Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Just as Lena gave a fierce glare, she heard the sound of the elevator door opening.

Josefina, sporting her workout gear, descended the stairs. Lena beamed a smile and greeted her, "Good morning, Josie. You're up with the birds. Got any big plans for rising so early?"

The thought crossed Lena's mind: surely Josefina wasn't planning to whip up a surprise breakfast for their parents too?

Lena watched her with guarded eyes, making Josefina feel uncomfortable all over. "Just going for a run," she muttered before heading out.

Lena took a deep breath and hurried to the kitchen.

Garrett and Hattie were taken aback upon seeing Lena, aproned and bustling about the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Hattie's eyes flickered towards the servers presenting the dishes. No sign of distress, no expression of panic. It seemed Lena hadn't turned the kitchen upside down.

Lena chirped cheerily, "Mom, Dad, breakfast is served. I've made it myself. Give it a try and see if I've gotten any better."

Regina chimed in too, "Miss Josefina was up at the crack of dawn preparing breakfast—such a devoted daughter."NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

Hattie reassured Lena, "Sweetheart, don't overdo it. You need your rest in the morning. Don't worry about breakfast; you've got work to attend to. Take care of yourself."

"Mom, I've got it all balanced-work and home. No worries. Please, try the soup I've made. Let me get you a bowl."

The tender moment between Lena and her mother wasn't lost on Josefina, who sat down to eat, seemingly indifferent to Lena's efforts.

Lena ladled out a bowl for Josefina as well, "Josie, have a taste."

"Thank you," Josefina said, taking a sip.

"It's quite good," she said politely.

Lena, however, was taken aback. How could Josefina sip so calmly? Wasn't this awkward for her?

Garrett peeted a hard-boiled egg for Josefina Darling, have an egg. l read somewhere that starting the day with one is good for you these are special, soaked in a walnut infusion."

"Thanks, dad." Josefina responded, accepting the egg and taking a bite while Garrett looked on with a father's adoring smile. Hattie passed a bun to Josefina. "Josie, try this. It's good." She offered one to Lena as well, urging her to sit and join them. Throughout the meal, Lena felt like she was suffocating, unable to read any hint of discomfort on Josefina's composed face.

Ruby arrived at the park, her face masked. Soon, a woman in sunglasses sidled up beside her and handed over a manila envelope. "Everything you requested is in there."

Ruby retrieved a hefty bag of cash from her purse and handed it over. "This is the deposit. If the stuff checks out, I'll send the rest of the payment," she said cautiously. The woman nodded. "Alright, I'll be off then."

Taking the money, the woman

walked away, leaving Ruby to pore over the designs she'd obtained online. She needed to be certain they were original. They would be her ticket to clinching first place in the upcoming competition.

After scrutinizing them, Ruby sighed in relief.

The departing woman got into her car and made a call. "Boss, it's done. That fool Ruby will believe anything. She's desperate for a win, and she'll come back for more designs."

"Excellent. Keep the lines open with Ruby. Feed her your sketches."

"Will do, boss. Everything's going according to plan." She hung up and drove away.