"Agreed," Arthur nodded solemnly, placing a comforting hand on Nathan's shoulder. "We're in this together, as a family. And we'll see it through to the end."
Nathan's blue eyes widened, the color draining from his face as the weight of the revelations bore down on him. Nathalie stood beside him, her hand gripping Nathan's shoulder.
"Arthur," Nathan said, voice barely audible, "are you saying that the mother I've known...that Alicia...was willing to let me die?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Arthur replied, sorrow lacing his words. He looked at his brother and sister, their expressions of anger. His heart ached for them, but he knew they needed to understand the full extent of Alicia's deception. "Maybe she wanted to take revenge now that Robert was gone."
"Arthur, do you mean to say she hasn't forgiven Dad after all these years?" Nathalie asked.
"That's what I'm seeing, Nathalie. Regardless of her motive, it is still wrong. Both Robert and Alicia make a mistake, but blaming Nathan for being the son of Robert's mistress is unacceptable."
"Yes. Nathan is innocent. How could my mom do this?" Nathalie had a hard time believing all of Arthur's revelations, even the first he shared them with her. Among the three, Nathalie is the closest to Alicia, as she is her favorite child. Therefore, Alicia has brainwashed her not to believe everything she hears about her mother.
However, things have changed. Nathalie's perception of her mother has changed after knowing how good she is as a manipulator that even falls victim. She will not immediately dismiss any accusations against her mom.
"Show us what you found," Nathalie demanded, her brown eyes flashing with determination. She hadn't seen all the evidence yet, so she was curious like Nathan.
"Alright," Arthur agreed, taking a deep breath before opening his briefcase. He pulled out several documents, photographs, and a small audio recorder. "I have evidence of Alicia's involvement in your...situation, Nathan. It's all indisputable."
As Nathan and Nathalie listened intently, Arthur explained the details of his investigation, revealing the lengths he had gone to uncover the truth. The siblings' emotions fluctuated between disbelief and rage as Arthur described the countless interviews, covert surveillance, and legal hurdles he had overcome to gather sufficient evidence against Alicia.
"Alicia's obsession with her reputation has driven her to commit unspeakable acts," Arthur concluded, looking at Nathan and Nathalie with genuine empathy. "I promise you both, I'll do everything in my power to ensure she faces justice for what she's done."
"Thank you, Arthur," Nathan said, his voice shaking with emotion. "I want to be there when she is sentenced. I need to see it for myself."
"Then we need to focus on getting you better," Nathalie chimed in, her resolve evident. "We'll support each other through this and come out stronger."
"Absolutely," Arthur agreed, his eyes flickering with determination. "We're in this together, as a family."
"Alright, then," Nathan said, his voice gaining strength as he processed the barrage of information. "Let's make sure Alicia gets exactly what she deserves."
Meanwhile, in San Antonio is having her second online session with her therapist Dr. Benson.
"Hello, Helena. It's great to see you again for our online session. How have you been since our last meeting?"
"Hi, Dr. Benson. Actually, Arthur visited for two days," she began smiling. "It's been a bit rocky at first. We've had honest conversations about my struggle to let go of the past and how it has affected our relationship. Arthur shared his problem with her siblings, and business is getting in our way of being together. He helped me understand everything that was happening in his life. He persevered in fighting for our relationship, and I want to fully open up to him and allow our relationship to flourish."
"It's positive that you and Arthur have been having those honest conversations. Communication is key in any relationship, especially when navigating challenging emotions. Keep working together to build understanding and establish healthy boundaries. Have you utilized coping strategies or self-care activities since our last session?"
"Yes, Dr. Benson, I did. And after all the activities we did, I'm feeling better. I've made significant progress in letting go of the past and embracing the present. I've been actively working on not comparing Arthur to Israel, which has made a difference in our relationship."
"That's wonderful to hear, Helena. I'm glad you've been able to let go of the past and focus on your current relationship. Can you tell me more about how you've achieved this shift in perspective?"
"Well, I've realized that comparing Arthur to Israel was unfair to both. I recognized that Arthur is his own person, with his own unique qualities and strengths. I've started appreciating him for who he is and allowing our love to grow without the overshadowing presence of the past. I've also been practicing self-compassion and reminding myself that I deserve happiness and love in the present moment."
"That's an excellent realization, Helena. Accepting and appreciating Arthur for who he is, without the burden of comparison, allows your relationship to flourish. It's also essential to extend that same compassion and love to yourself. By valuing your worth and embracing the present, you're opening yourself up to a more fulfilling and joyful experience."
"Yes, absolutely. I've learned that love should be given freely, without reservations or constant comparisons. I'm ready to fully give myself to Arthur and fight for our love and relationship."
"That's a beautiful sentiment, Helena. Hearing you're ready to fight for your love and commit to your relationship is empowering. Remember, relationships require effort, understanding, and open communication. Have you had a chance to discuss your growth and new perspective with Arthur?"
"Yes, we've had heartfelt conversations about my personal journey and the changes I've made in my mindset. Arthur has been incredibly supportive, and he's also expressed his own commitment to our relationship. We're both willing to try to nurture our love and build a future together."
"It's fantastic to hear that you and Arthur are on the same page and have open lines of communication. Sharing your growth and commitment strengthens the foundation of your relationship. As you progress, remember to continue practicing self-reflection and maintaining open and honest communication with each other."
"I will, Dr. Benson. Thank you for your guidance throughout this process. I couldn't have reached this point without your support."
"You're very welcome, Helena. It's been a privilege to accompany you on this journey of healing and self-discovery. Always remember you have the strength to create a loving and fulfilling relationship. I'm here for you whenever you need support or guidance."
"Thank you, Dr. Benson. I feel hopeful and excited about the future. I'm ready to embrace love and let go of the past."
"I'm thrilled to hear that, Helena. Embrace this newfound hope and let it guide you on your path. I'm confident that you and Arthur have a beautiful future ahead of you. Take care, and I'll see you in our next session."
After the online therapy session, Helena felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulder. He is ready to take on the world again and fight for what is right and she deserves. And that is to be with the love of her life, Arthur.