"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."