Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 104

Calix was seething with frustration as he learned about Josefina’s past. "It's all their fault for messing up my sister's grades!"

The three of them sat hunched over their computers, resolute in their decision to keep Josefina's scores under wraps. They even stashed her admission ticket away, fearing she would get upset if she discovered her marks.

...

Josefina sat at the dining table, nibbling on a sandwich, while Hattie, Garrett, and Calix kept piling more delectable treats onto her plate.

"Come on, dig in, you guys. I'm already pretty stuffed," Josefina protested.

Hattie chuckled, "Josie, honey. Why don't you join Mom on a trip to the mall later? The gown I ordered for you has arrived. You should try it on to see if it fits just right."

Garrett chimed in, "Yeah, your mom went all out and got it custom-made just for you, Josie! One of a kind in the whole world!"

Josefina felt a twinge of irony. She had crafted that very gown herself.

Hattie carried on, "I treated myself to a little something, too. We can go try them on together. What do you say?"

Josefina nodded, "Sure."

...

Oliver was in his office when Brandon's call came through. "Hey Oliver, have you picked out a gift for Josie yet?"

"What do you mean?" Oliver paused his rifling through papers. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Today's the day final exam results come out. Josie's scores must be in by now. Robert hasn't bragged to me yet, so I'm guessing she probably tanked, you know. Now's the time to stand by Josie. Cheer her up with some gifts, got it?"

Oliver glanced at the marked date on his calendar. "I understand."

"Did you actually get her a gift?"

"Yep, got it sorted. I'm taking them out for dinner tonight."

Brandon seemed unimpressed. "Shouldn't it just be the two of you?"

Oliver explained, "Josie's family wants to celebrate with her more than I do. They've just gotten her back. They'll want to be with her for every important moment."

With newfound understanding, Brandon praised Oliver over the phone, "You sly dog, you've got game. Not bad, man, not bad. Knowing you're on track eases my mind. I'll invite Josie's family to join us for dinner tonight as a thank you for her saving my life."

He hung up with a chuckle.

...

Billy had called in favors from friends and business partners to join in celebrating his daughter Ruby's triumph as the final exam's top scorer. They had reserved a swanky banquet hall at Gourmet Galaxy, a statement of pure class.

Ruby, glowing in the spotlight, mingled effortlessly among the guests. The pride was palpable.

A curious guest inquired, "Mr. Antonio, I recall your daughter looking different."

Lauren replied, "Josefina isn't our daughter. Ruby is our flesh and blood. Josefina was the child we had mistakenly taken home, and she's back with her real family now."

"And how did she fare in her exams?"

"How did she do? Mediocre at best. She probably wouldn't even make it into community college," Lauren said, her expression souring.

As they spoke, the banquet hall doors burst open. All eyes turned to the entrance, where a strikingly beautiful girl with a commanding presence stood. Her silver gown sparkled with beads and sequins, dazzling all who beheld it.

With subtle makeup enhancing her natural beauty, Josefina's eyes shone like galaxies, her smile radiant. The long-sleeved gown was modest yet accentuated her figure perfectly, drawing everyone's attention as she made her entrance.

The woman who had been speaking with Lauren whispered incredulously, "Didn't you say Josefina went back to the countryside? She's wearing a masterpiece by designer Anya, which is worth millions. How could someone poor afford such luxury?"

Lauren clenched her teeth, equally puzzled and envious at the sight of Josefina in such an expensive designer gown.

Just then, an urgent voice echoed from behind.

"Quick, Ms. Antonio's right over here..."