Ashes of love

Chapter One

Havana

Havana's hand lingered on the delicate silver engagement ring, twisting it in slow circles around her finger. It was absurdly beautiful-a band of white gold, a modest yet elegant diamond resting in the center. It was a ring made to last, to withstand time and trials. But she knew better now; beauty and promises alone weren't enough to keep things from falling apart.

A week had passed since she'd ended things with Adam, yet she couldn't bring herself to take the ring off. Each morning, she'd look at it with fresh eyes, wondering why she couldn't let it go. Letting go of a ring was easier than letting go of a person, she supposed.

"Havana!" Her best friend Nora's voice burst through her quiet apartment, filling it with life.

Havana pushed the ring off her finger, watching it roll across the kitchen counter. It stopped near the coffee cup Nora had set down before crossing her arms and staring at Havana with the unmistakable look that meant she was about to get a lecture.

"I've been calling you for five minutes," Nora said, exasperated. "Honestly, Hav. You've got to stop zoning out like this."

Havana ran a hand through her hair, sighing. "I know. I just... sometimes it feels like... I don't know." She trailed off, not quite sure what she meant.

"Feels like what?" Nora's gaze softened, and she reached out, resting her hand on Havana's shoulder. "You've been locked up in here since it happened. You need to get out, have some fun, start living again."

Havana gave her a weak smile. Fun. Living. It all sounded distant, like things that belonged to someone else. "I know you're right. It's just-I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of a breakup I never saw coming. Now I have no idea what comes next."

Nora's eyes sparkled with determination. "I know exactly what comes next," she said with a smirk. "Tonight, we're going to Melanie's party."

Havana groaned. "Nora..."

"No arguments," Nora said, hands on her hips. "Look, Mel has a reputation for throwing parties so wild they're practically urban legends. There'll be people, drinks, distractions-a lot of each. It's exactly what you need."

Havana opened her mouth to protest, but Nora shook her head firmly.

"Nope. I refuse to watch you waste away in here, replaying every last second with Adam. Tonight is about moving on, okay?"

Havana sighed, but a part of her craved the chance to forget, even if just for a night. "Fine. But if it's horrible, I'm leaving early."

Nora's face lit up with a grin. "Deal. But trust me, you're going to have fun. Now, get dressed. And make it something... daring."

As Nora flitted down the hall toward Havana's bedroom, already rifling through her closet, Havana followed with a slight smile. She was grateful for Nora's relentless optimism and her refusal to let Havana fade into herself. Maybe a party wouldn't fix things, but it might just dull the edges for a while.

---

The night was thick and humid by the time they arrived at Melanie's house. From the driveway, the sound of music and laughter spilled out into the street, and Havana hesitated. The last party she'd attended had been with Adam, and the memories felt raw, almost surreal.

Nora grabbed her hand, giving her a squeeze. "No turning back now," she said with a grin, leading her forward.

Inside, the house was packed, with people mingling under the glow of string lights and swaying to the rhythm of a bass-heavy song. Havana felt a pang of anxiety, the sights and sounds almost too much. But she reminded herself she was here to let go, even if only for a night.