When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 250

Desire rose to a critical point. Yosef paused again, gazing at her. “Are you… ready to accept me?” His voice was impossibly deep, his eyes impossibly dark.

Yosef had been celibate for long enough. Before, he had been consumed by work. When a person is that busy, their feet barely touching the ground, there’s no time to think about such things. But now, with his beautiful wife in his arms, it was hard to maintain control. Not that he wanted to. He was just waiting for Henrietta’s acceptance. He hadn’t expected the process to take months or half a year. A man of his stature was all about efficiency.

There was also what Artina had said today. The abortion was a lie. Could it be possible that Henrietta had never… been pregnant with her ex's child?

Though Yosef couldn’t be sure, he couldn't help but hope she had been spared that specific heartbreak.

What if? But he didn’t dwell on it; it was just a fleeting thought. He had said he didn’t mind, and he meant it. What was there to mind about her past before him? Powerful men throughout history had fought wars over beautiful women, regardless of their pasts. What more could he ask for? Henrietta was, after all, the most stunning woman in Juno City. If not for her famously cool and distant nature, who knows how many men would be flocking around her.

His question made Henrietta’s face flush even redder. In truth, since they were married, there was no need to be coy. Besides, he had given her time. Henrietta wasn’t sure if… she was starting to… like him. In any case, she had no intention of refusing.

“Yes,” Henrietta nodded, her voice a soft whisper.

That one word was all it took. Yosef became impatient. The typically composed, unshakeable titan had now… completely lost control. He kissed her again, like a fumbling teenager, a little… clumsy. It was somewhat embarrassing, really. He was a magnate who could remain cool and collected while negotiating trillion-dollar international projects, yet now… he had lost his rhythm.

Fortunately, the chaotic urgency lasted only a few seconds. Once things fell into place, he… surged forward without restraint… only to freeze the very next second.

“Henrietta…” Yosef was in disbelief. He had entertained the thought, but it had only been a thought.

Seeing Henrietta’s brows furrow and a tear escape her eye from the sheer physicality of the moment, he was even more stunned. Because he hadn't been gentle; his emotions had gotten the better of him. He was dumbfounded for a few seconds as the realization hit him—she had never been pregnant, never endured that trauma. Then, an immense wave of relief washed over him, followed by a fierce, protective tenderness.

“Why didn’t you…” he leaned down, kissing away her tear. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Her voice trembled slightly. “You would have found out sooner or later, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,” Yosef said in a low voice. “But…” He trailed off, not finishing the thought, and changed the subject, his voice trembling at the end. “Henrietta, this is too big of a surprise.”

He continued to kiss her, whispering, “Darling, just bear with me for a moment.”

A strange tremor went through Henrietta’s heart, an indescribable feeling. Her heart pounded as if she were in freefall. It was an unprecedented sensation, and in that moment, they both sank into total abandon.

They got out of bed and went to freshen up. Suddenly, Henrietta asked, “Mr. Nash, should we… use birth control?” As she asked, her beautiful face turned bright red. It was her first time experiencing this, and she was still quite shy and reserved.

Yosef paused, then looked at her. “Henrietta, you don’t want children?”

Henrietta froze. To be honest… she hadn’t even thought about it.

Yosef, however, frowned in deep thought. He wasn’t young anymore and should probably have children. They had the financial means to have them anytime. They could have several, and it wouldn’t be an issue. But she… she was still quite young, and she had said… she wanted to act.

They both fell silent. Then, for some reason, they spoke at the same time.

“Maybe we can wait a couple of years?” Yosef suggested. That would give her two years to pursue the career she loved.

“If it happens, we’ll have it?” Henrietta said. He would be thirty-two next year. A pregnancy would mean another year before the baby was born. Starting a family in his mid-thirties felt like the perfect time.

They were both stunned that they had spoken at once, and that… they were both considering the other’s feelings, each making a concession. They looked at each other, momentarily stumped. They hadn’t expected to be at odds on this issue.