Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

The Antonio family of three sat around the dining table, which was set with only three dishes, all of which were veggies.

Lauren's eyebrows knitted in displeasure as she called out, "Liam, what on earth have you cooked up? Not a single piece of meat in sight!"

Liam approached, a tinge of apology in his voice, "Ma'am, it's not that I didn't want to cook meat. It's just that we've run out. The Mister said we've got to tighten our belts and make do. He told me not to go shopping today."

Lauren was flabbergasted. "Billy, what's the big idea? You expect us to starve?"

Billy retorted, his voice strained with frustration, "And you have the gall to complain? Have you managed to come up with ten million yet? We're strapped for cash, and there are expenses at every turn. We'll have to make do with these veggies."

Ruby, her eyes brimming with tears, spoke up in a pitiful tone, "It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't be in this mess with Josefina demanding ten million. It's all on me. Maybe if I were gone, Josefina would cool off and not demand that million from our family."

Billy roared with anger, "Oh, so now you realize it's your fault? Would we be living like this if not for you? Your blunder with Josefina has cost us dearly!"

Lauren shot back, defending her daughter, "Billy, stop talking nonsense. It's Josefina who's being unreasonable, insisting on suing Ruby. How is any of this Ruby's fault?"

Billy said, his voice heavy with the weight of impending doom, "Lauren, we have until noon tomorrow to come up with the ten million we owe, and we're still short by five million. If you can't scrape that together, then prepare to see Ruby behind bars."

Lauren, grasping at Billy's arm in desperation, pleaded, "Billy, think of something, anything. We've only just got Ruby back. Can you really stand by and do nothing if she's in trouble?"

Ruby fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face, "Dad, I'm so sorry. I'm begging you, help me this one time. This scandal isn't just a stain on me. It reflects on you too."

Lauren chimed in, a sense of urgency in her voice, "If Ruby's disgraced, how will you hold your head up? Think of something fast. Sell some shares of the company, or even the properties and shops we own, if you have to."

Billy heaved a sigh of despair. What else could he do? Over the years, the assets they had acquired were largely thanks to Josefina's savvy. Billy realized, the timeline matched up.

...

Hattie descended the stairs to find in the living room a stunning dress. It's an exquisite blend of modernity and traditional elegance, so captivating that it made her eyes widen in admiration. "What a gorgeous dress," Hattie exclaimed sincerely.

Josefina stood up and approached her, a smile curving her lips, "Mom, I designed this dress just for you, one of a kind. Try it on. I hope it fits perfectly."

Hattie couldn't wait to slip into the

Hattie clutched Josefina's hand, and said, her eyes shining with maternal affection, "Since it's your design, it's bound to be perfect for me. I'll go put it on right now."

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dress her daughter had crafted for her. She headed to the guest room on the first floor to change, while Lena stepped out of the elevator, casting a slightly displeased glance at Josefina. "Always playing the charmer, aren't you, Josie?" Lena remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

Josefina, seated on the couch, responded with cool indifference, "I don't have your talent for flattery, Lena. I prefer to keep things real."

She turned to see Dorian at the entrance, her face lighting up with delight as she rushed over and latched onto his arm, "Dorian, you're back. Oh, Dorian, I've missed you so much. I'm over the moon!"

At that moment, a man's voice echoed from outside. "Lena."

Josefina watched the man who had

just entered, taking in his refined features and the gentleness in his eyes. Dorian, too, was observing Josefina, his gaze subtly registering surprise before his lips curled into a tender smile.

Josefina stood in a white flowing gown, her hair cascading naturally, the epitome of purity and beauty. Dorian hadn't expected his own sister to be so enchanting. She without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.