1: Haunted By Ghosts From The Past

As the rain droplets cascaded through the windows, Alexander gulped the remaining contents of his glass and exhaled deeply as the cold liquid burned down the esophagus into his stomach. He stared at the portrait sitting on his bedside table and grimaced at the smile he wore on his face when the picture was captured. It's something he hadn't seen on his reflection in over five years.

The beautiful man in his arms was laughing carelessly, exposing his well-arranged teeth while squeezing his eyes shut. His long wild curls had covered his forehead and Alexander was fighting to push them back at the instant the picture was snapped.

Shakily, Alexander traced his fingers over the picture, and for the first time in a long time, he allowed his tears to flow freely as his heart constricted in his chest.

“Dammit!” He cursed angrily, banging the framed picture on the nightstand and the mirror shattered. He got up slowly, running his fingers through his tresses, and poured himself another shot of neat whiskey, before switching off the lights and continued to drink in the dark. Every sip brought forth tormenting memories he couldn't get over. 

*****

His husband screwing his father hurt him badly, but it was the death of his mother which completely broke him. She was unable to come to terms with the fact that her long-life partner was a closeted gay who had no qualms sleeping with their son's husband. She suffered a heart attack and died instantly. Of course, he broke all ties with his father, and not a day goes by when he doesn't wish that it is the bastard who had died instead of his sweet mother.

And though the pain dulled with time, Alexander kept people a bay. Only one friend stuck, no matter how hard Alexander pushed. Jake. He didn't seem to take a hint and after numerous failed attempts, Alexander gave up trying and kept his best friend around. He ended up changing his surname from Jones to Anderson, his mother's maiden name.

And ever since, his life revolves around his work, weekly visits to the cemetery, and sometimes spending time with Jake. His chauffeur, Yusuf, knows precisely the days and time, where to, what for, and for how long.

Cemetery day is always the hardest for Yusuf. He always picks a bouquet of orchids, lemon-scented candles, and a bottle of pinot noir for his boss as a starter. Alexander spends an hour or so in the cemetery talking to his mother. She was his confidant when she was alive, and he didn't see the need to change that. Anything he wouldn't tell a soul, he said it to his mother with cheeky ease. For Alexander, such a day always ends with a twink in one hand and whiskey in the other. 

When it comes to his work, Alexander is a ruthless business mogul. Though he detests his old man, he respects the shrewd business grooming he got from him.

There was a time they worked side by side running the family business, but after his mother's death, Alexander used his inheritance to start his own company, and luckily, he had a maternal uncle who invested generously in him. 

*****

It was past midnight, when Alexander took the last shot, used the bathroom, and moved to the bed. He had barely settled in when a warm body pressed against his, making him curse harshly, jerking around. 

“Use the next room,” he bellowed dismissively.

“Baby…" the other man started, but Alex cut him off curtly, leaving no room for negotiation. 

“Now!” As the twink scurried away, Alexander plopped back on the soft pillows and even before the door was shut, Alexander had succumbed to a much-needed sleep. 

The following morning, the alarm went off at half-past five, startling Alexander in his sleep.  He jumped off the bed and hit the showers in a hurry and before long he was ready to go. 

In the kitchen, he found his coffee ready and, as usual, his chauffeur had retrieved his briefcase. 

“Ready to go, sir?” Yusuf asked opening back left for Alexander, who muttered a quick 'thank you, Yusuf' curtly and climbed in. The drive was a peaceful one, with Yusuf maneuvering the streets flawlessly.