Together Again

"Helena," Arthur replied, stepping closer and pulling her into a tight embrace, his warm body pressing against hers. "I couldn't let you go. I'm here to tell you how much I love you. To show you how much I miss you and care about you, my love."

As they held each other, their hearts beating in sync, Helena felt the weight of Lauren's venomous words threatening to poison their reunion.

"Arthur, I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. She refused to confess what Lauren told her. She couldn't even hold her gaze in Arthur's eyes. "You shouldn't have come here. I want the best for you, Arthur."

"Best for me? You are the best thing that has happened to me," Arthur said gently. "Baby, listen to me," Arthur implored, cupping her face. "My family has certain expectations, and I've been trying to balance them while ensuring your safety from the Lewis family. But none of that matters if I lose you."

Do you think society will accept you as Arthur's girlfriend? What can you offer to the Hendricks Earthwise Consortium? Lauren's voice kept replaying in her head. Pamela is really better for Arthur. Her eyes welled up with tears. She felt defeated and worthless compared to the wealthy woman who could give Arthur the life he deserved.

The last thing Helena wanted was for Arthur to suffer the same fate as Israel because of her. Taking a deep breath, Helena steeled herself for the confrontation. "Arthur, is that really what you want?" she asked, her voice quivering with heavy emotion.

"I want you more than anything in this world, Helena," he said firmly.

"Arthur, I... I need you to be honest with me," she began, her hands trembling. "I know that Pamela is more suitable for you. She comes from a family like yours and can give you the life you're accustomed to."

"Helena, where is this coming from?" Arthur asked, his brow furrowing with concern. He took her hands in his, trying to steady her shaking fingers.

"Please, just tell me if being with her would make everything right. Would it be better for your family's legacy and your siblings if you're with Pamela?" Helena continued, her vision blurred by the tears streaming down her cheeks. "I don't want you to end up like Israel because you chose me."

"Helena, listen to me," Arthur said firmly, his eyes locked onto hers with a fierce intensity. "I don't care about Pamela or her family and what they can do for our family's business. I love you, and I choose you. Nothing in this world could ever change that," Arthur said with conviction. His eyes never left Helena's.

"You have obligations for your family's business. Isn't it right?" Helena asked, still unconvinced by his reassurances.

"Helena, my obligations to my family are separate from my love for you," he explained, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm dealing with them because it's my responsibility, and I can do that even without Lewis's influence."

"Arthur, I'm so scared of losing you again," Helena whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Hey," he said softly, wiping her tears with his thumb. "I need you to trust me, Helena. Trust in us and in our love. Keep holding on while we're apart, and I promise we'll get through this together."

As Arthur pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest, Helena believed in their love again. It might not be an easy journey, but she knew they were worth fighting for deep down. And as long as they had each other, nothing would stand in their way.

"Arthur," she murmured, her voice uncertain but filled with determination. "I trust you. And I love you more than anything. We'll face this together, no matter what happens."

"I love you too, Arthur."

Arthur wiped Helena's tears and initiated a kiss; Helena didn't protest. As they sealed their renewed commitment with a passionate kiss, the doubts and fears that had once threatened to tear them apart seemed to fade away, leaving only the certainty of their love and the promise of a future worth fighting for.

"Can I get in now?" Arthur asked as he pulled a little after their kiss. "It started to rain heavily." They notice when they break their kiss.

"Of course!" Helena opens the door wider to let Arthur inside her house. "I'm sorry I had to stop you at the door. But it seems like the rain is always coming to rescue you. The first time you came to my door, it was raining heavily, and I was forced to let you in," she giggled.

"Hmm..." Arthur purred. "So, you were forced to let me in then," he said like he was hurting.

"Yes," she admitted. "Can you blame me? You were a stranger back then. Would you let me have someone sleep here if anyone comes at night?"

"Of course not. Not all men are like me; some cannot be trusted," Arthur carried his bag and put it on the couch.

"You see, that's my point. An acquaintance with a stranger in town may be okay. What do you think?" Helena asked.

"What do you mean?" Arthur pulled Helena and let her sit on his lap, resting her head on his chest.

"As part of my healing, the therapist suggested things that would help me think clearly, like walking, jogging, journaling, doing new things, meeting new people, and exploring a little."

"Do you mean you're meeting someone in town? Baby, are you dating while I'm away?" Arthur asked, feeling betrayed.

"No. It's not that I'm dating, but I have met new friends in town. I'm alone, and with Gabby back in the city, it's okay to meet people when I'm in town. It helps my social skills, and talking to someone is therapeutic."

"That's right. And who are these people? Are you sure you're not dating?"

"I'm not dating, okay? Just random people. When we see each other in town, we talk. That's it. Some are from the Farmer's market."

"Alright, I just want to ensure nobody pesters my girlfriend."

"And what would you do if someone is pestering me?" Helena asked as she stood up. Arthur caught her wrist and sat her back on his lap.

"What did you say?" Arthur asked, tracing a finger on Helena's lips.

"You heard me. What would you do if someone's interested in me like Pamela in you?"

A smirk crept on Arthur's lips. Helena is jealous. He celebrated in his thoughts. "There is nothing between Pamela and me. I can't control how she feels about me, but I'm sure I don't feel anything about her but pity."

"Pity for what?"

"Pity that she had to follow her parents and not her own will."

"And about my questions?" Helena asked, curiosity evident in her wide eyes.

"Well, it's easy to put some bodyguards to watch you over if necessary," Arthur lifted Helena to her feet as he stood up. "I need to get the ingredients in my car. I want to cook for us."

"What? That's unnecessary, you know. Nobody's interested in me in this town, so no need for security," Helena said as she walked behind Arthur.

"Good. I don't want anybody bothering my girlfriend." Arthur turned back and sealed a kiss with Helena.

Arthur volunteered to cook for their dinner, making Helena happy. She only has to do little things like helping Arthur lice some ingredients, and she's done.

He moved closer to Helena and reached over to her to grab the ingredients, relishing her warmth against his body. He could feel her tense slightly, but she didn't pull away. As they worked together, the sexual tension between them continued to build. Helena found herself stealing glances at Arthur when she thought he wasn't looking, admiring how his muscles rippled under his shirt as he chopped vegetables or stirred the pot.

She remembered all those nights they shared together, making love endlessly, on the couch, in the comfort room, in the outdoor shower, on the riverbank, in the camping site, the list goes on and on. The thought of it set her body on fire.

Arthur, for his part, struggled to control his thoughts, his mind filled with images of Helena's soft curves sharing stories of their past and their hopes for the future. He could think of a thousand ways to satisfy Helena after their dinner. The thought of them entwined in one while sharing the ecstasy of their passion was disturbing him as he cooked.