Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina gripped his large hand, and Oliver's action came to an abrupt halt.

The corners of her lips shone faintly in the dim light, her eyes wide with a startled gaze as she looked up at him, "What are you planning to do?"

Oliver gazed back at her, a low chuckle escaping his lips, "What's got you so scared?"

Words failed Josefina as she stuttered, unable to voice her fears.

With a gentle smile, Oliver tousled her hair, teasing, "Afraid I'll gobble you up?"

How could Josefina not be frightened? When Oliver got that mischievous twinkle in his eye, she truly felt a chill. "I need to get back." She flung open the car door and bolted like a rabbit on the run. Josefina dashed into the yard. She walked alone, the evening breeze cooling her flushed skin.

Because of the high temperature, she still felt overheated.

As she continued, the figure of Lena appeared ahead.

Lena, with a scrutinizing look, took note of Josefina's flushed cheeks and smudged lipstick, her eyes betraying a trace of disdain. Arms crossed, she taunted, "That lipstick smeared all over doesn't really suit you, does it? Aren't you worried about mom and dad seeing you like this?"

Without missing a beat, Josefina flipped open her compact, touched up her makeup, and retorted without a hint of embarrassment.

you've been pining for me so much that you're out here

to tell you that I'll be one of the award presenters at tomorrow's design competition. You better bring your A-game. It'd be a shame

believe. Could Lena really be a guest

supposed to mean, Josefina?

Josefina speculated, "It wouldn't have anything to do with the Harrison family's status, would it? You're not a designer, nor are you involved with the design world. Other than your family name, I can't

Lena's opportunity indeed stemmed from her family connections. The Harrisons had a wide social reach, and after eighteen years as their darling daughter, Lena had her fair

smile, Josefina mused, "If I'm not mistaken, mom and dad will be there

Lena want the Harrison

all, it is your competition. As family, we'll undoubtedly be there to support you.

replied

laughed derisively, "We'll see about

find Hattie and Garrett deep in discussion. Upon her arrival, they rushed over, beaming at Josefina. "Josie, we were thinking of coming to your competition tomorrow. We

alight with hope. Lena had let slip to them that Josefina had just got home and that it was her first competition. Hadn't they missed enough already? They wouldn't let this opportunity slip by. Garrett and Hattie resolved to show more support for

smile,

get some rest. I've arranged for a beautician to come over. She's upstairs with Annika waiting for

Here

like the idea?" Hattie asked, her voice

quickly assured her, "I love