LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“Vin, you’ve been working with me for years. Have you ever seen a woman refuse when I ask her out?”

“No, sir. In fact, as far as I know, they all line up wanting to be your date or girlfriend.”

“So, according to you, who’s with me almost every day, is there anything lacking in this perfect me? Or is there something I need to change or add to be more appealing to women?”

Alvin furrowed his brow. He had just arrived at the office, and why was his boss asking such things, especially about changing his appearance?

Did he want to attract women even more? Wasn’t the man, who had recently gotten married a few days ago, attractive enough?

“I think there’s nothing to add, in my opinion. You’re a complete package, sir. Above-average looks, financially stable, independent, smart, responsible, can relate well, humorous, and even though you’re a bit of a playboy, you’re always loyal when you’re committed. I think that’s more than enough.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Alvin wasn’t exaggerating. Everything he said was true. Randy was a nearly perfect figure. Good-looking, wealthy, the only child and heir to a large company, credible, amiable, and other qualities. Despite frequently changing partners, once he was serious about a woman, he wouldn’t switch unless she played with fire or made a mistake.

In Randy’s lifetime, he had only been in two serious relationships. The first one failed because the woman cheated, and the second one failed because the woman married someone else.

After these two failures, Randy chose not to get into serious relationships. So far, before deciding to marry, he only spent time casually dating without forming any bonds. Because of his frequent changes in dating partners, he earned the nickname “playboy.”

However, as great and talented as Randy seemed from the outside, it apparently meant nothing to Ghea. For heaven’s sake! From the first meeting, she showed no impression or admiration, unlike what girls or women outside often display when they first meet Ghea.

Was Randy not handsome enough?

Was he not rich enough?

Or was there something else lacking?

Randy’s self-esteem was truly hurt because until now, his wife had not shown the slightest liking towards him. Moreover, earlier that morning, Ghea dared to go to university with another man instead of her husband? Just how handsome was that man?

“Sorry, sir, if I’m being bold, but why are you asking all this? Is there a problem?”

Alvin, curious and confused, immediately asked. Not trying to meddle, but if there was something his boss needed, he could provide assistance as needed.

“I’m just puzzled, Vin.”

Randy leaned against his shoulder, bringing his right hand to gently rub his clean and smooth chin.

“Puzzled? Why, sir?”

“Am I lacking something? Why doesn’t Ghea seem interested in me at all? She acts like she’s disgusted being near me. Says I’m old, expired, not suitable for her. There are many reasons. Luckily, my thin heart has tempered glass installed. So it doesn’t crack easily and hurt.”

Alvin chuckled softly. It seemed that this was what made his boss so frustrated.

“Just understand it, sir. Personally, I think it’s normal.”

“Normal? What you’re saying is that there’s a woman who’s genuinely not interested in me. I can’t believe someone doesn’t like me,” Randy retorted, visibly upset. He still couldn’t believe that there was someone who didn’t like him.

“Listen first, sir,” Alvin responded. “You and Ms. Ghea didn’t know each other before. Suddenly, you’re married. Plus, there’s a significant age difference, even a dozen years. It’s possible that your wife is shocked.”

Randy furrowed his brow. “Shocked how?”

“Well, shocked. At a very young age, when she should be enjoying time playing with peers and changing partners, she’s faced with the issue of getting married, and her future spouse is much older. So, because of this significant age difference, she might not see you as her type.”

“Oh, come on,” Randy sighed. Despite the age difference, he didn’t look that old. “So, what should I do? Is the marriage over? I don’t want to divorce and go through the hassle of finding another wife again. Besides, I’m not a follower of a cult that likes to marry and divorce repeatedly.”

Again, Alvin smiled. Patiently, Randy’s assistant gave advice. Although his own experience wasn’t extensive, he believed the advice he was giving could be useful for his boss.

“In my personal opinion, just go through it, sir. Slowly try to win your wife’s heart. Besides, your marriage is only a matter of days. There’s still plenty of time to change perspectives, preferences, and criteria. And remember, God can turn feelings upside down. So, Mr. Randy, there’s no need to worry. Unless Ms. Ghea has done something beyond limits, then you should act firmly.”

Randy pondered deeply on what Alvin had said. If the advice his assistant just gave was not enough, he could later seek opinions from his cousins.

***