LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“Why are you so silent? Did I do something wrong?”

Randy looked puzzled. For the past few days, on the way home from work, during dinner together, and even while enjoying meals, Ghea wasn’t as talkative as usual. His wife seemed to choose silence, as if she had something on her mind or maybe something to hide.

Initially, Randy thought it was nothing out of the ordinary. However, over time, he became increasingly confused. Accustomed to arguments and listening to his wife’s rants at any given moment, he now felt lonely and strange.

That’s why, after dinner tonight and upon returning to the bedroom, Randy quickly addressed the issue. Carefully choosing his words to avoid hurting his wife’s feelings.

“Darling…” Randy called again. This time, he went so far as to approach her. Sitting right next to her on the bed. “Why? You’ve been cold for days. You’re usually sweet. So, please, don’t be distant like this. It might get mixed up with the fruit soup in the fridge. Again, I ask you, did I do something wrong? Is it my behavior or actions that made you suddenly so quiet?”

Randy bombarded Ghea with all the questions that crossed his mind. He didn’t want to know. Tonight, if there was a problem, it had to be resolved immediately. Randy was not the type to run away or ignore issues until they became prolonged.

“Come on, Ghea,” Randy coaxed once again. “Tell me, what’s going on with you? Let me know where I went wrong.”

Ghea, who had been silent, finally melted. She lifted her face, then looked at Randy intently before speaking.

“I’m fine, Uncle.”

“Lies,” Randy said with narrowed eyes. “When a woman says she’s fine, usually the opposite happens. Later, if I don’t respond more, I’ll be accused of being insensitive. Caught in a dilemma.”

“You know women’s habits very well,” Ghea retorted at that moment.

“How could I not know? I’ve met all kinds of women, dear. But, you’re the most unique.”

Ghea smiled thinly.

“Flattery.”

“I’m serious, Ghea Walters. Like a rhyme, you know. Two eyes of mine, one nose. One heart of mine, only for you.”

Ghea, who had a flat expression, finally laughed. Anyone would smile if continuously teased like this.

“Until now, Uncle owes me an explanation,” Ghea said afterward.

Randy immediately frowned. Trying to remember what kind of explanation he forgot to share with his wife.

“Owe an explanation?”

Ghea nodded.

“For how many days did Uncle intend to tell me? I’ve been like a fool, Uncle.”

From her expression, Ghea looked annoyed. Perhaps this frustration had been building up for several days. Randy never thought that it would end up being this complicated.

“I don’t understand the issue Giselle talked about in your office the other day,” Ghea continued, pouring out her heart. Seizing the opportunity to ‘speak up,’ she didn’t waste a moment. “Even though Giselle rambled on and on yesterday, honestly, I still don’t understand what the real problem is. Why was my name even brought into it? Seriously, I feel like a fool, Uncle.”

Randy listened carefully. Believing that his wife had finished conveying what was bothering her, he took over the conversation. Deliberately facing Ghea. He reached for both of her shoulders, gently trying to provide an explanation and understanding so that there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings later on.

“Listen, Ghe. I didn’t mean to hide something like this from you.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me right away?”

“Listen to me first,” Randy replied immediately, pinching Ghea’s nose playfully because she was so impatient to hear his explanation. “From the beginning, I was curious about your fears and traumas. I’m sorry because no one told me the origin of why you had trauma. Do you mind if I find out myself? I’ve emphasized this to you from the beginning. Even though we got married without love, it doesn’t mean I won’t be a responsible husband. That’s why I decided to investigate your background. And-”

“Finally, Uncle knows that I’ve been abused by Mama Clara and Giselle since I was a child?”

Randy nodded. What Ghea expressed was undoubtedly true and in line with the existing reality.

“I can’t accept it, Ghe. Regardless of your parents’ past, you shouldn’t bear their sins. Besides, no one chooses the family or parents they’re born into. That’s why I swear to retaliate for what your Mama and Uncle have done all these years.”

“Even buying Papa’s shares and naming them under my name?”

“Exactly,” Randy nodded again. “In addition to helping prevent Donovan’s company from going bankrupt, I really wanted you to be the majority shareholder, Ghe. So that in the future, no one would underestimate you.”

“And because of this issue, Giselle is furious, Uncle.”

Randy shrugged, indifferent. Whether Giselle was angry, upset, or even insane, he felt it was not his concern.

“Whatever. I don’t care. Even if she goes crazy, it’s not my problem. Anyway, anyone who dares to disturb you will face me. If necessary, I’ll retaliate multiple times. Just so you know, Ghe, I won’t stop until Mama and your step-Uncle apologize.”

Ghea shook her head. She reached for Randy’s wrist, holding it tightly.

“But it doesn’t have to be that way, Uncle. Honestly, I’m lazy. I really don’t like to prolong or exaggerate problems.”

“People like them should be taught a lesson, Ghe. Because of them, you’ve endured prolonged trauma. It’s not enough to forgive them easily.”

“Yeah,” Ghea nodded. “I understand what you mean, Uncle. But I feel guilty towards Papa. If he knew how I was often abused in the past, he would be sad and angry.”

“If you feel guilty, you can get a cat. Just so you know, your Papa already knows, Ghe. I’ve told him everything, even the purpose of buying IndoAsia shares under your name.”

Ghea sighed. Now, she wondered about her father’s feelings.

“Uncle, you’re-”

“Just relax. Instead of complaining, say thank you. I did all this sincerely to defend and protect you, Ghea, my wife, my love. Instead of expressing gratitude, you keep grumbling and intentionally ignore me for days.”

Ghea just laughed. It was amusing to hear her husband’s complaints that sounded desperate.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m sorry, Uncle. If anything happens, tell me. So, I won’t be confused and look foolish.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Randy groaned. Did his wife look in the mirror?

“Hey, talking to yourself. From the beginning, when I asked, you didn’t want to tell. It’s your fault using all these secrets. That’s why I hired someone to investigate.”

“Yeah, sorry. My bad. Having a husband who talks a lot.”

“Better talkative but handsome, right? Faithful, understanding, responsible, too.”

Ghea immediately made a sulky face. “Enough, stop talking about it. I can’t handle it if you’re not narcissistic for a day.”

“Okay, if you don’t want to hear me be narcissistic. How about we go to sleep? Well, not directly sleep,” Randy quickly corrected himself.

“What do you mean?”

Randy moved closer, closing the gap between him and Ghea while whispering teasingly.

“Well, let’s make out first. It’s a shame to have so much time and not use it. So that you can give Mama grandchildren quickly.”

“But, Uncle-”

Did Randy care? Before Ghea finished her sentence, he had already reached for her lips. Kissing her. Embracing his wife intimately, just like the nights before.

***

“I’ll go back to the office first. It’s not good if I stay in the executive room for too long, Uncle.”

Ghea sounded whiny. Of course, she protested. Since 10 in the morning, her husband had called and asked her to come to the executive room. Ghea thought it was something important. Turns out, her husband only asked her to accompany him while he finished his piling work.

“Why are you so impatient to be a proper person? Just accompany your husband. Many complaints if you’re just accompanying your husband.”

Ghea sighed deeply. It wasn’t her intention at all.

“If it were at home, I wouldn’t complain, Uncle. The problem is, this is the office. Uncomfortable for others. Surely they’ll gossip about us.”

“Just let them. Most likely, those who gossip are miserable singles. Besides, this is my company. Also, we’re already husband and wife. So, why bother thinking about what they say. It’s a different story if you were my mistress. That would be a reason to worry.”

“It’s still uncomfortable, Uncle. I’m just an intern.”

“Also the boss’s wife. So, please emphasize that. It’s still better than asking you to accompany someone else in this room.”

“Don’t act like that.” At that moment, Ghea protested. Basically, she knew her husband liked to tease, so it was better to anticipate before the man in front of her did more.

“Why? What’s wrong? Even if we do anything, no one will see.”

“No… no. If we want to do anything, let’s do it at home. Like we’re running out of places.”

“Right, at home. I’ll ask for it tonight.”

Ghea sighed deeply. Why did she say the wrong thing? Her husband couldn’t be provoked even a little.

“Alright. I’m really leaving now! Let’s meet again during lunch. I want to eat suki, Uncle. Or sushi is also okay.”

Randy stood up from his chair, intending to escort Ghea to the door. He nodded in agreement.

“Sure, okay. Eating anywhere is fine.”

“It means with Uncle. I don’t feel like eating alone.”

Randy smiled, reaching for Ghea’s body and hugging her before allowing her to leave the room.

“Yes, dear. Yes. I’ll definitely accompany you. There’s nothing I won’t do for my wife.”

Ghea hugged back, even giving her husband a bonus kiss. After the hug and kiss, Ghea immediately left the room, and Randy decided to return to his desk.

However, just as he was about to turn around, the door was knocked again. Thinking it was Ghea, Randy immediately spoke while opening the door.

“What now, dear?”

Those words reflexively came out of Randy’s mouth. However, when he opened the door perfectly, it wasn’t Ghea he found. Instead, it was another woman who was so familiar to him. She smiled so sweetly, even greeted him warmly.

“Long time no see, Hun.”