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!"

shot a piercing look at Billy. "Ruby is my daughter,

words, thinking Lauren was beyond hope. Ruby was her daughter, not some goddess to be

stand it anymore. Shaking

Had he made a

hadn't been sent away, he'd be the

pained him. He got into his

...

raised her glass, celebrating with

at her food, her joy as 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

fussing over me. I can

as Oliver turned his head to listen, it looked

a shiver down his spine, and her voice was so soft and delicate. Oliver's lips curved into a

a bowl of soup. Despite his words, he continued to dote on Josefina