Devouring Love in the Raging Fire

Here we go again ... Ivana was in a pretty good mood today. Thinking it over, she figured it was just a meal, what's the worst that could happen? She'd be leaving for France soon and she didn't want to stir up any more drama.

With the Gilmore Family's influence in San Diego, it wouldn't even be hard for them to stop her from boarding the plane.

"Fine, send me the time," she finally said.

Sydney texted her: [7 PM, Nolen Bar. (Location shared).]

***

Ivana picked out the same dress she wore on her very first date with Ernest five years ago. She'd always been someone who believed in finishing what she started.

By the time Ivana arrived, it was already 7:30. Nolen Bar was bustling. Most of the people there were familiar to her, Dominic, for one, was present again.

There were also a few women who looked vaguely familiar. Ivana vaguely recalled they were Sydney's close friends.

Dominic was the first to notice her and quickly approached with a mix of flattery and unwillingness in his eyes, "Ah, our chef is finally here! Ernest and Sydney are over there."

Following Dominic's gaze, Ivana saw a large cake on the table, it looked familiar.

Ernest was talking to Sydney, who playfully nudged his chest and then fell into his arms, giggling coquettishly.

"Ivana! You came! Come on over!" Sydney waved her over, her face full of unconcealed triumph, like a hen proud of winning a fight.

As Ivana drew closer, she got a clearer look at the cake. It was the exact design she'd drawn up as a plan to celebrate her five-year anniversary with Ernest. She hadn't expected Sydney to steal the idea and make it for herself.

"Isn't Sydney's cake just gorgeous?"

"I heard someone's always winning cake design awards in competitions, but those cakes look nowhere near as good as Sydney's."

"Who knows if those awards were won by cozying up to Ernest?"

Sydney's two friends chimed in one after the other, their disdainful gazes sweeping up and down Ivana.

"Ivana's awards were all won on her own merit." It had been a long time since she'd seen Ernest. He seemed to be doing well, full of vitality. Only when he looked at Ivana did a hint of displeasure creep into his expression.

"Ernest, don't say that. If Sydney were to enter those competitions, she'd definitely win too!" someone said.

Ernest's eyes remained on Ivana and she quietly stared back. Sydney, ignored, bit her lip and called Ernest's name pitifully.

Ernest glanced over at her and his expression softened.

He said, "Come here. Sit next to me." Ivana didn't want to sit beside him, but sitting next to Sydney would be even worse.

Her gaze scanned the available seats and Dominic immediately slid further over, hogging two seats with a single body. Sighing, Ivana settled beside Ernest.

Fine, sitting here would also mean he'd hear her breakup message more clearly later. That way, she wouldn't embarrass him publicly.

"Ivana, about last time, I'm sorry. How about you light the candles?" Ernest wrapped his arm around Ivana's waist, took the lighter from Sydney and pressed it into Ivana's hand. "Go ahead, light them."

Ivana stared at the lighter. He knew she was afraid of fire, any open flame triggered her deep-rooted fear.

Once, Ernest had even replaced all the stoves in their house with induction cooktops for her. For five years, her birthday cakes never had candles.

Ivana thought for a moment, fine. She'd light the candles and once everyone was singing 'Happy Birthday,' she'd tell Ernest they were breaking up. Then, she'd find an excuse to leave.

With the noise of the crowd, no one would even hear her. That way, everyone could save face.

As Ivana lit the second candle, Sydney suddenly let out a sharp scream. Everyone turned toward the source of her scream and Ivana instinctively lifted her head to look.

Just as she wondered what Sydney was shouting about, she suddenly felt a surge of heat rise sharply against her thigh.