Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"I need to know," Ruby said earnestly and firmly.

Lauren's expression shifted ever so slightly, her brows knitting together in a frown. "Ruby, let the past stay buried. There's no point in digging it up. All you need to remember is that you're Billy's daughter, the daughter of the Antonio family, and that's that."

Lauren settled back down, closing her eyes to shut out any further questions. But this only fueled Ruby's curiosity. Was there something so taboo about her own identity? Could it be that Lauren didn't even know the identity of her biological father?

Restless, Ruby lay on the other side of the immense bed, her gaze dark and stormy. Why could Josefina uncover her true parents, and not her?

She knew she was not the legitimate the daughter of the Antonio family.

Robert had taken it upon himself to prepare a feast, presenting a platter of Gnocchi at the table. Lena eyed the plump Gnocchi, her mouth watering despite herself.

As Lena reached for her fork, Robert's cheery voice rang out, "Josie, you've been working so hard lately. Try the Gnocchi Grandpa made-was planning to make it for dinner, but I feared you might be too busy to join us. Gnocchi for breakfast, what do you say?"

That hit the spot.

"Thanks, Grandpa. You shouldn't have gone through all the trouble."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. And thank you for the gift you gave me. I cherish it dearly. You've got such a good heart, Josie."

Fork in hand, Lena was taken aback. What gift had Josefina given Robert now? Looking at Robert, he was the picture of contentment.

Without missing a beat, Lena inquired softly, "What gift did you give Grandpa, Josie? I don't recall you mentioning it."

Robert chimed in, "Acts of kindness need not be broadcast. Wouldn't want anyone thinking it's all for show, right? True respect for your elders isn't just talk. It's about actions. Isn't that right, Lena?" Lena's face flushed with embarrassment. Robert always had a way of being sarcastic when talking to her. After eighteen years, she still hadn't won his approval.

Cursing inwardly, Lena replied with a sweet smile, "You're right, Grandpa. I'll take a leaf out of Josie's book and show my respect."

Robert served Josefina a bowl of dumplings. "Try these, Josie. See how Grandpa's cooking suits you." Josefina took a bite, her eyes lighting up. "These are delicious, Grandpa. You've really got a knack for this." Garrett and Hattie also took a taste, nodding in approval of the familiar flavor only Robert could perfect. Lena tried one herself and had to admit it was tasty. "Grandpa, I had no idea your dumplings were this good."

If Robert hadn't cooked for Josefina today, Lena wouldn't have had the chance to try them.

Garrett, sensing Lena's thoughts and not wanting her to feel left out-after all, she was the girl he'd watched grow up-added, "It's not just you, Lena. It's been years since I've had the pleasure of Grandpa's dumplings myself."

Robert remained quiet, focusing on his meal.

Josefina finished her bowl and was nibbling on a savory scone when her phone rang. It was a call from Tori. The urgency in Tori's voice came through immediately, "Ms. Josefina, you need to get to Percy's Hospital right away. Something happened."

"Okay," Josefina replied and hung up.

Trying to appear calm, she announced, "I have to run. You all enjoy your breakfast." Without another word, Josefina was out the door and on her way.