When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 303

Once out of the private room, Henrietta led the way to a quiet corner. Quinton followed, his steps heavy. When they stopped, Quinton was the first to speak. “What important business were you two discussing in the lounge for so long?” It was a question he shouldn't have asked. As a man, he knew other men all too well. Deep down, he already had a strong suspicion, a near certainty. Of course, even if he asked, Henrietta would never tell him the truth. But… for some reason, he had to ask. Henrietta remained perfectly calm, her expression unreadable. “That's a private matter between my husband and me,” she said simply. “It’s not something I can discuss.” Quinton fell silent, his eyes clouded with a dark emotion, but he eventually just nodded. “Right.” Henrietta looked straight at him. “Quinton, is it really appropriate for you to find a girl like this?” “And what does Henrietta find inappropriate about it?” he countered. “Do you like her?” she asked. “Yes,” Quinton said. “I think she’s quite nice.” Henrietta took a deep breath. “But Quinton… this girl… she seems a bit like me.” “Does she?” Quinton looked at her and gave a bitter smile. “How so?” Henrietta didn’t answer. “And even if she does… so what?” Quinton pressed on. “Henrietta, maybe I just have a type. You can’t tell me that I have to give up the type of person I’m attracted to, just to avoid suspicion or for some other reason, can you?” Henrietta had actually anticipated Quinton would use this line of reasoning. It was a common and believable explanation, not necessarily a lie or an excuse. Many people were consistently drawn to the same type. For instance, she herself preferred gentle, considerate, and attentive men, and disliked the overtly domineering and aggressive type like Joaquin. Some people liked rugged men, while others preferred a more refined look. So… it was difficult to accuse him of finding a substitute or being deliberately provocative. Hearing his words, Henrietta actually smiled. “Alright, I understand,” she said. “You don’t have to give her up. If you genuinely like her, that’s for the best.” Quinton seemed surprised by her sudden acceptance. He just stared at her, momentarily stunned. Henrietta continued, her smile unwavering, “She’s just similar, but she isn’t me. And no matter what, she never will be, and never can be.” Her words were a devastating blow. Because no matter how hard you search, no matter how similar someone is, they will never be the person you truly want. After delivering the line, Henrietta added, “Isn’t that right, Quinton?” A sharp pain lanced through Quinton’s heart, but all he could do was force out, “Yes, that’s right.” It was true. He admitted it. But he still wanted to find a girl like this, even if it was just to look at her every day. Henrietta didn't press the issue further. “Let’s go back,” she said, and turned to leave. Watching her back, Quinton spoke again. “You don’t have to avoid me like the plague, and you don’t have to… over-analyze me. I know exactly what I’m doing. I promised you I would always be the big brother who protects you for life… and that promise will never change.” He said the words lightly, but only he knew the tearing pain in his heart. Henrietta paused and turned to look at him. For a moment, she saw flashes of their childhood, of the years they spent growing up together. If she put herself in his shoes… she thought she could almost understand his pain. A small smile touched her lips. She nodded. “Alright. Quinton, let’s both live our own lives well. Isn’t being able to remain by each other’s side as family enough of a gift?” It was as if she had suddenly, truly let it go. Maybe she didn’t need to hide from Quinton. As long as she never agreed, he wouldn’t—couldn’t—do anything to her. Her words seemed to bring Quinton some measure of peace as well. He nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Let’s go.” If she had never felt anything romantic for him… then how could he possibly force it? The siblings seemed to have reached an understanding, both showing signs of acceptance. But just then… Yosef suddenly appeared, a half-smoked cigarette held between his fingers. Calvert followed close behind him, trailed by a phalanx of eight bodyguards. As always, he made a grand entrance with his full entourage. Henrietta was taken aback. She felt like… she had never seen this side of Yosef before. He looked absolutely formidable. The cigarette smoke curling around his fingers, in particular, gave him an air of supreme arrogance. But upon seeing Henrietta, he turned and extinguished the cigarette in a nearby trash receptacle. “Yosef…” Henrietta said. “We’ve finished talking. Let’s go back to the room.” Yosef walked over and put an arm around her shoulder. “You two have finished, but Quinton and I still have a few things to discuss. You go back to the room first, hmm?” Henrietta froze. She knew Yosef was furious with Quinton. If she left, what if their conflict escalated even further? Today, of all days, was when Quinton was setting his wedding date. If things got too ugly, it would be impossible to smooth them over. More importantly, what if her parents and Sherry found out? The engagement would likely be called off immediately. If her parents knew the truth behind Quinton’s intentions… and his choice of fiancée… life in the Sargent family would become very uncomfortable. Knowing her parents, if they learned the whole story, they would very likely… kick Quinton out. But… they had raised him as their own son. Even if they sent him away, their hearts would surely ache. Then her family would be left with her as their only daughter, and she was already married. The massive Sargent fortune would be left entirely to the two of them.