Chapter 144 What Now?

Chapter 144 What Now?
They had barely stepped out of the lecture hall when Brian threw his arms up in exaggerated disbelief that Eloise declined.
“It’s going to be the party of the century!” he declared dramatically, “There’ll be fucking liquor flowing everywhere, girls in tiny dresses, and music so loud it’ll blow the bloody roof. This is not optional, people. This is a religious experience.”
Daisy rolled her eyes but grinned. “Brian, you make it sound like we’re storming the gates of Olympus.”
“Exactly!” Brian shot back, walking backward so he could gesture wildly. “Except instead of gods, there’ll be drunk freshmen making out in corners and someone inevitably throwing up in a potted plant. It’s tradition!”
Eloise laughed, the sound light and genuine. Daisy looped her arm through Eloise’s. “Come on, let’s grab coffee before Brian goes into another meltdown."
They all agreed and headed toward the bustling campus café. Once inside, they claimed a sunny corner table near the window. Ryan adjusted his glasses and offered, “I’ll order. What does everyone want?”
“Iced Americano,” Eloise said with a grateful smile.
Ryan’s eyes crinkled warmly as he smiled back at her. “Got it.”
Daisy flipped her blonde hair playfully. “Caramel latte with extra whip, pretty please.”
“Cappuccino, bro,” Brian said in his driest tone. “And tell them to make it very strong."
Ryan chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do. If they don’t arrest me for your caffeine demands, I’ll let you know.” The group burst into laughter as he headed to the counter.
The moment Ryan was out of earshot, Daisy leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Okay, spill! How rich is your fiancé exactly?”
Eloise nearly choked on air, laughing uncomfortably. “He's just… a little well-off.”
That had to be the biggest understatement in the history of understatements. Massimo was obscenely rich. Stupidly rich. The kind of rich where he bought properties the way other people bought groceries.
“Honey,” Daisy said, giggling as she dramatically flipped her hair, “that ring on your finger could probably buy half the boutiques on Fifth Avenue. Don’t be modest.”
Brian cut in with perfect dry timing. “Careful, Daisy. At this rate, you are potentially becoming a stalker.”
Eloise desperately wished the floor would open up and swallow her. She gave an awkward little laugh, trying to deflect.
Daisy wasn’t done. “Look, all I’m saying is, if you happen to have any single, rich, hot men in his circle…” She flipped her hair again with theatrical flair. “I wouldn’t mind an introduction.”
“What the hell, Daisy!” Brian exclaimed, clutching his chest in mock betrayal. “You’re just going to leave me for a rich dude?”
Daisy looked at him seriously for half a second before cracking. “If he looks even half as hot as Eloise’s bodyguard, I’m dipping, babe. No offense.”
Eloise burst into giggles while Brian opened his mouth in genuine disbelief.
The conversation flowed easily after that. Daisy launched into stories about growing up in a small town in Ohio with an overbearing mother. She pulled out her phone and showed them the screen—seven missed calls already.
“See!” she groaned, waving the phone. “She can’t even let me breathe. Every hour it’s ‘Daisy, did you eat? Daisy, are you talking to boys? Daisy, don’t forget to pray!’ I’m in New York, Mom, not a war zone!”
Brian leaned back, smirking. “My father’s the opposite. He expects me to take over the family company the second I graduate. The man talks about quarterly reports like they’re bedtime stories.” 
He rubbed a hand lazily through his hair and did a viciously accurate impression of his father: “Brian, legacy is everything. Stop partying and start preparing to be a titan of industry.” He pumped his biceps dramatically. “I just want to partyyyy!”
Eloise shook her head, rolling her eyes with a grin while Daisy dissolved into giggles.
“And what about you, our mysterious genius?” Brian asked, turning to Eloise. “What’s your deal? Why are you slumming it with us commoners?”
Eloise shrugged, smiling softly. “I really do want this degree. More than anything.”
“Boooring!” Brian groaned playfully. Daisy joined in with an exaggerated sigh.
Eloise just laughed, but inside, her thoughts were more serious. After being underestimated by her father her entire life, she wasn't going to sit quietly on the sidelines. 
She wasn't going to be nothing. She wanted to be useful. She wanted to learn. She wanted to help Massimo. The thought made her smile softly.
Just then, Ryan returned balancing a tray with surprising skill. “Caramel latte for you,” he said, placing Daisy’s drink down with a flourish. 
“Cappuccino for the drama king.” Brian accepted his with a mock bow. Finally, Ryan set Eloise’s iced Americano in front of her, his smile warm and genuine. “And this is for you.”
“Thank you,” Eloise said gratefully, taking a sip.
Brian suddenly frowned. "Oh, bro." 
Ryan looked up. 
"You paid for all of us?"
A tensed moment passed before Ryan spoke again. "I already got it."
"No, seriously. How much was mine?"
Ryan smiled. "It's fine."
Eloise noticed it then. The smile had slipped slightly.
"I can pay you back," Brian said.
"You don't have to."
"But—"
"I said it's okay."
The words weren't rude. But something had changed. An awkward silence settled briefly. Then Ryan smiled again.
"It's really not an issue."
The moment passed. Conversation resumed. But Eloise found herself studying him. The backpack beside his chair looked old, the material worn. One of the straps looked slightly faded.
Then she noticed his watch. It was simple and old. He was clearly working hard to stay here. Ryan caught her looking and gave a small smile. Eloise smiled back but her mind remained thoughtful.
Just then the café door opened.
Eloise’s stomach dropped.
She knew that perfectly styled hair. She knew that sharp, confident voice. The girl turned, and Eloise saw her clearly.
Rose.
Fuck.