Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. With Oliver in the picture, Rowan was sidelined. The company needed Oliver far more.

The two families sat down for dinner around a spacious table that still had empty seats. Course after course was served in a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine.

Grandpa Brandon spoke up, "Josie, I heard from your granddad that you're quite fond of swings. Well, Oliver here went and built a few in his garden back home. Even got the dressing room spruced up. You should drop by his place sometime when you're free."

Hattie and Garrett were stunned. Could he be any more blunt?

Grandpa Brandon continued, "Garrett, Hattie, don't be too taken aback. I dote on Josie as if she were my own granddaughter. If I spoil her with a few gifts, it's all normal. After all, who wouldn't find Josie utterly charming?"

Oliver chimed in, "Josie is indeed very likeable."

agreement to celebrate Rowan's birthday had his own motives behind it. Every move he made was calculated. Did he like her with an

from her hands and replaced her plate with one where he had already neatly cut the meat. "Here, eat

in front of Josefina, cutting it with finesse, savoring a bite, and following it

could trap a fly between her brows. She was

enjoy the show in light of the festivities," he said. Immediately, Bennett and the servants went

Boom!

from the ground, exploding into the sky in a shower of brilliant colors. Each firework bloomed like a flower,

sky, spelling out "Josie" in fiery letters, leaving

They couldn't dismiss

both thinking Oliver might be

Lena with a bitter taste of jealousy and rising anger. Even as others snapped photos with their phones, Lena

would go unnoticed, but when she looked up, she met Oliver's dark,

birthday it is doesn't matter. What's important