Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, Lena felt a knot in her stomach, and her heart pounded against her chest like a drum. How on earth was she supposed to spin this?

With a forced smile, Lena looked at the few around her and ventured, "I just thought, since it's Mr. Rowan's birthday, if the fireworks spelled out my sister's name, some folks might gossip and tarnish her reputation."

That explanation might just pass muster. "I just didn't want anyone speaking ill of my sister. What harm could I possibly wish for?" Lena said. Her voice was laced with a touch of grievance.

If Oliver had chosen to include Josefina's name in the pyrotechnic display, surely he'd considered this very angle. Unperturbed, Oliver retorted, "He's having his birthday, and I'm setting off my fireworks. What's the big deal? We're out here in the boonies - who's going to see?"

Lena felt dwarfed by Oliver's commanding presence. Her discomfort was palpable.

Again, Oliver's voice rang out, "If anyone's got a beef with that, I'm all ears!"

Faced with his dominance, Lena found herself speechless. His assertive stance struck fear in her heart, and she dared not contradict him.

Indeed, the villa, meant as a gilded cage for Rowan, was isolated, with few neighbors to speak of. It was an unusual place for the average Joe to venture.

In light of the awkward situation, Brandon played the peacemaker, "Well, it may be Rowan's birthday, but it's not out of line for him to charm his future daughter-in-law with a few surprises for Josie, is it?" Oliver's eyes, mocking and sharp, fixed on Lena's timid gaze as his lips curled into a sardonic smirk. "Does that satisfy you, Miss Lena?"

Lena recoiled, visibly shaken by Oliver's intimidating stance. "It's just me being overly concerned. I meant no harm..."

Lena turned to Hattie with puppy-dog eyes. Her expression was one of deep distress. Hattie had watched Lena grow up, and couldn't stand to see her this upset.

"You're just a bit too worried, Lena," Hattie soothed, taking Lena's hand. "Oliver's got his head on straight; you don't have to fret so much."

Lena felt a sting, convinced that Hattie's loyalties lay with Josefina, her own flesh and blood. Perhaps she already forgot the child raised by the Harrison family. Even if she was not their real daughter, she had lived as the Harrisons' darling for eighteen years!

Josefina's lips lifted in a demure smile, and her voice was sweet and melodic. "Thank you for your concern, Lena. You're such a dear sister."

Lena managed a strained smile,

sensing an undercurrent of condescension from Josefina. "You're so understanding. You won't misinterpret my words," Lena said with a hopeful grin.

Josefina simply smiled, saying nothing, and the conversation

V.netConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

moved on as the group returned to the cool of the living room-the outdoors was just too sweltering.

Feeling fatigued, Josefina yawned, prompting Oliver to quickly offer, "Josie, let me take you home."

With a nod from Josefina, Oliver seized the moment when Garrett and Hattie were still chatting with Grandpa Brandon to whisk her away.

Lena, not wanting to be left behind, trotted up. "Josie, can I hitch a ride with Oliver? My feet are killing me from these heels."

Before Josefina could respond, Oliver agreed, "Sure."

Josefina couldn't shake the feeling that Oliver's acquiescence wasn't as straightforward as it seemed.

Lena was over the moon, and followed Oliver. Her steps were light with excitement, until she reached his car.

"Your chariot awaits, princess," Oliver said, opening the passenger door with a flourish.

"Where did you pick up that line?" Josefina chuckled as she slid into the seat.

"George tells me it's all the rage online," Oliver replied with a grin.

е

Josefina settled in, while Lena stood awkwardly by the rear door, seemingly invisible to Oliver, who got into the driver's seat and started the car in one fluid motion. Fearful of being left behind, Lena scrambled into the car just in time. No sooner had the door shut than the car pulled away. If she had hesitated even a moment longer, she would have missed her ride with Oliver, and that thought smoldered within her like a fire waiting to ignite.