Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lauren burst out the door, but Josefina was nowhere to be seen. She ended up just choking on the exhaust from Xavier's car as it sped away, leaving her fuming.

When Lauren returned to the banquet hall, the guests had all but gone, leaving only Billy and Ruby behind.

Billy's face was a stormy shade of thunder as he glared at Ruby. "Look at the fine mess you've made! You've completely tarnished my reputation!"

Ruby was on the verge of tears. "Dad, I didn't mean for any of this to happen..."

"You didn't mean for it? Do you think that changes anything? It's your vanity, Ruby! You can't hold a candle to Josefina!"

Lauren marched up, her stance protective of Ruby. "Billy, why are you still laying into her? She's a victim here! If Josefina were so sneaky, would our Ruby ever fall for her scheme?"

Billy retorted, his anger palpable, "If she hadn't flunked with a 250, would we be in this mess? She can't blame others for her own lack of abilities!"

side, shot a piercing look at Billy. "Ruby is

Lauren was beyond hope. Ruby was her

stand it anymore. Shaking his head, he walked

was a disgrace, a complete and utter disgrace! Had he made

sent away, he'd be the proud father

thought, the more it pained him. He got

...

raised her glass, celebrating

absent as flavor in wax. She looked up to see Oliver peeling a shrimp and placing it on Josefina's plate. He then served her a generous helping of vegetables, asking tenderly

in, whispering, "Stop fussing over me. I can serve myself. You

as Oliver turned his head to listen, it

not like perfume but something more natural. Her warm breath on his ear sent a shiver down his spine, and her voice was so soft and delicate. Oliver's lips curved into a smile, his voice low and seductive. "Alright." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

Oliver ladled her a bowl of soup. Despite his words, he continued to dote on Josefina like a boyfriend straight out of a fairy