Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Two people gazed into each other's eyes through the dim glow of their

smartphones.

"Oliver, it's so dark where you are. Where exactly are you?" Josefina inquired, the concern evident in her voice.

"Just lying in bed, sleeping. What about you?"

"I'm also trying to sleep," Josefina replied, her voice masking the dance of secrets between them.

The memory of a conversation with Hayden surged to Josefina's mind as she and Oliver silently looked at each other through the screens.

Breaking the silence, Oliver ventured, "I think I can hear the sound of waves where you are."

Instinctively, Josefina dove under the covers. "You must be mistaken. It's just noise from outside. Why would there be waves here?"

"But Josie, now I can't see you with that cover over your head," Oliver protested mildly.

are you coming back?"

days. I'll try to make it sooner. Josie, are you missing me yet?" Under

a knock at the door interrupted the moment. "Ms. Rosa, Mr. Hayden

got to go. Something's come

knocker, "I'll be right there." Donning a mask to conceal her identity, Josefina made her way

newly cultivated land, with seedlings of Lucifer's Breath by his side. "Rosa,

inspected a seedling

three hours, Josefina toiled alone, planting the seedlings, watering, and

Hayden, "Let's check back this time tomorrow. If there are signs of life, we'll

the seedlings wilted, Rose Bay Island would have to abandon the project to

you needed have been delivered to the lab.

to your bedroom, along with some tea from Westwood. Try it and let me know if you like it. If you

me than my godson." Josefina smiled warmly, "Of course I should

is already on his way. He should be landing on the island in

Josefina's spirit lifted. Grant had been like a brother to her since her arrival on Rose Bay Island, once even taking a dangerous blow intended for her. It was after that Hayden had taken Grant as his godson, and from then on, Josefina had taken to wearing her mask