When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 90

Henrietta splashed her face with cold water. She wasn’t looking for love, so what was she getting so flustered about?

When she returned to the dining room, Calvert was standing beside Yosef. Several more beautiful desserts had been placed on the table. But Henrietta’s eyes were immediately drawn to a small red box sitting on the table next to her seat. It looked like a ring box. He wasn’t just thinking about it. He was serious!

Henrietta walked over and sat down, her gaze fixed on the box. It was open, revealing a pair of wedding bands inside. The woman’s ring featured a heart-shaped diamond surrounded by colored gems, of exquisite quality and brilliance. The man’s was a wider band, also set with diamonds—understated, luxurious, and very handsome. He really had come prepared, down to the rings.

Yosef’s taste was, naturally, impeccable. The wedding bands were not as ostentatious as the ‘Stargaze’ set, but perfectly appropriate.

The thought of ‘Stargaze’ made Henrietta feel a bit awkward. She had brought it with her today. It was far too valuable a gift, especially since they had no prior relationship. Returning it on her birthday would have been rude. A gift like that had to be returned in person, with a polite and carefully worded explanation. So, she had put it in her purse, planning to give it back when they met today. Whether he took it back or not, she needed to make her intentions clear.

But now… it seemed she wouldn't have to.

As her eyes lingered on the rings, Yosef remained composed. He sipped his wine, his gaze on her, as if appreciating a work of art, but without any sense of possession or aggression. She was beautiful, stunning enough to evoke a primal desire in any man, even one detached from emotion.

Finally, Henrietta looked up at him, her expression calm. Yosef set down his glass. “Have you made your decision?”

He had given her a reasonable amount of time to think, never pressuring her, only waiting quietly.

Henrietta pursed her lips. Instead of answering his question, she asked one of her own. “Mr. Nash, do you smoke?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”

Henrietta hadn’t expected such a tease from such a stoic man. A blush crept up her cheeks, but she maintained her composure. “No. Just asking.”

“Oh,” he said. “I… am in no hurry. I have no specific requirements. We can let it happen naturally.”

His answer satisfied Henrietta. Then she asked another question, this one with a hint of hesitation and trepidation. “And would you mind if I worked? I’d like to pursue acting.”

In many wealthy families, a marriage alliance meant the wife did not work. It was seen as a blow to the husband's pride. Wives were expected to manage the household, raise children, care for their elders, and handle social obligations.

And she wanted to act, which was even less acceptable in high society. It wasn't just about being in the public eye or dealing with the complexities of the industry; it was about the roles she might play—good, bad, strong, weak—and how they could affect her personal image. More importantly, acting often involved portraying emotional and physical intimacy with other actors. For a man of status and pride, this was practically taboo.