Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Just as Lena gave a fierce glare, she heard the sound of the elevator door opening.

Josefina, sporting her workout gear, descended the stairs. Lena beamed a smile and greeted her, "Good morning, Josie. You're up with the birds. Got any big plans for rising so early?"

The thought crossed Lena's mind: surely Josefina wasn't planning to whip up a surprise breakfast for their parents too?

Lena watched her with guarded eyes, making Josefina feel uncomfortable all over. "Just going for a run," she muttered before heading out.

Lena took a deep breath and hurried to the kitchen.

Garrett and Hattie were taken aback upon seeing Lena, aproned and bustling about the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Hattie's eyes flickered towards the servers presenting the dishes. No sign of distress, no expression of panic. It seemed Lena hadn't turned the kitchen upside down.

cheerily, "Mom, Dad, breakfast is served. I've made it myself. Give it a try and see if I've gotten any

chimed in too, "Miss Josefina was up at the crack of dawn preparing breakfast—such a devoted

"Sweetheart, don't overdo it. You need your rest in the morning. Don't worry about breakfast;

I've got it all balanced-work and home. No worries. Please, try

on Josefina, who sat down to

ladled out a bowl for Josefina as well, "Josie,

said, taking a

good,"

could Josefina

good for you these are special, soaked in a walnut infusion." "Thanks, dad." Josefina responded, accepting the egg and taking a bite while Garrett looked on with a father's adoring smile. Hattie passed a bun to Josefina. "Josie, try this. It's good." She offered one to Lena as well, urging her to sit and join them. Throughout the meal, Lena felt like

masked. Soon, a woman in sunglasses sidled up beside her and handed over a manila envelope. "Everything you

handed it over. "This is the deposit. If the stuff checks out, I'll send the rest of