When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 3

The color drained from Matteo’s face. He instantly regretted saying he was at home; he should have lied and said he was out drinking with friends. But she claimed to be right outside his bedroom. If he changed his story now and she was telling the truth, it would be over.

Besides, he thought he’d heard her voice through the phone—it sounded like she really was just outside.-

Matteo forced himself to remain calm. “You’re at my door this late? Baby, you must have missed me.”

Henrietta didn’t reply, a wave of nausea washing over her.

“Hang on, I’ll be right there,” Matteo said, ending the call. He grabbed Artina, hissing, “Henrietta’s at the door. You need to hide.”

Artina’s eyes widened, and Matteo clamped a hand over her mouth. “Shh, be quiet.”

He snatched her clothes and phone, then pulled her into the walk-in closet. “Stay here.”

His bedroom was large enough that hiding someone wasn't difficult.

Artina had no choice. She was a rising star now; getting caught in a scandal like this would ruin her career.

Matteo opened the door. The woman standing there was dressed in a simple, elegant white gown that made her look like an ethereal being descended to earth. Her beauty was breathtaking. Long hair cascaded down to her waist, framing a perfect face. Her cool, refined temperament and distant gaze made everything around her seem to fade in comparison. She was the kind of woman a man would fall for at first sight, the kind he would ache to conquer and possess.

Matteo felt that pull every time he saw Henrietta, but over time, her refusal to yield had twisted that desire into a simmering resentment. She was, in his mind, a nobody—an ordinary girl working as an assistant—yet she carried herself with the grace and pride of a high-society debutante.

“Is something wrong? It’s so late,” Matteo asked, his tone gentle.

Henrietta remained silent.

“Henrietta.” Matteo followed her. “What… what do you mean by that?”

She sat on the edge of the bed, her expression as serene and elegant as ever. Her skin was incredibly fair, a stark contrast to her red lips. Her features were flawless, from the line of her jaw to her long, graceful neck. Just by sitting there, her perfect figure and otherworldly beauty were enough to make a man’s pulse race.

“You mean… you’re staying the night?” Matteo’s throat went dry. An undeniable lust flared within him, and he took a step closer.

Henrietta’s gaze drifted around the room. The bed was neatly made, but her sharp senses picked up the faint, lingering scent of a woman’s perfume in the air.

“Yes.” She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly. “It’s almost midnight.”

Matteo understood her meaning. His eyes darkened, and the heat in his stomach intensified. He might despise her cold, untouchable demeanor, but the thought of having her in his bed… he was more than ready.