Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Annika's smile was as warm as a sunlit porch on a summer's day. "I can handle taking care of both of the ladies, but to be honest, I only want to tend to the lucky Ms. Josefina." Josefina chuckled appreciatively. "Thank you for the compliment, Annika. Let me share with you my preferences. How about we stroll in the garden? That way, we won't disturb anyone else." "Of course, Ms. Josefina."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Annika followed Josefina out, while Regina stood with hands on hips, fuming. "That sly old fox! I tell you, she's up to no good. Ryan, you better find a way to show her the door!"

Ryan replied with a dose of reality, "Regina, do I look like the lord of the Harrison estate to you? Do I have that kind of power? We're all just hired housekeepers here. Are you seriously trying to make decisions in place of the owners? I still want my job, you know."

Regina, out of breath and unable to argue further, stormed off.

In the garden, Josefina and Annika walked one after another. The flowers on either side bloomed brilliantly, dotted with the morning dew. A gentle breeze came by, causing the dew drops to cascade down the swaying petals.

Annika spoke excitedly, "Ms. Josefina, I've finally got the chance to serve you. Ever since I heard you found your way back home, I've been longing to come. If only you hadn't been so reluctant, I would have packed my bags and arrived overnight."

Josefina smiled softly, affectionately taking Annika's wrist. "The previous home wasn't my real home. I was switched at birth. When I first came back here, I wasn't familiar with the household, which is why I didn't have you join me."

Josefina had also been worried about bringing Annika into an uncertain situation. Life with the Antonio family hadn't been easy for Josefina. After growing up, a twist of fate led her to save Annika from a domestic violence situation, and their bond grew stronger from there.

Annika had wanted to go to the Antonio family to look after Josefina but was refused.

Now back with the Harrison family, Josefina needed someone she could trust to keep an eye on the servants. Garrett had helped Josefina select a servant, so Annika's entry seemed so natural, devoid of any signs of manipulation.

"Annika, from now on, in the

Harrison household, I need you to

keep an eye on the servants for me. My parents, and even my grandparents, have been poisoned. Thankfully, Calix and I are unharmed, but we don't know who's behind it. The poison was administered over time, and it took daily exposure before I caught on."

Annika gasped in shock. "Could it be that ugly woman?"

That ugly woman?

Josefina was confused but then understood. "Oh, you mean Regina."

"Why dignify her by using her name? From now on, just call her ugly woman. Given her high-and-mighty attitude, she's probably bullied you more than once."

Annika's keen observation hadn't missed a beat.

"Don't you worry, Ms. Josefina. You look ahead, and I'll watch your back. Rest assured. I'll sniff out their every move. I even practiced my marksmanship to prepare for my role here in the Harrison household."

Josefina looked at Annika in awe. "Annika, you're still sharp as ever!"

"That's right, Ms. Josefina. I have no children of my own, so I've always adored you as if you were my own daughter. Your happiness in this house is my joy." Josefina hugged Annika, moved by the deep affection of her elder.

"Ms. Josefina, what would you like for breakfast? I'll whip it up right now. I checked the kitchen, and the ingredients are fresh and plentiful. The sky's the limit." Laughing, Josefina replied, "Whatever you make, I'll eat. Your cooking is always top-notch."

Rolling up her sleeves, Annika was

eager to start. "You just watch, Ms. Josefina. I'm off to work my magic!" Afte saying that, she excitedly headed to the kitchen to cook.