Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 44

Lena stood there frozen, her gaze locked onto the retreating figure of the man before her. The smile that once danced upon her lips vanished, leaving only the bitter taste of humiliation and hatred.

It was all Josefina's fault. Everything was Josefina's fault.

Her fists clenched in fury, Lena felt a firestorm of anger brewing within.

Regina, who had always taken care of Lena, stepped out with a solicitous air. "Miss, I'm so sorry this happened," she said gently.

Lena looked at Regina with a mix of affection and renewed sense of hurt. "Regina, why don't mom and dad love me anymore? Oliver and I, we go way back. Why did everything change the moment Josefina showed up? They don't care about me anymore. They only have eyes for her."

Regina's gaze was filled with sympathy. "Miss Lena, don't stoop to Josefina's level. She's not even worth it. She might be their biological daughter, but they've doted on you for eighteen years. They're simply trying to make up for lost time with her. At the end of the day, you're still their darling girl."

Regina's words were a balm to Lena's wounded pride, and she felt her spirits lift. "You're right, Regina. Oliver is just momentarily dazzled by her. Once he realizes she's nothing special, he'll lose interest."

Regina nodded in agreement. "Miss Lena, you excel in music, chess, literature, and painting. Your parents have nurtured your talents for eighteen years. How could Josefina ever compare?"

Lena's mood stabilized, and she smiled at Regina gratefully. "Thank you, Regina."

"Miss, you're too kind. We have watched you grow; our loyalty will always be with you. That girl Josefina? She's nothing."

A surge of happiness filled Lena. The eyes of the people around her were clear. Josefina's triumph would be short-lived.

...

In the living room, a maid brought in a tray of tea, while another served Josefina a bowl of soup.

Hattie doted on her, saying, "Josie, have some of the soup. Afterward, go rest a bit."

Even with an injury, Josefina would never have received such treatment in the Antonio family. Back in her own home, with just a small scrape on her shin, she was treated like precious porcelain.

Josefina looked up, her eyes sparkling as she thanked Hattie. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"Silly girl, there's no need for formality with your mother."

Josefina beamed at Hattie, and as their eyes met, Hattie felt her heart melt. Was her daughter so moved? It seemed that her precious girl had never known such affection in Billy's house. Those bastards.

Garrett noticed Oliver, who was silently observing Josefina, and said, "Oliver, we owe you one for saving Josie."

"Mr. Garrett, you're too kind. We take responsibility where due. The rogue driver has been apprehended, and we'll make sure Josie gets justice."

Both Garrett and Hattie understood that the driver had targeted Josefina. Even if he had failed this time, he might try again. They knew the root of the problem and wouldn't blame Oliver entirely.

Josefina savored her soup, finding it moreish. She too wondered, who wanted her dead?

Billy? No, he lacked the guts.

Ruby and Lauren? No, they couldn't have corrupted a Baldwin family driver. They didn't have the muscle.

Then who? Who wanted her gone?

Lost in thought, Josefina looked up just as Lena walked in. Their eyes met, and Lena's heart skipped a beat. Had she been found out?