Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Ryan and Annika approached with their arms laden, beaming smiles plastered across their faces.

"Ms. Josefina," Annika chirped, "Mr. Dorian has picked out a whole bunch of gifts for you. Ryan and I have brought them over."

"Ms. Josefina," Ryan added with a wink, "Mr. Dorian really adores you. He's chosen all sorts of things that any girl would love. He has thought of everything."

Dorian chimed in, "I also got you some clothes. I had a word with Anya's team, told them to work night and day to get them done. They haven't arrived yet, though."

Josefina blinked, puzzled. That line sounded awfully familiar.

Just as Josefina was about to ask Dorian if he was the generous customer from the night before, Hattie emerged, dressed to the nines. Hattie had even had a maid style her hair, securing it with a simple yet elegant hairpin. The dress Josefina had given her was a perfect match, radiating grace and sophistication.

"Dorian, you're back. Take a look at this. This dress is a one-of-a-kind piece, personally crafted by your sister," Hattie boasted.

Lena, though no fan of Josefina, had to admit the dress was stunning and suited Hattie to a tee.

Dorian was a bit lost, "My sister designs clothes?"

Hattie nodded proudly, "Of course, your sister is the renowned designer Anya. See, Dorian? Your sister is just that talented. She's not just good at running the company. She's a wizard at design. Her personality, her skills, she's got so many strengths I could go on all day."

Dorian was flabbergasted.

Josefina asked with a smile, "So you were the customer who called last night to order those custom designs?"

Dorian, caught between a rock and a hard place, had to confess. Not the best first impression to leave on his sister.

Hattie, confused, exclaimed, "Dorian, you've got great taste. Anything from Anya is bound to be top-notch."

Dorian, feeling awkward, admitted,

"Josie, ↓Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

ad no idea Anya was you. I was so eager to give you a gat paid extra for a rush job on twenty dresses. Sorry about that."

Hattie was immediately miffed, "Dorian, how could you? It's unreasonable to demand such a thing. Even the fastest seamstress can't design dozens of dresses in such a short time."

"It's my mistake," Dorian conceded.

I

With a chuckle, he said, "I'll have my assistant ask Gideon to paint something for you. Once Gideon's done, I'll make it up to you."

Josefina fell silent. Was Dorian really set on challenging her alter ego?

Josefina responded with a polite smile, "Thank you, Dorian, but you've already given me so many gifts. We can skip the painting, but thank you."

"I heard that you quite enjoy art, especially Gideon's work. The painting is just a small token of my affection. We're family, no need to be formal."

As Dorian and Josefina's amicable

exchange continued, Lena could no longer sit idly by. "Dorian, what about my gift? Surely you haven't forgotten your old sister now that you have a new one?"

Dorian produced a small box from his pocket, "Haven't you always wanted this necklace? I brought it for you."

Lena of course adored the necklace, worth a small fortune, but seeing it alongside the gifts Dorian had given Josefina, she couldn't help feeling slighted.

Still, Lena could not show her discontent and accepted with a forced smile, "Thank you, Dorian. You're always so good to me."

"Dorian, I've simmered a soup for you. Try it and see how my cooking skills have improved." Lena tugged Dorian away, eager to keep him from talking to Josefina any further.

"Dorian was mine. So was this household." Lena thought to herself. She had poured her heart into that soup. Dorian simply had no choice but to love it.