Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess
Chapter 47

Josefina lingered in the shadows, her ears catching the sobs that echoed from the living room.

"Mom, Dad, if you go public with the news of finding my sister, I... What will people think of me? I don't want to endure their stares. I'm already not your flesh and blood. Are you planning to send me away?" Garrett and Hattie had planned a welcome home party for Josefina to announce to everyone that their daughter was back. In the midst of discussing it, Lena had overheard and burst into tears, spilling her insecurities and grievances.

Still, the couple was steadfast in their desire to throw Josefina a welcome bash.

"Lena, honey, Mom understands how you're feeling, but your sister has had a rough eighteen years. Our investigation revealed she had a pretty tough childhood, a life far from pleasant. If the townsfolk hadn't been kind to her, she might not have made it to the day we found her," Hattie said, her voice full of empathy.

Garrett chimed in, "Josie is our daughter, and so are you, the child we've raised for eighteen years. We won't treat either of you unfairly. Lena, when the time comes for you to marry, we'll provide a handsome wedding gift and find you a suitable match. We just want to announce Josie's identity, so everyone knows she is Garrett's daughter."

Hattie gently patted her hand, "Rest assured, no matter what, you're our daughter, and that will never change."

Lena looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, asking once more, "You're really going to announce her identity?" Her gaze was filled with helplessness, as if she was the victim. Hattie was torn, but she didn't want her beloved Josie to remain a person without a clear identity.

Just as Hattie was about to speak, Josefina stepped forward. She settled on the couch, her bright, clear eyes shining as she addressed her parents, "Let's keep my identity secret for now. The more people who know, the more trouble it brings. I'm about to start college, and I want a peaceful life."

She knew too well that if her identity became public, she'd be under constant scrutiny, and her peace would be shattered. She didn't want to face the kind of attention that would strip her of her secret identities once again.

Josefina's words left the three of them stunned, especially Lena, who was overjoyed. If Josefina's identity remained a secret, hers would too, and she could continue living the charmed life she was used to. Lena's heart, which had been hovering in uncertainty, finally settled.

Hattie moved to sit beside Josefina, "Josie, I'll hire bodyguards to keep the paparazzi at bay."

Garrett added, "If it gets too much, I'll send you abroad for your studies. You can pick any school you like."

Their daughter's happiness was paramount.

"I just want to live quietly and study without being watched. I've heard that being too wealthy can put you at risk of kidnapping, and that scares me," Josefina murmured, her head lowered as if she truly feared it.

The couple exchanged a glance, realizing the day's events had left a mark on their daughter. Hattie caressed Josefina's hand and reassured her with a gentle pat, "Sweetie, don't be afraid. Your dad has already picked out bodyguards, they'll be with you around the clock."

Garrett promised, "These guys are ex-special forces, highly skilled and experienced."

Josefina looked up at them with her innocent eyes and whispered a thank you, looking every bit the harmless, gentle creature. The parents' hearts ached for her. If Josie didn't want her identity revealed, then it would stay under wraps for now.

"Darling Josie, whatever you say goes. Mommy's here for you," Hattie said, her voice filled with unconditional love.

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