LOVE YOU, UNCLE

“I wonder what Randy is really chasing. As if not wanting to waste time, the next day, like a gentleman, he picked up Ghea at her parents’ house.

“Astaga, Uncle. It’s only half past seven. Why are you picking me up so early? I’m not even ready yet,” Ghea complained as she approached Randy, who was sitting in the living room.

“Don’t be conceited. I came early because your dad invited me to have breakfast together. As the ideal son-in-law candidate, of course, I agreed to that invitation. Besides, relax. I wouldn’t mind waiting for you to shower, have a cream bath, or get a pedicure. Even if I had to wait for you for a lifetime, I wouldn’t mind.”

“It’s still early, don’t sweet talk. Besides, having breakfast here is essential.”

“Of course, it’s essential. Especially when invited by your future father-in-law. Moreover, starting the day with breakfast is a must. Because yesterday, I started my day with a smile, and by noon, I was starving.”

Ghea squinted while making a pouting face. Unwilling to respond to Randy’s flattery, she chose to leave. Moreover, at the same time, Mario and her father approached Randy, inviting him to gather at the dining table.

Whatever everyone at her house was talking to Randy about, they all seemed absorbed, comfortable, and engrossed in morning conversations at the dining table. If observed, Randy looked very much like the ideal son-in-law. Well, why wouldn’t he be? He was the prospective leader of Atmos and Akasia Group, the largest shopping center and supermarket network in Indonesia.

“Ghea… are you taking a bath or meditating? It’s been so long,” Mario scolded her sister as she joined the breakfast table before leaving.

“I am taking a bath. Besides, Uncle Randy said it’s okay if I take a long time.”

“But it’s still a pity for your future husband.”

“Enough, sis. Don’t be so naggy. Just like neighborhood aunties.”

Mario sighed. Meanwhile, Ghea, nonchalantly, continued her breakfast ritual until she finished. Then, she hastily took Randy to leave her house.

“Uncle, may I take Ghea out first? I promise I’ll take her home before dinner,” Randy requested. As a responsible man, it was only fitting to behave like that, right?

“Go ahead, Randy. Just be careful on the road.”

“There’s no need to bring her back; it’s fine, Ran. We’re all willing in this house,” Mario joked, immediately causing Ghea to glare at her displeasure.

After bidding farewell, the two hurriedly went to the place they wanted to visit today. According to yesterday’s agreement, they would make a prenuptial agreement at one of the Notary offices Randy knew.

Upon reaching their destination, without waiting long, they were immediately invited into the main room while waiting for the room’s owner, who was still meeting clients in another room.

“Don’t sit too close, Ghe. You might fall in love.”

“Hmph! Uncle is annoying!”

Ghea, who initially wanted to sit next to Randy, became annoyed and rose to change positions. It was irritating even before marriage. How would her days be with an unpredictable and annoying Randy after becoming his official wife?

“Randy… finally, after so long, you visit my office.”

After waiting for about ten minutes, the room’s owner finally arrived. He approached Randy warmly, as if wanting to release the longing for not meeting for a long time.

“Thanks, Bobby, for your time. I’m glad I can stop by and ask for your help with these important documents. It’s not in vain to have a famous notary friend like you.”

Bobby, the man named Bobby, smiled broadly.

“No problem, Ran. I’m even proud to have the trust of Mr. RRandy Walters to handle his important documents.”

After talking, Bobby turned to Ghea, who was also standing next to Randy. He threw a smile and, with a friendly gesture, offered his hand for a handshake.

“So, is this Randy’s future wife? I’m Bobby Anggara. A friend and also a Notary here.”

“I’m Ghea Mariana. Nice to meet and get to know you, Mr. Bobby,” Ghea greeted politely.

Bobby then invited them to sit together. Not wanting to waste time, he immediately began discussing the main topic.

“So, do you two want to make a prenuptial agreement?”

Randy nodded. Not wanting to seem like he wanted to win alone and also wanting to make Ghea comfortable, he deliberately offered to make the agreement to know the limits and what his future wife wanted.

“Yes, we both want to make a prenuptial agreement, not a marriage contract,” he emphasized.

“Isn’t a prenuptial agreement different from a marriage contract?” Ghea asked.

“Of course, they’re different, Ghea,” Randy replied. “This is a real marriage, not pretend. Even if it were pretend, maybe the document needed would be a contract with a specific time limit, and then divorce after that.”

“I thought we were like in movies, you know. Getting married for a certain period, then when the grace period is over, we just divorce.”

Instead of responding to Ghea’s words, Randy brought his hand, flicked Ghea’s forehead playfully. How could she think lightly about marriage?

“Don’t speak casually! Don’t think that because I look unserious from the beginning, I’m joking about getting married. I like to joke, Ghea. But when it comes to marriage, I’m serious, and I don’t want any divorce later. As much as possible, once in a lifetime, marry only once. That’s why I repeatedly say you should feel lucky because you will marry a guy with commitment like me.”

Ghea sighed deeply. Imagining getting married and then spending her life with a random, cheesy, and annoying guy like Randy. It remained to be seen whether it would be a nightmare or a beautiful dream.

“Have you two finished your debate?” Bobby interrupted with a laugh. “If I observe closely, you two are a perfect match, aren’t you?”

“No!” they both answered simultaneously.

“See, you’re even in sync.”

“No, we’re not!” they both answered again, causing Bobby to laugh again.

“Alright… before we start, I’ll explain to Ghea what a prenuptial agreement is so there’s no misunderstanding.”

He then turned to Ghea, looked closely, and slowly explained so that the girl in front of him would understand what they would do next.

“So, a Prenuptial Agreement or Premarital Agreement itself is an agreement made by prospective spouses before getting married. This agreement is made based on the mutual agreement of the prospective spouses to separate their assets and debts when they are married. Besides the changing times, now it’s not just about assets that are used as references. There are many other agreements that prospective spouses make to be mutually adhered to in the future.”

Ghea nodded. Finally understanding after Bobby gave her a brief explanation.

“So, the agreement doesn’t only talk about assets, right?”

“Yup. You can also propose other agreements if you want.”

“For example, Mas, if the groom is caught cheating, the punishment is to have a circumcision again. Is that okay?”

Bobby nodded.

“It’s okay as long as the couple has agreed beforehand. In the future, if the husband really cheats, he has to be ready to accept the consequences. If not, it will be legally processed and he could even end up in jail.”

Randy, hearing this, swallowed hard. Ghea didn’t mean to actualize her strange request, did she?

“Hey, I brought you here to convey reasonable requests, you know! So, don’t come up with weird requests.”

“Why, what’s wrong?” Ghea asked casually. “Just so Uncle Randy doesn’t think about cheating after marriage.”

“He doesn’t need to be circumcised again, Ghea. It’s like there are no reasonable requests anymore.”

Bobby laughed again. Highly entertained by the strange behavior of his clients today.

“Do you call Randy ‘Uncle’? Isn’t that wrong?” the man asked.

“Well, Uncle Randy is already quite old. So, it’s fitting to call him Uncle, right?” Ghea joked casually.

“Why do you call me ‘Mas’ when we’re the same age?” Randy protested. Although, if you looked closely, Randy was more handsome than Bobby.

“Because Uncle Randy’s face is too extravagant. So, it’s more fitting to call him Uncle rather than Mas or Brother.”

Not wanting this debate to escalate further, Bobby ended the random conversation between Randy and Ghea. Focusing on the original goal, he returned to discussing the matter of the agreement.

“Alright, let’s keep this short. I’ll start with you, Ran. Do you want to request or propose any agreements in your marriage? Let me note them down.”

Silence for a moment. Randy seemed to be thinking about what requests he wanted to make and have agreed upon. Last night, he had prepared some requests that needed mutual agreement. However, after careful thought, it seemed like he had to change those agreements.

“I don’t think I want anything special. Regarding the division of assets, I’ll provide for Ghea 100%, covering shopping money, pocket money, savings, and all other needs she has. Anything she needs, I’ll provide as long as I can. Besides that, I just want a normal marriage like any other couple out there. And most importantly, Ghea must be ready and willing to bear our children in the future. For all activities, whether it’s studying or anything else she wants to do as long as it’s positive, I’ll provide freedom. The most important thing is that she doesn’t neglect her duties and responsibilities as a wife.”

Upon hearing Randy’s words, Ghea fell silent. She thought Randy would request many strange things from her. But, instead of asking for more, he diplomatically answered like any other normal couple. What surprised Ghea even more, Randy had even thought ahead about discussing the topic of offspring.

And the question now is, is Ghea ready to give Randy and the large Walters family descendants? Just imagine, giving a child to a man she doesn’t love? Oh my! How is this going to play out?

“Okay. I’ve noted all your requests. Anything else to add?” Bobby asked, looking at Randy’s calm face at that moment.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“No, I think that’s more than enough.”

Bobby nodded. After double-checking what had just been noted, he immediately turned to Ghea, who seemed lost in thought.

“Ghea, it’s your turn now. What do you want to request or propose in your future marriage?”

Ghea took a deep breath. Just like Randy, last night she had already made a list of requests. To hell with Randy getting angry. If he refuses, she’ll threaten him by not going through with the marriage.

“Never dare to touch me without permission. Or, more safely, never touch me before I finish the current education I’m undergoing. If Uncle Randy violates this agreement, he must be prepared to pay a fine.”

Randy in his seat widened his eyes. Why did Ghea’s request sound so strange to him?

“What kind of request is this? Does that mean a husband can’t touch his wife? Then when can we have children?”

“Hey, Zainudin. Be aware, we’re getting married because of an arranged marriage. Not because we like each other. It takes time for me to accept Uncle into my life.”

“Yes, but until when do you have to make him fast, Ghea? Your requests are weird.”

“Not weird, Uncle,” Ghea argued. “Because Uncle himself said this marriage is real, not pretend, which might last a long time and maybe even until the end of our lives. Give me a chance to get to know Uncle better first. Besides, I’m still in college. It wouldn’t be funny to get pregnant before graduating. If Uncle doesn’t agree, then let’s not get married.”

Randy couldn’t argue. Whether he liked it or not, he eventually agreed to Ghea’s first request. Now, he just had to prepare himself for whatever other requests this girl would propose next.

“Okay, let’s continue. Please read the next request, Ghea,” Bobby intervened.

“My second request is that both of us should respect each other’s privacy. Show mutual respect and avoid interfering in each other’s personal matters. Third, no infidelity in this marriage. If one of us is caught cheating, the other party has the right to demand or file for divorce. And finally, no physical violence. If either partner engages in violent behavior, they should be prepared to involve the police.”

Bobby carefully noted all the requests Ghea stated. Double-checking, he then confirmed it once again to both parties for their approval.

“How about it? Is there anything that needs to be added, subtracted, or revised?”

“I personally have no issues,” Randy replied. Then he glanced at Ghea. “I don’t know about Ghea. Does it need to be added or anything?”

“It’s enough, Mas Bobby. I think that’s more than sufficient.”

Bobby nodded.

“In that case, wait a moment. I’ll print and formalize it, and then you can sign the documents right away.”