Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Basking in the evening breeze of a summer's night, Josefina sensed someone to her left. When she glanced in that direction, she caught sight of Oliver, wearing basketball shorts, his upper body bare, fresh from the shower, his hair still dripping wet. The sharp edge of the daytime heat had melted away, leaving a softness unique to the twilight hours.

"Oliver, why aren't you wearing a shirt?" Josefina asked, a touch of embarrassment coloring her voice.

Instead of answering, Oliver walked closer, stopping by the railing that separated their balconies. His peachy eyes twinkled with indulgent amusement. "Should I be wearing one in my own room?" "Suit yourself," Josefina retorted, turning back to her own space.

Oliver chuckled softly to himself and retreated indoors.

As Josefina grabbed her pajamas, preparing for her own shower, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, she found Oliver dressed in his sleepwear, holding something in his hand. His usually crisp features were softened by a rare warmth that seemed reserved just for her.

Inhaling the refreshing scent of his body wash, she asked, "Oliver, what's up?"

"I have something for you. Remember the surprise I mentioned during dinner?"

Josefina stepped aside to let him in. Oliver unfurled the scroll he was carrying, revealing its contents-contents all too familiar to Josefina.

Wasn't this the self-portrait she had finished just days ago? It wasn't a gift from the Harrison family after all-it was from Oliver!

Surprised, Josefina almost blurted out, "How did you get this?"

Her astonishment didn't go unnoticed by Oliver, hinting at an unspoken story. "Don't you like it?" His expectant eyes searched hers, tinged with worry she might reject his gift. Lifting her gaze to meet his, Josefina smiled. "I like it a lot."

Oliver exhaled in relief, wondering why he had felt such anxiety over the gift He had never been one to doubt himself like this before. But now, as he looked at Josefina, Oliver realized something-he really did like her. sŵnovel.net

"That's good to hear," Oliver said, his smile reaching his eyes as he looked at the painted portrait of Josefina. "I commissioned Gideon for this piece. He really captured your essence beautifully."

When Oliver first saw the painting, he was stunned. It was as if Gideon had met Josefina himself. Every little gesture and smile seemed to bring her to life within the canvas.

Josefina stood by the table, gazing

at her self-portrait while listening to Oliver praise Gideon's work. Being complimented so openly made her blush with modest pride. She attempted to maintain her

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composure and agreed, "It is quite remarkable."

With those words, they shared a moment of closeness so near that Josefina could feel the warmth radiating from Oliver's body, enveloping her.

His voice, deep and magnetic, whispered, "I'm glad you are happy with it." This gift, he realized, was well chosen.

Feeling elated, Oliver added softly, "I'll let you get on with your evening, then. Rest well."Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Josefina escorted him to the door,

where he suddenly turned to face her. Under the warm glow of the yellow light, Oliver's handsome face held a captivating allure. For a moment, it seemed as if he might close the distance between them with a kiss.

Startled, Josefina quickly shut the door.

Back in her room, she hurried through her shower, attempting to calm the fluttering in her chest. Only after she emerged did she notice her phone lit up with several missed calls and messages.