Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 146

Oliver's gaze steadfastly avoided Lena, fixating instead on Josefina. "Josie, I need a word with you. How about we step outside to talk? Okay with you?" He sought Josefina's consent with such genuine gazes that it seemed impossible to say no.

Noticing her family members nearby, Josefina nodded in agreement. Clearly, if Oliver wanted to talk outside, it was a matter that wasn't for the family's ears.

Josefina followed Oliver out, leaving Calix gaping in disbelief. As Calix was about to step forward, Grandpa Robert's hand clamped down on his arm. "Cal, what are you planning?"

Calix blurted out, "Gramps, can't you see? Oliver's eyeing my sister."

Grandpa Robert replied with a knowing tone, "You think I'm blind?"

Calix was confounded. So, did Grandpa actually approve of Josie getting involved with Oliver?

Calix objected, "Gramps, I'll never stand for Oliver as my brother-in-law. Just look at him, he always wears a stern expression. And his tactics can be quite ruthless. My sister's delicate as a daisy - how's she going to bear his rough handling?"

The room fell into an awkward silence. There's speaking your mind, and then there's talking nonsense.

Hattie interjected, "Calix, your sister's just discussing business with Oliver. You're making it sound like she's head over heels. I'm telling you, if you don't buckle down and get serious, you'll be back here running the family business."

Garrett chimed in, "Your older brothers are soaring high, Cal. It's time you came home and helped out. Drop that dream of being an artist. Do you think you're the next Gideon with his astounding talent?"

Grandpa Robert added his bit, "Cal, look at Josie. She just took over the company and already she's turned the tables. As her brother, can't you make a bit of an effort?"

Feeling cornered by the family's nagging, Calix made a quick exit.

Lena watched from the sidelines, her resentment towards Josefina growing by the minute. Ever since Josefina's return, her ability to outshine everyone made Lena fear for her own place in the Harrison household.

How could Lena willingly give up her position in the Harrison family after all the years she spent curating her persona? She was determined to have the Harrisons wrapped around her finger.

...

Strolling down the path of the Harrison estate, Josefina and Oliver were surrounded by well- manicured lawns and beds of flowers and shrubs, their delicate fragrances filling the air. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

The summer's heat was tempered by a nocturnal breeze that brought a touch of coolness.

Josefina broke the silence first, "What did you want to talk about?"

Oliver's voice came soft but clear, "My grandfather's been feeling under the weather. He'd like you to drop by tomorrow, check on him, maybe take his pulse."

Josefina was puzzled; such a simple request hardly necessitated Oliver’s personal visit.

"Why didn't you just call?"

"How else could I have the chance to see you?" he replied.

Josefina halted in her tracks, and Oliver followed suit, standing before her. Oliver lowered his gaze as Josefina looked up, their eyes locking.

The falling petals scattered around, floating gently in the air before landing on Josefina's head. Josefina's face was radiant and glowing, with rosy cheeks and striking black-and-white eyes. The streetlights above reflected in her eyes, sparkling like a galaxy.

Oliver reached out, causing Josefina's heart to flutter, a current racing through her body, making it impossible to hold his gaze.

As Oliver drew nearer, Josefina's heart raced with panic. Then, gently removing the petal from her hair, he whispered in her ear, "What are you afraid of? Afraid I'll kiss you?"