Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Josefina had spent a radiant day at the Baldwin estate, marveling at the stretch of blooming gardens and feeding the fish. She and Oliver had also engaged in a lively two-hour badminton match. Sweaty from the exertion, Josefina took a refreshing shower and slipped into a pale pink dress that seemed almost to blush with her youth. The soft hue complemented her delicate features, making her appear even more radiant than the fabric itself.

The two sat down for lunch, side by side, at a rectangular table. Josefina took the seat facing south while Oliver settled beside her, closing the distance between them.

In the midst of their meal, Bennett descended the staircase.

"Bennett," Oliver inquired, "what's up?"

"The guard at the gate informed me that Miss Shay Baldwin has arrived," Bennett announced.

A shadow fell across Oliver's face, his displeasure at the visitor evident.

Josefina caught the exchange of looks between Oliver and Bennett. Shay? A Baldwin by association - was she unwelcome here?

Without a hint of remorse, Oliver instructed, "Grandfather is resting and will not receive visitors."

"Understood. I'll deliver the message personally," Bennett assured him.

At the gate, Shay stood under an umbrella. Her attire was speckled with rain, and her demeanor was one of forlorn vulnerability. With a beaming smile, she greeted Bennett, "It's been a while, Bennett. You look just as you always have, well-preserved indeed."

Bennett responded with a grin. "Miss Shay, you seem unchanged as well."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He carried on, "I apologize, but Mr. Brandon is indisposed and cannot entertain guests. I must ask you to leave."

Shay's visage flickered with disappointment, but she quickly recovered with a smile. "No worries, I'll visit Grandfather another time."

She handed Bennett a gift bag, "This is for you, Bennett - a token of my appreciation. It's a health supplement. It's good for your body." "Thank you, Miss Shay," Bennett said, accepting the gift and watching her depart.

Back upstairs, he informed Brandon

broke into a

Brandon's face

of the encountering smile, his surveillance footage of the gatel net

phone screen displaying the

"That girl knows I won't see

her, and

her gift was only meant for you.

Clearly, she plans to return."

Bennett remarked, "Miss Shay is Sydney' daughter and has always longed to be embraced by the Baldwin circle."

However, the Baldwin's circle was not one easily penetrated, especially not by outsiders like her and her mother.

Josefina did not inquire further about Shay's identity, focusing instead on the lunch before her. The servants had discreetly retreated to their quarters, not wishing to disturb the private lunch date.

Oliver broached the subject of Shay's lineage, "She's Sydney's daughter, ostensibly my sister, with no blood ties."

Josefina recalled the previous encounter with Rowan and understood the connection.

"Even if you meet her in the future, you needn't pay her any mind," Oliver added.

Josefina nodded, "She probably won't seek me out. We're strangers to each other." Oliver said no more on the subject, instead urging Josefina to finish her soup.

After leaving the estate, Shay returned to Rowan and Sydney's residence. A bodyguard stood watch, denying entry to strangers.

Shay's demeanor turned icy as she confronted the guard, "Why can't I enter? I am a Baldwin heiress! Am I not allowed to visit my parents?"

At that moment, the guard received a call, and Shay was allowed through.

Inside, Sydney was surprised to see her daughter return unexpectedly. "Shay, why are you back so

suddenly? Didn't I instruct you ton et

stay away for now? You're aware of the current situation - your father is under house arrest."