When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 209

The thought lingered for only a second before Yosef dismissed it. This wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ or ‘maybe.’ The answer was what it was, as simple and certain as a mathematical equation.

Besides, it truly didn’t matter to him. As a man groomed from birth to be an heir, his knowledge was vast and his perspective broad. He had read extensively, not just in finance and economics, but in literature and philosophy as well. History and literature had taught him that a person’s past experiences did not define their worth. Life was a long and unpredictable journey. A fortunate few find the right person from the start and live happily ever after. But for most, the path to maturity is paved with trial and error. It was as simple as that.

He pushed the thoughts from his mind. Whatever her past, she was his wife now. He could only regret that he hadn’t been the one with her before. From this point forward, all he could do was be the best husband he could be.

“By the way,” he said suddenly, “I found out what you wanted to know.”

Henrietta turned to him, intrigued. “Oh?”

“About Jethro and his fiancée’s childhood connection.”

Her curiosity was piqued. “What kind of past could make him so obsessed?”

Yosef’s expression grew serious, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. “You know how strict our upbringing was.”

Henrietta nodded solemnly. “I do.”

It was true. Ryland and Zelina were good, exceptional people, but their privileged background had instilled in them a relentless pursuit of perfection, a standard they imposed on their children. The Nash family’s rules were incredibly strict, almost monastic.

“Well,” Yosef continued, his grip on her hand tightening slightly, “when we were young, we were absolutely forbidden from eating street food or snacks. Jethro had a terrible sweet tooth, which led to several cavities. Worried about his health, our mother banned him from all sweets—no desserts, not even sweet fruits. The more he cried and begged, the more she reprimanded him for his lack of self-control.”

Henrietta understood immediately. Zelina had expected her children to behave like perfect, disciplined adults. It was a difficult upbringing, but Henrietta refrained from judgment. To be born into the Nash family was a privilege beyond most people’s wildest dreams. Every family, rich or poor, had its own struggles. Perfection was an illusion.

That sweet, innocent little girl was now a venomous, conniving woman.

Henrietta pushed the thoughts away. “But did he ever ask for her name? How did he only remember this when your mother brought up an arranged marriage?”

“He asked,” Yosef explained. “But she just said her name was ‘Sweetie,’ which wasn’t very helpful. Then she ran off before he could ask more. But Jethro said he remembered one other detail: a flower-shaped birthmark on her chest.”

Henrietta’s lips tightened. On her chest… that was a rather intimate detail.

“It was summer, so he could see it,” Yosef added. “It was a long shot, trying to find her based on that. He probably looked for her over the years with no luck. He said he didn't see her again until your birthday party.”

Henrietta raised an eyebrow. Artina did have a red, petal-shaped birthmark on her chest.