Chapter 192

Chapter 192

-Ava’s POV-

That was two weeks ago.

In that time, I had tried countless times to tell Tessa and Mikayla that I didn’t want to impose, that I didn’t want to be a burden. But every time, they shut me down with quiet reassurance, insisting that I wasn’t one.

They never asked about what had happened, never pried. But something in Tessa’s eyes that first night–some understanding I couldn’t name–must have told her that I needed this. That I needed them.

So, I stayed.

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We quickly fell into a routine. Every morning, Tessa would struggle to drag Mikayla out of bed. Mikayla, of course, fought tooth and nail to stay wrapped up in her blanket, muttering complaints about how school was overrated or how she could become a millionaire without math. It was always a struggle but always funny–a small, warm distraction that became the highlight of my mornings.

As I watched them day after day, that warmth grew into something more. A thought began to take root in my mind, one that refused to be ignored: I wanted this someday. I wanted these small struggles, this love wrapped in bickering and laughter.

This was what I could look forward to, I realized. This was what I wanted for

my child.

The conviction settled deeper with each passing day. I wanted this baby growing inside me, and I would love them with everything I had. I would never become my parents. From the moment they took their first breath, my child would know they were wanted, enough, and deeply loved.

Each morning, Mikayla begrudgingly got ready for school after much prodding from Tessa. We’d all leave together because Tessa owned a food truck, and I’d started helping her with it. It wasn’t much, but it kept my mind busy.

I called Isabella only once during that time. I kept it brief, telling her I was fine but that I needed space for a while. I didn’t want to hear anything about Grayson or my life back home. I didn’t tell her about the baby–I wasn’t ready for that conversation.

For now, all I wanted was to live simply. To pretend, even just for a little while, that I was someone else entirely. If there was one thing I’d perfected over the years, it was pretending.

“Ava, can you help me with this?”

Tessa’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I plastered on a smile and hurried over to help her with the heavy container she was struggling to carry.

“Thanks,” she said, glancing at me with a hint of concern. “You okay?”

quickly, brushing it off. “I’m fine, just lost in my

me for a moment

soon after. The food truck, painted a cheerful yellow, was parked in its usual spot, and the familiar smell of bacon, eggs, and

on a croissant, side of hash browns!” I called out,

Wed, 5 Feb

Chapter 192

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next, glancing at the small chalkboard menu. “Can I get a turkey and avocado

replied, punching his order into the

chatted while waiting for their orders, others hurriedly grabbed their food and rushed

serving another group and turned to grab more napkins when I

a cappuccino and

I froze mid–step.

That voice.

My eyes landed on Isabella, her face a mix of warmth and determination, and standing just behind her was Eliza, her expression

her tone light

reply, I turned to prepare Isabella’s order. My hands shook slightly as I poured the

from me, her fingers

her gaze for a moment before turning to Eliza, whose expression was somewhere between uneasy and apologetic.

she was going to pretend she didn’t know

closed my eyes briefly before letting out a sigh. “Bels, please,” I said

behind, their irritation clear. “Hey! Can you stop holding up the line? Some of us

turned toward the customer, ready to apologize, but Tessa appeared at my side before I could say anything, “Is there

to it. She smiled, the same practiced smile I’d seen her use a thousand times before, and addressed Tessa directly. “I was just hoping to borrow your employee for a tiny moment.

looked at me, her brows furrowing slightly. She could sense something was off, and I shook my head almost imperceptibly. I knew Isabella too well–her calm exterior was cracking, and beneath

of customers to serve,” Tessa began cautiously, clearly trying to

her smile vanishing, “I’ll give you three seconds to come out of this truck, or so help me, I’ll march in there and drag you out myself.”

her, glancing at me as though she wanted

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Chapter 192

“It’s fine,” I said quickly. I wasn’t fine, but I also knew Isabella wasn’t bluffing. I knew she would find me and would be beyond pissed that I had asked everyone

my expression because she simply nodded. I turned to Isabella, my stomach churning, and stepped out of the food truck. The cold morning air hit me like a slap, and I crossed my arms over my chest

we at least step away from the crowd?” I asked, trying to keep my

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