When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 111

Henrietta froze, completely stunned. Quinton was so drunk that he had no idea she’d accidentally hit the answer button on her phone. But she couldn’t just hang up now, could she? That would only create an even bigger misunderstanding.

On the other end of the line, Yosef remained silent, but his expression had darkened.

Henrietta took a deep breath. "You're drunk. You should go back to your room and rest."

Quinton's eyes were red. "No, Henrietta, I'm not drunk! I... maybe I am, but I've been holding these words in for so, so long! If I weren't drunk... I wouldn't have the courage to say them to you."

Henrietta had never seen Quinton like this, nor had she ever imagined him using a word like "courage" to describe himself. Growing up, he had always been reserved and composed.

"I can't take it anymore," Quinton said, his voice thick with pain and choked with emotion. "Henrietta, you're driving me to my breaking point..."

Seeing him in such a state stirred a confusing mix of feelings in Henrietta. She had always respected him deeply. But now, the strong, dependable brother who had always been a pillar of strength was showing such a vulnerable side, and claiming she was the cause?

"Quinton, I haven't forced you to do anything," Henrietta said gently. "You're drunk and not thinking clearly. Please, go rest. We can talk tomorrow when you've sobered up, okay?"

She had no idea what else he might say or do in his drunken state, especially with Yosef listening in on every word.

"No, it's not you... I'm just rambling. My head's a mess," Quinton stammered. "Henrietta, it's all my fault, but I... I know I'm your brother. I shouldn't... I shouldn't have these feelings for you. But, Henrietta..."

He lowered his gaze, and a tear escaped his eye. "Can you... can you please stop going on those dates? Stop seeing Yosef, please?"

Seeing her hesitation, Quinton's voice grew heavier. "Henrietta, answer me. Who hurt you?" He suddenly grabbed her arm. "Let me see."

Startled, Henrietta tried to pull her hand back. "It's nothing, just a small bruise."

But she couldn't break his grip. Quinton stared at her wrist, his heart aching at the sight of the mark.

"It happened today when I almost fell," she said quickly. "Yosef caught me just in time, and it was an accident."

Quinton inhaled sharply, a dull pain spreading through his chest. "Did he grab you that hard? How did it get this bad?"