Shay stood on the second floor, watching as Josefina walked in, her arm linked with Oliver's wrist. It was then that Shay realized, Oliver's affection wasn't for Lena but for Josefina, the real daughter that the Harrison family had brought back.

With a tender smile gracing her lips, Shay nodded subtly. Josefina, however, was not convinced. The look in Shay's eyes a moment ago had not seemed so gentle. Out of politeness, Josefina returned the nod and leaned in to whisper to Hattie. "Why did Rowan only invite these few people for his birthday?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Hattie, equally perplexed, murmured back, "Probably didn't want a big fuss, to avoid a scene, you know?"

Glancing around the room, Josefina's cheeks flushed with understanding.

Alma's mother approached to exchange pleasantries with Hattie, while Sylvie and Nola's mother joined the conversation. The trio of girls - Sylvie, Alma, and Nola - also made their way over to Josefina. Alma wore an awkward expression. "Josie, I was out of line the other day. I hope you can forgive me. I swear, no more rivalry from me."

Nola added, "After we got home, my parents gave me an earful. Please, Josie, let's bury the hatchet."

in, "You've already forgiven me,

not the boogeyman, you

sense why today's party is such

were an item.

Having once mocked Josefina, she now found herself engulfed in awkwardness as the truth unraveled. Encircled by

seething with loathing and envy as her former friends flocked to

flute of champagne, her eyes sparkling with forced

a knockout regardless. She'd look good even in a

timeless. She's

Josefina's identity, and now she just felt a kind of ignorant embarrassment. Sylvie glanced sympathetically at the

was now a part of the Harrison

that dress herself. Of course, she

peaceful, Shay, with a pale face, rushed down to find Oliver. "Oliver, something's happened to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255