Miss Josafina: Nobody’s Princess ( Josafina and Lauren )

Chapter 11 

The living room was all dolled up, screaming the Harrison’s taste from every corner. 

Gripping Josefina’s hand, Hattie spilled the beans, “Josie, your dad and I didn’t see it coming the hospital nurses mixing up the babies. If the Antonio family hadn’t reached out, we’d be none the wiser. We never imagined that Lena wasn’t our flesh and blood. Bringing you back is just the best.” 

Garrett was all gooey–eyed and super soft on Josefina. “Sweetpea, make yourself at home. Whatever floats your boat, just do it. We’re loaded, so feel free to splurge on whatever you fancy.” 

He whipped out a sleek black card and stuffed it into Josefina’s palm. “Here’s a card for you. Shop till you drop. The sky’s the limit, or should I say five billion?” 

Hattie followed suit with another black card. “This is a little something from mom. Keep it and spend it however you like. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” 

Josefina stared at the two black cards in her hands and casually placed them on the table. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m good. I’ve got my own stash.” 

Garrett and Hattie figured Josefina was just shy, playing coy since she just got back. How could a kid have their own cash, right? 

– 

But Josefina wasn’t joking she was dead serious about having her own dough. 

With puppy dog eyes, Garrett and Hattie shoved the cards back into Josefina’s hands. “My darling daughter, just take them, okay? It’s just a token of our love. I’d be heartbroken if you turned it down.” 

Only a cold heart could stand to see a beauty cry. So, Josefina caved and took the cards. 

Seeing this, Garrett clutched his chest. “Honey, were you rejecting your old man’s card because you’re not a fan? Is that it?” 

Overwhelmed by the avalanche of gifts, Josefina was still getting her bearings. Sure, they were her biological parents, but there wasn’t much of a bond without eighteen years of shared history. 

When Garrett pressed on with warmth, Josefina reluctantly reached out and accepted, “Thanks.” But calling them Mom and Dad was still a bridge too far for her. 

Garrett and Hattie didn’t sweat the small stuff. As long as their little princess was back, that was all that mattered. 

Garrett pulled out a shopping bag and fished out a fat stack of deeds. “Kiddo, I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I just went ahead and got you ten shops, ten villas, and an apartment building.” 

And that was not all. Garrett dangled a set of keys, all smiles. “Not sure what kind of ride you’re into, so I just grabbed a dozen or so. Whichever one you like, it’s yours.” 

He laid out all the paperwork in front of Josefina. “All of this is in your name. Do with it as you please.” 

Josefina was gobsmacked – this was next–level lavish! 

Just as she was about to decline, Hattie pulled out an equally thick stack of deeds. “Josie, I didn’t know what you’d like either, so I got you a resort and two companies, and since your dad and I were dueling over shops, I went abroad and snagged you ten villas, a farm, and a vineyard.” 

Josefina struggled to be the picture of cool, calm, and collected, not dazzled in the slightest by the extravagant gifts. “Thanks, but really, these gifts are too much. You should take them back,” she said. 

Hattie, eyes brimming with tears, tugged at Josefina’s hand, making it tough for anyone to say no. “Josie, it’s my fault for not keeping you safe, for letting you get switched. You must have had some tough times over the last eighteen years. Money can’t make up for the lost time, but consider these a slice of my heart. Will you. accept them, please?” 

1/1