LOVE YOU, UNCLE

Mario: Don’t forget to come. Mom and Dad are definitely waiting for you, Ghe. Your sister has already called Randy to make time to accompany you tonight.

Ghea sighed deeply while reading the short message sent by Mario. Tonight, there’s a celebration party for her step-parents’ 30th wedding anniversary.

Actually, Ghea is really reluctant to attend the event. She believes that her stepmother wouldn’t want to see her there, especially at a wedding anniversary party that is always considered sacred.

Ghea is self-aware. She never forgets that her late mother was once a thorn in the side of her stepmother’s marriage. And because of this event, she has always been the scapegoat for that mistake.

Moreover, last night Ghea already went to an unpleasant party, meeting someone who ruined her mood. That’s why, to attend again tonight, it feels like she has to think twice.

“Why don’t you go, Ghe? Your dad would feel really sorry if you don’t. He cares a lot about you,” Denisa commented when Ghea mentioned the party she has to attend tonight.

“This invitation feels like just a formality. They probably think I only have Dad and Mario. Instead of being ignored, it’s better not to come at all.”

Denisa nodded in understanding. She knows what Ghea is feeling. It’s uncomfortable to be treated as an enemy, ignored, or considered nonexistent by people who are still technically family. Not to mention being labeled as a ‘homewrecker’ by some of Ghea’s cousins, which sounds painful.

“But if you don’t show up, those who have been mocking you all this time will look down on you even more, Ghe,” Denisa provocatively stated. “Besides, you’re already married. Your husband is handsome and richer than your family. If I were you, I’d flaunt those achievements. Shut them up!”

Ghea shook her head. Half of her seemed genuinely uninterested in dealing with it. But on the other hand, she felt annoyed and wanted to teach those people a lesson so they wouldn’t mess with her again.

“So, do you think I should still go?”

Denisa nodded confidently.

“You have to. It’s necessary. It’s a waste to have a handsome and rich husband but not show it off.”

It seems Denisa isn’t the only one provoking her. During lunch break in Randy’s office, he also tried to persuade her. Surprisingly, her husband seemed enthusiastic about attending the anniversary celebration of his step-parents. Whatever his motivation was, Randy kept trying to convince Ghea to agree to come.

“Seriously, I really don’t want to go.”

Randy sighed and purposely raised his eyebrows. Ghea had been warned multiple times, but she still managed to forget.

“Call me Uncle one more time, and I’ll fire you from your internship here.”

Ghea immediately covered her mouth, realizing she had spoken too casually. She had gotten used to addressing him as “Mr” or “Brother,” treating him more like a brother.

“Yes, my husband, sorry. Got carried away there. But, about the anniversary event, I really don’t want to go tonight. If Randy wants to attend, go ahead, but I won’t be there.”

Randy narrowed his eyes. How can he go to his in-laws’ anniversary event without bringing his wife? It would be awkward if people asked Ghea questions, and he couldn’t provide any answers.

“I can’t go alone, Ghe. You’re the one invited. Besides, I’ll accompany you.”

“Why are you so insistent on coming?”

“Well, so you won’t be the subject of gossip. Imagine, your own child is invited, but you don’t show up. What would people say?”

Ghea stayed silent, continuing to contemplate whether it’s necessary to attend her father’s celebration event tonight.

Afterwards, Ghea resumed her lunch, which Randy had intentionally ordered for them to share in his office. While enjoying it, Stella suddenly appeared with some important documents for Randy to review.

“Ah, sorry if I’m interrupting, Sir,” Stella said upon entering the room and finding Randy still enjoying his lunch, even though break time had ended 10 minutes ago.

Meanwhile, Ghea observed, keenly watching what Stella intended to do next.

“It’s okay, come in. Do you have any documents that need my immediate review or signature?”

Stella nodded, stepped forward, and handed over the papers for Randy to inspect promptly.

“These are documents from several investor parties waiting for feedback from Akasia. There are also two other files containing partnership approval letters.”

Randy carefully examined each sheet of paper. Afterward, he signed them and handed the documents back to Stella.

“I’ve signed everything. Don’t forget to check the payments supposedly sent by Artanusa.”

“I’ll check that right after this, Sir. Also, just a reminder, there’s a scheduled meeting in Singapore next week. I’ve coordinated with Alvin to clear the schedule or reschedule anything that was previously planned.”

“Okay,” Randy nodded. “I’ll ask Alvin for more details later.”

“By the way, are you attending the event tonight? There’s an invitation to the opening of an art gallery owned by Mr. Ganjar from Yogyakarta. He’s asking both of us to attend. It wouldn’t be good if neither of us shows up, especially since he’s a long-time business partner of Akasia and close friends with Mr. Antonie.”

Ghea, who was finishing her lunch, looked up, waiting attentively for her husband’s response.

“Oh, yes. I remember that invitation. I was thinking-”

“Darling…” Ghea quickly interrupted, deliberately cutting off Randy before it was too late. “Tonight, will you accompany me to my father’s event?”

Randy immediately turned to her, his face full of questions. Of course, he was confused about why Ghea suddenly changed her mind after he had tried so hard to convince her. However, a moment later, Randy nodded, not wanting to miss the opportunity.

“Of course. Whenever you want, I’ll be there with you.” Randy then turned back to Stella, continuing his sentence and emphasizing what he wanted to convey earlier. “I won’t be able to attend Mr. Ganjar’s inauguration event since tonight is the celebration of my in-laws’ wedding anniversary.”

“But, Sir…” Stella interjected, somewhat disappointed. “What if Mr. Ganjar is disappointed? It wouldn’t look good if I attend alone while you’re absent.”

Randy smiled, understanding Stella’s concern.

“Don’t worry. Mr. Ganjar won’t be angry. As far as I know, my parents will be there tonight to represent Opa Antonie and Akasia. So, you don’t need to worry.”

Stella fell silent. Twice, her plans to invite Randy to an event together had failed.

“But, about accompanying me tonight, that’s a sure thing, right?” Ghea asked afterward, reconfirming.

Randy nodded confidently. After all, from the beginning, he had forced his wife to go.

“Yes, dear. That’s for sure. Tonight, I’ll drop you off and accompany you.”

Ghea smiled broadly after hearing Randy’s answer. Shortly after, she rose from her seat and circled her husband’s desk. Then, unexpectedly, Ghea suddenly gave him a tender hug, as if intentionally performing this affectionate scene in front of Stella.

“Thanks for accompanying me. I’ll go back to my office now. After work, I’ll come here again to pick up my sister.”

Randy just nodded. He couldn’t fathom the strange behavior Ghea was displaying. Instead of questioning it, he simply enjoyed whatever his wife was doing.

***

In the evening, Randy and Ghea truly attended the anniversary event hosted by Maxwell and Clara. It was a grand celebration held in a luxurious hotel ballroom.

Various invited guests from different backgrounds were present. Randy even became the center of attention because everyone knew his influential position in the business world.

“Happy Anniversary to Dad and Mom. May your 30 years of marriage set an example for us, the young and newlyweds.”

Maxwell smiled, approached, and warmly hugged Randy.

“Thank you for your wishes, Randy. Dad is glad that you and Ghea took the time to come to our event tonight amidst your busy schedules.”

“Of course, Pa. Ghea was even enthusiastic about convincing me not to miss tonight’s event,” Randy intentionally revealed. Then, he turned to Clara, standing right beside Maxwell. “Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, Ma. Did you receive the gift that Randy and Ghea sent? How was it? Did you like it?”

Clara smiled, nodding. Of course, she liked it, especially since earlier in the afternoon, her daughter-in-law had sent a brand-new car as a gift.

“I’ve received the gift. You two didn’t need to go through all that trouble,” Clara said casually. “But, just pray for Mom and Dad to be happy and always together until death do us part. And may no one from outside disturb or ruin the happiness we’ve built so hard all these years.”

Ghea swallowed hard upon hearing that statement. She understood that her stepmother was deliberately making a dig at her. Fortunately, Randy didn’t grasp the meaning behind those words. So, Ghea was the only one feeling the pain of the insult.

“Well, enjoy the feast, you two. Mario and Giselle are over there too,” Maxwell said, pointing to his son and daughter mingling with other guests.

Randy then invited Ghea to explore the spread of dishes. Mario intentionally approached and invited them to chat, while Giselle observed from a distance.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“Sis, have you finished eating?” Ghea whispered when she felt bored with the current event.

“Why? Are you leaving now?”

Ghea nodded.

“It’s already nine o’clock. No need to stay longer. The important thing is that I’ve met Dad, Mom, and had a brief chat with Mario.”

“Well, if you feel it’s enough, we can leave now.”

“But, let me go to the restroom for a moment to freshen up my makeup. Randy, wait here for a moment, okay?”

Randy nodded and allowed Ghea to go to the restroom. Once there, Ghea realized that the door was locked. She struggled to turn the handle, but it remained locked.

Initially, Ghea intended to call Randy to come and help her open the door. However, before she could reach her phone, the lights in the restroom suddenly went out. Instantly, the atmosphere turned pitch black. Ghea panicked, screaming for help, but no one seemed to hear her cries.