Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver's expression softened noticeably as he learned that Annika was Josefina's maid. He flashed a grateful smile at Annika and said, "Thanks."

That smile nearly knocked Annika for six. "Wowzers, Josefina's boyfriend is a total hunk, " Annika thought to herself.

"It's no trouble at all, Mr. Oliver. You're too kind," Annika replied with a beaming smile.

Oliver wasn't in the mood to engage Lena any longer, anxious that if he lingered, she'd cling to him like a burr. He made a swift exit.

Annika rolled her eyes at Lena, then turned to Ryan and remarked, "Mr. Oliver is such a gent, not even making a fuss about the suit. That outfit looks pricy. It's a blessing he didn't ask Miss Lena to cough up any dough."

Ryan was speechless. "Annika, don't you think you're oversimplifying things?"

"How so? Mr. Oliver is legit awesome. He didn't make Miss Lena pay a dime. How's that not cool?" Annika gave Lena a look of cool indifference. "Miss Lena, you gotta wise up. That's Ms. Josefina's boyfriend, and you don't want any misunderstandings, right? Think about how it looks, fussing over Mr. Oliver's threads."

Suddenly, Ryan got the sense that maybe Annika was faking understanding more than she actually had. He chuckled and said, "Annika, better take care of Mr. Oliver's suit, alright?"

this fancy deserves a good wash before we return it to Ms.

clothes and scampered off. Ryan followed suit, equally afraid

reaching Josefina's room, Annika vividly relayed the

Josefina, you wouldn't believe it, Mr. Oliver was so awesome! If it weren't for the sake

"Lena's got guts, doesn't she? After so

Oliver's suit. Should we

it to Oliver. Such an expensive piece can't just be tossed aside." Annika looked at Josefina fondly, her affection growing. "You're spot on, Ms. Josefina. We can't let Lena win this one; she really

Annika went on, "you and

blushed and touched her ear sheepishly. "Annika, it's

smile, Annika teased, "Ms. Josefina, you don't have to be shy. It's getting late. You should rest. I'll head off and prep for breakfast tomorrow." Annika left with a smile still on her face. Josefina gazed at the clothes on the table, lost in thought. Her phone rang. It was Luke. Remembering the content of a recent

doctors from the hospital where your mom, Lauren, and Lena's mom were, all left within a couple of years—either resigning or

Someone was deliberately

always be

something. I'm on my way to

chapters of novels