Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

The atmosphere downstairs was warm and convivial as Robert descended the stairs with Brandon in tow. Upon seeing Brandon's confident stride, Josefina greeted him with a smile, "Grandpa Brandon, you're up."

Brandon replie with an affectionate nod, "Josie, darling, I owe you one. If you hadn't arrived just in time, this old bag of bones would've been done for."

Oliver chimed in, "Josie, to thank you for saving my granddad. I've picked out a special gift for you."

A servant unveiled a box, within which lay a set of glittering jewelry. Earrings, a necklace, a ring, a tiara-everything was there.

Josefina was becoming almost immune to such extravagant gifts. Ever since her return to the Harrison family, the gifts she received from them had been eye-opening.

Then there was Oliver. The gifts he gave were even more astonishing.

Did these two families have more money than they could ever spend, all being lavished on her?

Still, Josefina declined the gift, insisting, "I was only doing what anyone would, and I really can't accept such valuable presents." She couldn't recall how many times she had repeated those words. Each time, they felt so familiar.

"Josie, please take it. I have nothing left but money, and compared to money, my life is surely more valuable. You saved my life, so you deserve these gifts."

Standing by Josefina's side, Oliver's voice was indulgent, his gaze upon her fiery with affection. "I picked these out just for you. Please accept them."

Robert gave Josefina a knowing look. "Josie, since it's from your Grandpa Brandon, you should take it. Money's what Brandon here has in spades. Don't be shy with him."

Brandon chuckled in defense, "Robert, you've got it wrong. What I'm short on isn't money-it's a granddaughter-in-law."

Robert was at a loss for words, feeling as if he'd dug a pit only to fall into it himself. Brandon was always harping on about a granddaughter-in-law. He was truly relentless!

Choosing to ignore him, Robert took

a seat beside Josefina instead.è "Josie, we've come to take you home. You've been working so hard these past few days. We'll fatten you up properly. You've lost weight, I can tell."

Watching the subtle battle of wits between the elders, Oliver politely offered, "Mr: Robert, why don't you dine with us tonight? The meal is ready and I've even set aside some of my granddad's prized wine for you."

The mention of fine wine sparked a gleam in Robert's eye. With neither Garrett nor Hattie objecting, he resigned himself to staying for dinner.

As Robert surveyed the lavish spread before him, he recalled his promise to nourish Josefina back to health.

The dishes were clearly fortifying. There was chicken soup, oysters and abalone, and several medicinal dishes to boot.

Oliver ladled a bowl of chicken soup for Josefina, "Josie, have some more. It will build your strength."

Next, Oliver deftly peeled some shrimp for Josefina, his elegant movements producing a perfectly intact morsel.

Josefina realized that no matter

what Oliver did, it was always a pleasure to watch. Amidst the others' conversation, she passed a wet wipe to Oliver, whispering, You don't need to peel shrimp for me. Focus on your food. I've had plenty."

Her soft, tender voice seemed to fill the void in Oliver's heart. Surrounded by the voices and the presence of those he cared for, Oliver was utterly entranced.

He smiled, his devilishly handsome face lighting up with fervor, "It's no trouble. As long as you want to eat shrimp, I'll peel them for you."Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

And he meant it, for a lifetime.