In Each Other's Arms

Helena and Arthur spend the next day on the river and take a bath like they did before. They both agreed it was one of their best memories, so it would be best to do it again.

Arthur splashes water on Helena as they dip into the river. Helena laughed heartily as the water hit her face and hair. Arthur couldn't help but admire her beauty, her wet clothes sticking to her curves, making him crave her even more.

Helena noticed Arthur's intense gaze and walked towards him, closing the distance between them. "Why are you staring at me that way?" Her lips were inches away from his, and he could feel her hot breath on his skin. Arthur continued staring at her, and his smirk was even more alluring.

Without warning, she leaned in and kissed him passionately, her hands running through his hair. Arthur was surprised but quickly responded, deepening the kiss; the rush of desire that flowed through him was intense. He kissed her hungrily, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Helena moaned softly, feeling her body respond to his touch.

He pulled away, looking deeply into her eyes as he whispered. "Baby, you're so beautiful."

"And you are so handsome, Arthur," she bit her lower lip, analyzing what to say next. "I have something to confess."

Arthur's eyebrows furrowed. "Confess? Did you do something naughty?"

Helena chuckled, thinking about the first time they bathed in the river. "I broke the deal," she said.

"What deal?" Arthur asked, confused.

"We had a deal not to look at each other the first time we bathed here. I took a sneak look at you. You were naked and sexy," Helena grinned.

"Baby, you are such a naughty girl," Arthur gently pinched Helea's nose.

"Sorry. I didn't regret it, though. How about you? Were you honest?"

"Yes, I was. I badly wanted to earn your trust at that time, so I didn't sneak a look at you."

"Wow, impressive," her eyes spark in awe. "But wait. I have another one to confess," she grinned like a child, blushing.

"Another one? What is this time?" He asked, cocking his head to the side in curiosity.

"Well, the first night you sleep on my beach house. I did sneak a look too. And you were only wearing a brief," she giggled.

"Baby, I'm starting to think this is your thing." He shook his head playfully.

"But it wasn't intentional. I was just curious since we were strangers back then. And the one here in the river, I did it to ensure you were not looking because I didn't trust you back then," she said, her lips pouting at the end.

Arthur looked at Helena; his furrowed eyebrows told Helena he was having difficulty believing her. "Oh, baby, stop justifying your naughtiness." A smirk crept on his lips. "But I still love you," Arthur pulled her into his arms. "My naughty girlfriend," he said, sniffing Helena's hair.

After changing their clothes, they did a little hiking to explore the forest even more like they usually do when camping. And when they returned to their tent, Arthur got a call from Ashton. Helena was having a coffee, listening to Arthur's conversation with Ashton about business.

"Sorry, baby, I just had to take the call," Arthur said after ending the call with Ashton. He set aside the phone on the table, giving Helena his undivided attention.

"Baby, it's okay. Is there a problem in your company?"

"Nothing serious. Ashton to report about the project I personally ask him to do. It's significant for me since it's the primary reason I rejoin EcoHarvest. I want to make some things right."

"Well, I hope you'll be successful, whatever that is, baby."

"Yes. This is about being an environment-friendly company, unlike what EcoHarvest is becoming now. I had to fire some people who worked for us and sue them."

"That must be hard on you," Helena said sympathetically.

"Remember when I told you there are people who exploit forests? EcoHarvest was one of them, which was why I left the company. Its vision doesn't align with my values."

"Oh, Arthur, I'm so proud of you. Thank you for doing that," Helena hugged Arthur, supporting him in his quest to take EcoHarvest on the right path. "I stand with you in your quest to make the right move for your company."

He pulled Helena into him even more, holding her close as the night grew darker. Helena could feel his warm breath on her neck as he whispered. "Your presence is enough. I am also making this for you, for us. We both share the same interest in caring for mother nature, which is what connected us even from the start. So, this is very significant for me."

She looked up to face him, looking deep into his eyes. "That's true. It is something we have in common besides having a tough childhood," she said, beaming with happiness.

At night, they sat together, fingers intertwined, as Arthur explained the details of his family's business and his mother's case, why she is currently in jail. About Nathalie's journey of healing, having a therapist like Helena and Nathan confined in the rehabilitation center.

Helena clutched the delicate fabric of her dress, her heart heavy with the weight of the conversation she had to have with Arthur. She pities Arthur for having too much burden on his shoulder. And the only help she could offer was his consoling words.

The last two days were spent together, wrapped in each other's arms, rekindling their passion and strengthening their bond. They talked, laughed, and shared the simple joys of being together.

But all too soon, it was time for Arthur to return to the city and face his obligations. The next day, as they stood at the doorway, Helena clung tightly to him, her heart heavy with the knowledge that they would soon be apart again.

"Remember," Arthur murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, "we'll always find our way back to each other. I'll have to return to my siblings and business duties for a while, but I'll find time to be with you."

"I understand. You don't have to worry so much about me; I can take care of myself, Arthur," she reassured.

"I know, but I can't help it. I promise to call you daily and update you on every major event I have. In that way, you don't have to overthink anymore."

"Sounds good to me," Helena smiled. "I want you to take care of yourself. I know you have a hectic daily schedule, but I'll text Ashton to remind you not to skip your meals and vitamins."

Arthur chuckled a little. "You'll do that?" He pinched Helena's chin, thinking it was too cute of her to go out of her way to take care of him.

"I will," she nodded.

"Oh, my baby." Arthur showered kisses on Helena's forehead. He wrapped his arms around Helena tightly, and so did she.

"Send my regards to Nathalie and Nathan. I'll meet them someday soon."

"Sure. They'll be happy to see you, baby," he kissed her lips. "I love you, Helena," Arthur said, holding a gaze with her.

"I love you, Arthur."

With a final kiss and a promise to return as soon as possible, he departed, leaving Helena standing in the doorway, watching as his car disappeared down the road.

A mix of sadness and determination settled within her as she closed the door. She knew the challenges ahead for both of them, but she also knew their love could conquer anything. With renewed resolve, she returned to her writing desk, her heart filled with the inspiration only true love could provide. And so, the next chapter of their lives began.