LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“Sweetheart, are you ready?”

Ghea nodded. The wedding procession was unfolding before her eyes. There was no way she could step back, especially with the intention of escaping and embarrassing her parents. The only thing Ghea could do was keep moving forward and hope that the decision she made would bring happiness.

“Ghea is ready, Dad,” the girl whispered, then lowered her head. Emotional, as she knew she would soon be separated from her father. “After we get married, can I still visit Dad? Can I still be affectionate with Dad?”

Maxwell smiled as he gently squeezed Ghea’s wrists, looking at his little daughter. “Even though you’re getting married and have a husband, you’ll always be Daddy’s girl. Whenever you need a place to lean on, Daddy will always be there for you.”

Ghea’s chest felt tight. Trying to hold back tears, she chose to hug her father before truly heading to the ceremony. Satisfied with her father before they would be separated.

“Daddy wishes you happiness after this. I’m sure Randy will make your life better than before. Daddy is confident that he’s the best husband sent by God to complete your life.”

Accompanied by the song “Beautiful in White” and with grace, Ghea finally entered the Raffles hotel ballroom, where the wedding ceremony would take place. Accustomed to a somewhat tomboyish daily appearance, Ghea’s look today captivated all the guests, including Randy.

At the end of the aisle, the narrow-eyed man unconsciously smiled. Staring intently, he couldn’t deny that he admired how stunning and different his future wife looked from her usual self.

“Randy, today, at this moment, I entrust my beloved daughter to you. Take care of her, protect her, and love her as much as I have loved her all this time. If someday there’s no more love in your heart, please return her to me in the best way possible.”

Maxwell, standing in front of Randy, seemed to release his grip on Ghea’s hands. While holding back emotional tears, he handed his daughter to the man who would soon be his son-in-law. A brief hug, then Maxwell let Ghea belong to Randy completely.

Now, his role as a father was over. But, in any case, he made sure that the love he had given to Ghea all this time would never diminish. Even if Randy was present in Ghea’s life, Maxwell would stand firm, protecting his youngest daughter if she ever faced difficulties.

Because both bride and groom were ready, the wedding procession began one by one. Randy and Ghea each vowed their sacred marriage promises, pledging to be faithful to each other until death do them part.

“I, RRandy Walters, marry Ghea Mariana. I promise to be faithful in joy and sorrow until death do us part.”

“I, Ghea Mariana, am willing to marry RRandy Walters. I promise to be a faithful wife in joy and sorrow until death do us part.”

Everyone appeared moved and absorbed in the sacred procession. Verona , in her seat, couldn’t hold back tears of joy, witnessing her beloved son officially marrying the girl of his choice.

After exchanging their sacred vows, the newlyweds were invited to exchange the rings that had already been prepared. Not only that, there was one important thing that Ghea seemed to have overlooked.

“Please, both of you, kiss each other.”

Ghea was startled. Suddenly nervous. Why hadn’t she thought that in a marriage, there would be a moment when the newlyweds officially sealed their sacred promises with a kiss?

Oh no, how was this going to happen? Was she supposed to willingly let her untouched lips be touched by the man in front of her?

Meanwhile, Randy seemed relaxed. With a meaningful smile, he approached. Holding Ghea’s waist, intending to do what had just been instructed.

“What are you doing?” Ghea whispered with a shy smile when Randy successfully pulled her waist.

“I want to kiss my wife,” the man replied casually. Smirking, he even seemed intentionally teasing. “Don’t worry, I promise it won’t last long.”

“No way,” Ghea softly protested. “You’re not allowed to touch me recklessly.”

“Can’t you see? Everyone is waiting for our kiss.”

Ghea slowly glanced around. Seeing the guests genuinely waiting for what she and Randy would do next made her even more awkward and anxious.

“But, Uncle-”

“Close your eyes quickly,” Randy requested, sounding more like a command.

Ghea nodded, confused. Despite that, she did what Randy instructed. Closing her eyes, she felt Randy’s breath brushing against her cheek, indicating that the man’s face was getting closer to hers.

In an instant, Ghea’s heart pounded rapidly, as if it wanted to leap out of her chest. Especially when something soft, warm, and moist, without warning, landed on her lips. For God’s sake, Ghea felt her face heating up as if her blood flow centered there.

Yes, Randy’s lips successfully landed perfectly on Ghea’s. She thought the kiss would indeed be brief, as Randy had promised.

However, promises were just promises. Randy showed no signs of wanting to end the kiss. The man intentionally sucked and softly crushed Ghea’s lips alternately. Even when Ghea opened her eyes and tried to squirm, he pulled Ghea’s body back into his embrace.

When it might be time to consider it enough, Randy slowly unraveled his kiss. However, before completely pulling away his face, once again, he leaned in. Intentionally giving a brief kiss to Ghea’s lips while whispering softly, “This is just a kiss, Ghea. I can do something else that will make you unforgettable.”

“Don’t even dream, mister!” Ghea immediately retorted. Then she changed her body position, looking at the guests while throwing a smile as if today was truly her happiest day.

One by one, the guests began to offer their congratulations. From the extended family to distant relatives, friends, colleagues, and business associates. Ghea’s own friends were not many who were invited intentionally. She limited the guest list to avoid becoming a topic of gossip on campus. Thus, only friends she felt close to received special invitations to celebrate her wedding.

“Congratulations, cousin,” Darwin congratulated Randy and Ghea. “Finally married. Welcome to the big Walters family, Ghea.”

“Thanks for your wishes, Bro. I ask for your help and guidance,” Ghea joked and immediately received laughter from everyone.

“Don’t talk too much. Where’s the gift? I don’t need empty words, you know! If it’s just words, you all better go home quickly.”

Kennedy sighed. He grabbed a white envelope from the pocket of his jacket and handed it to Randy.

“Here. For you and Ghea. Can be used anytime,” he said while handing over what he held to Ghea as the bride.

“What’s this?”

“Just open it.”

Because of curiosity, Randy then signaled to Ghea. Asking the girl who now had the status of his wife to open the envelope given by Kennedy.

“Tickets and a stay voucher at a five-star hotel in Japan,” Ghea said as she took out what was inside the envelope.

“Yes,” Kennedy confirmed. “Consider it for your honeymoon.”

“Thank you very much,” Ghea replied politely. Actually, she was happy to receive such an expensive gift. However, why did it have to be a honeymoon package that she would find it difficult to enjoy? But, why did it end up like this?

“Here, I also have a gift for you,” Darwin said afterward. He then handed two gift boxes to each of the newlyweds in front of him. “The small box is for you. The slightly bigger one is for Ghea.”

“So many, Bro,” Ghea said, puzzled.

“Yes, the one for you is a special gift from Verona . I hope it’s useful. If you’re in a pinch, don’t sell it.”

“What is it, then?”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Again, Randy seemed curious. Even when Ghea intentionally opened the gift box in her hand, he was slightly surprised because she was given a key with the brand of one of the cars printed on it.

“Is this a car key?”

“Like a toy car, Ran,” Darwin joked. “No, it’s a real car. Verona deliberately gave it to Ghea. As a wedding gift.”

“Lucky. Then what did you give me, Ve?”

Verona smiled, raised her chin, pointing to the gift box in Randy’s hand.

“That’s also your gift, Ran. Originally, I wanted to give it to you too. But Darwin said he gave it to you. Well, I’ll just go along with it.”

Randy frowned. A moment later, he threw a look full of suspicion. He suddenly felt uneasy realizing that the gift in his hand was given by Darwin. Somehow, he was sure that Darwin’s gift must not meet his expectations.

“You must have given weird gifts, huh?”

“No way,” Darwin retorted. “I gave useful gifts. Not like you who gave all sorts of aphrodisiacs.”

“So what’s this?”

“Just check it yourself.”

Without hesitation, Randy untied the ribbon that wrapped Darwin’s gift box. Opening it slowly, then not long after, a curse was heard from the man’s lips.

“Condoms?”

“Yes,” Darwin answered while laughing. “Ghea said she didn’t want to get pregnant before graduating from college. So, I thought the gift I gave would be useful. I gave you a whole box, around 30 pieces. It’s quite good for a stock.”

“Darwin, you jerk!”