Ending My Seven-Year Relationship with My Secret Boyfriend

Seeing the message, my expression darkened slightly.

Jason didn’t have a habit of avoiding scallions. In fact, he always believed scallions enhanced the flavor of soup.

After a moment’s thought, I replied with a simple, [Okay.]

Once I sent the message, I decisively opened a food delivery app and ordered a random yam and pork rib soup to be delivered to his office.

That evening, I went out to dinner with my brother.

We had just arrived at the restaurant we’d reserved when we saw Jason and Shairine walking in, arms linked and smiling sweetly.

The moment Jason spotted us, he instinctively let go of her hand and walked toward us.

Shairine’s expression faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly composed herself and approached with a smile. “We’re late, and there aren’t any open tables. Would you mind if we joined yours?”

Without waiting for a reply, Jason sat down next to me.

Yves’ eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly stood up, pulling him to switch seats. “What are you thinking? How is it appropriate for me to sit next to her?”

Reluctantly, Jason let himself be nudged into the seat across from me. His eyes carried a hint of displeasure, as if waiting for me to say something.

Avoiding his gaze, I handed the menu to Shairine. “Shairine, why don’t you order what you two would like? My brother and I have already decided.”

She took the menu with a smile, trying to appear natural. “Zoey, the yam and pork rib soup you make is so delicious—much better than anything sold outside.”

Her words confirmed my suspicion. The soup Jason asked me to make was for her.

I smiled faintly but said nothing.

Yves, however, seemed impressed. “She had this sudden urge to take cooking lessons a while ago. I was worried she’d blow up the kitchen, but it turns out she’s a natural. I wonder which lucky guy will benefit from this in the future.”

Jason had been smiling subtly, but at those words, his smile faded. Slowly, he sipped his tea and asked calmly, “Zoey, are you thinking about dating?”

I looked at him in confusion.

Recalling the words he said in the private room that day, I nodded slightly. “I’m 26 this year. It’s time for me to start dating. If you knows someone suitable, I’d appreciate an introduction.”

“You’ve finally come to your senses!” Yves was more excited than anyone. Laughing, he said, “I’ve been trying to set you up for ages, but you kept refusing. Now that you’re finally open to the idea, I’ll do my best to find you a great boyfriend!”

After Yves’ words, Jason’s thin lips pressed tightly together. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on me, as though trying to read my emotions.

Shairine noticed the shift in his mood and giggled. “Zoey, you’re so lucky to have such a great brother. I’m honestly a little jealous. But you know, I think Jason is pretty great. What if...”

“Don’t say such things. Zoey is my little sister,” Jason interrupted her with a frown, his tone laced with faint reproach, though his expression held only exasperation.

I nodded in agreement, smiling. “Exactly. I see Jason as my own brother. Shairine, you shouldn’t joke about things like that.”

“And honestly, I think you and Jason are a better match than me,” I added.

Jason’s face darkened instantly. His eyes glinted with faint anger as he gave a sharp laugh. “Is that so? Well then, how about I introduce someone to you? Would you make time to meet them?”

“Sure. Thank you in advance, Jason.” I smiled brightly and agreed without hesitation.

For the next few days, I didn’t contact Jason, and he didn’t contact me either.

Instead, it was Shairine who showed up at my door.

When she arrived, both Yves and I happened to be at home.