When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 30

Today was supposed to be their engagement day? The Sargents hadn't said anything! Oh, maybe this was all planned? A dramatic, romantic proposal?

Henrietta's parents and brother had initially held back, waiting for her to react. But now Matteo was kneeling with the ring, and Henrietta still hadn't moved…

Quinton crooked a finger at a bodyguard behind him. “Throw him out.”

“Yes, sir,” the bodyguard said, bowing his head.

But Henrietta finally stood up. “Quinton, no need.”

Quinton looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

Henrietta started towards the stage. Winona and Charlotte stood as well. “We're coming with you.”

Matteo stared at her, raising the ring higher. “Henrietta, I know you wanted me to say it myself, so I'm saying it!”

Henrietta was silent. So were Winona and Charlotte.

He was truly skilled at twisting the narrative. Who had asked him to say anything?

Before Henrietta could speak, Matteo continued, “I picked out this ring for you myself. Take a look, do you like it? If you don't, I'll buy you another one.”

What a wonderful, devoted man, some people thought. So much better than a loveless arranged marriage.

Winona glanced at it, smiled, and picked up one of the rings. “I recognize this brand. This whole set costs, what, a hundred and fifty thousand dollars? Matteo, you're an award-winning actor worth tens of millions. You're seriously proposing with this?”

Matteo called out desperately, “Why did you break up with me? And on a day like today! Henrietta, you can't treat me like this!”

He played the victim, tears streaming down his face. What was even more unexpected was that Pamela and Jolie stormed the stage.

Pamela wailed dramatically. “Henrietta, how can you just break up with him like this? Are you bullying my son because he doesn't have power or status? Today was supposed to be your engagement day! All our guests know! Why would you say something so cruel today?”

Jolie joined in, crying, “Henrietta, my brother has been so sincere to you. He's always treated you like a queen, giving you everything you want. To dump him on your engagement day… you're trying to kill him!”

The guests Matteo had invited began to murmur. “That's right, our invitations were for Mr. Coleman and Ms. Sargent's engagement party. I can't believe… he got dumped on his engagement day!”

“I was just envying him a moment ago,” one said with a sigh. “Man, this is brutal! The Sargent heiress is being a real bully, isn't she?”