When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 29

Pamela added, “Your sister's right. Even if she insists on breaking up in public, it will damage her and her family's reputation! If she wants to find another partner in their circle, those rich men will be wary of her past. You two have been together for so long, who's going to believe she hasn't got a history?”

“Exactly,” Jolie said. “If she's going to bully you like this, we can't just let her. Announcing your relationship in front of everyone is the right move!”

Matteo nodded but said, “Let's wait a little longer.”

But after waiting a while longer, Henrietta still made no move. Matteo finally couldn't sit still any longer. He took the ring box out of his pocket, clutched it in his hand, and stood up.

Henrietta was happily eating and chatting with Winona and Charlotte.

“Holy crap,” Winona suddenly said, “what's that bastard doing? Why is he coming over here?”

Henrietta looked up.

“If he dares to start anything, we should just have him thrown out!” Charlotte said.

“It looks like… he's heading for the stage?” Henrietta noted.

“Is he trying to force you to marry him?” Winona said. “No way. I'll get someone to stop him and throw him out! We can't let him make a scene on stage and humiliate you!”

Winona stood up immediately, but Henrietta pulled her back down. “It's fine,” she said calmly. “He was going to pull a stunt like this sooner or later. Let him.”

“But a scene like this will embarrass you, too, even if he looks worse. And on your birthday!” Charlotte protested.

“Henrietta,” Matteo said into the microphone, facing her direction.

Henrietta didn't even pause her meal, continuing to eat without giving him so much as a glance. She remained perfectly composed, cool and aloof.

But Matteo had to continue. He spoke with deep emotion, his voice full of feigned love and his eyes turning red as he spoke of how they fell in love in college, a pure and simple love, and how they had been through so much together. He was an award-winning actor, after all, and his performance was quite convincing.

The guests at the Sargents' tables were surprised. They knew the Sargent heiress wasn't in an arranged marriage, but they hadn't realized she had a long-term boyfriend. As he continued, many were genuinely moved by his words. It was nice she wasn't in an arranged marriage, to have a love that pure and passionate. The Sargent family was powerful enough that they didn't need to secure alliances through marriage.

When he finally ran out of words, Matteo opened the ring box and knelt on one knee. “Henrietta, we had planned for today to be our engagement day. It's also your birthday, a double celebration. Henrietta, I love you!”

The guests on the Sargents' side were shocked again. What?