Chapter 284 

Chapter 284 

-Ava’s POV- 

I stared at Isabella, waiting for her to admit she was joking but the grin on her face only grew, eyes shining with excitement. 

Eliza sighed beside me, arms folded, “Alright, let’s hear it. What do you mean we’re going to prison?” 

Isabella clapped her hands, “Not real prison, obviously. But we’re going to do something a little reckless, a little fun. Something that’ll get our hearts racing.” 

“Bels, I’m pregnant,” I reminded her. 

She waved that off, “Which is why nothing we do will be actually dangerous. Just… things that could get us into minor trouble. Nothing life–threatening. Nothing stupid. Just a little chaos for the soul.” 

Eliza rubbed her temples. “I already regret agreeing to this.” 

I sighed, glancing between the two of them. And yet, deep down, I knew Isabella was right. I did need something to take my mind off everything. Lately, I’d been drowning in grief and pretending I was fine. Maybe this was exactly what I needed- something ridiculous, something unexpected, something that would remind me I was still alive. 

“Fine,” I said, crossing my arms, “What’s first?” 

Isabella beamed. “Oh, you are going to love this.” 

I did not love it. 

Because somehow, somehow, we ended up at a bakery with an entire chocolate cake in front of us. 

“No forks,” Isabella declared, sliding into a seat at the outdoor patio. 

I blinked at her, “Excuse me?” 

She grinned, “We eat it with our hands.” 

Eliza scoffed. “That’s not illegal.” 

“No, but it is frowned upon,” Isabella wiggled her eyebrows, “and it’s on the list.” 

I groaned. “You made a list?” 

“Of course I made a list.” 

I sighed, looking down at the cake. It did look good. And honestly, after the week I’d had, I wouldn’t mind shoving my hands into it. 

Eliza exhaled,” can’t believe I’m doing this.” 

Isabella grinned, “That’s the spirit!” 

And then, just like that, we dug in. 

At first, it was a little awkward. But then Isabella smeared frosting across my cheek, and before I knew it, Eliza was laughing, I was laughing, and we were making an absolute mess. 

It wasn’t long before the bakery owner stormed out, hands on her hips, “Are you kidding me? What is three?” 

wrong 

with you 

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Chapter 284 

Isabella grabbed my wrist, “Time to go.” 

We bolted, still laughing, running down the street like a bunch of teenagers. We collapsed on a nearby bench, breathless and giddy 

“Okay,” I admitted, wiping my hands on a napkin. “That was actually fun 

Isabella nudged me, “Told you.” 

I shook my head, smiling despite myself. “What’s next?” 

It turned out, the next thing was sneaking into a rooftop lounge we were definitely not supposed to be in 

“It’s not really sneaking in.” Isabella reasoned as we stepped into the elevator of a fancy hotel. “We just happen to be taking a small detour.” 

“A detour into an exclusive lounge?” Eliza muttered. 

“Exactly.” 

The doors opened to a breathtaking rooftop view of the city skyline. Fairy lights twinkled above, soft music played, and waiters moved around carrying champagne flutes. 

Eliza looked around, “Okay… this is actually nice.” 

I exhaled. “And we’re going to get kicked out in five minutes.” 

“Not if we blend in,” Isabella said smoothly, already grabbing three glasses from a passing waiter. She handed me one, then hesitated. “Wait. Never mind. You get sparkling water.” 

I smirked, “How responsible of you.” 

We found a quiet spot by the railing, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of gold and pink. For a moment, none of us spoke. I let the city lights blur beneath me, breathing in the crisp air. 

Maybe Isabella was onto something. Maybe I did need this. 

And just when I was starting to enjoy myself, Eliza stiffened. 

“Security is coming.” 

I turned my head, heart skipping a beat. Sure enough, a man in a black suit was walking straight toward us. 

Isabella grabbed my hand. “Okay, time to go again.” 

The moment we got outside, I shook my head, breathless. “Okay, I hate to ask but what’s next?” 

Isabella’s eyes twinkled. “How do you feel about fake tattoos?” 

I exhaled, shaking my head, but I was still smiling. 

We ended up in a small, hole–in–the–wall tattoo parlor that smelled like ink and antiseptic. Isabella marched in like she owned the place, while Eliza and I hesitated at the entrance. 

“You’re insane,” Eliza muttered, glancing around at the walls covered in intricate tattoo designs. 

Isabella spun around, grinning, “Relax. We’re getting fake tattoos. Completely harmless.” 

I sighed, running a hand over my stomach, “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” 

Chapter 284 

A heavily tattooed man at the counter barely looked up from his phone as he asked, “You ladies getting inked?” 

“Temporary,” Isabella chirped. “Something fun. Something mildly regrettable but not permanent.” 

The guy raised an unimpressed brow, “You sure? We got some great real ones.” 

I shook my head before Isabella could get any ideas, “Fake ones are fine? 

Eliza leaned in, “Make hers say ‘I love Grayson‘ across her forehead.” 

I shot her a glare, “Try it, and you will regret it.” 

Eliza smirked, “Just making sure you’re still alive in there.” 

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at my lips. 

Isabella, of course, chose the most ridiculous option possible–an elaborate dragon curling around her arm. “I feel dangerous,” She declared, admiring the temporary ink. 

Eliza went for something small and elegant–a delicate crescent moon on her wrist. “Classy,” She said, nodding approvingly 

Then it was my turn. 

“You’re getting a heart,” Isabella announced before I could even decide. 

I frowned, “That’s boring.” 

“No, no. Not just any heart.” She turned to the artist. “Make it say ‘Bad Decisions‘ inside the heart.” 

I gave her a flat look, “Are you serious?” 

“Absolutely.” 

And because I was too tired to argue–and maybe because a tiny, ridiculous part of me wanted to do something that didn’t make sense–I let them do it. 

Eliza stared at me, deadpan, “This might be your first actual bad decision.” 

I huffed, “It washes off.” 

Isabella clapped her hands. “Exactly! No consequences.” 

As we walked out of the parlor, Eliza checked her phone. “It’s almost evening. What’s next on the list of mild criminal activity?” 

Isabella pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket, scanning it like it was a sacred text. “Ooh, this is a good one.” 

I narrowed my eyes. “What?” 

She smirked. “Shopping cart races.” 

We should have known this would end badly. 

It started off harmless enough—we found an empty parking lot near a grocery store, grabbed two abandoned carts, and somehow convinced ourselves this was a good idea. 

Eliza and I sat inside the carts while Isabella, grinning like a maniac, got behind mine, “Ready?” 

“No,” I answered immediately. 

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Chapter 284 

“Go!” 

And suddenly, we were flying. 

I clung to the sides of the cart as Isabella pushed with all her strength, laughing wildly. Eliza was screaming in hers as she and I raced down the lot, the wind whipping past us. 

“Faster!” Isabella yelled. 

“Are you trying to get me killed?” 1 shouted back. 

But I was laughing. Goddess help me, I was actually laughing. 

The wheels of my cart wobbled dangerously, and for a brief moment, I thought I was going to tip over. But then Isabella slowed down just enough for me to regain balance. 

Eliza’s cart came to an abrupt stop as she burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, I think I’m done tempting fate for today.” 

We stumbled out of the carts, breathless and exhilarated. Isabella looked way too pleased with herself, “See? Fun.” 

I wiped tears of laughter from my eyes. “I hate that you were right.” 

“Of course I was.” She patted my shoulder. “Alright. One last thing. Then we call it a day.” 

And then, before I could fully register what she was doing, Isabella got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. 

My eyes widened in horror, What do you think you’re doing?” 

People had stopped walking, some glancing at us while others awkwardly pretended not to. I let out a nervous laugh. “It’s a joke. We’re not like that. We’re just best friends.” Then I glared at her. “Get up. Right now.” 

She ignored me completely, “Damien’s cut–off head rolled in-” She paused dramatically, scanning the crowd, then added, “figuratively–before the priest announced Rickon and me as husband and wife. And you did have a fake wedding, so—” She cleared her throat, suddenly looking ridiculously serious. 

“Ava Lilian Pierce…” She held up the ring, voice dropping into something almost solemn. “Will you do me the honor of having a double wedding with me?” 

I stared at her and then, before I could stop it, a smile spread across my face, and at the same time, I felt the sting of tears threatening to fall. I swallowed hard, nodded, and whispered, “Yes.” 

Isabella whooped, throwing her arms around me as the crowd around us cheered, their energy infectious. I was still laughing when my phone vibrated in my hand. 

Barely glancing at the screen, I answered, breathless, “Grayson, you won’t believe what-” 

“Where are you?” 

Something in his tone made my laughter fade instantly. It wasn’t his usual deep, commanding voice–it was quieter, strained. 

I swallowed, “I’m still out with Isabella and Eliza. Grayson, what’s wrong?” 

Silence stretched on the other end, thick and heavy. 

Then, finally, “Can you meet me at the hospital you used to work at?” 

A cold chill crawled down my spine, “Why? What’s going on?” 

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Chapter 284 

Another pause. Then, softer, almost hesitant, he said, “It’s heuer if you see for yourself