Chapter 45

Yesterday, Samuel was silent all day because she was focused on thinking of ways to solve the problem that was happening. As for today, starting to wake up, Samuel noticed, Ariana who looked a lot silent like someone who wasn't passionate about doing anything.

If I may guess, the look on his wife's face has changed since last night. Pulling further back, he made sure his wife looked sad after the return of her parents.

Of course Samuel was worried. On the other hand, feeling bad too. Because what happened to Ariana at this time started from her actions.

"What are you thinking about?" said Samuel, then approached Ariana who was sitting in front of the dressing table. Bending slightly to kiss the top of his wife's head briefly.

"I'm fine," said Ariana simply. It was as if he was trying to cover up what he was feeling right now.

"Lies. From your face, it's clear that you're dizzy thinking about something."

Samuel then grabbed Ariana's shoulder. Asked his wife to change her sitting position to face him directly. Grabbing the woman's chin, to look directly at her.

"Why, honey? Since last night I noticed you were quiet a lot. What are you thinking about? Don't you want to tell me?"

Ariana pulled the corners of her lips into a small smile. He grabbed Samuel's right hand and squeezed it gently. She really likes it when her husband pays more attention, especially to worry about her like now. Trying very hard to be a protector and make sure Ariana's condition will always be fine.

"I feel guilty for Mama, Ken," Ariana sighed softly. Ariana's expression was so sad, hinting that the woman was so sad. "It's like he's really angry with both of us. To be honest, I don't care about reputation, good name, or whatever. I just want Mama's attitude to be warm again to us both."

Samuel smiled back. Pulling Ariana's wrist, inviting his wife to move to sit on the sofa.

"Don't take Mama's words to heart last night. Seriously, Mama is the type of person who forgives easily. Tomorrow, she will be nice to us again."

Ariana let out a long sigh. Even though Samuel tried to calm her down, she still felt uncomfortable. It's like something is blocking it and it feels like it's hard to lose before it's resolved or resolved.

"I just feel guilty for lying to you, Mama, Ken. In fact, all this time Mama really loves me."

Ariana's face dropped again. He was really concerned about the change in Arabella's attitude who seemed annoyed and cold towards him last night.

So far, since being close to Samuel, Ariana admits that Arabella is the most welcome figure. Not in the least bit concerned about his status as an orphan and came from an orphanage. If you think about it, where is there a conglomerate that wants to marry off their offspring to a woman from a low class like herself.

However, Arabella was very different. Like a biological child, her in-laws treat her like a queen. Given abundant material. Even sincere affection that he never felt from his parents.

That was why, when last night saw Arabella looking sour for the first time in person, Ariana's heart immediately sank. He really thought. Feeling guilty too. Even trying to think, how to make her mother-in-law willing to forgive and return to being warm like before.

"Well, don't worry about it," Samuel pleaded again. Ariana realized that she was still thinking about it, she was the one who was feeling uncomfortable.

"From the start, I was wrong because I was forced and involved you directly in the game I made," explained Samuel. He did not in the least deny that everyone blamed him and made him the culprit of all the chaos that occurred.

"But, now we both have lived this marriage properly," Samuel continued later. "Our marriage now is no longer a lie, let alone a setting like what the media has accused. I know you are worried. It's just that, once again I assure you, I will overcome everything that happened soon."

Seeing Samuel's great faith, Ariana of course supported whatever steps her husband was taking. If necessary, he will also volunteer to help, so that all problems that occur can be resolved immediately.

After believing that his wife's heart was starting to feel calm, Samuel then invited Ariana to immediately go down to the dining room. Made the woman warm milk and at the same time handed out the chocolate filled bread that his wife often ate. Making sure that this morning Ariana had eaten her full breakfast, then the two of them both headed for the office.

***

Samuel and Ariana had just arrived at the Palma building. As soon as he got out of the car, Samuel himself was immediately led by Axton and Randa to immediately go to the office auditorium to prepare for the press conference. Meanwhile, Ariana, the woman chose to go into her room for a moment to retrieve some documents that were needed for the press conference later.

Walking through the main lobby and atrium of the building, Ariana certainly passed and even met many Palma employees. Not infrequently they throw a cynical glance. In fact, when he was about to walk to the elevator, someone deliberately blocked him, just to invite him to talk.

"Ariana, how does it feel to be the contract wife of a big boss? It must be expensive, right?" said one of the female employees who Ariana knew came from the finance division.

"What kind of pellets do you use to get Mr. Samuel to be his pretend wife? Share the recipe, please," quipped another.

"At least it's Ariana who seduces Mr. Samuel. That's why he's chosen to be a contract wife."

Ariana tried to ignore. Not in the least heed the harsh sarcasm directed at him. It's just lazy to actually make a fuss. He thought that if he listened to what his co-workers said, it would only be a waste of time and energy.

"By the way, Ariana. Give clarification to all of us. What method did you use to make Mr. Samuel's wife last night? We also want to learn so we can be as successful as you."

"Alah, at least Ariana sold her body to the big boss. That's why she was chosen. Logically, if you want to look for something prettier and sexier, there are plenty of them in Palma."

Her ears hot hearing the irresponsible chatter from her co-workers, Ariana's emotions were finally hooked. Turning around, the woman immediately grabbed her shirt collar and then pushed the body of one of the male colleagues who had just been babbling and cornered her with baseless accusations. Ariana thought, this man with a squishy mouth should be given a proper lesson.

"Your mouth and the mouths of all of you who like to be sarcastic here, please take care of it, okay! You think I can't beat you all up?" Ariana said with a fiery face. If you only beat people, Ariana certainly can. It's a waste of the taekwondo black belt he got in middle school, not using it to beat up people who were clearly being rude to him.

"You need to remember carefully," Ariana continued no less fiercely. "In Palma there are indeed many who are prettier, sexier, and more material than me. However, those who are more polite, empathetic and smarter, it seems there are no other candidates besides me." Sure the woman then. "And lastly, what you must know. I don't care that at this point you want to talk or accuse me of all kinds. But remember, once this problem is over, those of you who were busy gossiping and making fun of my fate even deliberately spread slander, get ready. will be blacklisted as the first employee I recommend for immediate dismissal."

Ariana's words instantly made the employees who had been so loudly sarcastic and insulted her guts immediately shrink. The ridiculing face that was clearly visible before, now turned pale white mixed with deep fear.

Seeing them start to get scared, Ariana smiled with satisfaction. With grace, the woman left the crowd of idiots who had insulted her earlier.

After arriving at the room and getting the documents she was looking for, Ariana decided to immediately go after Samuel. The man was now in the auditorium. Get ready to hold a press conference.

Convinced that all the board of commissioners and all the media crew had gathered in the room, Samuel immediately stood up from her seat. Walk towards the pulpit at the front of the room, then ask everyone present to listen to what he will explain.

Actually, according to Ariana, what happened to Samuel was a personal matter that could only be discussed internally within the family.

However, because this news is disseminated through the media. Like it or not, everyone knows. Not to mention the position that Samuel holds is a leader whose existence is very calculated. If he is involved in a scandal that ends up causing a stir in the wider community, the company's board of commissioners has the right to intervene and even impose sanctions for all the chaos that this man has caused.

Samuel, with all her courage, recounted the chronology one by one, from the first time she met Ariana to finally making her a contract wife. He also shared all kinds of business goals until he finally felt comfortable and then asked Ariana to become a real wife without the need for a binding contract like before.

It's hard for Samuel to convince everyone, such as the board of commissioners, high-ranking officials, to representatives of Pakuwon and also the media. So much evidence is shown to support the information he conveyed today.

In fact, Ariana and the notary who made their marriage agreement also helped give testimony that afternoon. Samuel did everything to clear her and Ariana's good name.

"I admit, what I have done is not commendable and is not at all worthy of an example. With all humility, I apologize to the entire board of commissioners of Palma as well as Pakuwon and the wider public who may feel aggrieved for what I have done. What is certain, from this point onwards, my marriage with Ariana is not a sham or a setup as alleged. Even if the company's top officials object to me continuing to serve as leader, I am ready to resign at any time and hand this position back to someone more entitled and competent."

Of course, everyone in the auditorium jumped in shock after hearing the bold decision that Samuel had just made. It's not uncommon for someone to salute because it's such a man's responsibility to solve problems. Also, there are also those who still criticize and even suggest that the man be punished.

"According to Mr. Samuel, with the spread of this slanted news, is there someone who doesn't like you and deliberately spreads this hot gossip to the wider public?" asked one of the media representatives when entering the question and answer session.

"Actually, I already have one name in my pocket," Samuel replied. "It's just that I need strong evidence to prosecute or if necessary sue him immediately so he can be sent to prison."

"For example, the Chief of Palma decides for you to step down from your current position, will Mr. Samuel simply accept his decision? Or maybe you want to appeal?"

Samuel just smiled. In fact, whether he wants to be the leader of Palma or not, he believes he can still live by running other businesses without having to rely on existing privileges or facilities.

"If the fuss I cause is deemed to have tarnished the good name of the company and can no longer be forgiven, I am prepared to step down. I will even be held accountable for what I have done," the man answered confidently and loudly.

Meanwhile, in separate places, Rama and Valerie, who had just finished watching Samuel's press conference from behind the television, seemed to be getting ready. The two of them returned to strategize, what actions should they take after this to destroy Samuel and then seize what the man currently has.