LOVE YOU, UNCLE

Randy appeared to be scrutinizing the row of numbers displayed on her laptop screen. Just back to work, she was already faced with various deadlines that needed immediate attention.

Together with Alvin, her assistant, she began reading and completing each task one by one. By four in the afternoon, her activities were briefly interrupted when her secretary informed her of an important guest who wanted to meet her for a short while.

“Is the guest a man or a woman?” Randy inquired. So busy, the question escaped the man’s lips without him looking at his secretary.

“A man, sir. About the same age as you, Mr. Randy. He says he’s still part of your family. He also mentioned that he only wants to meet briefly,” reported Rania, Randy’s secretary, conveying the guest’s request.

Randy immediately raised her face, furrowing her brows. As far as she could remember, she didn’t have any scheduled meetings today. Despite her reluctance to be disturbed, considering there were still several tasks that needed immediate attention, she was curious about who the person wanting to meet her could be.

“Alright then. Just have him come in.”

Rania nodded and promptly carried out Randy’s instructions. A minute later, the woman returned with a man whom Randy seemed to recognize but wasn’t very familiar with.

“Good afternoon,” greeted the man after Rania escorted the guest to the room owner.

“Mario? Ghea’s brother, right?” Randy asked with a hint of hesitation. Not wanting to make a mistake in naming, she was afraid of getting it wrong. After all, she knew the person in front of her from three encounters during the engagement ceremony, the ceremonial gift exchange, and the wedding procession. So, calling them close might be premature.

“Yes, I’m Ghea’s brother.”

“Please have a seat. Let’s have a casual chat; no need to be formal. You’re here to talk about Ghea, right? Not business matters?”

Mario Antolin Denovan nodded while smiling. From the first look and meeting, for some reason, Randy felt a connection with the man matched with her youngest sister.

“I came here to talk about Ghea indeed. Because my youngest sister was arranged, and the marriage process between you two was quite fast and brief, I didn’t have the chance for an intimate or heart-to-heart conversation with you before you officially became husband and wife yesterday. Now, while your marital status is still fresh, I took the opportunity to visit and discuss important matters that might be of interest to you.”

Randy nodded, not very surprised, as if she could already anticipate what her brother-in-law might discuss next.

“Go ahead. Feel free to speak. What do you want to discuss? I’ll listen.”

Mario, who was already seated, leaned back in his chair, seeking the most comfortable position before delving into various important topics he deemed necessary for Randy to know.

“Firstly, I want to apologize for possibly interrupting your work. Here, I want to express my gratitude because you chose Ghea as your partner.”

Randy listened attentively. Although it initially sounded like a formality, she nodded as a polite and respectful gesture to her interlocutor, especially since he was her brother-in-law.

“Even though you were arranged, and sorry, everyone knows you’re famous as a playboy, I believe you’re a good person and will surely make Ghea happy,” Mario continued with a smile. “You need to know, I’ve loved her dearly since we were kids. Whatever happens, I’ll try to protect, care for, and be the best brother for Ghea. Now that you’re her husband, even though there may not be love between you yet, please take care of her, protect her, and give her the best. At first glance, Ghea may seem spoiled. And her demeanor is lively and cheerful. But, just so you know, she’s really fragile. That’s why, as her brother, I’m asking you to take care of her heart as best as you can.”

Randy continued to listen to what Mario was conveying to her. It could be concluded that the man in front of her cared deeply and didn’t want his beloved sister, whom he had protected all these years, to get hurt.

“Don’t worry. Even though our marriage is based on an arranged match, I am still serious and responsible in making it work. I’ve always believed that marriage is a sacred thing and should not be taken lightly.”

Mario smiled again. After hearing what Randy said, he became even more convinced that Ghea was in the hands of the right man.

“Most importantly, if someday love doesn’t grow between you two, I ask that you treat her kindly. And in case something bad happens that forces both of you to separate, I ask that you part ways amicably without causing harm.”

Randy nodded. Extending her hand, she invited Mario to shake hands as a sign of her commitment to what her brother-in-law specifically asked of her. There was a sense of admiration in seeing a brother willing to humble himself and directly request from his sister’s husband to act as he should.

“I will do my best.”

“If you need help, or anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask for my assistance.”

After expressing his concerns, Mario chose to bid farewell. Meanwhile, Randy briefly resumed her work before eventually finishing and deciding to leave because the day was getting late.