Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. With Oliver in the picture, Rowan was sidelined. The company needed Oliver far more.

The two families sat down for dinner around a spacious table that still had empty seats. Course after course was served in a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Grandpa Brandon spoke up, "Josie, I heard from your granddad that you're quite fond of swings. Well, Oliver here went and built a few in his garden back home. Even got the dressing room spruced up. You should drop by his place sometime when you're free."

Hattie and Garrett were stunned. Could he be any more blunt?

Grandpa Brandon continued, "Garrett, Hattie, don't be too taken aback. I dote on Josie as if she were my own granddaughter. If I spoil her with a few gifts, it's all normal. After all, who wouldn't find Josie utterly charming?"

Oliver chimed in, "Josie is indeed very likeable."

Josefina was beginning to see that Oliver's agreement to celebrate Rowan's birthday had his own motives behind it. Every move he made was calculated. Did he like her with an ulterior motive too?

As Josefina sliced into her steak, Oliver took the cutlery from her hands and replaced her plate with one where he had already neatly cut the meat. "Here, eat up."

He then took the untouched steak in front of Josefina, cutting it with finesse, savoring a bite, and following it with a sip of red wine.

Lena, seated across from the pair, frowned so deeply it looked as if she could trap a fly between her brows. She was chewing her own steak, but her expression suggested it was as flavorless as wax.

After dinner, Oliver led the group to the villa's sprawling backyard lawn. "A friend sent over some fireworks. Let's set them off and enjoy the show in light of the festivities," he said. Immediately, Bennett and the servants went to light the fireworks. In the pitch-black night, everyone lined up, with Oliver holding Josefina's hand, standing close to her.

Boom!

The fireworks soared from the

ground, exploding into the sky in a shower of brilliant colors. Each

firework bloomed like a flower, with others forming various shapes.

The grand finale burst into the sky, spelling out "Josie" in fiery letters, leaving the onlookers in awe once again.

Garrett and Hattie had to admit, Oliver had outdone himself. They couldn't dismiss such a son-in-law. Perhaps Oliver was worth considering?

The couple exchanged a look, both thinking Oliver might be a good match, but ultimately, it was up to Josefina.

The fireworks left Lena with a bitter

taste of jealousy and rising anger. Even as others snapped photos with their phones, Lena refrained. She muttered under her breath, "I don't even know whose birthday it is anymore."

Lena thought her comment would go unnoticed, but when she looked up, she met Oliver's dark, penetrating gaze. Oliver's voice was cold as he stated, "Whose birthday it is doesn't matter. What's important is that Josie is happy."

Lena opened her mouth to explain, but she caught Grandpa Robert's sharp glance. Panicking, she realized that one careless remark might offend both families. She might as well be done for.

Josefina gazed intensely at Lena, who grew even more flustered. "I didn't mean it like that, Josie. Please don't misunderstand."

As Lena's words hung in the air, the fireworks ended, and the silence amplified her statement.

Josefina smiled wryly. Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she sincerely asked, "So, what did you mean?"

In that moment, all eyes turned to Lena, making her extremely embarrassed.

How on earth was she supposed to answer that?