Chapter 29

Since Samuel officially announced the status of her relationship with Ariana, it has never been heard of skewed gossip circulating among Palma employees or employees. Even Ariana's relationship with her co-workers is also getting better as before.

No more oblique gossip or sarcasm heard in the office environment. In fact, Dinda and Clarissa, who initially wanted Samuel to give punishment, were finally forgiven with the note of making a letter of agreement not to repeat their actions.

Meanwhile, Axton, who was assigned to find the mastermind behind the uproar that had occurred in Palma, was finally able to get the number that first uploaded photos of Samuel and Ariana to the office WhatsApp group. It's just that, when I wanted to investigate further, the number had been deactivated. This made it difficult for Axton to trace the location of the sender.

I'm sorry because until now I haven't been able to find out who actually took and then sent the photo that was excited yesterday, sir," said Axton regretfully while in the leadership room.

Samuel, who at that time was reading the news from her tablet, just nodded. Finished sipping the coffee in his cup, the man then gave a response.

"Okay, no need to worry too much, Bim. After all, all employees already know that Ariana is my wife, not a mistress as they accuse."

"Then, you don't want to make an official statement to the media about who Mr. Samuel's wife really is? A kind of official introduction. Because so far, the public is still wondering who and where your wife came from."

Samuel shook her head. He was not the least bit interested in what Axton said.

"No need," Samuel shook her head. "I'm not an artist or a high-ranking official who has to make statements or clarifications. Let the media know for themselves who my wife is. Most importantly, don't let the secret about Ariana, who turns out to be a temporary wife, be revealed to the public."

Axton understand about this one. It is indeed dangerous if someone leaks to the media that the marriage that Samuel and Ariana are currently undergoing is just a marriage that is deliberately designed for business purposes.

"You don't intend to make Miss Ariana a real wife?" asked Axton carefully.

Samuel even looked up. Swallowing a smile, the man replied casually.

"Ariana is too cold for me to get cold easily, Bim."

"Sir!" said Axton when Samuel even said a ridiculous sentence.

"We'll see how it develops. In the past, I thought Ariana was an annoying barbarian. But after getting married, living together and getting to know her better, she's not as bad as I thought."

"If I pay attention, the chemistry between Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Ariana has merged. Seen from any angle, it is very suitable and fitting."

"Don't forget, he also brought hockey," continued Samuel. "You must not forget that several large companies suddenly offered to become partners because they wanted to follow in Pakuwon's footsteps. Ariana's presence indirectly brought many benefits. No wonder Mama forced me to marry Ariana immediately. Mama said her feelings never went wrong. if you choose something of value."

"That's why, sir. In my opinion, there's nothing to lose if Mr. Samuel really establishes a real relationship and household with Mrs. Ariana. After all, the marriage you are having is legally and religiously valid."

Samuel nodded repeatedly. Because of Ben's words on this one, he had his own thoughts about making Ariana his real wife.

Actually, it doesn't matter either. After all, they both do not have a partner with each other. Samuel himself had ended the relationship he had previously had with Valerie. So, just make sure to Ariana, whether the woman agrees or is willing to have a serious relationship. Not pretend or temporary.

Meanwhile, outside the room, Chacha was seen stopping by Ariana's desk. The beautiful woman looks serious in inviting her friend to talk about something that is so interesting.

"Come on, Ariana. You have to go. Never mind, I'm coming to the reunion myself."

Ariana who was typing looked focused. It was as if he didn't care in the least to hear Chacha's whining that forced him to come to the reunion of his college friends which would be held tomorrow afternoon at a well-known restaurant.

"I'm not interested, Cha. You can go alone."

"Later there will be Angga, you know."

Ariana immediately chuckled. Instantly, he immediately became annoyed when he was reminded of the figure of Angga, who incidentally was Ariana's former lover. The relationship between the two foundered because Angga was caught having an affair with a woman who was clearly Ariana's college friend.

"Precisely because I know that Angga will be there. That's why I'm not interested."

Chacha leaned closer. Embrace Ariana. Once again seducing his best friend to agree to come along.

"Just this once, Ariana."

"Why are you so desperate, huh?"

"I want to meet Andrew. You know, since my college days, I really wanted to be close to him but it never happened. Just so you know, I deliberately didn't date until this moment because I still hoped to be close to him. And yesterday, I got the info from gc WA alumni, if he has returned from abroad. Who knows, until now he is still single."

Ariana let out a lazy breath. I just found out the obvious reason why his best friend chose to be single. It turned out that there was a man she had been waiting for a long time. What a waste of time.

"No, anyway I'm not interested. Just so you know, I'm the lazy to go to events like that."

"Why?" Chacha asked curiously.

"Most of the reunions are for Flexing events. 10% of the contents are hospitality, 20% charity, 70% is filled with competition to show off work, spouse, achievements and wealth."

Chacha nodded. Actually, what Ariana said was true. Nowadays, reunions are often used as a place to show off achievements. But more than that, there were things that made Chacha so enthusiastic about wanting to attend the event.

"It's just stupid to watch them show off. After all, your position is high. In terms of the boss's wife."

"Temporary wife," Ariana corrected.

"Okay, just ask Mr. Samuel to make you a real wife. If I look around, it seems that Mr. Samuel really likes you."

Ariana laughed. Think what Chacha said was a joke.

"How can Mr. Samuel be with me, Cha. He once said that I was not his type."

"In that case, it's just a matter of self-actualization. Besides, you're beautiful, smart, multitalent. Even in Palma, there are a lot of people who have a crush on you."

Ariana did not respond to Chacha's words anymore. Choosing to continue his work until not long after, Samuel appeared who had just left the room.

"Chacha! Office hours haven't finished yet, why do you really like hanging out in my secretary's room?" asked Samuel.

"A-anu, sir. I ---"

"Who is it? Why are you talking dirty?"

"No, sir. It's not like that. I was asked by Pak Aslan to deliver the files here. Eh, keep on talking. I'm going back to the room now."

After saying that, Chacha hurriedly left. I'm afraid that Samuel will get angry and even question her habit of wandering around all this time.

"Okay, afternoon. Let's go home," Samuel said.

"Wait a minute, I'll clean up a little more work."

"But let's stop at Mama's house first, OK?" Samuel continued later.

"For what purpose? Very unusual."

Samuel shrugged her shoulders. He really didn't know what business his mother had asked him to come home from work to stop briefly at the Walters extended family's residence.

"Mama wants to share the inheritance," said the man casually.

"You bastard!"

"I really don't know, Ariana. At least I'm invited to have dinner together."

After finishing waiting for his wife to finish work, Samuel immediately took Ariana to the residence of her parents. When they arrived, it turned out that the man's suspicions were correct. Arabella really wanted to invite her son and daughter-in-law to have dinner together.

"Samuel thought he had something important to stop by. It turned out to be just dinner," the man complained when he and Ariana were sitting together in the dining room.

"Having dinner together is also Samuel's important thing. So that our family relationship remains warm. After all, it's not every day. It's not wrong for Mama to ask to meet you and Ariana once a week."

"Yeah, that's not wrong either," said the man.

"How are you doing, Samuel? Are you doing well so far?"

Alfonso, who was eating his dinner, also asked about the progress of the job and the company managed by his son.

"So far it's under control, Pa. Next week the progress of the tender with Pakuwon will begin," Samuel explained casually.

"Then, you and Ariana, when are you going to give Mama your grandchildren? Didn't you promise?"

While eating the fruit salad in front of her, Arabella threw out the ultimate question. It's a pleasure to bombard his son and daughter-in-law with questions that are difficult to answer.

"Mama should have addressed that question to Ariana. Ask Mama's favorite daughter-in-law, when is she ready for children. Samuel, whenever she's on standby. The other day, Samuel also asked her to make dp children or at least test it first. But she still thinks a lot ."

Ariana looked up at him with a sharp gaze. He really wanted to pounce on Samuel who arbitrarily cornered him.

"Come on, Ariana, when are you going to give Mama grandchildren? Don't you pity Mama who is getting older and older."

Ariana could only scratch her eyebrows that didn't itch. I'm confused because I don't know what to answer. Just crazy for children with Samuel.

"Or not, just like this..." Arabella continued. "Next week, Samuel has an overseas business trip scheduled. You come with me, let's all go on a second honeymoon. Later, you will bring your future grandson back to Mama."

Arabella's words immediately made Ariana choke. Samuel even helped hand out water to his wife to drink immediately so she wouldn't cough again.

"When you eat, read a prayer, dear," said Samuel, affectionately. Then the man's gaze turned to Arabella.

"For the child, use a process, Ma. How can one set of one set be made right away."

"Yes, that's why, when you're working overseas, Mama wants you to take Ariana with you. So you don't have an LDR and you can concentrate on her child."

"Okay. Samuel will ask Axton to take care of everything."

Arabella smiled broadly. It's great that Samuel immediately complied with her request. Meanwhile Ariana stared in horror. Can't imagine what it will be like when you go abroad alone with Samuel.

"That's it. You hurry up and eat Samuel. You've been eating it for a while."

"Haven't been told by Ayang Ariana, Ma."

Ariana immediately turned around. That second also pinched Samuel with exasperation.

"Since you're done, now feed me please. A good wife is like that. Feed her husband something to eat."

Ariana rolled her eyes in embarrassment. Annoyed himself saw Samuel's behavior, which seemed to be deliberately making fun of her in front of Arabella and also Alfonso.

***

"Where are you going so pretty?"

Samuel, who was sitting watching television at that time, stared in surprise at Ariana. From his eyes, he saw how his wife looked beautifully dressed as if she was going to an event.

Today is indeed Sunday. Samuel herself after exercising and eating breakfast chose to relax for a while while watching the news on TV.

"I'm allowed to go with Chacha, okay?" squeaked Ariana. Even though she was sure that it would be allowed, Ariana felt uncomfortable if her husband didn't have permission.

"Where are you going with Chacha?" Samuel inquired. He became curious, what kind of event did his wife go to to dress up like this.

"Going to a college friends reunion in Wolfgang."

Samuel's eyebrows knit together. I just found out that Ariana is interested in going to events which she thinks are a waste of time.

"Are you sure you want to go to the reunion? Most of all you guys are there to gossip a lot," Samuel accused.

"It's just delicious. I'm not giddy. I'm just reviewing people's behavior," Ariana said casually.

"Well, it's the same. You will definitely meet your ex there, right? Then say hello. Exchange cell numbers, uh, PDKT, continue CLBK. In the end, the ex even asked to come back."

Ariana glared. Disagree with what Samuel said. It's nice to go to a reunion to say hello to your ex. How can he reprimand Angga who has clearly hurt him.

"The ex asked to come back? Strawberry mango donut. Sorry, I'm not interested. It's just nice to get back with an ex who is a cheater! It's a loss."

Samuel laughed and shook her head. He had run out of words to respond to Ariana's words.

"Then what time will you be home? Not until evening, right?"

"No, really. Don't worry. At least it'll be five o'clock in the afternoon. Are you going out with Axton yourself?"

Samuel nodded. Today he already had an appointment to go out with his assistant. "Yeah, I'll be out at two or three later

"Okay then, I'll go first. Chacha has already picked me up outside. See you this afternoon."

Arriving at the restaurant, as expected Ariana, many of her college friends had gathered. Some are currently a banker, project manager, entrepreneur. There are even those who become celebrities, socialites, and no less interesting being the sugar baby of big businessmen.

"You two from college days until now haven't changed, have you?" Indriana scolded Chacha and Ariana. She, who works as a socialite, looked the most excited about her appearance that afternoon. Born to the son of a gold medalist, Indriana has loved wearing layers of jewelery since her university days, to the extent that one campus has been nicknamed a mobile gold shop.

"Yeah, how about that. Me and Chacha are not power rangers who can change," Ariana joked casually.

"So where do you work now?" asked Danisa who works as a senior manager of one of the well-known start-up companies in Indonesia.

"In Palma Palace," Chacha answered. "Because we've always been soulmates, so we work in the same place too."

"No wonder," said Maria. "Surely your destiny will be the same.

Ariana swallowed a smile. Still holding back from getting emotional over the sarcasm-wrapped remarks that his friends had been throwing.

After enjoying the meal, an hour passed with insignificant activities. Ariana and Chacha just kept listening to the pointless chatter that their friends were discussing. 80% of them all discuss about their partner and possessions. Chacha's words were true, he really wanted to show off to everyone in the restaurant that his partner was no less great, maybe even the greatest among the others.

Silence continued to watch, Ariana's face turned uncomfortable. Suddenly, two familiar figures appeared.

There is Angga and also Andrew who joined. The two approached, then kissed each of their partners without the slightest awkwardness. From there, Ariana knew that her ex-boyfriend had now changed to another partner. In the past, Angga was caught having an affair with Velicia. This time, the man seemed to be in a relationship with Denisa.

Chacha, who was in Ariana's palace, was even shocked. She did not expect that Andrew, whom she had had a crush on, was already in a relationship with Maria, who works as a doctor.

"Hello, Ariana," said Angga. The man smiled meaningfully. It seemed so happy to be able to meet Ariana again after such a long time. "How are you?"

"Very good," said Ariana briefly.

"How? Do you have a boyfriend? Or maybe you're already married?" asked Angga then. From the tone of his voice, it sounded like someone who was deliberately sarcastic or mocking.

"It is none of your business."

"How is it possible that Ariana has a partner, Ga," said Denisa. "As far as I know, her only boyfriend is you. It's a shame even though she says she's beautiful. Even now she works at Palma. As far as I know Palma's guys are cute and cool. But it seems like Chacha and Ariana really don't have a partner there."

"Don't pretend to know," Chacha said gleefully. He who started to ignite emotions immediately threw a look of disapproval. "You guys don't know that Ariana's partner has nothing with you."

"Ah, so Ariana already has a partner?" asked Angga to make sure. "Why not invited here?"

"Don't be shy, Cha."

"You think I'm kidding?" said Chacha. The woman's voice rose.

"Yes, where is the proof?" If there is no proof, how can we all believe it?

"If you just talk or pretend, I can too." Denisa also chimed in. "The boss, Palma, was my ex when I was in college."

Chacha looked at Ariana. Giving the code so that his friend was not silent.

"Come on, where's the proof? You can't prove it right?"

"Dear .... "

When everyone was looking at Ariana and Chacha with a look full of pettiness and intimidation, from another direction a man appeared who was none other than Samuel and Axton.

Like a hero sent to save a royal princess who was in danger, the two of them immediately approached where Ariana and Chacha were sitting. The intimate call that Samuel had made earlier of course distracted everyone who was there.

"Sorry I'm late picking up," he continued later.

Angga who was curious of course immediately asked. He was surprised himself with the figure of a man who suddenly came and immediately called out to Ariana.

"Sorry, who are you two?"

Samuel took off her mask first. After successfully showing off his handsome face, the slant-eyed man immediately offered his hand.

"Samuel Walters. Ariana Grey's husband. Owner of Palma Palace," said Samuel firmly and emphatically. "You must be Ariana's former cheater, right? Since we met each other, I want to thank you. Because if you didn't cheat, maybe I wouldn't be Ariana's husband now."

"No way. This must be a lie," exclaimed Denisa. "Ariana can't possibly marry the owner of Palma Palace."

Samuel averted her eyes. Smiling and then talking again. "Whether you believe it or not, it doesn't matter to me and Ariana."

Samuel then thrust her hand towards Ariana. Invited his wife to immediately leave the restaurant.

"Thank you very much for inviting Ariana to this insignificant event," Samuel said before leaving. "Don't worry, I have paid for all the food that you ordered and ate today. Think of it as an introduction from me as Ariana's husband."

After speaking at length, Samuel immediately pulled Ariana out. Even, Axton also did the same thing. The man asked Chacha to leave the restaurant immediately.

Upon arriving at the restaurant lobby, Ariana stopped for a moment to clarify something.

"How come you're so suddenly here? And it's just the right time to appear when I was being attacked by the poison snail gang earlier?"

"Feeling. Maybe it's because we are of one heart, time."

Ariana chuckled. Even though he was seriously asking.

"Could it be you deliberately tail me?"

Samuel just smiled. The man didn't even answer what Ariana asked.

"But whatever it is, thanks. You came just in time. I'm so pleased to see that they all stared blankly because they couldn't fight you."

"You're welcome, there's no need to be shy. Isn't it the husband's job to protect his wife?"

Ariana gasped. Samuel's words just now caused a strange shiver in his heart. Somehow, he felt very flattered. As if Samuel said that sincerely.

"Yes, that's it. Let's go home. But let's ride a motorbike, okay? Ben and I did go on a motorbike together."

"You can drive a motorbike?"

"Yes, you can. I've been told, I'm too perfect for a husband. What can I not do in this world."

Ariana just smiled. Lazy also serves her husband who is always narcissistic at every opportunity.

"If you're scared, don't be shy about hugging," Samuel teased when he and Ariana were already on the motorbike. "I'm sincere physically and mentally. After all, my body is huggable, really."