When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 93

After her initial shock, Henrietta collected herself. "Alright, I've asked everything. I have no more questions. Do you have any for me?"

"I have no questions," Yosef said. "So, Ms. Sargent, what is your answer?"

Hearing that, Henrietta fell silent. He had no questions for her at all? She studied him quietly for a long moment before speaking. "Mr. Nash, I’m truly honored by your offer..."

Yosef remained perfectly still, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he gave a single nod. "I see."

Henrietta didn't move, and neither did he. He simply met her gaze, his calm unwavering. There was no flash of anger at being rejected, no sudden shift to a dismissive, high-and-mighty attitude. His emotional stability was almost unnerving.

Only then did Henrietta continue, "And I agree to marry you."

A flicker of something finally appeared in Yosef's eyes. His lips pressed into a thin line as he immediately stood and walked toward her. He picked up the woman's ring from the dining table, knelt on one knee, and held out his hand. "Henrietta, thank you for accepting me."

Henrietta placed her hand in his. Though there were no feelings between them yet, the sense of ceremony was surprisingly touching. His choice of words felt profound, as if they carried a deeper meaning. Why would a man of his stature use such a humble phrase?

She didn't have time to dwell on it. She took the man's ring and slid it onto his finger.

Though the staff and Calvert were present, no one broke into applause or offered dramatic congratulations.

Yosef rose to his feet. Henrietta wondered if he was about to leave. Instead, he looked at Calvert. "Have them prepare."

"Yes, sir," Calvert replied.

Henrietta looked up at him. "Prepare for what?"

Yosef's gaze softened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he stood with one hand in his pocket. "To get our marriage certificate."

Henrietta was floored. "What?"

Though her last two responses had been odd, Yosef didn't press her.

Henrietta finally collected herself, frowning slightly. She couldn't believe she'd lost her composure like that. She hadn't realized the shadow Matteo's words about getting a fake marriage certificate to fool her had left on her mind. She looked at Yosef. "I'm sorry, I wasn't myself."

He waved it off. "Being cautious is a form of self-protection, not a loss of composure. It was my oversight; I should have taken you to the clerk's office myself."

His words completely upended her perception of men, especially after her experiences with Matteo and Joaquin. Having a point of comparison really highlighted the difference.

She wasn't sure what to say. He continued, "It was also my oversight not to arrange for a pre-marital health screening. When I get back next, we can go together. If you have any concerns, you can call it off at any time."

Henrietta raised an eyebrow. He was very confident. And very transparent. Honesty was a good thing, and she was confident in herself, too. She had a thorough physical every year. She imagined he did as well. Could the head of Y-N Group possibly fail a health check?

"Alright," she nodded with a small smile. "And if there's anything wrong on my end, you're welcome to call it off too."