Chapter 38
Stella followed Eliana and the group as they left the school grounds.
Waiting by the entrance was Adam who waved them over.
The six of them–four guys and two girls–walked together to a nearby restaurant. They booked a private room and settled
down to order.
Eliana handed the men to Stella with a smile. “Stella, why don’t you pick something?
Stella hesitated as she carefully accepted the menu, her eyes widening at the prices. The cheapest set meal was over a hundred dollars
For a college student like Stella, who only had a six–hundred–dollar monthly budget, that was way too expensive.
She gently slid the menu back. “El, you guys should order,” Stella said, her tone tentative.
Eliana noticed Stella’s embarrassment. “It’s okay. You’re not paying
Thomas nodded in agreement. Exactly! We invited you, so you don’t have to worry about the cost. Order whatever you
like
Feeling reassured, Stella finally placed an order, though she chose only modest dishes.
The menu made its way around the table, each person placing their order.
As the others focused on choosing their meals, Eliana’s gaze drifted across the street to a coffee shop called “Sunset Cafe.” Memories washed over her–it was a place she had worked during her previous life. The owners, a kind older couple, had supported her dreams of becoming an actress, even offering her free meals and lodging when she was struggling.
Unfortunately, the coffee shop had gone out of business, and she had never been able to repay their kindness.
Cameron noticed her distracted gaze. “Thinking about getting coffee?” he asked, drawing her attention back to the present
Eliana pulled her eyes away from the window and gave him a light smile. Td like to check out the coffee shop across the street later,” she said softly.
“Sounds good,” Cameron agreed. Tll go with you.”
After their meal, Stella, grateful for the chance to dine with such a prominent group, said her polite goodbyes and headed back to her dorm.
Eliana, Cameron, and the others crossed the street to the coffee shop.
Inside, the cozy coffee shop held just a handful of small round tables. Behind the counter, a small fucky cat figurine waved a paw in welcome.
Elina walked up to the counter and gently touched the little cat, feeling a wave of nostalgia.
The sound of footsteps caught her attention, and the owner stepped out from behind a curtain. “Welcome, she greeted warmly, holding up a menu. “Order whatever you’d like.”
Though Cameron and the others were used to luxury coffee shops with hand–ground brews, they showed no disdain. They ordered politely and found a cozy corner to sit.
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Eliana requested an iced Americano and scanned the coffee shop, absorbing every familiar detail, ft was as if her memories:
When the owner lenght the coffee, the rich amma filled the a The group was pleasantly surprised.
They hadn’t expected such high–quality beans in a small coffee shop.
Elana’s expression clearly said I told you this place was special
“These beans are incredible” Eliana praised, taking a sip. It was the same favor she had come to lose.
The owner smiled, clearly pleased. “We may be small, but we don’t compromise on quality. We pride ourselves on great value. Come hack anytime?”
Eluana drank her coffee, savoring the taste. Then, she asked casually, “Are you thinking about selling this place?
The owner hesitated, caught off guard. “How did you know? My husband and I have been considering it. Business has been slow, and we ‘re thinking about moving back home, but it’s hard to let go. This cafe has been my dream”
Elna scribbled her number on a piece of paper. “If you decide to sell, give me a call. I’d be interested in buying it.”
Her fnendrexchanged surprised glances.
It seemed out of character for Eliana to make such a sudden decision, especially when there were plenty of better locations available.
The owner grew hesitant. I haven’t fully made up my mind.”
“No rush” Eliana said gently. “Take your time. And if selling feels too final, we could discuss a partnership instead. Td hire you both to keep running the place
The owner was taken aback, stunned by the unexpected offer.
She truly didn’t want to let go of the cafe–it had been her dream to open one, and if she hadn’t been struggling so much, she would never have considered giving it up,
But she hadn’t expected Eliana to not only agree to take over the café but also to offer them their old jobs back with paid ularies.
But business here is slow, the owner admitted, shaking her heal “We barely make a few hundred dollars each month…“.
Eliana waved off her concerns. That’s fine. Just think about it”
She knew more than anyone else how hard it was for the cafe to stay afloat.
In her previous life, even when business struggled, the couple lad still gone out of their way to support her, hiring her when they didn’t really need another employer. Now, it was her turn to help them.
Moreover, if the couple had been more dishonest, they could have easily hidden the fact that the coffee shop wasn’t doing well. They could have tried to raise the price with Eliana.
But the owner chose not to–showing they were genuinely good people.
The owner accepted the paper with Eliana’s number, and the group left the coffee shop.
Outside, Thomas wired | concerns. “Elana, if you want a cafe, there are better spots with higher foot traffic. This one might never break even”
Eliana smiled, her eyes twinkling. “That’s exactly why I want it’s quiet, just the way I like it.”
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Chapter 38
Thomas sighed, shaking his head. “Alright, whatever makes you happy”
Cameron checked the time. “It’s getting late. Let’s head home?
“Yeah, let’s go Elana agreed.
Three days later, the Tennis Club’s semi–finals rolled around.
News had already spread about Vespera’s expulsion, sending shockwaves through the school.
The news stunned Charlene and Shaeryl. Even Willow seemed taken aback–she hadn’t expected Cameron to back Eliana so decisively.
despera’s removal served as a clear warning, curbing the malicious rumors circulating in the class.
However, the resentment from Willow only deepened.
She subtly encouraged Charlene and Shaeryl to continue spreading rumors, painting Eliana as a tyrant in the drama department who expelled anyone who dared to speak against her
Her ploy sparked resentment for Eliana among other students.
By the time the semi–finals rolled around, Willow was desperate for help, but no one was willing to take her side.
After what had happened in the tennis courts last time, the club members had caught on to Eliana’s close connection with their president. No one wanted to risk siding with Willow.
Eliana, meanwhile, sat calmly at the sidelines, sipping water. Caius, one of the judges from the initial tryouts, approached her with a smile and offered her a fresh bottle.
“Hey, Eliana. Need a drink?” he asked eagerly.
