Samuel let out an exasperated breath. Next to him was Valerie, hanging on affectionately, occasionally landing a soft kiss on the man's cheek. Valerie was deliberately seduced. She is doing this so that Samuel's emotions would not be re-ignited over the important decision he had just made.

Samuel Walters, or Samuel himself, is a man of Italian descent who is the only child of Alfonso and Arabella Walters. He is an Architect who only recently ascended the throne to become the chairman of Pacific Palace, a multinational company engaged in the property sector.

In recent years, Samuel has been in a relationship with Valerie Anastasia, a model. Ironically, during dating, Samuel has not once managed to bring Valerie to be introduced to her parents.

"Come on, dear Samuel. You know that next month is my scheduled for a European tour," Valerie sighed in a spoiled voice. His hand then reached out, gently caressing the chest of the man who had been his lover for a long time. "How can I cancel a schedule that has been arranged neatly? What's left, I will be labelled as an unprofessional model."

"This isn't the first time you refuse to meet Mama, Valerie."

Samuel glared disapprovingly. If you remember, Valerie never met her parents during a relationship. "Besides..." Samuel continued. "Earlier, you speculated that you wanted to attend Mama's birthday party. Why are you breaking your promise now?" The man turned and slapped Valerie's wrist, which was attached to his body.

"It's not that I don't want to, let alone break a promise." Valerie immediately shook her head. "But the timing isn't always right, honey. This time, your mother's birthday party coincided with my schedule to perform in Paris. I've always had a big dream to perform on the stage of Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, and Hermes."

Samuel chuckled. The look of disappointment became more evident on his handsome face. He should have realized that having a lover of a famous model is certainly not easy. Not to mention Valerie's flying hours are increasing, making it very difficult to share her free time.

"Then how do I explain it to Mama? She must be disappointed that I failed to bring you to meet the whole Walters family again."

"Honey..." Valerie brought her hands back to cup Samuel's face. Gently stroked the man's jaw, which was overgrown with fine hair. "Please. Just this once. I promise, at the next meeting or party, I will come to meet your parents. But this time, please. Could you permit me to do what I aspire to? You're not the one who always promised to support all my activities?"

Samuel didn't flinch. Taking a deep breath, the man soon only muttered a little.

"Hopefully, there's still a chance for you to meet Mama."

Valerie pulled the corners of her lips into a smile. She anchored an intense kiss without awkwardly approaching the lover's face. Keep on flirting until Samuel melts and finally retaliates.

***

Samuel massaged his forehead, which was throbbing in pain. Mother's birthday party will take place soon. Unfortunately, until now, he has not found a good reason regarding a partner who is again impossible to bring.

Samuel realized his parents, especially his mother, would be disappointed again. But what can I do? He had tried his best and even begged Valerie to come home for a while to Indonesia. Unfortunately, his efforts still failed. Seeing the giddy Samuel, Axton, the assistant, felt anxious. The man even ventured to rebuke the figure who had served as his boss for a long time.

"Mr Samuel looks crumpled. What do you think about important things?" asked Axton cautiously.

Samuel looked up. The man took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He tried so hard to get rid of the tightness in his chest. "This is about Valerie, Axton. I guess I failed to bring her to meet Mama this time," he complained.

"So, Mr Samuel previously planned to introduce Mrs Valerie to Mrs Arabella?" asked Axton to confirm. Samuel immediately nodded languidly. His demeanour is precisely that of someone who is not passionate about life. Never before had Axton seen his boss as grumpy as he was now.

During this time, he knew Samuel was an energetic figure who was always enthusiastic about dealing with anything. Even the pressure at work has never made him dizzy, let alone to the point of stress.

"What should I do, Axton? Mama must be very disappointed. I failed to bring my partner to an important family event for the umpteenth time. How long ago was I given a warning? He didn't want a luxurious gift, but I wanted to take my future wife there."

Axton felt how nervous Samuel was feeling. He subconsciously thought about what kind of solution could help him whack his boss. Not long ago, a crazy idea emerged from his brain.

"Sir..." Axton called. Why doesn't Mr Samuel try to find a replacement wife instead? Samuel gasped at Axton's words. The next thing he did was protest. "I love Valerie, Axton. How can I be told to find a replacement wife."

"It's not what you think," Axton squeaked. The man hastily clarified before Samuel misunderstood.

"So what do you mean? If you speak clearly, Axton. So that I don't misunderstand."

Axton, who had been standing, immediately pulled the chair before Samuel's desk. Sat there, then began to explain.

"Look, sir. Why don't you find another woman to be your future wife for one night? Mrs Arabella won't be disappointed to see you come to the birthday party without bringing a single partner."

"One-night wife-to-be?"

"Yes, sir. For the night. Specially accompanying you to meet Miss Arabella."

Samuel was silent. His mind immediately wandered somewhere. Take into account what Axton had just said. He wondered if he should do what his assistant suggested.

"But this is the same as lying to my parents and extended family, Axton."

Axton immediately nodded. "Yes, instead of disappointing them, it's the same sin, sir. After all, this is only temporary. Later, in the future, you will make reasons why you suddenly broke up or separated. While waiting for Mrs Valerie to return to Indonesia, I'll bring this pretend couple first to face Mrs Arabella."

Samuel rubbed his chin gently. He was again digesting the advice Axton made to him. There was no safe choice but to follow his assistant's advice.

"Ok, let's say I agree; who do you think is the right candidate for me to be a temporary wife? Then where should I look for her? Because honestly, I don't have much free time to look for myself," he complained.

Axton rolled his eyes. Thinking carefully, then before long, the man snapped his fingers in the air while speaking excitedly.

"It seems I know the right woman to accompany Mr Samuel to Mrs Arabella's birthday party."

Samuel immediately raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Who is it?"

"Ariana Grey. The woman who has just been appointed as your private secretary," Axton answered confidently.