Lena breezed into the office. Her voice preceded her as she announced with a flourish, "Josie, I got you some afternoon tea, something special just for you."

Her smile froze as her eyes landed on the identical, yet more expensive, set of afternoon tea already gracing Josefina's desk.

"Oh, you've already got yourself some tea..." Lena's voice trailed off, with awkwardness etched into her tone.

"That's from Oliver," Josefina said, oblivious to the sting her words carried for Lena.

Josefina noticed Lena's pallor. "You're looking a bit off-color. Sick, maybe? Came to have me check on you?"

Lena could only muster a silent stare. She set down the tea tray; her arms ached from carrying it for so long.

"I didn't come for a check-up. I just wanted to see how you are. Running the company must be exhausting. You need to take care of yourself."

"Thanks, but I'm fit as a fiddle, up to the task," Josefina replied with brisk assurance.

Lena's gaze swept the office, with a flicker of envy passing through her eyes.

"Anything else?" Josefina prompted.

a get-together tomorrow. You should come

it much thought, she declined. "No

taken aback. Could Josefina be

Oliver was always so busy. Could he really spare a weekend

Lena to warrant a shared

don't wanna go, I won't push you," Lena said with a forced smile, leaving as quickly as she'd

up her phone to discover the video call was

you hang up?"

you might

loss for words. Oliver had overheard their entire

are you off to

friend's house

"Count me in."

you tagged along? Besides, I hear

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