Meet My Boyfriend

Nathalie watched from the sidelines, her deep brown eyes narrowing as she observed Pamela's attempts to cling to Arthur. She couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness for her brother, especially after he had shown her photos of Helena.

"Can you believe her?" Nathalie said under her breath, turning to Gareth, her boyfriend. "Pamela is practically throwing herself at Arthur."

"Maybe she's just being friendly," Gareth suggested with a shrug, though he obviously didn't believe his own words.

"Arthur deserves someone genuine like Helena," Nathalie insisted, her gaze drifting back to the photo on her phone. The image showed Helena sitting on a beach, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the sunset. Something was captivating about her smile, an honesty that made Nathalie feel they were already friends.

"Helena seems like a lovely person," Gareth agreed. "It's too bad she's not here tonight."

Nathalie sighed, slipping her phone back into her purse. "I can't wait to meet her in person and get to know her better. I think we'd really hit it off."

"Your brother certainly seems irritated by Pamela's presence," Gareth commented, nodding in Arthur's direction.

"Absolutely! I pity my brother that he has to handle this constant situation whenever Pamela is around in an event." Whenever Arthur spoke about Helena, there was a spark in his eyes that she hadn't seen in years. It was refreshing to see him so genuinely happy again.

"Gareth, do you mind if I excuse for a minute?"

"No. Please go ahead."

Nathalie decided it was time to intervene before the situation with Pamela escalated further. With determination in her stride, she sidled up to Arthur.

"Arthur, may I steal you away for a moment?" Nathalie asked innocently, looping her arm through her brother's. Pamela obviously wasn't happy with what Nathalie did, but she didn't care.

"Of course, Nat," Arthur replied, grateful for the interruption. "Thanks," Arthur said as they moved away from Pamela.

"Arthur, I don't trust Pamela," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Her intentions seem... off. She's weird."

"I know," he admitted with a sigh. "But I've made it clear to everyone that my heart belongs to Helena. I've issued so many statements about Helena and me."

"Then why is Pamela still hanging around?" Nathalie pressed, her concern palpable.

"Unfortunately, I can't control what other people do," Arthur said, his jaw tightening in frustration.

"But I promise you, Nat, I won't let her come between me and Helena."

Nathalie searched her brother's eyes, finding nothing but sincerity there. She gave him a supportive smile, squeezing his arm affectionately. "I believe you, Arthur. And when Helena finally comes to visit, I'll be right there to welcome her into our family."

"Thank you, Nathalie," Arthur murmured, touched by his sister's unwavering loyalty. "That means more to me than you know."

"Oh, what would I do without you, brother. You're so good to me and Nathan; that's why I have loved you so much since we were children. You always got my back."

"My little sister is not so little anymore. Why do I think there is something behind that sweetness of yours? I saw someone you are with a while ago. A guy that looks familiar. Care to share about him?"

Nathalie's cheeks flashed. "Oh, Arthur, you told me I'm not so little anymore. Doesn't it mean I am allowed to have a boyfriend?" She asked, pouting.

"Are you asking permission?" Arthur teased.

"Well, I already have one," Nathalie said, biting her lower lip. "You won't get mad, right?"

"It depends. Who is this guy we are talking about?"

"Gareth Preston," Nathalie was fast to answer.

"Hmm," Arthur purred. "How is he related to Donald Preston of Preston Group?"

"That's his dad. Why?"

"Seems like a good start," Arthur smiled.

"Brother, this is not a business deal," Nathalie said, annoyed.

"Nathalie, it's not what you think it is. I'm unlike Alicia, who would likely arrange a marriage for you for her own benefit. I know Donald Preston, and he is a good man, a good reputation as a businessman and as a father."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't think of it that way. I was just surprised. I wasn't expecting you to know Gareth's dad."

"My little sister, you still have a lot of things to learn about business. But for now, let's meet that boyfriend of yours."

Nathalie nodded and then led Arthur to where Gareth was. Her hands were shaking as she approached Gareth. "Hey, Gareth."

Gareth turned to Nathalie and was a little startled to see Arthur standing behind her. "Nathalie, Mr. Hendricks," Gareth said calmly.

Arthur nodded. He was impressed by how Gareth gained back his composure immediately. There was silence before Nathalie cut it off.

"Gareth, I want you to meet my brother, Arthur. Arthur, this is my boyfriend, Gareth Preston."

"Mr. Hendricks, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Gareth proposed for a handshake, which Arthur took calmly. "Nathalie here is very fond of you as her brother. She has so much respect for you."

"Thank you, Gareth. It's nice to meet you as well. I didn't know my sister talked so much about me to people," Arthur said, glancing at Nathalie.

"Of course I do. You're the best brother. Don't tell Nathan; he'll get jealous," Nathalie giggled.

As the evening wore on, Nathaie was happy that Arthur seemed to like Gareth as her boyfriend. The conversation continued after Daniel and Chelsea's formal announcement of their engagement.

Nathalie remained watchful by Arthur's side, ensuring that Pamela's advances were kept at bay. She couldn't wait for the day Helena joined them in every event, confident she would be the perfect addition to their tight-knit family.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Gabby, and Helena just had dinner and decided to have a movie marathon since they last did it a long time ago.

"Gabby, I'm feeling much better now," Helena said as they were watching a movie that Gabby picked. "I think I can take care of myself now. You don't need to worry about me."

Gabby smiled and nodded. She was happy to hear that Helena was feeling better but apprehensive about leaving her friend alone. She knew how difficult the past few weeks had been for Helena, and the thought of leaving her in San Antonio without the support of her friend was complex.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Gabby asked, concern written all over her face. "You're not throwing me away, are you?"

Helena smiled reassuringly. "Yes, I'm sure," she said. "I promise I'll take good care of myself. Don't worry about me. And I'm not throwing you away. It's just that you have your own life, too, and I don't want to halt any progress you may have in your career."

Gabby sighed, relieved but still hesitant. "Okay, if you're sure," she said. "You should continue with your mental health counselor. It will help you move forward, especially since you'll be alone again."

Helena nodded. "You're right," she said. "I'll do an online session with Dr. Benson once or twice a week if need be. It definitely made me feel better even after 1 session."

Gabby smiled, pleased that Helena was taking her advice. "That's great," she said. "I'm so happy to hear that. I'm sure it will help you."

Helena smiled back, grateful for Gabby's support. "Thanks," she said. "And thank you for being here for me these past few weeks. I really appreciate it."

Gabby nodded. "Of course," she said. She gave Helena a tight hug as they continued watching an action movie.

They both had a good time, and the second movie ended around 12 midnight. As Helena went to the comfort room, Gabby checked her social media accounts and found out about Daniel and Chelsea's engagement party.

"Helena, Helena, come here," Gabby screamed to get her friend's attention.

"What is it?" Helena asked in a hurry while fixing her pants.

"Daniel, Arthur's best friend, is engaged. Look at this," Gabby showed an article about Daniel's engagement party, the couples' love story, and their family background.

"Yes, this is him. I saw him once at the grocery store in town. It seems like they are a perfect match," Helena said, admiring the lovely couple pictured in the article.

"Yeah, they are rich kids. No wonder their engagement is publicized. That's what money can do," Gabby said, shaking her head.

Helena smiled forcibly, her mind diverting to her situation with Arthur. They are from different worlds, unlike Arthur and Pamela, who are from wealthy family backgrounds.

Would it be best to let Arthur be with her instead of me? Is Pamela Arthur's date now? Nobody even cares if he has an author girlfriend anyway. Who am I to complain?