Hidden Flames [The Ludovicas: Second Generation Book Three]

Two | Perfect

IRENE

A WEEK LATER...

I was surprisingly over with Steven. His words still hurt but I didn't miss him at all.

I felt free and I was glad for it.

That day when I came back home, my parents knew something was wrong. I didn't tell them the whole 'he took my virginity' thing but I told them the part where he said it was all because of a bet.

They both comforted me and Dad even offered to go confront him and even beat him up but I told him no.

Instead, I ended up saying that I would like for him to find a husband for me.

He was surprised but didn't refuse me.

I later realised how weird that request was. Thankfully, Dad didn't mention it again.

Mom was setting up the dining table when I walked in, Dad usually was there helping her but tonight he wasn't.

"Where's Dad?" I asked Mom.

Mom set down a dish filled with food in the centre. "He's busy working in his office. Go, tell him dinner's ready."

"Okay." It was Saturday night and Dad hardly worked from home. He made sure to give us quality time.

I knocked on the door to his study before opening the door slightly and peeping in. "Dad?"

He was busy sorting through several files. "Yes, come in, Irene."

"Dinner's ready. You should eat before it gets cold."

He sighed, lifting his eyes at me. "I will eat later. I am a bit busy right now."

"What are you so busy with?"

"Silvio has tasked me to find a bride for his son. It's more difficult than I thought."

His son? That means...Kian. "He's getting married?"

"Or more like told to get married."

Interested in knowing everything about it, I took a seat opposite him. "Tell me more."

He chuckled at my curiosity and said, "Silvio and Lilith are worried about their son as he refuses to settle down. He's thirty now which makes them a bit more desperate hence Silvio asked me to find a suitable girl for Kian."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Twelve years back when he saved me, he didn't tell me his name but that didn't stop me from asking Dad about him.

"Oh. What if he finds someone later? It's never too late to fall in love."

"Kian is different. He doesn't like affection and has no wish to get a wife or a girlfriend. His parents are simply worried about him."

"And getting a wife will help?"

Dad shrugged. "According to them, yes."

Wow, Kian was thirty already and getting married. I am pretty sure his parents must be looking for a supermodel for him. His whole family looks like movie stars.

My mood dampened at that thought. If I was even the slightest bit attractive, I would have volunteered. He is scary but he is my hero and I wouldn't mind marrying him.

"What's the...criteria for the girl?"

Dad looked through one of the files which contained a picture of a girl along with all the information. "Someone patient and kind."

"That's it?"

Dad hummed. "Most of our men have daughters who are in their twenties but it's still difficult to find the perfect one."