Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 168

Lena's eyes shimmered with tears as she asked, "Really?"

"Of course, it's true," came the comforting reply from Regina. "You've been part of the Harrison family for eighteen solid years. Could Josefina even hold a candle to that? Like they say, 'Familiarity breeds fondness.' That's eighteen years of countless hellos. You tell me, doesn't that count for something?"

Lena let the words soothe her, feeling her emotions gradually settle into calm.

Regina, having dispensed her comfort, returned to her room. She pulled out her phone and tapped out a quick text. [Lena's not doing great over here. Oliver doesn't even spare her a glance.]

Once the message was sent, she went about her night as if nothing had happened, washing up before slipping into bed.

...

After her evening shower, Josefina was just stepping out when there was a knock at the door. She swung it open and found Hattie stepping inside. "Josie, I thought you might still be up and wanted to check on you."

That loving gaze was hard to resist. Plus, Josefina cherished any chance to chat a bit more with Hattie. There were things she wanted to ask her, too. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Sitting down together, Hattie turned to Josefina and said, "Josie, how are things going with Oliver? I can tell he's quite taken with you. As long as he treats you right and you're happy, we can welcome him with open arms."

Josefina blushed, looking down. "Oliver and I are just friends."

Hattie chuckled teasingly, "What kind of friends might that be?"

Caught off guard, Josefina fell silent, prompting Hattie to continue, "Since you've been back home, is there anything around the house you'd like to change? Speak up, darling. I'm open to all your requests."

"It's all good, really."

Hattie smiled warmly at her bashful daughter, reaching out to hold her hand. "Josie, do whatever your heart desires. You'll be picking a university soon, right? Have you thought about where you want to apply?"

Part of Hattie's visit was to gauge whether Josefina was considering staying in Westwood or venturing to a distant school. Naturally, Hattie hoped Josefina would stay close to home. She had only just been reunited with her daughter and couldn't bear the thought of her leaving so soon.

Suddenly, Josefina understood the cautious hope in Hattie's eyes. She looked up, meeting Hattie's gaze with a smile. "I don't plan on leaving Westwood. I'll apply to universities here."

Hattie's eyes sparkled with joy, barely containing her elation. "Really? Josie, are you really planning to stay in Westwood for college?"

Josefina nodded, and Hattie's joy almost brought her to tears.

Moved by her mother's display of emotion, Josefina felt a warmth in her chest. The love Hattie offered in just a few days far surpassed anything she had experienced in eighteen years with the Antonios.

Josefina gave Hattie a hug, and Hattie held her tightly in return. "Josie, having you stay at home is wonderful. I promise to love you twice as much. I know I can't make up for the lost eighteen years, but I want to be there for the next eighteen years and the eighteen after that..."

With misty eyes, Josefina tried to hold back her emotions.

"I'll go tell your father the good news," Hattie said with excitement. "He's been dying to ask you but didn't dare. He'll be thrilled to hear this."

Even after Hattie had rushed off to share the news with Garrett, Josefina's heart remained aflutter with emotion. She finally felt what it was to be cherished by her parents.

With a notion to get her hair styled, Josefina's phone vibrated. Picking it up, she opened the message, and her brow furrowed in surprise.

Why would this person be reaching out to her?