Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Billy stormed out of the house, feeling too restless to stick around any longer.

Lauren stood in the room with a somber look in her eyes. She couldn't fathom how their lives had spiraled into this mess - all thanks to Josefina.

Josefina arrived at the company for work. As soon as she stepped in, she could see everyone was frantically answering phone calls.

Kale made his way over. He had his phone turned off to spare a moment to chat with Josefina.

"Bit of a madhouse, huh?" Josefina said as she placed her bag on the shelf.

Kale explained, "These folks are desperate for partnerships. They're too intimidated to ring me up directly, so they're reaching out to the staff through back channels. I've instructed everyone to cut off any calls that aren't going anywhere."

Josefina settled into her chair, and Kale brought her a cup of coffee.

"Ms. Josefina, with you now taking on Anya's identity, word travels fast. I reckon we'll see even more people knocking on our door looking to strike a deal."

Josefina told him, "Let them know that I'm just running the company and Alex is the one behind the design work, not me."

With the Anya brand to manage, she certainly wasn't going to get her hands dirty with this little venture.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Kale nodded, "Got it. I'll take care of it."

After Kale left the office, Holly crept in, trembling. She looked terrible, with dark circles under her eyes and red veins webbing through them, a clear sign of a sleepless night.

Josefina leaned back in her chair, sipping the coffee. The bitter taste spread in her mouth, sharpening her senses.

Holly, with a strained smile, didn't dare to get too close to Josefina, yet she had to approach, and she looked quite miserable.

Josefina eyed her, an indifferent smile on her stunning face, "Holly, what brings you here?"

Holly advanced with trepidation, speaking reluctantly, "Ms. Josefina, I've come to confess."

Josefina almost laughed out loud, "Confess?"

With an awkward smile, Holly continua

I've come to come

clean. Someone bribed me to hand over Alex's designs. They said as long as Alex was gone, I would be the only designer left, the chosen one you'd invest in."

"And why the sudden confession?" Josefina enquired.

"After the competition, it dawned on me that being 'the only one' means nothing without real talent. Without Alex, another designer will step up. My skills aren't enough to catch your eye"

Holly hoped for leniency in her confession. As she went home, the more she thought about it, the more she feared that Josefina might know about her betrayal. The more she dwelled on it, the harder it was to sleep. Before dawn, she was up, first to arrive at the company, waiting for Josefina.

"Ms. Josefina, I admit my faults and beg for your mercy, for a chance to make things right," Holly said, bowing deeply.

In her wary state, she heard Josefina's words. "I'll give you another chance to prove yourself in the company."

Holly looked up incredulously, "Really? Ms. Josefina, you're willing to give me another chance? Aren't you afraid I might betray you again?"

"I believe in trust over suspicion. If I've decided to keep you on, it's because I trust you."

Inspired by Josefina's words, Holly resolved to be loyal to Josefina alone. "Thank you, Ms. Josefina, I won't let you down." She walked away, invigorated.

Back at her desk, Holly's phone buzzed with a new message. [Holly, have you decided? Are you going to continue working with me?]