Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Before anyone else in the family could ask, Josefina began to unravel the tale. "When I was younger, I nearly died from an illness. It was Alfie who found me while he was out foraging for herbs. He brought me back with him. He saw that I had a knack for medicine, and I loved it too, so he took me under his wing as his final apprentice. He taught me everything he knew about the healing arts."

Grandpa Robert's eyes widened in understanding, his heart aching for what Josefina had endured. "If you hadn't been switched at birth, you wouldn't have had to suffer so much," Robert mused aloud. Josefina simply smiled. "It's all in the past now. I'm grateful to have met my master. He treated me like his own granddaughter."

Hearing this, Grandpa Robert quickly interjected, "Well, it's good you're back now, because I'm your real grandfather. Josie, why don't you come over to my place later? I've got quite the collection of trinkets. You're welcome to pick out anything you like. Whatever catches your eye is yours."

This was Robert's cherished granddaughter, after all. Alfie was just Josefina's honorary grandfather, not family by blood.

Grandpa Robert's gesture brought a chuckle to Dorian's lips. Since when did Grandpa care so much for a younger member of the family? Even with his own grandsons, Robert had never shown this much favoritism.

Now, with Josefina in his sight, his eyes brimmed with kindness, as if he feared she wouldn't call him 'grandpa'.

Dorian's eyes softened with amusement as he suggested, "Lena, why not let Josie take a look at you? She's a protégé of the esteemed Mr. Alfie, with exceptional medical skills. She could probably pinpoint what's bothering you."

Lena's heart skipped, but she declined with a smile, "I wouldn't want to trouble Josie. I'll just get a full check-up at the hospital. As skilled as she is, she can't do a full-body exam. I'm not hungry anymore. I'll head to the hospital now."

Dorian rose to his feet, offering, "I'll take you."

But Lena waved him off. "It's alright, Dorian. You haven't finished eating, and the office is swamped. I don't want to be a bother." Ignoring everyone's protests, Lena hurried out.

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON

Dorian wasn't reassured. "I should go check on her. Lena looked like she was in pain." He stood up again, stepping toward the door. Josefina didn't take offense. She knew Dorian and Lena had been close for eighteen years, their bond far deeper than Dorian's with her.

"Dorian, go ahead. Lena seemed really uncomfortable. If you're with her, we'll all feel better about it."

Josefina's understanding made Dorian feel a bit awkward. He had just met his biological sister, and here he was, showing concern for Lena in front of Josefina. It didn't seem quite right.

Sensing his hesitation, Josefina's

eyes twinkled with a smile. "Dorian, Lena's been with you for eighteen years. Of course, there's affection there. It's only natural to care for her. I'm not that petty. Go on."

The more Josefina spoke like this, the more Dorian felt ashamed.

"Actually, why don't I come with you?" Josefina suggested, standing up. "Lena is my sister, too. I worry she might be upset about me coming back. If she's unwell, I want

1.n

to show her I care. I'm sure she'll feel my sincerity."

Her empathy made Dorian feel quite embarrassed. "Alright, Josie. Let's go together," he agreed.

Josefina stood up, bidding farewell to the family, and left with Dorian.

Grandpa Robert nodded with

satisfaction. Josie's got such a good heart, Lena is too stubborn, sensitive, and prone to overthink. If it weren't for Josie's big heart, our days in the Harrison family wouldn't be as peaceful."

Garrett chimed in, "Dad, don't worry. We all adore Josie. She's my daughter. Of course I dote on her."