Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"Achoo!"

Lauren sneezed and, with a frown, called out, "June, can you get me a cup of hot tea?" She better not be catching a cold.

Lauren heard footsteps and saw Ruby enter the room with a beaming smile. "June, could you pour Ruby a glass of lemonade, please?"

June brought the hot tea and lemonade, then returned to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

When good things happened, spirits lifted, and Ruby smiled from ear to ear. "Mom, next week's the big design competition. I heard the big designer Anya herself is presenting the awards. I wonder if I can snag first place and meet the legendary Anya."

Lauren's eyes sparkled. "Ruby, you're incredible, making our family proud. I'll snap a picture when Anya presents you the award. Who knows, you might even outshine Anya someday."

"Mom, I heard Anya is like fifty years old. With all the young talent coming up, it's about time for her to step aside. Mom, once I start making money, I'll buy you a big mansion."

Lauren's smile was so wide it seemed she could already see the mansion beckoning her. She was over the moon, taking Ruby's hand and saying with a laugh, "Ruby, you're such a good daughter, not like that Josefina. She ate Eating our food for free for eighteen years, and her family's so poor they probably couldn't even cough up eighteen years' worth of support. If it weren't for the fact that they were down to their last dime, I would've asked them for more money."

"Let's just let it be, Mom. Josefina's family is so poor, they might even accuse us of being stingy if we asked them for money."

Mentioning Josefina always lit a fire in Lauren's belly. "Thank goodness she's gone. Our Ruby's the one with the bright future-soon to be a renowned designer. The Antonio enterprise will be yours to run." Ruby lifted her chin with a mix of confidence and pride, as if she were already the wealthiest person on the planet.

"Ruby, how are things going with Xavier? Between us, he's just the child of a mistress. String him along for now. If you meet someone richer, kick him to the curb. He's not good enough for you." "Mom, that's exactly what I'm thinking. Xavier's just a stepping stone. He's juat mistress's child, hardly worthy of me. Marrying him would be a disgrace."

Lauren patted Ruby's shoulder earnestly. "That's my girl-brave and smart. You're a hundred, no, a thousand times better than Josefina. She's not even worth comparing to you. Once you win first place and get that photo with Anya, I'll post it on my Facebook, let everyone see how exceptional my daughter is."

Ruby smiled confidently. She too believed she could win first place. She had a secret weapon that no one else had.

She added, "I hear Josie's Corporation is entering the competition too. I wonder if they'll even make the shortlist."

Lauren scoffed. "What does she know about design? She got to manage a company by clinging to men. Apart from her looks, what does she have? On the day of the competition, your father and I will come to cheer you on and watch Josefina make a fool of herself."

They exchanged a look, their eyes filled with scorn for Josefina. They couldn't wait for the competition day to see how Josefina would embarrass herself.

Lena sat up straight on the couch, hiding her phone beneath a cushion as a knock came at the door. She quickly tucked the phone away and stood up to answer it.

Hattie came in, holding a bowl of soup with a warm smile. "Lena, dear, I've brought you some soup. You love having it in the evening, don't you?"