When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 199

Henrietta's brow tightened into a knot. Finally, she said, "I'm torn. I don't know, I can't think straight. Maybe... maybe if Mr. Nash asked me himself, I might... I might... give it up."

She struggled to get the last words out.

Winona understood her turmoil. Don't tell someone to be gracious when you haven't walked in their shoes. No one who hadn't experienced the soul-crushing pain of being betrayed and plotted against by a loved one had the right to tell Henrietta what to do.

"He's a good man," Henrietta continued, "a truly noble person, at least from what I've seen. So, maybe... I would..."

"Don't say it, Henrietta," Winona cut her off. "This is all just speculation. What if Jethro finds out the truth and supports your plan?"

Of course, that was also a possibility. That would be the best-case scenario.

Henrietta let out a sigh of relief at the thought. "You're right."

Winona watched her, then said, "You know, I'm actually surprised."

Henrietta looked at her, confused. "About what?"

"Even though I'm the one advising you to prioritize your marriage, that the disgusting cheater isn't important anymore... I didn't actually expect you to consider giving it all up for Mr. Nash."

Henrietta didn't reply.

Winona smiled. "I know you. You're not the type to compromise or back down for anyone. So... has Mr. Nash captured your heart? Are you falling for him, or at least preparing to?"

Henrietta seemed to zone out for a moment before a cool smile touched her lips. "Love? No. Falling for him? I don't want to. When it comes to love... I really don't feel much anymore."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "I think I've even forgotten what love is supposed to feel like. I don't want to like him, and I don't want my heart to flutter. I just want a partnership of mutual respect, where we can both be the perfect husband and wife. All the extra baggage—the constant worrying, the overthinking, the insecurity—I don't want any of that again."

"I think I understand," Winona said. "So why would you consider giving up the plan?"

Henrietta fell silent, thinking long and hard. After a while, she finally answered, "I think it's because he's a good person. At least, I think he is, and he's good to me. That's why I'd consider it. I feel... he deserves that consideration."

"Would you resent it?" Winona pressed.

Suddenly, Henrietta's phone rang, pulling her out of her vengeful thoughts.

It was Charlotte. Henrietta answered.

"Matteo took a sick day and didn't show up on set," Charlotte reported. "Leon said he's devastated by your marriage and is bedridden."

"I know," Henrietta replied. "Jolie was in my office this morning."

"I'm honestly surprised," Charlotte said. "What is wrong with him? He's the one who betrayed you and plotted against you. Now you get married, and he's the one having a meltdown? Is he faking it? Trying to get sympathy? Testing to see if you still have feelings for him? I swear, he's seriously messed up."

Henrietta rubbed her temples. "Don't worry about him. He gets one day off, and that's it. Tell him he needs to be back on set tomorrow. If he can't, we'll recast the role immediately. He can do whatever he wants after that."

No matter how devastated Matteo was, one thing remained certain: she still held power over him. That wouldn't change unless he truly wanted nothing or suddenly discovered some incredible secret identity, neither of which was likely.

"Got it," Charlotte said. "Also, Artina called in sick too. I guess she's still fuming from last night. Serves her right! She thought latching onto Jethro meant she could walk all over you, but she got put in her place instead. She probably never dreamed you'd marry Yosef. I bet she went home and coughed up a gallon of blood from sheer rage. Love to see it. It'd be great if she just dropped dead from anger and stopped disgusting everyone."