My Hero

The soft rays of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, gently illuminating the room where Helena and Arthur lay wrapped in each other's arms. Helena's eyes fluttered open, and a content smile graced her lips as she looked up at Arthur, who was still asleep. She brushed a lock of hair away from his face, savoring the moment of serenity.

"Good morning, Arthur," Helena whispered.

Arthur stirred, his eyes slowly opening to meet Helena's gaze. A tender smile curved his lips as he pulled her closer. "Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, especially with you by my side," she said, wrapping her arms around Arthur.

As they lay entwined, Helena's eyes fell upon a nearby easel, where a portrait painting of Arthur she had secretly created rested. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of nervousness mixed with excitement.

"I have something to show you," she said hesitantly.

"Oh? What is it?" He asked, giving little kisses on Helena's forehead.

Helena gestured towards the easel, and Arthur followed her gaze, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw the remarkable painting of himself.

"Helena, this is incredible!" Arthur said in awe. He stood up and went to his portrait, revealing his naked body. "You painted this? I didn't notice this last night."

"Yes, I did," she said awkwardly. She was blushing, unsure if it was because Arthur appreciated her painting or because of Arthur's divine body naked in front of her. "I wanted to capture the essence of the man I love."

"I'm speechless. Thank you, Helena. It's the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me."

Their tender moment was interrupted by the growling of their stomach. Arthur grinned mischievously. "Speaking of gifts, how about I cook us breakfast this morning?"

"Oh, that would be great. While you're here, you're my chef."

"Well, I can try my best. Besides, it's the least I can do for the woman who paints such wonderful portraits of me."

As they shared a loving laugh, Helena knew that this morning would be a memory she would cherish forever. They embraced the joy of the present and the promise of a future filled with love and creativity in each other's arms.

"But wait," she said, looking up at Arthur's face in confusion. "You still need to tell me who's taking care of your company while you're away. And also your siblings, how are they? I can't help but feel guilty for keeping you here while people needed you back in the city." Guilt was evident in Helena's eyes.

"Hmm..." Arthur purred, tracing a finger on Helena's cheek. "I have my trusted secretary there, Ashton; I'm sure he can manage while I'm away. And I also put the trusted people in my company when I returned to EcoHarvest. I'll tell you everything, I promise, if you come camping with me tonight."

"What?" Helena asked, her eyes spark with excitement. "Of course, I'm going with you."

After breakfast, they spent their time preparing everything they needed for camping. Arthur drove to where they had been camping before as Helena fell asleep. As she had mentioned to Arthur, she was exhausted from their evening activity last night.

Helena was even surprised she could walk appropriately after what Arthur did to her. As they hadn't seen each other for quite a while, Arthur did make love to her intensely. She couldn't blame Arthur, though; she felt the same way. She badly wanted Arthur between her legs and fucked her like there was no tomorrow.

As the night approached, they prepared dinner and sat on a blanket outside the tent they had made, enjoying the cool breeze. Arthur cooked some grilled meat and vegetables while Helena opened a bottle of wine. They talked and laughed while enjoying each other's company.

The peacefulness of the forest was a welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle. Helena felt herself unwind as she watched the sunlight glint through the leaves, making lovely patterns on the ground below.

"So, you said you'll tell me everything about your company and family early this morning. Can you do that now?" Helena asked gently. They rested on the cloth they laid on the grass. She was waiting for Arthur to find constellations as he had promised; they would do what they used to, watching the stars at night.

"Sure. As you know, after my father passed away, I had to take over his position in EcoHarvest and as chairman of Hendricks Earthwise Consortium. Even though I have a strange relationship with my father, I needed the position for you and my siblings. The responsibilities I have come with equal power that could defeat every enemy that might come to us."

"Yes, I feel sorry you had to do that for me..."

"Don't be," Arthur cut her off. "I'm glad I'm able to do this for you. Besides, even if my father was estranged from me, I feel obliged to save the people who work for us. They have a family to feed, and I couldn't risk letting another person take over my dad. And most of all, some things need to be changed in our company, and I'm doing everything I can to redirect the company to the right path."

"That's a mouthful. I couldn't imagine the weight of your responsibilities there," Helena said. Guilt consumed her for all the times she had cursed Arthur for leaving her without a clear explanation. Although she knew she deserved a clear explanation, still Arthur is doing the right thing for the people around him, and she shouldn't be hard on him. She is obliged to understand Arthur even more.

"Not new to me, though. Since high school, my parents trained me to take over my dad's position. It was tough, as I've told you before, but when I think about it now. I helped build the character I needed to be where I am today."

"I see. But you said it was the reason you became estranged from your parents. Can you tell me what exactly happens?"

"Partly, it is. But the majority was how Dad managed EcoHarvest; we are not on the same path, so I had to leave the company and our family. It was the last stroke for me. Sadly, Nathalie and Nathan had suffered from my decision, so I couldn't turn my back on them. I have to help my siblings. It's not over, especially with Nathan's case."

At the mention of Nathan's name Arthur's face became gloomy, and Helena knew there was more seriousness behind it. Knowing she could do nothing to unload all of Arthur's burden stings her heart. All she could do was ease his pain by giving him a hug. She wrapped her arms around Arthur, and he did the same, even tighter.

"Having you near me is like therapy. I don't have to go to a therapist to make me feel better," Arthur said, sniffing Helena's hair.

"Is that so? I didn't know I could help you in this situation. I always feel like you have to sacrifice to save me. You are truly my hero, you know that?"

"Oh, baby, am I worthy of that? A hero, just like your parents to you?"

"Yeah! You deserve the hero spot in my life," Helena confirmed, looking up at Arthur's handsome face. They were lost in each other's eyes.