LOVE YOU, UNCLE

If carefully reconsidered, Ghea often wonders why she fell in love and became infatuated with a guy named Rio. Ghea doesn’t deny that Rio is indeed a Senior figure who is quite famous. Handsome, wealthy, and, of course, admired by many popular girls on campus. Many rumors circulate, claiming that Rio is a playboy who likes to change partners frequently. And foolishly, according to Ghea, this is very human. After all, Rio is handsome. Blinded by Rio’s good looks, Ghea, who at that time had a serious crush and even asked one of her friends to introduce her to Rio, became more enthusiastic when her crush responded positively. Especially after two months of getting to know each other, Rio, without beating around the bush, directly confessed his love to Ghea. Inviting her to build a serious relationship with the status of being his girlfriend. There was a sense of pride at that time for being the partner of someone like Rio. Moreover, Rio also introduced her to everyone, whether friends or anyone out there, as his official girlfriend. It made Ghea’s head even bigger. In her mind, when else could she conquer the heart of a playboy? Out of many who pursued him, only she succeeded in becoming that man’s girlfriend. However, Denisa and Joshua had often warned her. They told Ghea that Rio was not the kind of guy she had imagined all this time. Mario also got involved. He, who knew Rio openly, asked Ghea to end the relationship with that guy. But, as if blinded by love, Ghea didn’t care. Until one day after celebrating Rio’s birthday dinner, he took her to his apartment first. And more unexpectedly, Rio invited Ghea to do something that shouldn’t have happened. “Ghe, are you really in love with me, right?” Ghea and Rio are currently sitting together on the sofa in the television room, facing each other, looking into each other.

“Yeah, of course. I’m seriously in love with you. No need to ask,” replied Ghea, pouting slightly.

Rio then smiled, bringing his right hand to gently stroke Ghea’s cheek. He even deliberately directed his thumb to caress Ghea’s rosy lips.

“Since today is my birthday, can I ask you for something?”

Ghea furrowed her brow. Earlier during dinner, she had already given Rio a special gift. What else could her boyfriend want now?

“Something? What do you want?”

Rio smiled again, leaned in, and whispered in Ghea’s ear, “Consider this as your special gift to me.”

“Alright, what do you want, dear?” Ghea asked curiously.

Rio paused for a moment, looked deep into her eyes, and expressed his desires. “How about we make out?”

Ghea was immediately shocked, especially when Rio boldly brought his right hand, deliberately stroking Ghea’s thigh, teasingly.

“Rio!” Ghea exclaimed, trying to evade. “What are you trying to do?”

“Me? Of course, I want to have some fun with you. Aren’t you in love with me? If you really love me, prove it, Ghe.”

“But not like this.”

“Why?” Rio questioned. He shot a piercing gaze. “Are you scared? Don’t be. I’ll use protection. I even brought some just in case. So, you don’t need to worry about getting pregnant. Let’s play it safe tonight.”

“Don’t be crazy, Rio!” Ghea shook her head repeatedly.

“I’m not crazy, Ghe. I’m just inviting you to have some fun. I’m sure after this, you’ll be addicted. Everyone in the world even gets addicted when they can make out with their partner.”

Ghea stared in horror, especially as Rio’s attitude became increasingly unpredictable. He seemed like a lion ready to pounce on his prey at any moment. Fortunately, Ghea managed to escape at that moment and didn’t surrender her precious belongings.

Due to this incident, Rio and Ghea’s relationship became strained. Later on, Rio was caught cheating. From Joshua, Ghea found out that Rio checked into a hotel with another woman. Whose heart wouldn’t ache when being openly cheated and betrayed? Ironically, Ghea, the one betrayed, was the one who got dumped as if she had done something wrong.

After that series of events, Ghea swore she didn’t want to know Rio anymore. Just a while ago, when they met again, she still felt resentful. She wanted to hit her ex-boyfriend hard in the face. And now, while she was relaxing waiting for Randy’s call, why did God have to reunite her with that jerk who once filled her heart?

“I didn’t expect to meet you here,” said Rio with a wide smile. “Can I sit here?”

Ghea sighed inwardly. It felt so bothersome to deal with the persistent crocodile standing in front of her.

“There are plenty of empty tables over there. Why do you have to sit here?”

Rio grinned, deliberately ignoring Ghea’s remark. Without hesitation, he pulled a chair and seated himself right in front of Ghea.

“There are indeed many empty tables here. But, the only angelic one is at this table, right?”

Ghea felt like vomiting upon hearing Rio’s cheesy pickup line. She wanted to protest or get angry, but the man in front of her seemed utterly indifferent. There was nothing Ghea could do except let Rio sit in the chair in front of her.

“How have you been, Ghe? Good?”

“Definitely much better than when I was with you,” Ghea retorted, intentionally showing her dislike.

Rio just smiled, not at all offended by Ghea’s response.

“Good to know you’re doing well. So, how about?”

“How about what?” Ghea squinted. What’s wrong with Rio? He’s so unclear!

“Are you happy being married to a rich guy?” he asked casually.

Ghea squinted again. What kind of question is this that Rio is throwing at her?

“Of course, I’m happy.”

“Are you sure you’re happy?” Rio smiled, then nodded. His face seemed arrogant, like someone underestimating her. Leaning forward a bit, Rio spoke again. “I know after we broke up, you were arranged to marry the guy who’s now your husband, Ghe. I’m not sure you’re as happy as when you were with me. Don’t forget how crazy you were about me back then.”

“Geez,” Ghea scoffed. Her face clearly showed her disagreement. “Why should I be happy with you? If I could go back in time, I would ask God not to let me meet a sleazy and treacherous guy like you in my life.”

Again, Rio laughed. He even seemed amused by Ghea’s facial expression. It’s been a long time since he saw Ghea making an annoyed face like this. Back when they were still dating, he often teased her until she pouted.

“Don’t pretend to deny it, Ghe. I know you were really in love with me back then, right? Just so you know, among all the women, you were the most special and the only one who made me fall in love. Proof is, among all those close to me, you were the one I acknowledged as my girlfriend. I showed you off to everyone I knew. Only you had an official relationship with me. Right?”

Ghea knew whether Rio’s words were true or just another pickup line. Upon reconsideration, there were indeed many women close to Rio back then. More beautiful and everything compared to Ghea. But, strangely enough, Ghea was the one chosen to be his girlfriend. She was even acknowledged and flaunted to everyone. Honestly, this made Ghea proud at that time.

“Indeed, you’re the most special, Ghe,” Rio uttered the words gently. Unexpectedly, he boldly reached for one of Ghea’s wrists and kissed it for a long moment.

Surprised, Ghea widened her eyes. She tried to pull her hand away, but Rio stubbornly held on.

“Rio, let go, no! Don’t act like this!” Ghea requested, displeased. “Don’t be crazy, okay!”

“Why, Ghe?” Rio asked while casting a melancholic gaze. “Didn’t you used to love it when I did this? I never forget that you loved being kissed like this,” Rio said, demonstrating what he mentioned by placing wet kisses on the top of Ghea’s wrist while continuing to grip it tightly to prevent her from pulling away. “You also loved it when I kissed your forehead and hugged you tightly, right? Do you want a hug?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Stop it, Rio!” Ghea exclaimed, increasingly disgusted and displeased. “Don’t be crazy; we’ve already broken up! I’m even married now. Don’t act like this.”

“I’m not doing anything crazy, Ghe,” Rio shook his head repeatedly. “I’m just reminding you of the good times we had when we were dating. Don’t deny it; you were really happy with me back then, right?”

Ghea remained silent, refusing to respond or answer Rio’s questions. For her, there was no point in reminiscing about the past, especially the bitter past. All it did was fill her mind with unwanted memories.

“Until this moment, I swear to God, I still love you, Ghe. Even if you want us to rekindle our relationship like before, I’d happily do anything to make that happen.”

“Don’t dream and don’t talk nonsense! I’m happy with my current life. Besides, guys like you can never be trusted.”

“I swear, Ghea Walters…” Rio continued, staring intently at Ghea. His grip on her hand remained strong, not allowing Ghea to release it. “I swear to God, I love you so much. Among all the women, only you are special.”

Ghea laughed. Her ears tickled hearing Rio’s confession, which she thought was overly dramatic.

“If I’m so special, I wouldn’t have been cheated on. Ridiculous!”

“You should ask why I cheated back then.”

“Why?” Ghea asked, squinting. “Because you couldn’t prove your claim that you loved me so much. Did you forget? On my birthday celebration night, at the apartment, I invited you to make out. It was just a test. But from there, it was clear that you weren’t sincere and serious about loving me, right?”

Ghea wore a disapproving expression. She pulled her wrist forcefully, the one Rio had been holding onto. Trying hard to free herself, she then glared angrily.

“How could you measure my love based on physical intimacy? Insane! Besides, I’m not foolish, Rio. You said it was just a test? Even if I agreed that night, you would still have tried to sleep with me, right?”

“Why not?” Rio argued. “We love each other, right? Even if it led to making out, I thought that was normal. You were the one who underestimated and refused to try it. Yet, if you knew how it felt, I’m sure you’d get addicted. In this day and age, dating without making out? Are you a weird girl or what?”

That former jerk!

If it weren’t for the crowded cafe, Ghea would have wanted to smack her ex-boyfriend. She couldn’t understand why she had to meet and have a conversation with Rio, who seemed to be a waste of time. That’s why Ghea decided to get up, grab her bag, intending to leave.

“I think our pointless conversation ends here. I hope we won’t meet again in the future. Or I might sew your mouth shut with all your nonsense like a chatty woman!”