When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 226

"What would I be satisfied about?" Henrietta asked, her voice calm despite his accusation. "Seeing you two like this only makes me sad, because I can see how much it's hurting Yosef."

Jethro scoffed, clearly unconvinced.

"He's hurt that you won't listen to his advice, that you don't trust him to have your best interests at heart," she continued. "If Artina were a good person, I believe Yosef would be happy for you, because it would be your choice, someone you love. He's also hurt that you would say he's not your brother anymore, all for a near-stranger."

The words hit home. Jethro was already struggling with the rift between them, and Henrietta's words only twisted the knife deeper.

"So, what you're saying is, this is all my fault," he said coldly.

"Not entirely," Henrietta conceded. "But that's not why I came to talk to you. You two are brothers, you've always been close. You'll fight, but you'll make up. I wanted to talk about something else."

"About Artina?" Jethro was sharp.

"Yes," she confirmed. "You wanted to know why I treat her the way I do, didn't you?"

"It's because of your ex-boyfriend," he stated, as if it were fact.

"That's ridiculous," Henrietta said flatly. "That's just a story she fed you. He's an ex-boyfriend. Do you really think he matters now? You know how exceptional your brother is. Why on earth would I be hung up on an ex when I have him?"

She held his gaze. "If I were still in love with my ex, do you think I would have been foolish enough to marry your brother? The Sargent family might be a far cry from the Nashes, but we're not so desperate that I had to marry into your family. If that was my goal, I would have accepted the marriage proposal back in college, wouldn't I?"

Jethro, a naturally cautious person, considered this. "Maybe you married him out of spite, then regretted it and found yourself still attached to your ex."

Henrietta looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Are you questioning Yosef's charisma? From what little I've come to know of him, I can tell you that while he may be powerful, he's not a tyrant. He gives people the utmost respect and dignity. He wouldn't force me to stay; he would respect my regret, wouldn't he? Just like he's not stopping you from leaving. He is a truly noble person."

Jethro was silent for a moment. Then he shifted his line of attack. "Since you admire Yosef so much, do you think it's appropriate for you to marry him, given your very public dating history?"

Henrietta couldn't help but laugh. "Yosef doesn't seem to mind. Why do you?"

Jethro flushed, slightly annoyed. He wasn't a prude, but still…

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