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,

light laugh. "I'm not the boogeyman, you know. There's

relieved smile before Nola whispered, "Now it makes sense why

Lena were an item.

of shame for her past ignorance. Having once mocked Josefina, she now found herself engulfed in awkwardness as the truth unraveled. Encircled by the girls, Josefina became the life of the

from a distance, her heart seething with loathing and envy as

flute of champagne, her eyes sparkling with

knockout regardless. She'd

timeless.

aware of Josefina's identity, and now she just felt a kind

was now a part of the Harrison clan, Josefina graciously accepted the compliment. "Thank

that dress herself.

the atmosphere became peaceful, Shay, with a pale face, rushed down to

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