Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lena huffed, picking herself off the floor with a scowl. "What in the world are you doing? Didn't you see me lying here on the couch? Where are your eyes?!"

Annika, however, didn't take offense. Instead, she responded with a chuckle, "Whoopsie daisy, Miss Lena, I had no idea you were napping there. It's not even the weekend, and everyone's off to work. Don't you have a job to get to, Miss Lena?"

Lena fell silent. She didn't want to talk about this!

"It's none of your business!" Lena snapped back.

"Just making conversation, Miss Lena. Mr. And Mrs. Harrison have gone to their jobs, and Ms. Josefina left early for the office. Heard she's the big boss there, so impressive! You're living the dream, Miss Lena, not needing to work at all."

Lena's jaw tightened. Did she not want to work? It was Josefina who had messed up her job situation! Now she was seen as some kind of idle good-for-nothing. Was that what she wanted?

Annoyed, Lena glared at Annika. Unfazed, Annika just kept smiling back at her.

"It's none of your business. You're just a servant. Why ask so many questions?"

"Oh, okay then," Annika said, lowering her gaze to continue wiping the couch, prompting Lena to stomp off to the garden in frustration.

Regina approached, carrying a tray of fruit and thoughtfully brought Lena a glass of ice-cold soda. "Miss Lena, we really need to figure out how to get rid of Annika. Ever since she joined the Harrisons, my status has plummeted. If we let her stay, your position will be at risk too!"

Lena asked, puzzled, "How's that any of my concern?"

"Miss Lena, aren't you seeing the bigger picture? If my status suffers, who's going to cook your favorite meals?"

The mention of cooking brought Lena back to the dishes Annika prepared. That day, when Josefina was out, Lena had sneaked a faste of Annika's cooking. The flavor was absolutely divine!

Regina's cooking was passable, and since the Harrisons weren't picky and had grown used to her meats, they never complained. But now with Annika there for comparison, who would prefer Regina's dishes?

Lena glanced at Regina, leaving her to stew in her own insecurities. What did that look mean? Clearly, Lena hoped she wouldn't cook anymore!

Regina inwardly fumed. Lena's loyalty was bought over a single meal - how could she be so easily swayed by tasty food?

Regina couldn't hide her disdain for Lena's behavior. "Miss Lena, you haven't been won over by Annika's cooking, have you?"

Lena quickly masked her expression, helpless against the allure of Annika's culinary skills. Annika's meals were so good. Anyone would eat without a peep.

Recalling the taste of Annika's cooking, Lena didn't want to complain but found herself having to speak up.

"Regina, do you really see me as that shallow? I just think you're blowing things out of proportion. She's just a servant. Is it really that much of a hassle to let her go?"

"It is a hassle, Miss Lena. Haven't you noticed? Josefina has become the darling of the master and lady They hang on her every word. To get rid of Annika, you'd need Josefina's approval. If she says no, the master and lady won't agree either."

Lena pondered the situation but still felt dismissing a servant should be straightforward.

Meeting Regina's anxious gaze, Lena asked, "Do you have a better idea?"

Regina's eyes gleamed with malice as she whispered, "Miss Lena, I have a plan..."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.