Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lena woke from her nap to the sound of silence-her family had vanished. She called out to Regina, seeking an explanation.

Regina hesitated before replying, "They've gone to pick up Josefina. Ms. Hattie made it clear I was not to wake you, saying you needed your rest."

Fury ignited within Lena. "Oh, they're worried about my sleep, or are they just afraid I'll rain on their parade? All this talk of treating me like their own flesh and blood, yet I'm always the odd one out!" Regina tried to soothe her. "Miss Lena, please don't be cross. It's not worth your health. I think they went to uphold ties with the Baldwin family, not just for Josefina."

Lena scoffed. "Josefina claims she's got healing skills. I don't buy it! If she's cozied up to the Baldwin family, that's her own cunning at work."

Regina clammed up. The Baldwins were the world's richest family, after all. For the Harrisons to have an alliance with the Baldwins was a boon beyond compare.

Regina whispered, "Miss Lena, if they didn't take you, you can still go yourself."

Struck by the idea, Lena dashed upstairs. She applied minimal makeup, slipped into her sporty chic outfit-mirroring Josefina's style without realizing it—and drove off to the Baldwins' home.

Upon arriving, Lena found everyone had finished dinner and were preparing to leave. Brandon and Oliver were seeing them out to the gate.

After Lena stepped out of her car, beaming, she moved to speak with Oliver. He, however, was deep in conversation with Josefina, eyes only for her. Every twitch of his expression was a reaction to Josefina's every move.

Hattie noticed Lena first. "Lena, what brings you here?"

Lena, about to address Oliver, was interrupted by Hattie and couldn't help but suspect it was deliberate. She smiled through gritted teeth. "Mom, I heard you were fetching Josie. You should've woken me. We're family, and we should've come together as one."

Hattie's voice was gentle. "Lena, you need your afternoon rest. Poor sleep during the day leads to insomnia at night. + couldn't bear to wake you. We had enough hands to bring your sister home." Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Lena bit back further words, not wishing to upset Hattie.

Robert paid little attention to Lena, busy bidding Brandon farewell. "Brandon, we must be going. Take care of yourself."

"Garrett, thank you for your concern. Safe travels."

Brandon turned to Josefina. "Josie, visit anytime. Our door is always open to you."

Oliver's gaze, full of tenderness, rested on Josefina. "Josie, if the flowers we planted bear fruit, I'll let you know."

Josefina nodded, bidding farewell to

both Oliver and Brandon. The family drove off, leaving Lena feeling

doused in cold water, not

core.

IMS

...

Back home, Lena was a whirlwind of activity-pouring water for Garrett, massaging Hattie's shoulders, the epitome of dutifulness.

"Dad, you seem a bit flushed. This chamomile tea should cool you down."

"Mom, your shoulders seem tight. Let me work on them."

Josefina watched Lena's flurry of gestures without a hint of

annoyance. She approached, taking

a seat by Garrett. "Let me see your hand," she said.

Garrett, puzzled but obliging, extended his hand to Josefina, ready to fulfill any request she made.