The Seven Years of Secret Relationship Was Turned To Ashes

Albion's POV

As soon as I saw her last message, my expression quickly darkened.

Serena didn’t have an issue with cilantro. In fact, she loved it—she’d even order an extra portion whenever we had pasta.

Still, I thought for a moment before I replied.

[Me: Alright.]

After sending the message, I opened a food delivery app, randomly picked a home-cooked dish, and had it sent directly to her office.

Later that evening, after finishing up work, I went out for dinner with Stephanie.

But the moment we arrived at the restaurant we’d reserved, I spotted Serena walking in with Cyril. They were arm in arm, their faces lit with easy smiles.

When she saw us, Serena instinctively let go of his arm and walked over.

Meanwhile, Cyril’s expression shifted for a moment before he quickly followed, smiling as he said, “What a coincidence! But it looks like we’re late—no available tables. Mind if we share yours?”

Before we could respond, Serena seated herself right beside me, unbothered.

Stephanie’s eyes widened in shock. Without hesitation, she got up and switched places with her. “What are you thinking? Sitting me next to your first love—how’s that supposed to work?”

Now seated across from me, Serena looked slightly annoyed, as if waiting for me to say something.

Avoiding her gaze, I handed the menu to Cyril. “Here, Cyril. Go ahead and order. My sister and I have already decided on what we want.”

He took the menu with a casual smile. “Albion, your cooking is incredible. It’s so much better than anything you can get in a restaurant.”

His comment confirmed what I’d suspected—Serena had asked me to cook for him, not herself.

Even so, I only smiled faintly and didn’t respond.

Stephanie, with a mix of pride and teasing, chimed in, “Oh, you wouldn’t believe it—he got it in his head to take cooking classes recently. He was the only guy in the class, but he stuck with it anyway. I thought he’d give up out of embarrassment, but nope. Now he’s great in the kitchen and outside of it. Whoever becomes his future girlfriend is going to be so spoiled.”

Serena had been smiling faintly, but her expression shifted at that comment. Her smile thinned, and she took a slow sip of tea. Calmly, she asked, “Albion, are you thinking about dating now?”

I looked at her, confused by the sudden question.

Recalling her words from the other day, I nodded slightly. “I’m 26 now—it’s about time I started thinking about that. If you know anyone suitable, Serena, feel free to introduce them to me.”

“You’re finally coming around!” Stephanie exclaimed, clearly more excited than anyone else. “I’ve been trying to set you up for ages, and you always turned me down. Now that you’re ready, I’ll make sure to find you the perfect girlfriend!”

As Stephanie finished speaking, Serena’s lips pressed into a tight line. Her eyes locked onto mine as if searching for something in my expression.

Cyril, noticing the change in her mood, laughed lightly. “Albion, you’re lucky to have such a caring sister. I’m honestly jealous. But, you know, I think Serena’s a great match for you. What do you think?”

“Don’t say things like that,” Serena cut in sharply, her brows furrowing. Though her tone carried a hint of reprimand, her expression was more resigned than angry.

I nodded in agreement. “Exactly. I only see Serena as a sister. Please don’t make jokes like that, Cyril.”

I paused, then added, “Besides, I think you and Serena make a better pair.”

The smile vanished from her face in an instant, replaced by a thin layer of anger. She let out a short, humorless laugh. “Is that so? Then how about I introduce someone to you? Would you take the time to meet her?”

“Of course. Thanks in advance, Serena.” My smile was bright, and I answered without hesitation.

For the next few days, I didn’t reach out to Serena, and she didn’t contact me either.