LOVE YOU, UNCLE

On the way home after dropping off his two parents, Randy couldn’t stop laughing. Even when he arrived at his house and found Darwin and Kennedy there, the laughter still hadn’t faded from his lips.

“If you looked sad yesterday, your face is so bright now. Did you just land a big deal or something?” Darwin guessed curiously.

Actually, he was also curious why he was asked to come to Randy’s house at this late hour to discuss who knows what. Earlier, Darwin had refused because it was already too late. But because his cousin had whined and promised it would only be for a short while, he reluctantly agreed and finally came along with Kennedy.

“It’s not about getting a big deal, Win. Just so you know, I just came back from the house of a girl named Ghea,” Randy said as he handed two cans of cold coffee to his cousins. Then, he joined them on the sofa, ready to tell the story. “Anyway, I was so satisfied seeing her face, not being able to say anything.”

“Hold on a second,” Kennedy interrupted. She was completely lost as to the story Randy was unraveling. They had just arrived, and suddenly they were handed a story with no clear beginning. “What are you talking about? Why did you suddenly go to the house of this girl named Ghea?”

Randy sighed. He didn’t really want to explain the chronological details from the beginning. But, because his cousin didn’t understand, he had no choice but to provide a brief explanation to make the story more coherent.

“Here’s the deal, you guys know about Mom wanting to match me with her chosen girl, right? So, this afternoon she asked and pressed me to pick one out of the four options. I chose Ghea. But in the evening, she actually invited me to visit the girl’s house to meet her parents.”

“So, you already met Ghea’s extended family?” Darwin inquired.

Randy nodded. “And unfortunately, when we met, she called me ‘uncle’ in front of everyone. Just imagine how embarrassing that was.”

“I can imagine, for sure. So, do you not need to ask us to imagine,” Darwin replied casually.

“But that’s not all, Win. When I had a chance to talk to her privately, she outright refused to be matchmade, let alone marry me. She said I’m too old, not suitable to be her husband as she’s still young. It’s frustrating!”

This time, Darwin and Kennedy laughed. After being called ‘uncle,’ his cousin even received a new nickname – ‘too old.’ Throughout Randy’s career as a playboy, this was the first time his self-esteem was shattered. Darwin had never heard Randy complain so much before, despite being the one who often broke women’s hearts.

This made both of them curious about the real character of Ghea. They wondered why the girl had such a strong aversion, even resorting to insulting Randy, who had expressed interest in her.

“Did you just stay quiet? Didn’t respond at all? Usually, you’re the most mischievous and cunning when it comes to pranking people,” Kennedy half-accused.

Oh, don’t forget about Randy’s behavior all this time. Kennedy’s marriage had been tumultuous because of his cousin, who had twice incited Luna to question Sandara, her favorite boyfriend. Not to mention, when Kennedy was preparing a gift, his cousin had incited Luna to believe he was buying a house for his affair, which had made Luna very angry.

“Of course, I got back at her, Ken. I was delighted to see her face turn red with anger and helplessness.”

Darwin frowned. He was curious about the retaliation Randy had given to the girl who had rejected and insulted him in various ways. From Randy’s expression, it seemed like he was quite satisfied with what he had done.

“So, what did you do to her?”

“Well, Ghea asked me to talk to our parents to cancel the marriage arrangement. And when her dad confirmed the arranged marriage and engagement ceremony, instead of declining, I asked to speed up the event. It was originally scheduled for next month, but now it’s happening next week.”

“Crazy!” Darwin exclaimed and then cursed. Did his cousin have no sense at all?

“That’s your expression, exactly like Ghea’s. If her eyes and heart could jump, they might have leaped out of their sockets because she didn’t expect me to say that,” Randy revealed with a satisfied laugh.

“But, Ran, are you sure about this? I mean, do you seriously want to marry this girl named Ghea?” Kennedy asked.

Randy nodded with certainty. “Well, what can I do? I don’t have any other candidates to consider. I’ve said it before, out of all the options, she’s the one who comes closest to meeting the criteria and is the safest choice.”

“But, Ran-”

“Enough, no more buts,” Randy interrupted, not giving Darwin a chance to continue. “My decision is final to marry her. Instead of protesting, you can just wish for everything to go smoothly.”

At her home, Ghea was visibly upset. She never expected Randy to agree to the arranged marriage, let alone rush the wedding ceremony. Truly, her own mind didn’t even consider that possibility.

“These crazy men! He just accepts everything as he pleases,” Ghea muttered angrily while in her room. Feeling frustrated and not wanting this marriage at all, she intended to speak with her father, who was still in the family room. She thought that before it’s too late, it’s better to ask, even beg to cancel the arranged marriage.

“Dad! Ghea doesn’t want to marry Uncle Randy. She really doesn’t!”

Maxwell, who was sitting with his wife in the living room, both turned to look, a bit puzzled as to why their daughter would reject being married to the promising young man.

“Why don’t you want to? Didn’t we all agree? Besides, you and Randy like each other and are a good match, right?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Who says that? It’s just Uncle Randy’s trick. Ghea doesn’t like him. Besides, I’m still in college. Why should I be forced into marriage and get married so soon? Ghea wants to pursue her dreams like the others. Even Mario and Giselle, who are older, aren’t married yet.”

Maxwell was taken aback. Actually, what his daughter said was true. Ghea was too young to get married. She hadn’t even finished her college education. Furthermore, Maxwell knew that she had many dreams and aspirations she wanted to pursue.

However, the opportunity to marry an exceptional and Walters lineage man was rare. Many women out there were trying to improve themselves. But Ghea? She didn’t need to do anything because Randy chose her directly.

“This is a great opportunity, Ghea. Besides, even if you’re still in college, it’s not a problem. Randy’s family will understand. They don’t have a problem with your pursuit of dreams or anything. Furthermore, opportunities like this don’t come twice. It would be a shame if you waste it.”

“But Ghea doesn’t want to marry a man she doesn’t love!”

Maxwell smiled. He had heard such cliched reasons many times before. So he wasn’t surprised when Ghea said that.

“Love can grow over time. I’m sure he’s the best match for you.”

“No!” Ghea shook her head repeatedly. No matter how hard her father tried to persuade her, she still refused to marry someone she didn’t choose herself.

“Ghea doesn’t want to marry Uncle Randy!”

Ghea then walked away. Frustrated, she entered her room, hoping that her father would reconsider her decision. No matter how wealthy, handsome, or well-established Randy might be, she simply wasn’t interested. Moreover, she had no desire to marry a playboy and a free spirit. Was there any guarantee that she would be happy after becoming his wife?

Even a man like Rio, who wasn’t a playboy, had betrayed her with infidelity. And it hurt terribly. Because of this, Ghea had thought a thousand times before accepting the offer to marry Randy.

Dumbfounded and deep in thought in her room, a faint knocking was heard from outside. Before Ghea could react, the door opened, and her stepmother entered her room.

“Mama…” Ghea was slightly surprised. “Is there something you want to talk to me about?”

Clara, who had entered the room, nodded and took a seat on the edge of the bed, sitting next to Ghea. She cast a deep look, as if pondering something, before speaking.

“Never think about refusing your father’s order to marry the son of his friend.”

“But… Ghea doesn’t love him, Ma. Ghea wants to marry someone she really likes. Not be arranged like this.”

Clara audibly sighed. A moment later, she smiled bitterly in response to her stepdaughter’s recent words.

“Are you allowed to choose in this house? You should be aware that from the beginning, you didn’t have the right to object. Don’t forget, from the start, your presence in this house wasn’t expected, Ghea. Just accept this arranged marriage as an expression of gratitude because you were allowed to live with us. Furthermore, when you’re married, you can leave this house immediately. You should know, Mama won’t tolerate a bastard like you getting special treatment. That’s why, by marrying a rich man, your presence no longer threatens Mario and Giselle’s positions.”

Ghea’s heart ached. Clara had never liked her in this house from the beginning. Clara only pretended to be kind when she was in front of Maxwell.

Actually, Ghea was aware of this. Clara acted this way because she was deeply hurt by her late mother’s major mistake of becoming the mistress of her father. Moreover, anyone in the world would be angry and disappointed if their husband was tempted by another woman to the point of having a child from an illicit relationship.

Clara was right. Ghea should be aware of herself. It was better than being abandoned at an orphanage. Despite often being treated differently, she could still live comfortably and enjoy luxurious facilities.

“So…” Clara continued. “Mama hopes you won’t waste your energy opposing your father’s orders. If you refuse to marry a Walters family member, you’ll know the consequences for yourself!”

Ghea was left speechless. Faced with such a serious threat, there was nothing she could do but comply. Perhaps, this was her destiny. It seemed that it was time for her to leave her father’s home after living in the shadow of being an illegitimate child for so long.