Daniel's Proposal Plan

Arthur slipped into a quiet corner of the premier nightclub, where Daniel had reserved a table for them. "Hey, how are you?" Arthur greeted his best friend and patted his arm; Daniel did the same.

"Here I am, feeling mixed emotions of excitement and worries if my plan will fail. That's why I badly need your help and company."

Arthur sat down, forcing a smile onto his face despite his turbulent thoughts. Daniel sat on the opposite side. Only the two of them were in their VIP lounge.

"Well, I've never been there, but I'm sure your emotion is valid. Let's hear it," Arthur said, leaning back in the plush chair and sipping his scotch. "What's your grand plan for proposing to Chelsea?"

Daniel's eyes lit up, his excitement evident. "Well, you know we've planned a vacation to Italy next week, right? I thought about renting a yacht for a day and proposing to her under the stars."

Arthur nodded, genuinely impressed by the idea. "Sounds romantic. But how exactly do you want to set things up? You know Chelsea has an eye for detail; she'll appreciate your effort."

"True," Daniel agreed, running a hand through his black hair. "I was thinking of having the deck covered in rose petals and candles, creating an intimate atmosphere. Then, I'll play her favorite song while I lead her to the spot where I'll propose."

"Sounds perfect," Arthur replied, his enthusiasm genuine despite his heartache. He took another sip from his glass, thinking of the distance between him and Helena. "So, do you need any help with the preparations?"

"Actually, I could use some advice on picking out the perfect ring," Daniel admitted, a touch of nervousness in his voice.

"Leave it to me," Arthur promised, clapping his friend on the back. "We'll find a ring that will leave her speechless."

"Thanks, man. I know you got my back," Daniel said gratefully, raising his glass in a toast.

Arthur mirrored the gesture, the clink of their glasses drowning out the turmoil within him. For now, he would focus on helping Daniel, putting all his energy into creating a perfect proposal for Chelsea. And maybe, just maybe, he could find solace in his friend's happiness.

"Arthur, you've done so much for me," Daniel said, his blue eyes softening as he looked at his friend. "I hope when the time comes, I can return the favor and help you with your proposal to Helena."

Arthur's heart clenched at the mention of Helena's name. He tried to hide his pain behind a tight smile, but the intensity of his longing was impossible to conceal completely. "That's... very kind of you, Daniel. I appreciate it," he said, his voice fading.

"Look, I know things are rough between you two, but I have faith you'll find your way back together." Daniel placed a reassuring hand on Arthur's shoulder as he moved close to him, the weight of his touch grounding Arthur for a moment.

"I appreciate your company, Daniel. It's been a while since I haven't done this. From San Antonio, I directly went to work and focused on what Robert had left." Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat, focusing on the feel of the cool glass in his hand. He took another sip of his drink, the amber liquid burning a path down his throat. The sensation helped distract him from the emotional turmoil swirling within.

"Hey, don't mention it. We're best friends, after all." Daniel gave Arthur a small, understanding smile. "And if you ever need someone to talk to or be there for you, I'm always just a call away."

"That means a lot." Arthur smiled faintly, grateful for his friend's unwavering support. He wanted to take comfort in his words. Still, an undertone of guilt dominated the conversation - he was here for something joyous. Yet, he couldn't keep Helena off his mind.

"Of course. Anytime my buddy," he stated reassuringly.

"About Helena, her best friend Gabby texts me an update every day, and it's a relief knowing she has moved on with her life and started writing her novel again. But it pains me knowing she is alone and I wasn't there to make her feel better, and it is me causing her pain," his voice trailed off, choked with sorrow.

Daniel felt the desperation in his best friend's voice, and he knows his pain. Daniel knew the feeling well. Sure, he had come to talk about good things, but his friend needed him more than ever - how could he deny him?

"I'm sorry, Daniel, this is supposed to be a joyous night for you."

"Please, Arthur, don't worry about me," Daniel replied softly. "I am here to listen to whatever problem you might have. Let it all out."

"Maybe it's not ideal to talk about Helena tonight. But I know I'll get through all of this and become stronger," Arthur declared firmly.

"I know you will," Daniel agreed. "Alright, let's not talk about Helena now," he pats Arthur's back. "Buddy, let me apologize for not attending your dad's funeral. I was out of the country for business, as I have told you on the phone. Before my flight, I was at the funeral. I saw Nathalie and Alicia, said my condolences, and had a short talk. You know Nathalie is like a sister to me too. How is she coping?"

Arthur heaved a sigh, thinking about the turmoil of his family. "I understand that you're away, Daniel. Don't worry about it. I wasn't supposed to attend the burial. I thought it would be disrespectful for Robert's business partners, so I was there," he began.

"Nathalie is doing fine. She wants to move with me, and Alicia won't allow her, but I will fight in a legal battle. After all the evidence I found about her, it would be enough to lose Nathalie's custody. I am the best guardian Nathalie has since Robert is already gone."

"Wow, that's a mouthful, but I know you got all these. Arthur, there's too much on your plate right now. I feel bad for stealing so much of your time."

"Oh, come on, you're like a brother to me. I'd be mad if you don't let me know about this proposal of yours," he beamed happily.

"Forever best friends," Daniel said, showing fist.

Arthur fist-bumped Daniel. "Forever best friends. I'm happy for you, Daniel. Let's talk more about you and Chelsea."

"Thanks, Arthur; now what's left is the vacation and thorough plan of the vacation and the proposal, especially the right engagement ring you want to recommend."

"Right," Arthur agreed, pushing thoughts of Helena to the back of his mind. He couldn't afford to wallow in self-pity when his best friend needed him. "I have a personal Jeweler who can take care of it, and I'll have him contact you. I'll help you choose."

As they delved deeper into Daniel's upcoming vacation and proposal details, Arthur's fingers traced the rim of his glass, the motion almost hypnotic. His mind occasionally wandered to Helena, her laughter like a melody that haunted him. He longed to feel her warmth beside him, to look into her eyes and see the love they once shared.

But for now, he had a responsibility to help Daniel create a perfect moment for Chelsea. And as much as it pained him, Arthur knew he had to find a way to mend his own broken heart before he could even think of proposing to Helena. Determination settled in, fueling his resolve to face his problems head-on and reunite with the woman he loved.

"Alright," Daniel said, pulling Arthur from his thoughts. "I think we've got a solid plan. Now it's just a matter of execution."

"Exactly," Arthur agreed, pushing aside the ache in his chest.