LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“Uncle didn’t need to go that far, making announcements and all. I feel embarrassed,” Ghea expressed while applying makeup in front of the mirror, getting ready to attend her father’s birthday event shortly.

“On the contrary, I want to apologize to you, Ghe. I’m really sorry if I didn’t know at all about you being troubled by some staff in the office. Being a husband, it’s hard to accept when people talk negatively about your wife, especially comparing her to other women,” Randy replied, looking at the female staff who had gossiped about Ghea and then giving them a stern look.

Ghea stopped applying her makeup, turned, and smiled at Randy. “But, thanks a lot for standing up for me. Actually, I could handle it myself. Just waiting for the right time.”

Randy chuckled. “No need to bother. It’s my duty to protect you. From now on, if anyone disturbs you or says anything negative, please tell me. Don’t stay silent. I feel useless as a husband if I can’t protect you.”

Ghea nodded in agreement. It was only fair to act like that, right? So, after getting ready, they both hurried to the Donovan family residence. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Gema and others.

“Papa is happy to see you and Randy tonight, dear,” Maxwell said, hugging his daughter tightly. He missed her a lot as they hadn’t met for days.

“How could Ghea miss such an important event, Pa? Once again, happy birthday. Ghea wishes Papa health and success always.”

Maxwell smiled broadly, then shifted his focus to Randy standing next to Ghea. “Thank you, Randy, for coming. Thank you also for taking care of Ghea so well.”

Randy returned a friendly smile and, after giving a congratulatory hug, responded to his father-in-law’s greeting. “It’s Randy’s duty to take care of Ghea. So, Papa, no need to worry. Ghea will always be safe and happy with Randy. Anyway, happy birthday. Randy wishes the best for Papa.”

“What gift does Papa want?” Ghea asked afterward, joining in the conversation between her husband and her father.Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Maxwell then looked thoughtful. With a meaningful smile, he gave his answer. “Dad already has everything, Ghe. Honestly, I don’t need anything material.”

“So, what does Papa want?”

“If you ask what I want, I’ll say I want grandchildren from both of you.”

Ghea winced while scratching her non-itchy eyebrow. Giving a grandchild as a gift to her father was not an easy matter.

“Don’t worry, Pa,” Randy interjected. “We’re working on it. Just pray that Randy and Ghea’s efforts will bear fruit. Pray that both of us can give you many grandchildren soon.”

Maxwell was overjoyed with Randy’s response. The happiness in his face was clear. He enthusiastically joined the prayers and hopes expressed.

For almost two hours, Randy and Ghea enjoyed the private birthday celebration. They chatted with family members, shared stories, had dinner together, and engaged in other fun activities. Then, at exactly 10 p. m., Ghea decided it was time to leave.

“Wait for a moment here with Mario. Let me say goodbye to Mom first.”

Ghea then got up from her seat, intending to meet Clara, who had moved to the family room on the second floor. Politely approaching, Ghea noticed Giselle sitting next to her stepmother on the sofa in front of the television.

“Mom, Ghea wants to say goodbye.”

Clara immediately raised her face, stared intensely, and soon smiled sarcastically. “No need for pleasantries, Ghea. You shouldn’t bother to say goodbye. You know I don’t want to see your face in this house.”

“It’s apparent that you’ve been thrown away, yet you still act this way. Don’t pretend to be a part of this family,” added Giselle, supplementing her mother’s statement.

Ghea remained silent, trying to stay calm to avoid being provoked.

“Ghea is just here to say goodbye, Mom. I apologize if Ghea’s presence has made you uncomfortable.”

“Your presence has always made me uncomfortable, Ghea. Your face reminds me of your promiscuous mother. A woman who shamelessly pursued and seduced my husband until she gave birth to an illegitimate child like you!”

“Enough, Mom!” Ghea’s voice raised. She couldn’t bear being called names by her stepmother. “Mom can insult Ghea, but please don’t bring up anything about my late mother. She’s gone. Please have some pity on her.”

Clara sneered, feeling provoked by what Ghea had just said. “Pity, you say? Then, what about my fate back then? Just after giving birth, with stitches in my stomach not even fully healed, your mother shamelessly, without any consideration or pity, teased and even seduced my husband to engage in an illicit affair. And now, you ask me to pity her?”

“Ghea apologizes, Mom,” she whispered with sadness. Ghea acknowledged the grave mistakes her late mother had made. “Ghea sincerely apologizes.”

Clara got up from her seat, approached, and then glared angrily at Ghea. “Apology? After all the wickedness your mother intentionally did? Don’t be crazy, Ghea! I’m not an angel.”

“Ghea knows that Mama’s late mother made a big mistake. But judging someone who is no longer here is useless, Mom. Mama’s late mother won’t come back, even if Mama is angry and loud now.”

Smack! A hard slap landed on Ghea’s smooth cheek. Clara swung her hand deliberately, slapping Ghea so hard that her body swayed, almost losing balance due to the impact.

“Watch your mouth, Ghea. You’re just a bastard. You have no right to lecture or teach me anything. Besides, you are no longer part of this family.”

“Ghea is not a bastard, Mom,” she vehemently retorted. “Ghea was born within a marriage. Moreover, Papa and Mama loved each other at that time.”

Clara’s anger peaked again. She even raised her right hand to slap Ghea for the second time, deeming her impudent for daring to lecture her.

“Stop, Aunt Clara!”

A shout from someone on the stairs halted Clara’s hand before it could land on Ghea’s cheek again. Turning to the source of the voice, Randy and Gema, who had apparently been there for a while, walked towards them. Randy approached Ghea, pulling her to stand behind him.

“Don’t you dare touch Ghea, not even a bit.”

Randy stared sharply, his jaw visibly tense as if trying to control his anger. In the family, Randy was always taught to be respectful and polite to elders. However, witnessing his wife being mistreated by her stepmother triggered his wrath. Randy made an exception; he would defend his wife even if it meant pushing the boundaries.

“All this time, I thought Ghea came from a harmonious family, raised by loving parents and caring siblings. By God, if I hadn’t been curious about why Ghea took so long just to say goodbye, maybe I would never have known about the malice you’ve been hiding.”

Clara fell silent, conflicted about how to respond. She wanted to cover up, but Randy had already found out about her actions.

“Take it easy,” Randy continued. “If Aunt doesn’t want to meet Ghea anymore, that’s fine. I can assure you that Ghea won’t set foot in this house again. And Aunt should remember, if something happens to this family in the future and you all need Ghea’s help, don’t expect me to give permission.”

Randy continued to glare at Clara, satisfied with giving his ultimatum. He then took hold of Ghea’s wrist, pulled her behind him, and urged his wife to leave the Donovan family residence. Randy swore that after this, no one would be allowed to insult, let alone hurt, his wife emotionally or physically.