When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 102

Yosef pulled back and simply looked at her, leaving Henrietta completely stunned. She was momentarily paralyzed, unsure how to react.

Was this what a respectful, formal marriage was like? An exchange of all the proper courtesies, including a farewell kiss?

If so, it… wasn’t so bad.

Henrietta bit her lip, deciding to just ask. “Do… I need to kiss you back?”

Yosef’s eyebrow arched slightly. “It’s up to you,” he said, his voice cool and even.

“Oh,” she replied. “Then… maybe next time.” She didn’t feel quite ready, a strange mix of awkwardness and something else fluttering inside her.

“Alright,” he agreed. Just a single word, no teasing, no greasy charm. It was a comfortable interaction that put her at ease.

“I’m going now. Goodbye,” Henrietta said, her composure returning.

“Text me when you’re inside,” Yosef instructed with a nod.

She murmured her assent and stepped out of the car. Calvert closed the door behind her and bowed respectfully. “Take care, Mrs. Nash.”

“Thank you,” she said, turning toward the gate. Just as she reached the entrance, several cars screeched to a halt, aggressively blocking the way to the Sargent estate. Henrietta turned around.

Inside the car, Calvert, who had just started the engine, hit the brakes again. Seeing the men who emerged from the vehicles, he said, “It’s Mr. Leland.”

Yosef’s expression hardened as he looked out the window. “Let’s see what he wants.”

“Yes, sir.”

Joaquin, however, didn’t seem to notice. His eyes were fixed on Henrietta. “Your ex-boyfriend told me everything. He said you two slept together a long time ago. Even got rid of a baby for him. You’re quite something, Ms. Sargent.”

Fury erupted in Henrietta. It wasn’t just that he was spouting absolute lies; it was the fact that even if they were true, he had no right to say any of it.

“Let go of me!” she seethed, struggling against his grip. “What I do is none of your business!”

“Just tell me if it’s true!” he demanded, his temper flaring.

Her anger surpassed his. “Why should I tell you anything? And so what if it is true? What does it have to do with you? Who are you to question me about this?”

Joaquin’s face was dark with rage. “If it’s true, then what right did you have to go on a date with me? Were you just playing me? I’ve waited for you for so many years, Henrietta! Do you take me for a fool?”