Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess
Chapter 137

Buzzed and boisterous, Josefina flaunted her surprising strength. "Dare to defy me? Where's that little whip? I'll show you who's boss," she slurred.

Oliver lounged back with his hands clasped behind his head, a charming, crooked smile lighting up his eyes with mischief. "And how do you plan to enlighten me?"

A tipsy chuckle escaped Josefina as she hiccuped, her body slowly slumping down as sleep overtook her.

Oliver shook his head in disbelief. After tucking Josefina in, he texted the house cook, requesting some black coffee be ready at dawn.

Josefina's phone rang. It was a message from Hattie. Oliver gently placed her finger on the phone, unlocking it, and typed a reply: [Mom, staying at a friend's tonight, won't be back.]

Sending the word "Mom" stirred an odd emotion within him.

Hattie's instant response was a mother's typical blend of concern for safety and health.

After setting Josefina's phone aside, Oliver went to freshen up with a shower.

Post-shower, a video call from Finley came through, thanks to his second phone. "Oliver, why'd you block me on Facebook, man? We're buddies. You've gone all love-blind on me." Finley protested, half-joking.

Oliver frowned as Finley grinned and said, "That bed behind you ain't looking too neat, seems like you've got company. Don't tell me that's a dude lying there."

Oliver glanced over to where Josefina lay asleep, her slender form still making a noticeable rise against the smooth bed linen. Finley's sharp eyes hadn't missed a thing.

With a cool stare, Oliver asked, "What's up?"

Finley's face twisted in mock agony. "Man, Oliver, you really do ditch your bros for a girl, huh?" Without a word, Oliver ended the call, choosing silence over banter.

Finley, though cut off, breathed a sigh of relief. "At least he didn't block this number too."

A sweet-faced girl entered the room, hopeful. "Fin, did my brother answer your call?"

"He did. Then he hung up," Finley replied, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation.

Shay frowned, clearly displeased. "Why's my brother still so cold? You're his best friend, and he can't even chat?"

"Ah, Shay, time is priceless when you are in love. Now that your brother's got a girlfriend, he has no time for friends." "What!" Shay's shock was palpable, her disbelief ringing clear.

"That's impossible. My brother, a girlfriend? I won't believe it." Her denial was fierce, as though the very idea was an affront.

Finley stood, looking at her with tender concern. "Why aren't you happy for your brother finding someone?"

Shay collected herself, her composure returning as she averted her gaze. When she looked up again, she was the picture of calm. "You know he's always been single. I'm just afraid of him being deceived." Finley nodded, understanding her protective instinct. "Who could deceive Oliver? Trust me, not many can even get close to his bed."

Shay managed a weak smile, though her complexion was wan.

"You look pale. Maybe you should see a doctor?"

"I think I just got up too early today, Fin. I'll head to my room and rest a bit." With that, Shay left the room, her steps hurried as if driven by some pressing concern.

Finley watched her go, a frown creasing his brow. Something wasn't quite right, and he couldn't shake the feeling.

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