When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 5

Matteo shoved her back inside, clamping his hand over her mouth again.

“Are you crazy?” he hissed. “So what if you’re a Harmon? Is getting caught in an affair something to brag about? She doesn’t suspect a thing, and you want to run out and confess? What’s the big deal about hiding here for one night? You might not care about your reputation, but I care about mine!”

He felt a surge of frustration. Artina was young and impulsive, prone to emotional outbursts. He suddenly thought of Henrietta’s cool composure. Being with her might not be exciting, but she was always calm, level-headed, and understood the bigger picture. She would never cause a scene like this. If their roles were reversed, Henrietta would have been perfectly obedient.

Just then, a soft knock came from the closet door, followed by Henrietta’s cool voice. “Are you done yet?”

Matteo’s body went rigid with panic. He turned to Artina, his voice a desperate whisper. “Stay quiet, or we’re both finished!”

Henrietta pushed the door open.

Matteo slammed the cabinet shut, his legs suddenly weak. He nearly stumbled. If Henrietta caught them now, his career as an A-list actor would be over. Everything he had worked for would be destroyed.

“Henrietta!” He rushed forward to block her path, forcing a smile. “I’m ready.”

Henrietta looked at him impassively. “But you haven’t grabbed anything. Do you want me to… help you?”

“No!” Matteo blurted out. “No, that’s… that’s okay. I just need to get a pair of underwear. It’ll only take a second. Wait for me outside.”

His heart was pounding in his throat as he hurried to grab his underwear. Thankfully, it was in a different cabinet from where Artina was hiding. She remained completely silent, having apparently been persuaded by his warning. He grabbed the first pair he saw and rushed back to Henrietta, reaching for her hand. “Okay, let’s go.”

Henrietta sidestepped his touch, her voice melodic and cool. “You’re sweating. Are you nervous?”

“Of… of course,” Matteo stammered. “We’ve been together for so long… Anyway, Henrietta, let’s go out. Give me ten minutes.”

He didn’t dare say anything too affectionate, fearing it might provoke Artina in the closet.

Matteo desperately wanted to get her out of there, but faced with her searching eyes, he couldn’t help but feel a pull. She was probably nervous too, about giving herself to him tonight. He decided Artina must have relented and wouldn’t make a scene. He would have to play along.

“A lot,” he said, forcing himself to sound sincere. He was usually so good at sweet-talking, but right now, the words wouldn’t come.

Henrietta knew then that Artina had to be in the closet. But she had no interest in a dramatic confrontation. She had only come in here to unnerve them. If Artina wasn't going to reveal herself, Henrietta certainly wasn't going to be the one to tear her own dignity to shreds. She had her own pride.

“I see,” Henrietta said, nodding. Without another word, she turned and walked out.

Matteo stayed close beside her until they were out of the walk-in closet and the door was safely shut. Only then did he let out a breath of relief. He finally dared to ask, “Baby, want to shower together?”

Henrietta felt sick to her stomach. “I’ve already showered,” she replied flatly.