Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lena beamed at Josefina with a cheeky grin. "Josie, why are you looking at me like that?"

Josefina curled her red lips into a smile, her voice smooth as silk. "You've dolled yourself up so nicely. Wasn't it all for the sake of being admired?"

Lena instantly knew Josefina's pointed comment was meant for a certain someone's ears! Taking her usual seat across from Josefina, Lena was the epitome of grace and good manners. "Josie, why didn't you ask Oliver to hang around a little longer?"

"It's getting late. Can you expect him to camp out here overnight?" Josefina shot back with a playful smirk.

Lena was taken aback, her smile unwavering, her face a portrait of calm.

Garrett and Hattie walked in, and their expressions soured upon seeing Lena. They hesitated as if burdened with words they longed to say but couldn't.

just a girl from a modest background and hardly the favorite; what charms could she possibly hold to captivate Oliver

grown weary of Josefina and had

had to

satisfaction. She stood and approached her parents with a soft, concerned tone. "Mom, Dad, you both look a

at Lena, his eyes a complex mix of emotions. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt

on a roasted corn cob and sipping an ice-cold soda, reveling in the summer coolness. Leaning back in her chair, she watched Lena's little show with quiet amusement. Hattie finally said, with difficulty, "It's

excitement grew. Hattie's 'nothing' surely meant something! Perhaps... Oliver had shared some less-than-flattering thoughts about Josefina. With this in mind, Lena's spirits soared.

sighed, "Let's just

keep quiet? We're all family here. We can handle it better if

seemed torn.

nodded firmly.

spoke up. "Lena, dear, Oliver mentioned that your outfit was inappropriate for the occasion. It might set a bad example for Josie. He suggested you be more mindful in the