Ivana was startled but no longer surprised when she saw Ernest follow him in. That was just how he did things, direct, violent and fast. Over the years, Ivana had gotten used to it.
"I asked him. That day, he locked you in for hours." Ernest kicked Dominic hard, sending him stumbling forward to apologize to Ivana.
Ivana looked at Ernest calmly, "He locked me in for hours. But where were you?"
Ernest's expression faltered for a second before resuming its usual composure, "Sydney returned that day. She's unfamiliar with the area and I thought since she's your senior, I'd pick her up at the airport."
"You picked her up and that meant you couldn't answer your phone, return texts, or leave the keys to the freezer?" Ivana's tone was calm and indifferent.
Ernest thought Ivana seemed different at that moment, perhaps angry. That was fine. She'd been angry before and after a few days, she'd be back to clinging to him with a smile.
He said, "Enough already, Ivana."
"Let's break up." Ivana looked at Ernest with unwavering calm.
She had always thought it would be hard to say those words, yet the moment she did, her chest felt instantly lighter, strangely relieved.