When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 289

After a few words with Henrietta, Charlotte said, “Henrietta, restroom?” Henrietta nodded. “Okay.” The two of them got up and went to the restroom. Winona didn’t follow, still engrossed in her game. Once in the restroom, Charlotte grabbed Henrietta’s arm. “Oh no, Henrietta. Do you think… is it possible… that Winona actually likes Joaquin?” “I don’t know,” Henrietta replied. “I’ve suspected it. But she never says anything or admits it.” Charlotte was worried. “This is so frustrating! It’s fine if she likes him, but the problem is Joaquin likes you… it’s a love triangle.” “It’s not a love triangle,” Henrietta quickly corrected. “I don’t like him. Don’t drag me into this. If Winona likes him, that’s her business. It’s not my place to say much.” “Besides,” Henrietta added, frowning slightly, “I have a feeling…” “A feeling about what?” Charlotte asked. “I feel like Joaquin doesn’t genuinely like me. He has his own agenda, but I just don’t know what it is.” Charlotte frowned too. “You think so? If he didn’t like you, would he show up at your office every other day like a lost puppy? He’s not even afraid of Yosef. He must really like you, like he can’t live without you.” Henrietta was silent for a moment, then shook her head slightly. “Is it possible that he’s just trying to cause trouble and disrupt things?” Charlotte thought for a moment. “I don’t know. But you don’t like him, so if he wants to act like a puppy, let him. No one’s stopping him. The problem is Winona… if she really likes him, isn’t she just walking straight into a disaster?” “If she really likes him,” Henrietta said, “then even if it is a pit of fire, you can’t stop her. She has to jump in herself to find out. Isn’t Jethro a perfect example?” Charlotte sighed. “Yeah… speaking of which, Jethro really is a sad case.” Henrietta cleared her throat. “Let’s give him a break, don’t say that. He was actually… hurt badly this time. I don’t know what he’ll become after this. And I don’t know if this will affect his prospects for marriage.” Charlotte quickly covered her mouth. “Okay, okay, I won’t say it. Seriously, Jethro just got out of one fire pit, and now Winona might be about play with fire? We’re going to be busy!” “You can’t put it that way,” Henrietta said. “I’m not interested in Joaquin. Our values don’t align, and I don’t like his personality. But to each their own. Maybe Winona likes the more dominant type, someone who will let her relax and not have to work so hard. And if she’s liked him from the beginning… she can probably tolerate his flaws.” Henrietta had met Joaquin on a blind date. With no emotional attachment, she had bolted as soon as she realized their values clashed. But if feelings were involved, it would be a completely different story. Why Winona would like Joaquin, however, was a mystery. Hearing this, Charlotte nodded. “Right. So… should we encourage Winona to pursue him?” The question made Henrietta pause and think. “After all,” Charlotte continued, “Joaquin is pursuing you, even though he’ll definitely fail. But maybe Winona is holding back because of you…” “I really don’t know what to say,” Henrietta admitted. “Encouraging her is fine, but… what if it really is a pit of fire?” Charlotte frowned. “That’s true.” “Let’s just let nature take its course,” Henrietta said. “If they’re meant to be, it will happen.” “But,” Henrietta added, “I will tell Winona that she doesn’t need to worry about me. I’m married, so it’s impossible for me this lifetime. Even if I weren’t married, I don’t appreciate his philosophy or his personality, so it would still be impossible.” “Exactly! You should tell her that!” Charlotte agreed. Then, she nudged Henrietta playfully. “So, Henrietta, So, how is the honeymoon phase? Is he completely head over heels for you?” The question actually made Henrietta pause. She fell silent for a moment before saying, “Love… I don’t know. We’ve never talked about love. But we get along very well.” “Huh?” Charlotte was surprised. “What does that mean? You two… you don’t… like each other?” “It’s more like… we both think the other is a good person, and we’re just living our lives properly and respectfully,” Henrietta explained. Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “And that works?” Henrietta nodded. “Why wouldn’t it?” Charlotte seemed to understand. “Right. It’s an arranged marriage, after all… so that’s actually a very good situation to be in.” “Yes,” Henrietta agreed. They left the restroom and returned to their seats. They saw that Winona wasn’t talking to Joaquin, and Joaquin was also on his phone, both ignoring each other. They exchanged a glance but didn’t say anything. A short while later, their lunch arrived. The waiter served the dishes, and Winona finally put down her phone. Henrietta and her friends started eating, ignoring Joaquin and making small talk among themselves. Halfway through the meal, a young male voice called out, “Well, if it isn’t the famous Ms. Sargent?” Henrietta froze, her hand pausing, and turned to look. The newcomer was a young man, strikingly handsome with rosy lips, bright, sharp eyes, and a high-bridged nose. He was very good-looking, with a fresh, almost pretty-boy charm. Henrietta slowly frowned. He looked familiar. Before she could place him, Joaquin slammed his fork down, his face darkening as he snapped, “What are you doing here?!”