Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 157

Lena was practically buzzing with excitement upon learning that Brandon was willing to meet her. Clutching a gift bag in her hand, she arrived at Brandon’s house. It was a picture of eagerness.

As she stepped into the living room, her eyes immediately caught sight of a pair of pink slippers by the shoe rack, causing her brows to furrow in confusion. Brandon was a bachelor, as far as anyone knew, and there was no buzz about any lady friends in his life.

Oliver would drop by to see Brandon, but he was notoriously single, with not even a whiff of romance in the air.

So, whose slippers could they be? Could they belong to Josefina? The thought cast a shadow over Lena’s previously bright mood.

After a moment of internal struggle, Lena slid her feet into the pink slippers. She decided to act as if she was oblivious to any implications, maintaining a tender smile as she continued into the living area.

“Good afternoon, Grandpa Brandon,” she greeted warmly.

Brandon nodded. “Hey there, Lena. What brings you over today?”

She placed the bag on the table with a cheery smile. “Grandpa, I brought you some supplements to try. They’ve really helped my own granddad feel better. He says his aches have eased up quite a bit.”

But Brandon didn’t even glance at the supplements. He had Josefina to take care of his well-being and wasn’t one to readily trust the word of others.

“I appreciate it, Lena, but Josie knows my health inside out. Since these helped your granddad, it’s probably best to leave them with him.”

Just like that, Lena’s thoughtful gesture was rejected, which left her with a bitter taste in her mouth. She struggled to keep her composure, and her face was as gentle as ever. “Brandon, no offense to my sister, but it’s always best to get checked out at a hospital. You know, just to be on the safe side.”

“What are you implying? That Josie isn’t up to scratch?” Brandon’s tone was even, but his words were sharp. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

“No, no, Grandpa Brandon, that’s not what I meant. I just think that since my sister isn’t a professional doctor, it might be wise to have a full checkup at a hospital. Just to be thorough.”

Brandon’s expression remained impassive, unreadable. Lena, sensing the awkwardness but unable to discern his thoughts, pressed on with a forced smile.

The atmosphere was thick enough to cut with a knife, and even Bennett seemed to squirm, clearly itching to leave.

With Brandon silent, Lena was at a loss for words. She had this sinking feeling that he didn’t want to converse with her. Was she reading the situation wrong? Was Brandon just being serious?

Holding on to that thought, Lena mustered the courage to offer her services. “Brandon, I’m a doctor myself. How about I give you a checkup?”

His response was curt. “Josie just gave me a checkup.”

Lena had never felt so awkward!

Josie, Josie, it was all about Josefina. Was Josefina really so pivotal to the Baldwin family? Did saving Brandon’s life equate to saving the whole family and winning Oliver’s hand in marriage?

Lena ranted inwardly but, sitting in front of Brandon, in the Baldwin household, she had no choice but to keep smiling and laughing along.

“If my sister has already checked you over, then never mind. I’ll come by another time to give you a checkup,” Lena said, though her expression was starting to strain.

Sensing the tension, Bennett chimed in to break the silence, “Sir, weren’t you planning to head to the supermarket? It’s about time, and the car is waiting outside.”

Brandon seemed to snap out of his reverie. “Ah, that’s right. I need to pick up some groceries. Josie’s coming over for dinner this weekend, and I’ve got to get things ready.”

Lena felt her face burning, not from any verbal assault but from the sheer discomfort of the situation. It was as though both men were dismissing her without saying a word.