LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“why are you smiling so mysteriously?”

If yesterday Joshua saw how tangled Ghea’s face was, competing with tangled threads. This morning, his friend’s face looked better than before.

Since entering the office, Ghea seemed to be visibly smiling. Joshua and Denisa were sure there must be something that made their friend radiate happiness like this.

“Why, Ghe? Did you get hundreds of millions in pocket money from Randy? Or what?” Denisa asked curiously.

Ghea didn’t answer immediately. She chose to sit down and then pulled her chair closer to where Denisa and Joshua were gathered next to their work desk.

“Just happy, that’s all,” Ghea said mysteriously.

“Happy for what? Tell us. Don’t be stingy with hot gossip,” Denisa protested, looking impatient. Although curious, her friend seemed unwilling to share the story.

“Tell us, won’t you?” Ghea teased intentionally. “You must be curious, right?”

Joshua clicked his tongue. Rolling his eyes, he seemed reluctant to continue the conversation with Ghea.

“Complicated, ah. If you don’t want to tell, that’s okay. Keep your secrets.”

Ghea laughed at that moment. It was amusing to see Joshua’s openly irritated expression.

“Come on, throwing a tantrum.”

“Because you started it.”

Once again, laughter erupted from Ghea’s lips. Unable to stand Joshua’s sulking expression, she finally told the story.

“I’m just happy, Jo,” Ghea revealed honestly.

“Happy for what?”

Joshua and Denisa asked in unison. As if soulmates, their minds seemed to merge. Both were curious about what Ghea would tell them next.

“Yesterday, I told you both about Stella, the room freshener girl who offered herself to Randy to replace me, right?”

Joshua and Denisa nodded simultaneously.

“And then?”

“Well, last night, I immediately clarified everything with Randy. I asked him about his response and answer to that offer.”

“And then?” If Joshua had asked earlier, now it was Denisa who responded with the same question.

“And then, and then… we just talked about it endlessly. It’s a breakthrough!”

“Ghe,” complained Joshua. “Come on. Don’t be too wordy. It’s almost time for us to work.”

“Okay… okay… So, Randy clarified that he didn’t respond at all to what Stella offered. Randy said, no matter how lacking I am, he will never turn away. Because from the beginning, he chose me, and he accepts all the consequences. He also emphasized that whether there is love between us or not, he will never divorce me for any reason.”

“Crazy!” exclaimed Denisa with a look that was hard to interpret. “Did Randy really say that to you, Ghe?”

Ghea nodded.

“Actually, he has convinced me like this several times. It’s just that sometimes I’m lazy to accept it. What can I do, it’s not easy to just like or fall in love with someone.”

Joshua, sitting right in front of Ghea, deliberately raised his eyebrows. Irritated by Ghea’s behavior.

“Do you want to wait until when, Ghe? If I see it, your husband is really trying hard to maintain your marriage, make it last, and progress. What about you? It’s like there’s no effort at all. Moreover, every person has their limit of patience. Don’t let Randy get bored too soon. He’s also just a human being.”

“True,” agreed Denisa. “It’s not funny if you start to like him, but Randy is already annoyed because you take too long to open your heart. Remember, Ghe. Out there, many other girls are competing to replace you. So, don’t pretend to be too arrogant, asking to be chased all the time.”

Denisa’s and Joshua’s words sounded very piercing. It felt like the sentences coming out of both of their mouths were sharp and deep, penetrating to the core.

“Instead of keeping in denial, just surrender your heart to Randy. Besides, what else are you looking for? Your husband’s specifications are already above average. What else do you want him to prove so that your heart is sure? In the past, with just some sweet words, you were already head over heels for Rio.”

This time, Ghea sighed loudly. She had almost forgotten, why Denisa brought up Rio again.

“Okay… okay… you two don’t have to be so talkative. Just calm down. From now on, I will slowly accept Randy.”

“According to me…” Joshua continued. “Actually, you already have feelings for Randy. You just don’t realize it. Proof is, you were jealous and didn’t accept it when Randy was approached by Stella several times, right?”

Whether she wanted to or not, Ghea nodded.

“But, Jo. That’s—”

“Yes. You already like him,” Joshua deliberately interrupted. “But you’re too proud to admit it. My advice, from now on, start losing your pride and don’t forget to keep watching and studying the videos I shared with you the other day.”

Before they could respond, other colleagues had entered the room. The three of them stopped their conversation and chose to continue working.

A few minutes before the break, Ghea still seemed busy with the data in the files. Until shortly after, two loud knocks were heard at the end of the room. Followed by input from a woman who turned out to be Anninda, the receptionist.

“Excuse me, Ms. Ghea,” the woman called. Making Ghea immediately turn and stare intently. “There’s an important guest looking for you. She asked for you to leave the room and meet her right away.”

Ghea furrowed her eyebrows. Surely she wondered who the sudden guest was that wanted to meet her right now. However, before she could express her curiosity, from behind the door, a woman appeared whom she knew well. Waving her hand. Asking Ghea to approach her.

“Darling… come here. Let’s have lunch together. The break time is coming soon, right?”

Verona Walters smiled. She even took the time to invite Ghea to lunch today. It seemed like it had been a long time since she met her beloved daughter-in-law.

While Ghea couldn’t refuse. Rising from her seat, she immediately approached and followed Verona wherever she took her.

“Where are we going, Ma?” Ghea asked as they walked along the corridor of the Akasia building.

“We’re going to eat, dear. Let’s have lunch together at a restaurant nearby. Mama really misses you.”

Ghea just followed along. She resigned herself to wherever her mother-in-law wanted to take her. Until the two of them soon arrived at one of the restaurants that Verona had chosen for them to enjoy lunch.

“How are you? Fine?” Verona asked when they arrived at the restaurant and had just finished ordering food.

“I’m fine, Ma.”

“And your relationship with Randy, how is it? No problems, right?”

This time, Ghea smiled and shook her head.

“Ghea and Randy are fine, Ma.”

“Thank goodness. Mama is happy to hear that. But if something bad happens or if there’s something unpleasant for you, just tell Mama. Whatever it is, Mama will do her best to help.”

At first, Ghea just nodded. But after digesting what her mother-in-law said. Whispering from somewhere, one brilliant idea crossed her mind, making her smile broadly.

“But, Ma. There’s something that Ghea thinks Mama needs to hear. And after thinking about it, Ghea seems to need Mama’s help.”

“What is it, dear?” Verona asked again. “If Mama can help, Mama will definitely do it.”

Ghea flashed a wide smile. Confidently, she told her mother-in-law everything that had been bothering her before. Hoping for follow-up actions that would benefit her.

While enjoying lunch, Ghea poured out everything on her mind. After telling her story, Ghea and Verona returned to the Akasia building. While Ghea returned to her office, Verona went to the HRD department first to settle something before deciding to meet her son in his office.

Randy looked serious, listening to what Stella was explaining to him. The two of them had been discussing job evaluations that needed to be completed before the day after tomorrow.

Stella, with all her abilities, conducted the analysis. Meanwhile, Alvin, who was also in Randy’s office, had the task of jotting down key points that Randy would later review after everything was finished.

“I think the plan you outlined is clear and can be implemented right away. After this, ask the planning division to coordinate directly with the field for immediate execution,” Randy instructed Stella.

While engrossed in work discussions, there was a knock on the door. Shortly after, Verona entered intentionally, stopping by the leadership office to meet her son.

“Mama,” Randy greeted when he noticed Verona entering his office. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

Verona just smiled, walking in while scanning the room.

Observing everyone present in her son’s office.

“Initially, Mama came here because I wanted to visit Ghea and invite her to lunch.”

“So, have you met Ghea?”

“Yes,” nodded Verona. “And now, Mama wants to talk to you about something important.”

Randy nodded in understanding, glancing at Alvin and Stella alternately. Signaling them to leave the room immediately to give him and his mother time to talk.

“Oh, Stella, you don’t need to leave,” Verona said when she noticed Stella and Alvin about to step out. “I also have something to discuss with you,” Verona added.

Randy immediately furrowed his brow. Why did his mother suddenly have business with his work partner? What’s the actual problem?

“Uh, okay, Ma,” Stella mumbled as her steps were suddenly halted by the mother of the company’s leader.

After Alvin had truly left the room, Verona invited Stella to sit back on the sofa. Soon after, she joined her there.

“Actually, what’s going on, Ma?” Randy wondered. He stood up, then joined his mother on the sofa, sitting beside her.

Verona just smiled faintly, diverting her gaze to her son before staring intently at Stella.

“Stella, I know you’ve dedicated yourself to Akasia for years. Even since my husband led here. I admit your performance has been excellent. The dedication and loyalty you’ve shown are no joke. Honestly, I like the working model you represent,” Verona expressed proudly.

Stella nodded with a smile. The gleam of joy was evident in her eyes when she received direct praise from the wife and mother of the company’s leaders.

“Thank you for your appreciation, Ma. I’m just doing what I should for this company.”

“But…” Verona continued after Stella gave a brief response earlier. “As a credible employee, I hope you also know the boundaries. Don’t cross limits that could jeopardize your position.”

The atmosphere, once relaxed, gradually heated up. Especially Verona’s gaze, which was initially gentle but now turned sharp, like a lion ready to pounce on its prey.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Frankly, I don’t like seeing you getting too close to my son. Don’t think I don’t know that you’ve been seeking his attention for a long time. Especially now that Randy is already married. I don’t like you intentionally tempting him, offering yourself as if you have no self-worth.”

“Ma!” Randy interjected upon realizing how piercing his mother’s words sounded.

Verona then turned to her son, giving a warning. “Be quiet, Randy. Don’t interrupt or interject Mama’s words.” Then Verona turned back to Stella, who was silent and looking down. “If Randy were single now, I wouldn’t mind if you tried to get close to him. However, Randy is married now, and I genuinely care for his wife. So, please erase or discard your desire to approach, let alone try to possess Randy.”

Stella bowed her head, perhaps feeling embarrassed or at a loss for words. As if unable or unwilling to respond to what Verona had just said, she remained silent for a moment before attempting to give a response.

“Forgive me, Mrs. Verona. My actions are indeed very inappropriate. I admit, I have lost my mind.”

“That’s why I emphasize it now. To protect the feelings of my beloved daughter-in-law, I want you to make a choice right now. One, resign honorably from this company. Or, stay and work at Akasia but be prepared to be transferred to the branch in Bali or Surabaya.”

Stella swallowed her words. She did not expect that her foolish actions would have such serious consequences and ultimately harm herself.

“The decision is in your hands, Stella. I’ll give you two days to think. Also, I hope you don’t escalate the situation. Your fate is in your own hands.”

Satisfied with the lecture and lesson, Verona allowed Stella to leave Randy’s office. When only the two of them were left, Verona spoke to her son again.

“You should have taken decisive action when you knew someone was interfering in your marriage, Ran,” Verona said with a hint of disappointment. She felt uncomfortable imagining how hurt Ghea would be if she found out her husband was being tempted and even working with someone who clearly wanted to possess him.

“Randy will definitely take action, Ma. It’s just that Randy doesn’t want to be impulsive. Besides, Randy has explained everything to Ghea.”

“And what about your employee who likes to gossip about Ghea and say nasty things about her? Have you given them any punishment?”

Randy was surprised. He had no idea that his wife had been gossiped about and even insulted by his own staff.

“I guess you don’t know the story, right?” As if able to read her son’s expression, Verona went straight to the point with her son.

Randy shook his head. Ghea hadn’t told him anything about this.

“Is there really someone gossiping and saying nasty things about Ghea?”

“Yes, there is,” Verona nodded. “Then you just stay silent while your wife is belittled by your subordinates? If I were Ghea, I would have confronted those staff who gossiped about me. As a husband, you should show effort, Ran. Protect and guard. Don’t let your wife become the subject of gossip from your own employees. It’s disrespectful. If necessary, I’ll mention the names of the staff who have gossiped about Ghea right now.”

Because of this cutting remark, after work, Randy went so far as to pick up Ghea directly from her office. He deliberately held her hand all the way to the lobby. Then, when he met a group of staff that his mother meant, Randy immediately addressed them.

“Are you the staff who often gossip about my wife?”

Ghea, who was being held by Randy, immediately looked. She never expected her husband to be so straightforward in a crowded place, addressing the issue without any hesitation.

“What do you mean, Sir?” one of them pretended to be confused.

Randy just smiled, scanning the surroundings, noticing many other employees who stopped in their tracks just to see what he would do.

“For all of you, and all the employees at Akasia. I want to warn you all. If I hear any gossip or slander, especially spreading defamatory things about my wife, don’t expect me to stay silent.”

Randy stated this very firmly. He returned his gaze to the female staff who had gossiped about Ghea, then shot them a piercing look.

“And you, because you deliberately and repeatedly gossiped, I will suspend all of you.”

After giving the warning and the punishment, Randy walked away with Ghea, continuing their steps. He led his wife to head towards the car.

***