Chapter 23

A week passed without a hitch in Samuel and Ariana's marriage. Even though they are still often involved in arguments and debates, everything can be resolved quickly, sometimes even just being considered a passing wind by the two of them.

This morning, as usual before going to work, Ariana prepared her own breakfast. While Samuel seemed to be sitting and was so engrossed in watching the tablet she was holding. Maybe you're reading the business news or maybe you're looking at the daily stock charts posted there.

"Samuel, finish your breakfast quickly," Ariana said. She hates it when her husband and boss often shouts not to be late for their trip, even though the main cause of their delay is Samuel herself.

"Wait a minute, Ariana. Didn't you see? I'm reading the news."

"If you're late this morning, watch out for you nagging and blaming me."

Samuel glanced at him. Grabbing the glass of milk in front of him, the man slowly sipped the drink Ariana had prepared. Enjoy quietly, then respond to the wife's words.

"Besides, what are you doing every morning when you bother preparing breakfast? Do you want to show off your cooking skills?"

"If I can, why not?" Ariana debate.

"I pay you to be a wife, Ariana. Not to be a maid, let alone a cook."

Ariana immediately glared. That second also took his hand and quickly covered Samuel's mouth.

"Can you be careful when you talk? Do you want the workers here to hear what you just said?"

Samuel nodded. His fault was also not controlling his speech to the point of what he had said just now. In fact, Samuel knew very well that all the workers in her house had been ordered by her mother to report any suspicious behavior that she might do.

"Okay, don't protest too much. Now hurry up and eat. Then we'll go to work."

Samuel agreed. For the umpteenth time, the man had to be willing to eat the breakfast that Ariana had prepared. If I'm being honest, actually what his wife makes and serves every day isn't bad. It's just that, Samuel is not used to eating heavily in the morning. This is what causes him to often protest.

As soon as they got to the office, both of them were immediately immersed in their respective activities. Samuel, even so, went straight to the meeting. Even this afternoon, the man is also scheduled to have a meeting with one of the clients outside.

While Ariana herself, looks preoccupied with her work. Entering lunch time, the woman's activities stopped when her cell phone suddenly rang. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, Ariana could read that the one contacting her at this time was an important woman and she couldn't ignore it in the slightest.

"Hello."

"Ariana, where are you, honey?"

On the other side, I heard Arabella ask. Indeed, it was his father-in-law who was currently in touch.

"Ariana's in the room, Mom," he said. How could he also answer Mama's calls when he was in the office like now.

"Can we go to the meeting room right now?" asked Arabella then.

"Meeting room?"

"Yes, Mama wants to meet you. Besides, it's already break time from work. So, you hurry up and follow Mama here."

Ariana didn't argue. How could he also protest against the female ruler of Palma Palace who incidentally is his current in-laws. For that, Ariana hastily turned off the personal computer on her desk. Hurry to the elevator so you can immediately arrive at the meeting room on the fifth floor.

"Excuse me," Ariana permitted as she knocked on the meeting room door.

"Come on in," Arabella ordered.

Inside the room, Ariana could see that Arabella, Samuel and Ben were also there. The three of them had just finished an internal meeting with company officials from this morning to this afternoon.

"Can I help you, ma'am?" asked Ariana with such a formal language. Even though he is a son-in-law, of course he still has to uphold professionalism at work. He could end up getting scolded from Samuel if he couldn't keep his attitude especially in front of many people.

"Have you finished your work? Mama wants to take you out for a while."

"Go out?" she repeated. Then he glanced at Samuel in disbelief. "Where do you want to go?"

"Have lunch and accompany Mama for a walk," joked Arabella casually. The woman even got up and walked over to the position where Ariana was standing. "You can, right?"

"But, ma'am. After lunch, there is work from Mr. Samuel that I must finish immediately."

Arabella chuckled. Staring deeply at Ariana, the woman returned to reply to her daughter-in-law.

"So, Samuel's work is more important than Mama's? You and Samuel are so heartless."

Previously, Arabella had planned to invite Samuel and Ariana to have lunch together. However, because he already had a scheduled meeting outside, his son failed to agree to his mother's invitation. That's why, in exchange, Arabella wanted to take Ariana out of the office instead.

"N-not like that." Ariana sighed. So I went awry by myself answering Arabella's question. Meanwhile, Samuel was silent. Leaving Ariana alone from her mother's noose without any intention of helping.

"Then what, dear? Just so you know, Mama deliberately joined the meeting today because she had the intention of meeting you and asking you out. But you didn't even want to."

"Mom, Ariana's work today is full."

Finally, Samuel joined in. It was also exasperating to see the behavior of the mother who was so insistent that her wife had to come along.

"Yes, you, as the boss, give him a dispensation. Besides, accompany Mama to eat not every day either, Samuel."

"Still can't, Ma. Even if Ariana is Mama's daughter-in-law, she still has to be as professional as her responsibilities in the office. Not to mention that other employees will see if Mama goes with Ariana, Samuel is sure that she will definitely be excited."

Arabella stared hard. He didn't care in the least about what his son had just said.

"So what if other employees see? After all, Ariana is your wife, right? Who wants to protest? Even if it's gossip, why bother?"

Samuel took a deep breath. It's useless to give an explanation as well as understanding to his mother. If you say A, it means you can no longer change it to B.

"All right. If Mama wants to take Ariana out, go ahead. But please, remember the time. Remember, she has responsibilities that must be completed, Ma."

Yes!

Arabella squealed with joy. Happy not to play, finally the son gave permission for Ariana to go with him to lunch.

"Are you sure you don't want to join Mama for lunch as well?" asked Arabella then before actually leaving the son's room.

"Nope," said Samuel. "Soon there will be a meeting with clients outside. Samuel doesn't want to be late because she has to accompany Mama around."

"Who is your client today?" asked Arabella curiously.

"Silvana and Rosalie from Ranch Market."

"Oh, the twins are single children of Pak Wiryawan? Didn't one of them have a crush on you?" accused Arabella.

Samuel immediately chuckled. How could the mother know the slanted news that had hit her some time ago. Because she was often involved in joint projects, many media deliberately matched and matched Samuel at will with Rosalie from Ranch Market, who is an old partner of Palma Palace.

"That's just gossip, Ma," Samuel said nonchalantly. "Besides, Samuel already has Ariana. So you don't have to talk about unimportant things like that."

Arabella simply nodded, then pulled Ariana to quickly follow her out of the meeting room. The two of them then walked towards the parking lot and then went to one of the malls in the center of Jakarta.

Upon arriving, Arabella didn't go straight to the restaurant like the one she had been invited to at the office earlier. The woman was instead busy going into one by one big boutique to shop.

Don't ask how confused Ariana was at that time. He had to bother and of course obeyed when Arabella ordered him to try on all the clothes, shoes, and even bags that his parents-in-law had deliberately bought for him.

"Mom, this is too much. At home, Samuel has even bought Ariana clothes, bags and shoes in large quantities," said Ariana when she had just finished trying on the dress that Arabella handed out.

"So Samuel bought you everything?"

Ariana immediately nodded confidently. In fact, the husband has bought all his needs in full.

"Even just a few that Ariana used because of the many things that Samuel bought."

Arabella smiled faintly. It's great to hear that the son is so considerate of his favorite son-in-law. According to Arabella, that meant Samuel was very considerate and thought carefully about all of her wife's needs.

"What's already in the house is a gift from Samuel. So, just pretend that the shoes, bags, and clothes you are trying on now are special gifts from Mama."

"But, Mom----"

"No buts, Ariana. If you refuse, Mama will be angry."

Ariana nodded resignedly. How could he protest when threatened like that? It turns out that the child and the mother are the same coercion. Once you've given an order, you can't even deny it, let alone refuse it.

Satisfied with shopping, in the end Arabella invited Ariana to have lunch. This time the beautiful woman brought her daughter-in-law to go to a Korean restaurant which is not far from the mall.

As soon as they arrived, Arabella asked the maid to take them to a private room which was reserved for VVIP guests.

Whether by chance or actually planned, Arabella accidentally found herself sitting right behind her son's chair who was having a meeting with a client at the time. However, because of the glass partition, Samuel at that time did not even notice the whereabouts of his mother and wife.

Several minutes passed in a safe and peaceful condition. While waiting for the food to be served, Arabella talked a lot about business, family habits, and even about Samuel's childhood.

Even Ariana also told the same thing. More or less about his life while in the orphanage. How was his struggle so he could go to school and in the end be able to get a decent job like now.

"Mama was moved to hear your story. It turns out that you are a tough woman. It is suitable to be paired with Samuel, who is a workaholic."

After listening to Ariana's story at length, Arabella finally gave a response. As soon as the food was all delivered by the restaurant waiter, they immediately ate the food while continuing to talk.

"How are you at home, is your husband treating you well?" she asked.

The intonation of the woman's voice sounded quite loud. To the extent that it attracted the attention of visitors who were around, including Samuel. He, who at first was not aware of the existence of his mother and wife, came to know and even in the end rebuked them.

"Mama!" said Samuel in a whisper when she turned to her mother. "Why is it here?"

"So what? This is also a public place. There's no prohibition for Mama to eat here," said Arabella indifferently.

"Yes, but why did you choose to sit here? Samuel is having a meeting with a client."

"What's wrong? Mama didn't bother you."

Samuel snorted indignantly. Lazy to argue, the man chose silence and then returned to focus on the client at his table. While Arabella also did the same. The woman continued her conversation with Ariana.

"Mom, it's better if we just move places, Samuel will be disturbed later," Ariana persuaded.

"No need, we're just here," said Arabella. While talking with Ariana, occasionally she paid attention to her son's table. His eyes stared. Looking carefully at how obvious Rosalie's movements were, she was looking for Samuel's attention.

"What about Mama's question earlier, answer please," Arabella urged after her focus returned to Ariana.

Ariana glanced left and right. Checking around, are other visitors still paying attention to their table as before, then answering the mother-in-law's question.

"Samuel is nice, Ma. She's always been nice to Ariana."

"You are sure?"

Ariana nodded. Basically Samuel did treat her well. It's just that sometimes it still sucks.

"Thank goodness. If your husband is being nice. If he dares to do anything, you just report it."

"So if Samuel messes up, what are you going to do with Mama?" Ariana asked in a whisper. But Arabella replied with a loud voice again.

"If your husband is messing with you, just report it. Later, I'll let you Mama set you up with Randa or Darwin, Samuel's cousin. They're both just as handsome and rich, really."

Samuel, of course, heard her mother's words, immediately turned her head. Throwing a look of disapproval, then before long whispered towards Arabella.

"No need to fish, OK, Ma!"

Arabella who heard her son's words immediately scowled. Inwardly satisfied because the bait he threw managed to catch Samuel's attention.

"What's wrong with you? You said meeting? Yes, just focus. Why are you even hiding Mama and Ariana's chat."

"What about eavesdropping? Mama herself spoke really loudly. Besides, why use Ariana with Randa or Darwin to arrange all kinds of things? Ariana's Samuel's wife."

"Mr. Samuel..." Rosalie, who had been sitting in front of Samuel from the start, suddenly interrupted. From the expression on his face, it was obvious that he was filled with curiosity. "Sorry earlier, I heard Mr. Samuel just mentioned his wife. So is it true that Mr. Samuel is already married?"

At that moment, Samuel nodded. Justify the questions that colleagues raise.

"Yes, Mrs. Rosalie. That's my wife sitting in front of my mother," Samuel pointed at Ariana.

Rosalie immediately fell silent. His face that had been bright suddenly turned sad and not excited. Maybe heartbroken to hear confessions from Samuel.

"Okay..." Arabella continued to Samuel, who had been silent before. "You just continue with the meeting. Let Mama and Ariana just leave here. Besides, we've both finished eating."

"You don't have to go anywhere," Samuel held back. "Don't leave before Samuel is done. Let Samuel take Mama and Ariana back to the office."

Arabella cheered happily inside. Glancing at Axton while nodding happily because it was his son's assistant who had told him where his son was meeting this afternoon so he and Ariana could follow.

***

"You and Mama can't be together, can you? It's dangerous!"

After taking a shower and about to get dressed, Samuel was heard grumbling again. He was still upset because all day his life was disturbed by his mother. It's not just a problem when you're in a restaurant. Even after returning to the office, Arabella was acting up again, leaving Samuel so numb that she couldn't do anything.

"Ken, you and Ariana have been married for a week, so when do you want to give Mama grandchildren?"

Samuel, who at that time had just sat in a chair in the meeting room, immediately looked up. Staring in horror at the mother who is currently throwing death stares. I really hope Samuel melts and submits like she has before.

"Samuel and Ariana just got married, Ma. Can we both be given time to have fun first? After all, Samuel still has to focus on taking care of the transition of positions that Samuel just got this year," said the man. Why did he not anticipate this one problem when planning a temporary marriage with Ariana? As a result, now it is very difficult to dodge.

"How long are you going to have fun? Mama is already over 50 years old, you know. You went to the grave when you and Ariana played too much."

"Mom!" Samuel immediately exclaimed. His face was sour, a sign that the man didn't like hearing what his mother had just said.

"You don't need to bring age with you. Samuel doesn't like Mama saying that."

"Yes, if you don't like it, hurry up and give Mama your grandchildren. You don't need to use excuses to be busy taking care of all kinds of companies. Or if you really want Ariana Mama, just leave it to Randa. So that you will pay attention and take good care of it."

Randa, Samuel's cousin, who was also in the meeting room, immediately smiled. It was a pleasure to annoy Samuel especially to make him angry and annoyed.

"Randa is happy to accept Ariana, auntie. Besides, who would refuse to be loved by such a beautiful couple."

"You don't have to be crazy, OK? It's like a shortage of women to the point that your own cousin's wife wants to be taken."

"Yes, that's why, hurry up and give Mama a granddaughter, Samuel."

"Yes, Ma. Later, Samuel and Ariana will plan for their child," said the slant-eyed man resignedly. It's been said. How could he ever contradict his mother's orders?

"Later when?"

"Immediately."

Because of this, Samuel got cranky after work. He thought, how could he just make a child like what Arabella had asked him to do in the office earlier.

"How come it's dangerous? I'm not a terrorist. Why is it considered dangerous?" Ariana protested.

"Yeah! You two are like war allies. If you're united, you can destroy my life."

Ariana laughed. Plus after seeing the annoyed expression that Samuel showed.

"Everywhere, as filial children, they must obey and do as much as possible what their parents order them to do."

Samuel nodded. Still wearing a waist-length towel, the man turned around. Walking closer, approached Ariana who was sitting on the side of the bed.

"Yes, you are right. As a dutiful child, I do have to obey my parents' orders."

Samuel kept advancing, even now her position was so close in front of Ariana. His seductive gaze immediately made Ariana immediately put on a wary attitude.

"Samuel what are you doing?"

"Do you know what mother's request that I must immediately grant?"

While continuing to watch Samuel's movements, Ariana reflexively shook her head. He really didn't know what the mother and child were discussing. "What did mom ask for?"

"Mama wants us both to give grandchildren as soon as possible. So, as a dutiful child, that means I have to comply with Mama's request, right?"

Ariana was silent for a moment. Trying to digest what Samuel just said. Then he soon understood where the husband's conversation was going.

"You mean ---"

"Yes, my wife." Samuel with her mischievous gaze started crawling up, continuing to chase Ariana's movements, who now looked backwards, trying to avoid her husband. "Come on, let's grant Mama's request by making children as soon as possible."

"Samuel! Don't be crazy. I don't want to have children from a boy I don't love."

"Duh, love affairs are easy, Ariana. Just otw. The important thing is we put the children down first," replied Samuel with a teasing look. The more annoyed Ariana was, the happier the man threw naughty words at his wife.

"Recklessly! Don't forget, in the agreement you can't just touch me."

"Ah, the letter of agreement is so stupid. If necessary, I'll just burn it later. Even if I have to pay compensation, that's fine too."

Ariana was getting annoyed, she pushed Samuel's body until the man lay down. As soon as he had the chance, he immediately ran towards the door and then out of the room. Trying so hard to escape from Samuel's clutches.