Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

The beautician was ready and waiting for Josefina to arrive.

Josefina lay down, closed her eyes, and let the world fade away. An hour later, it was all over, and the beautician packed up her things and headed downstairs.

Annika followed Josefina into her room, her voice tinged with annoyance, "Ms. Josefina, you wouldn't believe what Lena said. One minute she's trying to butter up Mrs. Harrison to go to the field and cheer for you, the next she's speculating whether they'll reveal your identity. She was heartbroken. She had said everything she could, both good and bad. What else could anyone say?"

Josefina leaned against the couch, her face blooming like a rose in spring, delicate and beautiful. "Let her talk. If she's bold enough to drag our family into this, she's sure to have a master plan to ensure my company doesn't win the competition."

Annika paled in shock, "Ms. Josefina, do you know what she's planning against you?"

Josefina shook her head, "Not a clue."

Annika's fear grew, "Ms. Josefina, this won't do. You must think of something quickly. We can't let her strut around for much longer."

Josefina stood up, "Annika, you should get some rest. I'm going to take a shower."

Annika was overwhelmed with emotion, wishing she could go and scratch Lena's face to shreds. Storming out of the room, Annika hadn't gone far before she spotted Lena, swaggering around as if she owned the place. Lena's smugness almost made Annika lose control of her own hands.

Lena glanced at Annika with a sneer and commanded, "Annika, I fancy some soup for breakfast tomorrow. Make sure you prepare them."

Annika retorted, "I am Ms. Josefina's personal maid. If you want something, have someone else do it."

Lena's temper flared, "What are you implying? You're nothing but a servant in our household, and I'm the darling daughter here. You do as I say."

Annika stood her ground, not breaking eye contact, "Perhaps you've forgotten, Miss Lena, but the lady has said I only need to tend to Ms. Josefina. The breakfast I'm preparing for her is quite elaborate, and I won't have time to make your soup. If you really want them, maybe we should consult the lady and see what she thinks?"

Lena dared not confront Hattie. She would rather swallow her pride than let her anger show.

Just as Lena was about to retort, Annika's next words stopped her in her tracks. "You've got something in the corner of your eye."

Lena, not trusting Annika, instinctively reached up and felt the truth on the tip of her finger. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly made her escape.

Damn that Annika!

With a spring in her step, Annika cheerfully headed back to her room.

In the morning, as Josefina surveyed the table laden with breakfast, the most eye-catching item was the plate in front of her two sausages and a fried egg arranged to create the number 100. Annika, in high spirits, exclaimed, "Ms. Josefina, your company has the big competition today. Eat this up, and you're guaranteed a perfect score."

"Thank you, Annika," Josefina said with a smile.

Hattie poured Josefina a glass of almond milk, "I added some walnuts for brainpower. Take a sip, Josie."

Lena sat nearby, her insides churning as she watched everyone dote on Josefina. It used to be her in that cherished spot, and now Josefina seemed to have taken her place.

Lena sipped her almond milk sullenly when Ryan arrived. "Madam," Ryan announced, "there are two officers at the door. They're asking to speak with you."

Josefina paused, a sense of unease washing over her. Police looking for Hattie? What on earth had happened?