Chapter 495

Lena was torn, caught between what she wanted to believe and what she had to accept.

"Mom, Dad, you're right. If Sis were still living here, she'd definitely be getting loads of gifts and red envelopes," Lena admitted, careful not to say too much.

She had a feeling Garrett might already be onto something.

Hattie jumped in, "Reid, look at Josie. She's not holding a grudge against you. You bring her this tiny piece of jewelry, and even though I think it's too little, Josie lets it slide. And you, coming home so late. Look at Dorian; no matter how busy he is, he makes it home early."

The family chatter made Reid want to hide his face in shame.

"Sis, I'm really sorry. I've been so caught up with the tournament and got back late. Please, forgive me," Reid pleaded.

Reid started to think an apology was his only ticket to stay.

But how could he be mad when he looked into Josefina's sweet, beautiful face?

With such an adorable sister, who could bear to upset her?

The more Reid thought about it, the more he felt stuck-what a mess he was in!

Josefina's smile was like a beacon, her dark, glossy eyes sparkling like a sky full of stars.

"It's okay, Reid. I get that you're busy. Haven't eaten yet? Come on, join us for dinner," Josefina said warmly.

With Josefina speaking up, no one wanted to make a scene and embarrass her.

Their Josie was just too kind-hearted for that.

"Josie's already forgiven you; now get your act together and sit down," someone urged.

Reid chuckled awkwardly and quickly took a seat, afraid he'd lose his spot and be shown the door.

Josefina ladled some soup for Reid. "Here, have some soup. Welcome home."

Reid took the bowl with a grateful grin. "Thanks, Josie. You're not just pretty, you've got a heart of gold too."

The family atmosphere was warm and cheerful as they gathered around the table. Lena watched from the side, her heart aching at the sight of everyone's joy. Feeling left out and hurt, Lena sat down next to Reid.

"Reid, you didn't bring me a gift. Have you forgotten about your little sister? Don't you like me anymore?" she asked, a mix of hope and hurt in her voice.

Reid was speechless.

He had indeed forgotten.

With everything going on and his busy schedule, it had completely slipped his mind. Embarrassed, Reid tried to make it right. "Lena, I didn't mean to forget your gift. It's just been really hectic lately, and my memory isn't great. Tell you what, I'll get you a special present tomorrow, okay?"

Lena's face lit up. "Reid, it's not about the gift. I just felt left out when you remembered Josie but forgot me. It made me wonder if you didn't care about your little sister."

"Of course, that's not true. You're my sister too. I've bought you plenty of gifts before, and I'll keep doing so," Reid assured her.

Garrett and Hattie exchanged a frustrated glance at Reid's cluelessness.

Maybe it was best not to tell him about Lena's concerns just yet they didn't want him to make things worse.

Hattie put down her fork. "Reid, aren't you hungry? You haven't touched your soup.

Is there something wrong with what Josie served you?"

Reid wouldn't dare admit any displeasure. In fact, he liked the soup.

He picked up the bowl and drank it down in one go.

"I love this soup. Josie, you know me so well," he said with a satisfied smile.