy for you mom, I’ll come steal a few suits whenever I get the chance,” Alexander says again jokingly

“Hahaha, seems we’ll need to upgrade the security at the boutique then” Mr Ezra jokes back

“Ouch,” Alexander says as he playfully pretends to be hurt.

“Okay enough boys,…so Alexander what date will you be bringing to my launch party” Mrs Spencer continues

“Uh…I think I’ll be coming alone”

“Why? No one girl has caught your attention recently?”

“ No Mom, I’m too busy with work for now”

“ Oh Spencer let him be, when he’s ready I’m sure he’ll find someone,” Mr. Ezra says

“But I’m worried about you,” Mrs Spencer says

“Mom I don’t want to fight okay?”

Alexander picks up his wristwatch and suitcase and goes to kiss his mom on the cheeks,

“I love you,” He says to his mom and leaves the dining room while making his way to the car where Mia is waiting for him. Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Spencer look at each other with a mixture of dissatisfaction and hope.

- - -

Later that night, Luca couldn’t endure the silent treatment had been giving him for days and decided to visit her in her apartment.

Mia was having a plate of salad when she heard a knock on the door, she stood up to go answer the door. She didn’t realize how much she missed Luca till she opened the door and saw him standing outside looking so good.

“W…w…what are you doing here” Mia stuttered.

Mia always found herself stuttering whenever she was in uncomfortable or overwhelming situations.

“How much longer will you keep avoiding me?”Luca asks softly

“Come in,” Mia says as she ignores his question

They go ahead to sit on the sofa in Mia’s apartment.

“Mia…say something,” Luca says

Mia ignores him again

“Care for anything” she finally says

“Mia please talk to me”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Anything”

After a short silence, Mia decides to finally open up.

“Fine you asked for it, first of all, I don’t think we should continue dating, I can’t be with someone that’s an enemy of my boss and I’m not going to let you hurt my boss too”

“Oh Mia,” Luca calls her softly “Okay but what about me? What about when he tarnished my image? He made the public believe I was a bad business partner, no one wanted to work with me for years. So what he did to me is fair? Is that what you’re trying to say?”

“No…I…uhm. Can’t you just let it go?”

“No Mia I can't,” Luca says very firmly

Mia looked into Luca’s eyes, she knew she couldn’t change Luca’s mind. She was torn between the entire dilemma. She also knew breaking up with Luca wasn’t going to stop him either then she came up with a plan that she thought would be better. By this time Luca noticed that Mia had been quiet for some time.

“Mia” Luca says as he snaps her back to reality

“Just promise me one thing”

“What’s that?”

“Promise me you wouldn’t hurt him physically, just his company”

“I mean…well I won’t”

“Promise me”

“I promise” Luca finally assures her and they cuddled the night away.

- - -

Mrs. Spencer's boutique launch day finally arrived, everything was set in order and guests were already arriving.

“I want everything to be perfect today” she orders her workers backstage.

“Is there any issue that I should know of?” she asks

“No ma, everything is perfect” her manager responded

“Okay” she responded and went to greet her guests

The party eventually starts fully

Mrs Spencer uses a tablespoon to clink her wine glass for attention

“Clink Clink” she goes

“Can I have everyone’s attention please?”

The room quiets down. Mrs Spencer always had a sweet way of talking and she puts that to use in her address speech

“ Hello, fabulous beings! Welcome to the grand opening of our little slice of paradise – this boutique! Tonight, we're not just opening doors; we're unlocking a treasure trove of style secrets and fashion wonders. If our clothes could talk, they'd probably say, 'Finally, we get to see the light of day!' Let's be honest, we all have that one outfit that's been waiting for this moment. So, grab a glass, browse with glee, and let's make sure your wardrobe gets a serious upgrade tonight! Here's to killer outfits, spontaneous fashion risks, and the occasional 'Whoops, I didn't mean to buy that!' Thank you all for being here and making this night sparkle brighter than any sequin dress in the store! Cheers to fashion, fun, and a closet full of endless possibilities!"

The hall roared with applause and the party continued.

Come meet my friend “ Mrs Spencer says to Alexander as she pulls him away from where he is talking to his male friends to where one of her friends is standing with her daughter.

“Alex meet my college friend Mrs smith and her daughter Hannah,” Mr Spencer says as she nudges Alexander to talk to Hannah

Hanna gives him a flirty smile and wink but Alexander ignores her.

“Hi Mrs smith, Hi Hannah, hope you’re having fun,” he says and leaves immediately without expecting a reply

“Ouu he’s cute, he’s perfect for Hannah,” Mrs Smith says and they all laugh over it.

The party eventually comes to an end and everyone goes home.

- - -

The following morning at work, Alexander is hit with good news. He had gotten another investor for his video game “mystical legends”

Joy finally returns to the company after a long while.

“ Why don’t we host a dinner party tonight for our employees” Alexander suggests to Mia

“That’s a great idea” Mia backs him up excitedly and goes ahead to announce the news to her fellow employees

Later that same day at the dinner party Alexander addresses his workers

“Hi everyone tonight is not just about the delicious food and great company. It's about celebrating every one of you who makes our company what it is - a family. Your hard work, dedication, and passion are the driving force behind our success. Let's raise a toast to our achievements, the challenges we've conquered, and the bright future ahead. Thank you for being the heart and soul of this organization. Here's to many more milestones together”

Thank you sir” everyone responded and went back to feast waiting for them on the tables.

Just immediately the personal investigator Alexander previously hired to look into the Gastro company comes into the restaurant.

“Sir we need to talk,” the PI says

They both step outside to talk.

“Sir I’m sorry to say this but…” the PI hesitates

“I’m listening” Alexander urges him to continue

“I just found out who the other co-owner of Gastro company is”

“Who is it” Alexander asks, this time more impatient

“Mr Ophile is actually Luca…your estranged childhood friend” The PI finally opens up

Alexander takes a step back in shock.

- - -

The next day at the Peterson’s house, Alexander and Mrs Spencer are having breakfast

“I’m going to find you a wife,” Mrs Spencer says cheerfully

“Mom I’m not having this conversation again with you “

“We’ll Alex you can’t be single for too long it’s not going to look good for you neither will it for your company”.

“Mom, I’m fine”

“ Don't worry son I’ll take care of everything”

“Ugh,” Alexander grumbles.

After breakfast, Mrs Spencer goes ahead to reach out to her friends who could have potential partners for her son.

Somehow after a couple of weeks, rumors start spreading around about Alexander finding a wife and Daxton Luca’s PA gets to hear about it too and informs Luca. Luca on his end didn’t hesitate and set up a meeting with Mr Thompson a family friend of the Peterson family to further his plan of destroying Alexander.

- - -

“Why would I meet up with him” Mr Thompson asks out loud beside his bedridden wife in their room after he gets the meeting invitation letter Luca had delivered to his residence.

“What’s wrong honey” his wife asked

“You remember Luca?”

“ yeah I do”

“ Well he wants to meet up for coffee, I wonder what he has to say”

“Well, honey there’s only one way to find out” his wife responds weakly and wearily.

“Fine I’ll go but I will not let him waste my time”

- - -

The next day he met up with Luca at the cafe Luca made his reservation.

“Hi mr Thompson, long time no see”

“ Why am I here Luca?“

“Ohh calm down okay? I don’t bite”

“Yeah tell that to the people you bit in the past, why did you ask to meet up?”

Luca smiles

“Well nothing much I just need a little help from you “

“And why will I help you” Mr Thompson asked

“ Because I’m going to pay for your wife's breast cancer surgery if you do”

At this point Mr. Thompson goes silent, he knows how much he’d been battling financially and he loved his wife too much not to at least listen to the kind of help he could offer Luca

"I need you to convince Mrs. Spencer to get Alexander to marry Mia." Luca continues

“What??? That’s not possible”

“Don’t you want to see your wife get better” Luca persuades him

Mr Thompson was too desperate at this point, nothing would make him more happier than to see his wife healthy again. He finally responds Luca

“What do I need to do?”

Luca smiles contentedly.

- - -

Mr Thompson eventually gives Mrs. Spencer a visit.

“Oh how much I have missed seeing you around Mr Thompson,” Mrs Spencer says as she welcomes Thompson into her home

“Please have a sit”

While they were sitting Mrs Spencer continues

“So what’s is the reason for this sudden visit”

“Oh nothing much just wanted to come by and say hi” Mr Thompson responds “How is the family and business doing?” He continues, they talk for a while and Mr Thompson finally goes straight to the point.

“ So I heard you’re trying to find a partner for Alex”

“Yeah.. that hasn’t been going well” Mrs Spencer responds dissatisfied.

“Well, have you tried considering Mia”

“Hmm… not really, she’s only his secretary”

“I don’t know about you but Mia seems to be the closest person to Alex at the moment, she knows and understands him so well… plus Alexander won’t look at other women because he’s always too busy with work”

“You’re right but Mia’s family background isn’t exactly what is going for and besides what is going to happen to their work relationship “

“Of course, he’s going to find another secretary elsewhere, trust me Alex can’t marry any random lady no matter how rich, she won’t be able to cope with Alexander's work life like Mia does, I mean think about it. Has Alexander brought home any lady before?”

“ You do have a point but I was hoping I could get a lady from a rich influential family, Mia is not…”

“Oh please” Mr Thompson cuts her off “Alexander is already successful at his young age, allow him to be happy too you might be shocked he’ll not hate the idea”

Hmm” Mrs Spencer sighs” let me sleep on it

They eventually exchange final greetings and Mr Thompson goes home.

- - -

Mrs. Spencer replays Mr. Thomson's words in her mind repeatedly for a few days, then accepts the idea and musters up the courage to bring it up to her son during dinner one evening.

Alexander comes back that day and meets his mom waiting for him in the living room

“Hi Mom” he greeted her but Mrs Spencer was lost in thought “Mom” he called her attention again bringing her back to reality.

“Oh Alex you’re back” Go freshen up and come downstairs I have something to tell you.

“Okay” Alexander responds and goes upstairs

He finally comes downstairs half an hour later to the dining table where his mom is already sitting waiting for him.

“So you were saying something earlier,” Alexander says as he settles down to eat

“I’ve found someone for you to marry”

“Still on this topic Mom?… mm well, who is this young lady?” Alexander asks curiously

“It’s Mia,” Mrs Spencer says

Alexander immediately drops the fork of pasta he was about to put in his mouth out of shock. And when he finally gets himself after a while he replies

“What?!!”.