Chapter 781

The horror flick was blaring on the TV, and Josefina was already snuggled up tightly against Oliver, too scared to even peek at the screen. Her iced tea sat abandoned off to the side, totally forgotten in her fright.

Oliver flicked off the TV, confused, and asked, “Josie, are you actually scared of horror movies?"

He never would've guessed that Josefina, who usually seemed fearless, would be spooked by a horror film.

With the TV off, Josefina pulled away from Oliver, clearly annoyed, and gave him a playful slap. “Oliver, what's wrong with you? Why would you put on a horror movie? Trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Josie, I swear, it wasn't on purpose. I had no idea horror movies freaked you out." "And how would you know that? Just because I act tough sometimes?"

Josefina shot Oliver a look, while he held her hands, trying to make amends. "Josie, my bad. How about you give me a punishment to make it up to you?"

A punishment?

Josefina settled onto the couch as Oliver knelt on the floor, not daring to sit beside her.

"Alright, since you're asking for it, kneel on the remote control. I'll tell you which channel I want, and you have to press it with your knee. Or maybe kneel on a pineapple? Nah, those spikes are way too much."

Oliver grinned, "Josie, I knew you wouldn't really want to hurt me."

But then Josefina quipped, "Kneel on a pack of ramen, and don't crush it." Oliver: "..."

"Josie..." Oliver reached for her hand.

Seeing his defeated look, Josefina couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Hearing her laugh, Oliver felt a wave of relief wash over him.

"Josie, please don't be mad. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Let's not do horror movies again, okay? They're too much. Even if I seem like a tough cookie, I'm not into seeing ghosts."

Oliver took her hand and sat beside her. "Josie, you're never just tough to me. You're my queen."

Josefina: "..."

"Oliver, just go kneel on the ramen. Good thing I got some extra packs today."

"Josie, don't be mad. It's all on me."

Eventually, Josefina couldn't stay mad and decided to forgive Oliver.

She did wonder if Oliver had planned it all, setting her up with the horror movie.

Handing the remote to Josefina, Oliver said, "Josie, you choose. Whatever you want to watch."

Josefina said, "I'll pick, but you've got to keep your distance tonight."

Wanting to make her happy, Oliver quickly agreed, "Sure thing, Josie, anything for you."

Josefina flashed a sly grin and

grabbed the remote, settling on met romantic drama, one with p

of

kissing scenes.

And just like that...

Oliver was left speechless.

Josefina kept her distance, remote in hand, and teased, "Why aren't you watching? It's really good.

Remember what you promised Just enjoy the show."

Oliver: "..."

This was pure torture.

Watching the steamy scenes on TV, Oliver felt like he was in over his head.

"Josie..." Oliver glanced her way.

“Just focus on the TV, remember your promise."

Oliver got up to grab a cold bottle of water, then sat back down.

As the romance heated up on the screen, Oliver felt like Josefina was really pushing

his buttons.

...

Shay found herself back at the hospital.

Looking genuinely distressed, Shay explained, "Finley, I swear I didn't

send anyone after Livia. I didn'teven know you lost your phone; I really had no clue about any of it