When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 276

Artina pried at his hands. "And who are you calling for?"

"I can, but you can't!"

"Why can't I? I'll say it! Yosef, Yosef, Yosef! Gently, be gentle..."

Artina cried as she chanted the name, unable to stop herself from fantasizing about what it would be like if she were Yosef's wife. It was a beautiful, tragic dream.

They had both hit rock bottom, antagonizing each other like a pair of lunatics, completely lost in their madness as they screamed the names of Henrietta and Yosef.

But the storm of their violence was too much for the tiny, fragile spark of life she carried. As the adrenaline faded, a sickening, hollow ache began to spread through her—a precursor to the ruin that followed.

In the dead of night, they bundled up and found a private clinic. After getting the doctor's number from the wall, they called and offered a large sum of money to get him to come in and handle it. Artina didn't dare set foot in a public hospital now.

By the time they returned to the three-bedroom apartment, it was already three in the morning. Matteo shoved her onto the mattress with a callous grunt. "I’ve got an early call time tomorrow," he said, his voice cold.

"I need to sleep."

Artina lay on her side, silent, tears streaming down her face. It was finally gone. But why… why couldn't it have happened sooner?

She had to film tomorrow, too. She couldn't ask for a day off, and she couldn't afford any more drama. No matter how exhausting, no matter how humiliating, she had to endure it. This was the only path left for her, the only way she could hope to reclaim a sliver of her former glory.

On Sunday, Yosef and Henrietta woke up at a reasonable hour. Today was the day they were to have their first formal meal at the Sargent estate. It should have happened sooner, but the whole affair with Jethro had delayed it.

Yosef was listening to Calvert list the gifts they had prepared when Henrietta interrupted. "Let's not bring any gifts. You should get used to going back to the Sargent estate for dinner empty-handed, shouldn't you?"

Yosef raised an eyebrow. "But they're all ready. Maybe next time? It feels improper for a son-in-law to show up at his in-laws' home for the first time without a single gift."

But Henrietta was firm. "No gifts. If they're ready, put them in the storeroom. We can use them for another occasion." She felt it was important to establish this now.

Yosef still seemed a bit hesitant, so Henrietta took the lead and addressed Calvert directly. "Just do as I say. Calvert, put the gifts in storage."

Calvert froze for a second. This was new. Henrietta was now calling the shots for Yosef directly.

He didn't dare agree immediately and glanced at Yosef for confirmation.

After a moment of silence, Yosef said, "Do as my wife says."

Only then did Calvert nod. "Yes, sir."

It was then that Henrietta realized with a jolt... had she just ordered to a man like Yosef again?

When they arrived at the Sargent estate, Sabrina Needham and Hector Sargent were overjoyed to see them. It was Yosef's first official visit as a son-in-law, a significant event, so of course, Quinton had been invited over for the occasion.

"Don't we... have staff for that?" she finally managed.

"Is an apple peeled by staff the same as one peeled by you?" Sabrina retorted.

Henrietta couldn't argue with that logic. Yosef chuckled. "Mom, please don't trouble her. I don't need an apple, especially not if Henrietta has to peel it herself."

Sabrina turned to her daughter, beaming. "See? Now that's a man who knows how to treasure his wife."

Henrietta blinked. "Excuse me?" Was her mother implying she was the inconsiderate one?

Before she could protest, Sabrina pressed on. "Well then, peel him an orange. They're incredibly sweet, just flown in this morning. Here." With that, she thrust a large orange into Henrietta's hand.

Henrietta sighed. Fine. It was the big boss's first visit to his in-laws. He deserved a little pampering. Before she could move, Sabrina added, "And when you're done, feed it to him personally."

Henrietta rolled her eyes but nodded. "Alright, alright. I'll serve your precious son."

Sabrina shot her a mock glare. "You little rascal."

The playful banter between mother and daughter was light and easy. Yosef, who had been deep in conversation with Hector, couldn't help but glance over at Henrietta. She pulled a napkin from the dispenser, preparing to peel the orange for him. But before she could start, Yosef reached out and smoothly took the napkin from her. She looked at him, surprised. Then, just as smoothly, he took the orange from her hand as well. He didn't say a word, continuing his discussion with Hector about the global economy, but his hands moved with an effortless grace, placing the orange on the napkin and beginning to peel. The entire sequence was so fluid it left Henrietta momentarily stunned.