Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 75

Lena stood at the front door and, as expected, saw Hattie and Garrett returning with Josefina in tow. The sight stabbed at her heart, sparking a storm of jealousy and rage within her.

Why did it have to be like this?

Jealous she may have been, but Lena plastered a smile across her face and bounded to the door to greet them. "Hey, Mom, Dad, Josie, you're back! Did you guys have dinner together?"

A glimmer of hurt desperately trying to hide itself showed in Lena's eyes. Whoever saw it couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Holding a bag in her hand, Hattie said with maternal warmth, "We called you earlier to join us for dinner, but you said you were busy, so we went without you."

Garrett chimed in with a smile, "Yeah, we even ran into Oliver and Brandon at the restaurant."

Oh, Lena! She had missed out big time! If only she'd known, she would have joined them!

Hattie handed the bag to Lena. "Here's your favorite lemon drizzle cake. I had it boxed up, especially for you."

"Thanks, Mom, you're always so good to me." Lena was beaming and clung to Hattie's sleeve, chatting affectionately. They were standing close as if they were the true mother and daughter.

Josefina didn't seem to mind. After all, Lena had been raised by the Harrisons for eighteen years. "I'm going to take a quick shower," she announced.

"Go ahead, Josie, get some rest. You must be exhausted," Hattie urged.

"I'll have the kitchen whip up a nourishing broth for you to take to the office tomorrow," Garrett added.

Josefina nodded with a smile and headed inside.

Lena's mind was racing. Why wasn't Josefina angry? That was her mother, after all! Letting go of Hattie's arm, Lena kept up her cheerful façade. "Mom, Dad, why don't you guys head in and relax too?"

The three of them went inside to wind down.

...

After her shower, Josefina's phone rang - it was Oliver calling. She hesitated for a few seconds before answering. His voice, rich and seductive, filled the line. "You left your bracelet at my place."

Only then did Josefina realize her bracelet was missing. "Why didn't you tell me right away if you knew I'd lost my bracelet?" she challenged, perplexed as to why he'd called just to tell her.

Oliver's laugh was thick with amusement, his voice playfully teasing through the phone. "If I'd told you sooner, how would I have an excuse to see you again?"

Caught off guard, Josefina's cheeks flushed red. Sitting on the sofa, biting her lip, she remained silent.

"How about lunch tomorrow? I'll return your bracelet then," Oliver suggested.

"I'm pretty swamped tomorrow," Josefina declined.

"You've gotta eat, right? I found your bracelet. The least you could do was treat me to a meal," he countered.

Fine, Josefina agreed reluctantly. "It might be a bit late."

"I'll wait, no matter how late," his voice was as magnetic as ever, filling the quiet night with allure.

Josefina abruptly ended the call, while Oliver, on the other end, was smirking in the dense night air.

...

Asher knocked and entered, bringing news to Oliver. "Sir, your father's coming back to town."

At these words, Oliver's expression turned ice-cold, his eyes flashing with lethal intent. "Have someone keep a close eye on his every move."

Asher nodded, "I've already got people on it. He's definitely here for that thing. You should be prepared, Mr. Oliver."

Oliver stood by the bedside, pulling a cigarette from a pack and placing it between his lips. With a flick, the lighter sparked to life, igniting the tip of the cigarette. Taking a drag, Oliver held the cigarette between his finger and thumb, his posture radiating a rebellious and dangerously charismatic aura.

"Let him try," he said with a defiant sneer.