Chapter 454

Annika beamed, "Ms. Josefina, you should really have something to eat."

"Annika, why don't you join me?" Josefina offered her a sandwich with a warm smile.

With a grin, Annika took the sandwich, and the two of them shared a light meal together.

After their midnight snack, Annika cleared the table, making sure Josefina could get back to her work without any distractions.

...

An hour later, Josefina finally wrapped up her tasks.

Just then, a video call from Grant came through. His rugged, handsome face filled the screen.

"Josie, would it be alright if I came to see you on your first day back at school?" Grant asked cautiously, as if bracing for a no.

Josefina's smile was sweet and reassuring. "Of course, Grant. You and Master should both come. It'll be a big day, and everyone's invited."

She also hoped Hayden would come to Westwood for a thorough health check-up.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Grant's eyes he had hoped for a more personal invitation, not one he'd have to share.

An empty ache settled in his chest, hard to shake off.

In a low voice, he said, "Rosa, I'll try to talk Master into coming. But if he's set against it, there's not much I can do. You know how stubborn he can be."

"I'm well aware of Master's ways. I'll try again, but if it doesn't work out, we'll just have to let it go," Josefina replied.

"Rosa, everyone back home misses you. If you get a chance, we'd all love for you to visit. Every day is beautiful on Rose Bay Island, but it's just not the same without you."

Josefina felt the deeper meaning in Grant's words and sighed inwardly.

In the past, she never imagined that Grant could have feelings for her.

She had always seen him as a brother, never considering anything beyond that.

Grant's forlorn look made her feel helpless.

"Grant, my life is centered around Westwood now, and my family's here. If I get the time, I'll bring them to Rose Bay Island for a visit."

"Okay, Rosa, I'll be waiting for all of you."

Grant knew he wasn't great with words, and seeing that it was late, his voice

softened like a gentle sea breeze.

"Rosa, get some rest. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Josefina replied, ending the call and feeling a bit restless.

Some relationships, once they change, can never go back to what they were...

...

Grant sat on the deck, holding a bottle of beer, with empties scattered around him.

Hayden walked over and sat down beside him.

"Grant, some things in life, you just can't force."

"I know, Dad," Grant replied, finishing his beer in one long gulp.

Hayden sighed at his stubbornness. "You're a tough nut to crack, kid. Rosa doesn't belong on Rose Bay Island; she's destined for greater things. You know she's amazing. Do you really think she'd settle for life back here? It's like a fish belongs in the sea-free to swim wherever it wants. Rosa, she's not meant for our little island."

"Master, I get it. Rosa's exceptional; she deserves the very best the world can offer." Relieved that Grant was starting to understand, Hayden felt a bit more at ease, worried the boy might lose his way.

"Dad, you head on back to bed. It's chilly and windy out here; take care of yourself." Hayden patted his shoulder and stood up. "Grant, don't stay up too late yourself." As Hayden walked away, he glanced back at Grant's silhouette and shook his head.