Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina gripped his large hand, and Oliver's action came to an abrupt halt.

The corners of her lips shone faintly in the dim light, her eyes wide with a startled gaze as she looked up at him, "What are you planning to do?"© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Oliver gazed back at her, a low chuckle escaping his lips, "What's got you so scared?"

Words failed Josefina as she stuttered, unable to voice her fears.

With a gentle smile, Oliver tousled her hair, teasing, "Afraid I'll gobble you up?"

How could Josefina not be frightened? When Oliver got that mischievous twinkle in his eye, she truly felt a chill. "I need to get back." She flung open the car door and bolted like a rabbit on the run. Josefina dashed into the yard. She walked alone, the evening breeze cooling her flushed skin.

Because of the high temperature, she still felt overheated.

As she continued, the figure of Lena appeared ahead.

Lena, with a scrutinizing look, took note of Josefina's flushed cheeks and smudged lipstick, her eyes betraying a trace of disdain. Arms crossed, she taunted, "That lipstick smeared all over doesn't really suit you, does it? Aren't you worried about mom and dad seeing you like this?"

Without missing a beat, Josefina flipped open her compact, touched up her makeup, and retorted without a hint of embarrassment.

"Lena, don't tell me you've been pining for me so much that you're out here waiting just for me?"

Lena scoffed, "You wish. I'm here to tell you that I'll be one of the award presenters at tomorrow's design competition. You better bring your A-game. It'd be a shame to lose, wouldn't it?" Josefina looked at her with incredulity, "You're presenting an award?"

That was almost too bizarre to believe. Could Lena really be a guest of honor?

Josefina's expression pricked at Lena's fragile ego. Angrily, Lena demanded, "What's that supposed to mean, Josefina? Are you looking down on me? Why can't I present an award?"

Evaluating her, Josefina speculated, "It wouldn't have anything to do with the Harrison family's status, would it? You're not a designer, nor are you involved with the design world. Other than your family name, I can't see any other reason."

Josefina hit the nail on the head; Lena's opportunity indeed stemmed from her family connections. The Harrisons had a wide social reach, and after eighteen years as their darling daughter, Lena had her fair share of connections.

With a sly smile, Josefina mused, "If I'm not mistaken, mom and dad will be there tomorrow, right?"

Did Lena want the Harrison clan to witness Josefina's defeat?

"After all, it is your competition. As family, we'll undoubtedly be there to support you. Just don't disappoint mom and dad."

"Of course, I won't," Josefina replied confidently as she walked away.

Lena laughed derisively, "We'll see about that."

Josefina entered the living room to find Hattie and Garrett deep in discussion. Upon her arrival, they rushed over, beaming at Josefina "Josie, we were thinking of coming to your competition tomorrow. We want to cheer you on. Is that alright?"

Garrett smiled, his eyes alight with hope. Lena had let slip to them that Josefina had just got home and that it was her first competition. Hadn't they missed enough already? They wouldn't let this opportunity stip by. Garrett and Hattie resolved to show more support for Josefina

With a smile, Josefina nodded, "Sure."

Hattie and Garrett exchanged triumphant glances. "Josie, you head on up and get some rest. I've arranged for a beautician to come over. She's upstairs with Annika

waiting for you right now. Get pampered, take a bath, and be fresh for tomorrow's challenge.

A beautician? Here for her?

"Josie, you don't like the idea?" Hattie asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Josefina quickly assured her, "I love it."

Relieved, Hattie ushered Josefina upstairs to relax and unwind.