Chapter 25

Since the unexpected gift that Samuel sincerely gave Ariana, the relationship between the two can be said to be getting closer day by day. Although it is undeniable that the two of them are still often involved in verbal arguments. At the very least, the war that usually ensued, was rarely seen between the two of them anymore.

The more here, Samuel helps Ariana more and more in any way. From work to the smallest things.

"Ariana, you're joining the company gathering tomorrow, right?" asked Chacha, who at that time was in the office cafeteria enjoying lunch.

"Is there really a Gathering? I don't know any information," Ariana responded while continuing to enjoy the meatballs in her bowl.

"Yes, this time. The HRD department is there." Clarissa, Ariana's colleague who also sat at the same table with the woman, also answered.

"For what purpose is HRD holding the Gathering? It's really amazing. But seriously, I haven't heard any news at all. That's why I really don't understand if you don't mention this," said Ariana.

Apart from being busy taking care of his increasingly busy work, recently he has indeed no longer had time to go around the division to chat let alone join in the gossip. For this reason, he also does not know about the latest developments, including the annual events that his office often holds.

"Normally, a warm-up event before the office's birthday," said Dinda, another colleague who was also there. "Last year the finance division was held. This year the HRD children will be assigned. They said the gathering location chosen this year was Bandung. I can't wait for them to hold any events."

"Most of all, camping together, bonfires, cooking together, then competing between divisions," Chacha added. "But the fun part this time is that you can bring your partner, right?"

Dinda and Clarissa both nodded.

"Yes, you can bring your partner, whether you want your husband or boyfriend, because there's a pairing competition too, I hear that."

"Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to a gathering with Jonathan," said Clarissa. The woman has indeed recently been close to the man of Chinese descent who also serves as the project manager at Palma.

"I'm just the same babe. I've also told you this morning." Dinda did not seem to want to lose. These two women are already used to competing with each other.

"For me, just go with you, Ariana," said Chacha. "I'm sorry for this single servant who doesn't have a partner to join this event."

She smiled. His smile looked real as if mocking. "Yes, look for a partner. It's not like Palma has a lot of guys in stock. From interns, juniors, seniors, to even bosses."

"I do not like to have an affair with people who work in the same scope as me."

"Why?"

Everyone simultaneously asked. Curious to hear the reasons Chacha will convey. As a woman who is competent and has a fairly high position in the office, it shouldn't be difficult for a woman with shoulder-length hair to find a partner. Moreover, his appearance is also above average.

"It's complicated. It will become the subject of gossip for all of you. Not to mention if you break up, talk about it like that."

Dinda and Clarissa laughed together. Once satisfied, it was their turn to glance at Ariana as if they were making her their next prey.

"You too, Ariana. You don't have a partner at this age yet. Hurry up and find a boyfriend. If you expire, you'll become an old maid, you know," Clarissa urged. But what the woman said instead sounded like a mockery.

"Yes, here. Ariana's standard for guys is tall. That's why I haven't had a partner until now."

Dinda, who at that time had just finished eating, helped fuel Clarissa's words. With a mouth full of food, he seemed to join in the provocation.

"In fact, looks are already okay. Good skills. Multitalent. Not to mention the position has already risen to the level of the boss's personal secretary too. It's a shame if everything becomes redundant because you don't have a partner."

"It's okay for all of you to talk!" said Chacha. "You guys don't know that Ariana already has a partner. Even your partners are nothing."

Ariana, who had been silent, immediately turned to Chacha. Immediately glared. A gesture so that his best friend doesn't need to be provoked by the chattering words of their two co-workers.

"Seriously Ariana has a partner? How come you never saw one?" Clarissa asked with a slight look. Sansi is right with what Chacha said.

"1000 russ in fact. If you know who Ariana's partner is, beuhhhh... I'm sure you will be dumbfounded alias Arianable to say anything."

Dinda, who had been consumed by Chacha's words, suddenly became curious. The woman leaned forward to hear more from her colleague.

"Who is Ariana's boyfriend? Spill, don't spill it, don't be a hoax. If you're just talking, I can do that too."

"Sorry morry strawberry. Who's a hoax? Just so you know, Ariana's partner ----"

Before Chacha had time to finish her sentence, Ariana had already tightly shut her best friend's mouth with her hand. Taking over the conversation, so Chacha doesn't let slip what's true.

"Ariana, what the hell, anyway!" Chacha protests. "Why don't you let me clean up what I said first. Let the poison snail duo not talk too much."

"Eh, but, well..." Clarissa cut in suddenly. "Rather than being curious about Ariana's partner, I'm more curious, will Mr. Samuel not come to the gathering tomorrow. This is the first event under his auspices. Last year, he just handed over the position. So it's still under Mrs. Arabella."

"Yeah, well," said Dinda. "Even if he comes, do you want to bring a partner or not? Or just come alone? Wow, our handsome boss. Why is it so hard to reach."

Chacha, who was excited at the time, immediately pinched Dinda's arm until the woman groaned. "You don't have to be a harlot. Remember! Our boss is already married. He already has a wife."

"But until this moment I don't know who his wife is, oh my God. It's really sneaky that he got married when the big bosses invited him," complained Dinda later.

"Besides, I'm too lazy to invite you, this time. At least it's only two thousand in envelopes. But try all the buffet menus one at a time."

"Damn it!"

"Just kidding, you!"

After having an absurd lunch with her friends, Ariana chose to return to the room. Just arrived, he was called by Samuel to check one of the work.

"I have emailed an example of work progress for Pakuwon. You study carefully how to fill it in. If you don't understand, don't ever be embarrassed to ask, because asking is free."

Ariana nodded. He understood the order as well as the explanation that Samuel gave. Before deciding to leave, Ariana chose to move closer. Take a standing position directly to the right of the man.

"What now?" asked Samuel. He started kissing like there was something she wanted to say.

"Tomorrow there is an office gathering."

"Continue?" replied the man with narrowed eyes.

"You're coming?"

Samuel shook her head. It was clear from his expression that he wasn't the least bit interested.

"No, ah! Tomorrow weekend I want to rest. This week I'm really tired of work."

"Yes, why don't you just join office events? Precisely by joining gatherings, you can relax later," Ariana asked, trying to persuade Samuel gently.

"No...no...I'm going to sleep." Samuel is still adamant about her decision. He really needs a lot of time to rest his body. After all, it's only two days. It's a loss if you don't use it.

"But you're the leader. Why don't you come? Aren't you the guest of honor?"

Samuel nodded. At each annual gathering event, leaders usually take the time to attend. Don't know how to greet. Participate in the opening or even participate in playing in the events held.

"Yes, I am indeed the guest of honor. But that's easy. I can order Axton to find a replacement. I'm not the only leader at Palma. It could be the head of the finance division, the head of HRD, or something else."

"So you're sure you're not coming?"

Again Samuel nodded. His resolve is Ariananimous. He would not be the least bit interested in coming and joining the event.

"But, if I join tomorrow's event, is that okay?" asked Ariana carefully. According to him, it's up to him if Samuel doesn't want to come. He, who had promised Chacha to join the event, would be uncomfortable if he suddenly canceled the plan.

"Just go. I've never banned you from attending office events. Besides, you have the right to do what you like."

Ariana smiled broadly. That means he has got the green light from Samuel. All that's left is the preparation, then tomorrow I will go with a group of other employees.

***

Early in the morning, with Chacha picking her up, Ariana left for the office. As soon as they arrived, they quickly ran to the tourist bus that Palma had prepared to transport all the employees to the place where the Gathering was being held.

After traveling overland for about two hours, Palma's group finally arrived at the Pine Forest Camp in the Lembang area. Once out, everyone gathered for a moment, heard the directions from the group leader, then started to go to each of the tents that had been prepared.

"After this event what?" Ariana asked Chacha who at that time was sitting on a tree trunk with Dinda, Clarissa, and several other female employees.

"He said he had lunch together at this camp restaurant. But wait for the greeting first from the leadership," explained Dinda.

"Who will give the welcoming speech? Mr. Samuel is said to be Arianable to attend, right?" she asked. All employees also know that Palma's leader will not come to the camp today.

"Yes, here. It's a shame Mr. Samuel didn't come. Even though I really wanted to see him wearing casual or sports clothes like that. Eh, he didn't even come."

"But the one who replaced him said the new vice chairman," chattered Chacha. The woman eventually took part in the conversation.

"Who is it?" Ariana asked curiously.

Chacha shrugged his shoulders. In fact, he was curious about who the new vice chairman would serve as accompanying Samuel in Palma in the future.

"I don't know either, we'll see in a minute."

Not long after that conversation, the deputy leader in question came to the camping area. Jump up on the stage to open the gathering event which will be held for the next two days.

"First of all, I thank you very much for the time and opportunity given to me. As the new vice chairman, representing Mr. Samuel Walters, I am Randa Adiaksa Walters hereby opening the gathering. Hopefully this event will benefit all employees. As well build cohesiveness and cooperation among colleagues.

Boisterous applause was heard after Randa got off the stage, including the rempong group which included Ariana and also her female friends. Of course, they were excited to see that the new deputy chairman of Palma was no less handsome than their current leader.

"It's crazy, if you're cute like this, it doesn't matter if Mr. Samuel doesn't come," Dinda joked. He was the most odd, indeed he acted like a worm when he saw Randa get off the stage and even went around greeting the employees one by one.

"Do you think you already have a partner or not, huh?"

"Even if you have one, you definitely don't like it," Chacha said so sharply.

The behavior of the female employees became increasingly out of control when Randa walked towards Ariana's group. Almost all female employees fix their hair or make up in order to attract the attention of their new boss.

"Ariana," said Randa kindly.

Ariana, who had been deliberately silent, immediately nodded respectfully. Reviewing a modest smile, then replied reluctantly.

"Yes sir."

"I thought you weren't coming to this event."

"I will definitely come, sir."

"Then who is your partner?"

Ariana immediately pointed at Chacha who was standing across from her. Chacha, sir.

"Ah, that's how it looks. Then have fun following the event. I hope you win all the competitions."

Finished saying those words, Randa walked away. The man didn't know, after the friendly greeting he did, Ariana was immediately attacked by her office mates with various kinds of questions filled with their curiosity.

"How do you know the new boss?" asked Dinda with narrowed eyes. Full of inquiry waiting for an answer what Ariana will convey to them.

"Yeah, it's just crazy that it's delivered right away. What practice can you reprimand the boss for that?" Clarissa joined in the comment. Anyway, the two of them were indeed befitting the title of poison snail duo.

"Secret. It all depends on each charity and worship," Ariana answered casually while laughing. Then away went to the dining area, preparing to eat lunch.

While in a different place, Ben seemed to visit Samuel at his house. There is one important report that must be signed by the narrow-eyed man.

"I have corrected and signed it. Now, you can immediately hand it over to the investor."

Bimbo nodded. The man then reached for the map that Samuel gave him. Having finished his task, the bespectacled man prepared to say goodbye.

But before actually leaving Samuel, I don't know what the wind was, suddenly Ben wanted to say something. Which of course made Samuel a little disturbed.

"Are you not joining today's Gathering?"

"No, Bim. I want to rest. Yesterday Ariana also invited me to attend."

"So, Miss Ariana went alone?"

Samuel nodded. In fact, he himself allowed his wife to go.

"Yes, he's allowed to go with Chacha."

"Do you know who is the substitute leader to open and oversee the event?"

Samuel immediately looked up. The man had a questioning expression.

"Who is it?"

Bimbo didn't answer. He grabbed his cell phone from his trouser pocket. Then the man showed something from his cellphone. An image that shows the closeness of a man to a woman he knows so well.

"Randa replace my job in Lembang?"

"Yes, sir," nodded Axton. Indeed, the photo of Randa reprimanding Ariana, he showed it to his boss.

"Damn it!" Samuel cursed. The man then got up. Turning around, intending to step into the room.

"Where are you going, father?" Axton wonder.

"Wanna change clothes. I want to go to Lembang. You, once you've finished taking care of this proposal, please send me straight to the gathering location. I don't want to, see Randa bothering Ariana like before."

Axton could only laugh. Samuel was very satisfied with the bait he gave. As soon as he got to the car, he immediately called someone. Report that the work given has been carried out properly.

Yesterday afternoon, I don't know what the wind was, suddenly Mrs. Arabella called Axton. The woman initially asked about the gathering event that would take place the next day.

"Bim, tomorrow the office will hold a Gathering with employees like the previous year?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Axton.

"Samuel inaugurated the event, right?"

"It should be Mr. Samuel. But it looks like he won't be there."

"Loh? How come?" asked Arabella inquiringly. According to the regulations, it should be the son who inaugurated the annual event.

"Mr. Samuel said he wanted to rest, madam. But as far as I remember, Mrs. Ariana joined the event with other friends."

"So you're saying Ariana left alone without Samuel?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Axton, nodding reflexively.

"Too much! Anyway, you arrange how to let Samuel accompany Ariana to the venue."

"Meaning, Mother?"

"Yes, you arrange it so that your boss has a reason to take his wife there. It's as good as he wants to let Ariana go alone. Or, later let me ask Randa to replace his position when he opens the event. Samuel really doesn't like to compete with her cousin from the beginning. "

"Then, what's my next task, ma'am?"

"You just sent someone to watch over Ariana while there. If you find the right moment, tell them to take a photo and show it to Samuel."

Because of this assignment, Ben found an excuse so he could visit Samuel's house. Luckily there was one report that the man had to sign right away.

"Good afternoon, Miss Arabella."

"Yes, Axton, how about it? Have you done the task I gave you?"

"As ordered, ma'am. And succeeded as you wish."

"That's good. It's your own fault, your wife went far away but you let her. All right, you finish the job that Samuel gave you, then send her there. Report anything she did while in Lembang," Arabella ordered.

"Ready mom."

Meanwhile, at the campsite, after finishing lunch and briefing the program for approximately 40 minutes, all employees were free to walk around. The main event actually just started this afternoon until evening.

Ariana herself chose to take a walk to the flower garden. While other friends seemed busy chatting with their respective partners.

While sitting for a long time on the edge of the garden, Ariana chose to enjoy the flower beds while closing her eyes. Then, not long after, he heard someone join in to sit next to him.

"Can I join?"

Ariana immediately opened her eyes. As soon as he turned, he found Randa already sitting next to him casually.

"Yes, sir. Please sit down. This is free."

Randy laughed. The man then spoke again.

"Don't call me father. Just call Randa. I seem to be the same age as you. Samuel is really old."

Laughter immediately broke off from Ariana's lips. She knew that her husband had an age gap of about five years from her.

"Samuel didn't join the gathering?" asked Randy again. The man seemed to be deliberately looking for chatter so he could sit with Ariana for a long time.

"He said he wanted to rest."

"How could Samuel, a wife as beautiful as this, be allowed to go alone. Aren't you afraid of being kidnapped by a forest animal?"

"If it's a real animal, I'm not worried. But if it's a land crocodile like you, I need to be careful."

Randa and Ariana were immediately flabbergasted. As soon as they turned to the right, they found Samuel's figure who seemed to be standing with a face of disapproval.