When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 13

Matteo suddenly felt a surge of anxiety. "Henrietta, what… what are you trying to say?"

Henrietta looked at his face, and for a fleeting moment, memories of their past flashed through her mind. She used to think he was passionate and cheerful, someone who loved fiercely and stood up for what was right, a man of integrity.

But now, believing he had reached a new height of power, his righteousness had curdled into pettiness, his integrity into a vengeful streak. The drivers had ignored him, and his first impulse was to flex his newfound authority and have them fired.

"Exactly what it sounds like," Henrietta said, rising to her feet. She turned to get back into the car. "There is no engagement today. This is just my birthday party."

"Wait!" Matteo grabbed her arm. "What is this all about?"

Henrietta turned back, her expression impassive. "It means we're over. There's no engagement. From now on, we go our separate ways."

"Over…" Matteo was utterly stunned. It was a colossal blow.

Breaking up with someone on their engagement day was shocking enough. But to be dumped moments after discovering his girlfriend was a billionaire heiress? It was like being struck by lightning on a clear day.

"Why?" Matteo reached for her again. "Why are we breaking up? Henrietta, what's wrong?"

Henrietta sidestepped his touch, her eyes meeting his directly. "Why? Don't you already know the answer to that?"

The question hit Matteo with a wave of guilt. How could a guilty man not feel a pang of fear?

"I…" He faltered.

Henrietta pressed her lips into a thin line. It was clear he wasn't going to confess on his own.

"If that's what you want to believe, then fine."

She had no intention of dragging this out. Her goal had been achieved. She had let him see her as the Sargent heiress, made him feel the crushing loss of the wealth and glory that had been within his grasp. Now, he would be haunted by endless regret for the rest of his life!

"No, that's not it." Matteo reached for her again, his tone a mixture of indulgence and exasperated affection. "Henrietta, darling, that's a ridiculous reason. Fine, I was wrong, I know. My girl is the heiress of a top-tier family, a true lady of impeccable grace. I can't be so petty. I'll change, okay? Darling, you're not going to get angry with me over something so small, are you?"

Henrietta just watched him with an amused expression.

Matteo pressed on. "I know. I come from a humble background. There are certain things about your world that I don't have, that I lack. I promise, from this moment on, I'll do my best to learn. How about that?"