Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Shay stood on the second floor, watching as Josefina walked in, her arm linked with Oliver's wrist. It was then that Shay realized, Oliver's affection wasn't for Lena but for Josefina, the real daughter that the Harrison family had brought back.

With a tender smile gracing her lips, Shay nodded subtly. Josefina, however, was not convinced. The look in Shay's eyes a moment ago had not seemed so gentle. Out of politeness, Josefina returned the nod and leaned in to whisper to Hattie. "Why did Rowan only invite these few people for his birthday?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Hattie, equally perplexed, murmured back, "Probably didn't want a big fuss, to avoid a scene, you know?"

Glancing around the room, Josefina's cheeks flushed with understanding.

Alma's mother approached to exchange pleasantries with Hattie, while Sylvie and Nola's mother joined the conversation. The trio of girls - Sylvie, Alma, and Nola - also made their way over to Josefina. Alma wore an awkward expression. "Josie, I was out of line the other day. I hope you can forgive me. I swear, no more rivalry from me."

Nola added, "After we got home, my parents gave me an earful. Please, Josie, let's bury the hatchet."

Sylvie chimed in, "You've already forgiven me, right Josie?"

Josefina let out a light laugh. "I'm not the boogeyman, you know. There's nothing to be afraid of."

The three shared a relieved smile before Nola whispered, "Now it makes sense why today's party is such an intimate affair. It's Oliver backing you up, isn't it?"

Alma pondered aloud, "I used to think Oliver and Lena were an item. Now it's clear I was wrong. Lena was just wishful thinking."

Sylvie felt a blush of shame for her past ignorance. Having once mocked Josefina, she now found herself engulfed in awkwardness as the truth unraveled. Encircled by the girls, Josefina became the life of the party, her laughter mingling with theirs.

Lena watched from a distance, her heart seething with loathing and envy as her former friends flocked to Josefina's side, showering her with attention.

If you can't beat them, join them, she thought. Lena approached with a flute of champagne, her eyes sparkling with forced cheer. "Josie, you look absolutely stunning today." Alma quipped, "Josie's a knockout regardless. She'd look good even in a potato sack."

Nola agreed, "Josie's beauty is timeless. She's a stunner every single day."

Sylvie felt awkward and uneasy. Josefina had saved her, she was also aware of Josefina's identity, and now she just felt a kind of

ignorant embarrassment. Sylvia net

glanced sympathetically at the

targeted Lena and spoke softly. "Everyone looks beautiful today."

Not wanting to embarrass Lena in front of everyone, especially since she was now a part of the Harrison clan, Josefina graciously accepted the compliment. "Thank you. The dress is an Anya original. Naturally, I love it."

Well, she designed that dress herself. Of course, she loved it.

As the atmosphere became peaceful, Shay, with a pale face, rushed down to find Oliver. "Oliver, something's happened to Dad."

Oliver was in conversation with Grandpa Brandon. Upon hearing Shay's words, his expression turned cold. "Did he kick the bucket?"

Grandpa Brandon, used to Oliver's icy demeanor, sighed. "What's he up to now?" he asked with a hint of irritation.

Shay whispered, "Grandpa, Dad... he's threatening to slit his wrists. He says if we don't let him show up to his own birthday bash, he'll do it." Oliver's reply was dismissive. "If he's got the guts, then he's more of a man than I thought."

Shay was speechless, stunned by

Oliver's callous indifference. It seemed as though Oliver's warmth. was reserved solely for Josefina, his passion for everything else utterly extinguished.

Frowning deeply, Brandon made a decision. "Oliver, you stay here and keep things in order. I'll go have a look upstairs."NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.