Chapter 1

Samuel let out an exasperated sigh. Next to him, Valerie was snuggling affectionately, occasionally planting gentle kisses on the man's cheek. Valerie deliberately seduced him, doing this to prevent Samuel's emotions from being reignited over the recent important decision he had just made.

Samuel Walters, or Samuel himself, was a British descendant and the only child of Argadana and Arabella Walters. He was an architect who had recently risen to the helm of Pasific Palace, a multinational property company, just a year ago.

In recent years, Samuel had been in a relationship with Valerie Annastasia, a professional model. Ironically, during their time together, Valerie had never managed to persuade Samuel to introduce her to his parents.

"Come on, Samuel. You know that next month is my schedule for a European tour," Valerie sighed with a coy voice. Her hand then reached out, gently caressing the chest of the man who had been her boyfriend for a long time. "I can't cancel a well-planned schedule. All that will do is label me as an unprofessional model."

"The problem is, this isn't the first time you've refused to meet Mama, Valerie," Samuel frowned in displeasure. When he thought about it, Valerie had never met his parents during their relationship. "Moreover..." Samuel continued. "You were the one who speculated about attending Mama's birthday party before. Why are you breaking your promise now?" He turned and brushed Valerie's hand away from his body.

"It's not that I don't want to, let alone break my promise," Valerie immediately shook her head. "But it's always the timing that doesn't work out, my love. Even this time, Mama's birthday coincides with my appearance in Paris. You know, I've always had a big dream to perform on the stages of Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, and especially Hermes."

Samuel sighed. The disappointment on his handsome face became even more apparent. He should have realized that having a famous model as a girlfriend was not easy. Valerie's increasingly busy schedule made it difficult for her to find free time.

"What should I do to explain to Mama then? She will definitely be disappointed because, once again, I can't bring you to meet the entire Walters extended family."

"Darling..." Valerie brought both her hands to cup Samuel's face, gently caressing his jawline covered in fine hairs. "Please, just this once. I promise, at the next gathering or party, I will definitely come to meet your parents. But this time, please. Allow me to do what I've always dreamed of. Didn't you promise to support all my endeavors?"

Samuel hesitated. He took a deep breath and then mumbled softly, "I hope there will still be a chance for you to meet Mama."

Valerie curled the corner of her lips into a smile. Without hesitation, she leaned in towards her boyfriend's face, planting a deep and intense kiss. She continued to tease Samuel until he finally gave in and responded.

***

Samuel massaged his throbbing forehead. His mother's birthday party was approaching, and unfortunately, he hadn't found a suitable reason for his partner, who once again couldn't be brought along.

Samuel was aware that his parents, especially his mother, would be disappointed once again. But what else could he do? He had tried his best, even pleading with Valerie to return to Indonesia for just a brief visit. Unfortunately, his efforts had still failed.

Seeing Samuel in distress, his assistant, Axel, felt anxious. He even mustered the courage to address his long-standing superior.

"It looks like you're really troubled, Mr. Samuel. Are you thinking about something important?" Axel asked cautiously.

Samuel raised his head. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to dispel the tightness in his chest.

"It's about Valerie, Axel. I think I failed again to bring her to meet Mama this time," he lamented.

"So, Mr. Samuel, were you planning to introduce Ms. Valerie to Mrs. Arabella?" Axel asked to confirm.

Samuel nodded wearily. His demeanor was that of someone who had lost their zest for life. Axel had never seen his boss so despondent. He had always known Samuel as an energetic individual who approached everything with enthusiasm. Work pressures had never fazed him, let alone stress him out like this.

"What should I do, Axel? Mama will be very disappointed. It's the umpteenth time I've failed to bring a partner to an important family event. And I was warned well in advance. She doesn't want expensive gifts, just for me to bring a prospective wife."

Axel could sense the distress that Samuel was experiencing. Without realizing it, he began to ponder what possible solution could help his boss overcome this predicament. After a short while, a crazy idea popped into his head.

"Mr. Samuel," Axel said, "if I may suggest, why don't you consider finding a temporary wife?"

Samuel was taken aback by Axel's statement. His immediate reaction was to protest.

"I love Valerie, Axel. How can you suggest finding a temporary wife?"

"This isn't what you think," Axel clarified quickly. "Let me explain so you don't misunderstand."

"What do you mean, then? Speak plainly, Axel, so I don't misinterpret."

Axel, who had been standing, pulled up a chair in front of Samuel's desk and sat down, ready to provide an explanation.

"Here's what I mean, Mr. Samuel. Why don't you find another woman to be your temporary wife for just one night? This way, Mrs. Arabella won't be disappointed when she sees you arrive at the birthday party without a partner."

"A one-night wife?"

"Yes, for just one night. Specifically to accompany you to meet Mrs. Arabella."

Samuel rubbed his chin slowly, contemplating Axel's suggestion once again. If he thought about it, there didn't seem to be any other safe option besides following his assistant's advice.

"Okay, let's say I agree. Who do you think would be the right candidate for me to choose as this temporary wife? And where should I look for her? Because honestly, I don't have much free time to search on my own," he sighed.

Axel rolled his eyes, thinking carefully. Then, after a brief moment, he snapped his fingers in the air and spoke confidently.

"I think I know just the woman who would be perfect to accompany you to Mrs. Arabella's birthday party."

Samuel immediately raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And who might that be?"

"Arianna Grey. The woman who was recently appointed as your personal secretary," Axel replied with confidence.