Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Edward's voice was tinged with indignation as he confronted Lena's father. "Sir, Lena is your daughter too. Why aren't you standing up for her?"

Lena panicked. This Edward, what a blockhead! Who talks to their elders like that? What terrified Lena more was the possibility of Garrett revealing her secret-her faux-heiress identity.

"Edward, how can you speak to my father in that tone? I only had you come over to clear up this mess, and since that's done, you should head back," Lena urged. She walked over to Edward, yanked him up, and angrily escorted him out.

Edward was still processing the situation when Lena pulled him out the door. He was astounded. How did Lena have such strength?

By the time Lena had dragged Edward to the front gate, her face was a storm cloud of displeasure. Edward had never seen Lena like this-terrifying, far from the cool girl he'd imagined. "Lena, what did I do wrong? I'm just worried about you being mistreated here. How can they treat a guest this way?"

The sweltering heat only added to Lena's irritation as she forced a bitter smile. "Edward, you don't understand my situation. Ever since my sister was adopted, my parents have been all over her, practically forgetting I exist."

"Ah? She's just an adoptee, not the legitimate Harrison daughter. How can she so brazenly steal the affection that belongs to you?"

"Edward, please, just go. I don't want this to negatively impact you. I'm grateful you came to help me explain today."

Edward's heart ached for Lena. He lowered his hand, which he had extended to comfort her, and said soothingly, "Lena, you are the real Harrison daughter. If it comes to it, we'll just have to show that imposter the door."

An awkward smile flickered in Lena's eyes. Well, she was the imposter. She didn't like people saying that, though. Did being a adopted daughter mean she deserved to be cast out?

"Edward, go ahead and leave. I still have to go back and clear things up with them. I don't want them to misunderstand you you're so upright and considerate, and I refuse to let anyone slander you." That statement only elevated Lena's image in Edward's eyes.

"I'm off then, Edward. You should head

back too." With a fragile,

s glance at Edward, Lel.net

d and ran off. Cobelongs

set

Edward watched her figure disappear, heaving a helpless sigh.

As he faced the bodyguard outside,

Tori blocked his path, "What's the deal?"

Edward was perplexed. "I'm not doing anything. Just having a look," he said.

Tori snapped back, "She's gone. What's there to look at?"

Edward retorted, "Why are you so hostile?"

"I'm just doing my job, ensuring the safety of the Harrison family," Tori replied.

"I'm friends with Miss Lena from your family. She's bullied day in and day out by that adoptee. It's outrageous."

Tori glanced at Edward as if he were a simpleton.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Adoptee? Ms. Josefina is the Harrison's long-lost biological daughter. As for Lena, she's the adopted daughter with no blood ties. It's only because of Ms. Josefina's generosity that Lena is allowed to stay with the Harrisons without revealing her true status. Otherwise, do you think Lena could still pretend to be the daughter of the Harrison family in front of you?"

Edward's world spun. What on earth was going on?