Chapter 47: An Exceptional Son-in-Law

Livia could never be as heartless as Angelo.

One moment, he was wrapped in her fervent embrace, and the next, he could switch off, becoming a distant stranger.

When Angelo said he'd stay with her for two days, he meant it. Seizing the opportunity when he stepped out, Livia gathered her luggage and returned to her apartment.

She was originally enjoying her time in Averlake, possibly even encountering a romantic affair, but all it took was one call from Angelo to ruin everything.

At this rate, when would she ever be free of him?

Florence was back, and the two had arranged to meet at a coffee shop.

"Here's the stuff you asked for. And look at you, blooming like a rose—must be living the high life," Florence teased, handing over the purchases to Livia.

Livia took them with thanks, touched her face, and appraised Florence. "Have you made any progress with that foreign hottie?"

Florence pouted and shook her head in response.

"What happened?"

Florence's face fell. "He was a bit overwhelming. I bolted halfway through."

Livia was shocked. "You could walk away halfway through?"

Florence mimicked, shivering dramatically, "You have no idea. Once he stripped, one look and I was over it."

The mental image made Livia chuckle slightly.

"I'm not into the whole hairy body thing. Hair in the right places is enough for me," Florence explained. "Without clothes on, he was like a caveman."

Livia thought she had put it rather well. "At that point, couldn't you just close your eyes and get it over with? What if he was skilled?"

"Forget it. I thought it over later. What if he had an STD? That would ruin my life," Florence said, sipping her coffee. "One-night stands just aren't for me."

Livia was reminded of her own impulsive encounter with Angelo. She hadn't given it much thought at the time.

She had been so eager to make him hers, if only for one night, and that had been enough for her.

Looking back, she appreciated Florence's caution. She had been lucky that her foreign lover wasn't a creep.

After saying goodbye to Florence, Livia carried her gifts back to her parents' place.

She had to bring presents. Otherwise, they might get suspicious about her trip.

Matilde suggested Livia meet their neighbors’ nephew.

Livia was reluctant, but under Matilde's persistent persuasion, she agreed to a brief introduction. If there was a spark, they could get to know each other better. If not, they'd leave it as is.

Matilde accepted this arrangement.

Downstairs, Matilde pointed to a man chatting with Porter near the exercise equipment, "What do you think?"

Livia glanced at him. He had a round face and seemed fit but also quite youthful.

"Mom, if I walk with him, people might think I'm his mother," Livia shook her head. "I prefer someone more mature and composed."

Matilde frowned, "What's wrong with looking young? He's actually older than you. Besides, isn't that what young people like these days?"

Livia gave an awkward smile. "That's other people, not me. Just tell Porter that I'm not suited for her nephew." With that, she turned and ran back inside the building.

Matilde was frustrated but had no solution.

Upon closer inspection, Matilde had to admit her daughter and the young man didn't seem like a good match.

'Forget it. I'll find someone more mature and stable for her,' Matilde thought.

After lunch, Livia joined her mother for a trip to the mall. The weather was far too hot for window shopping outside and Livia genuinely wanted to find a nice outfit for her mother.

"Miss Ashcroft."

Livia turned around and saw Lucas standing outside with a smile.

Lucas, in his half-frame glasses, white shirt, and jeans, looked sharp and stood out in the crowd.

"Lucas," Livia greeted him with a smile.

Matilde eyed the man from a distance, then watched her daughter walk up to him with a big smile, her eyes following their every move.

Lucas said, "I didn't expect to see you here. At first, I thought I had the wrong person and was hesitant to call out to you."

"I came to shop with my mom." Livia turned just in time to see her mother unabashedly sizing up Lucas and discreetly stepped in front of her to block the view.

Peering inside, Lucas inquired, "Your mom is here, too? I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," Livia replied. "We're just wandering around aimlessly."

"Do you have time for a drink?" Lucas offered, fearing rejection. "I'm planning to leave tomorrow."

At that point, Livia found herself agreeing.

The mall's first floor had a coffee shop and some snack bars.

Matilde's eyes sparkled when she looked at Lucas.

"Mom, stop it," Livia tugged at her mother's sleeve and whispered.

Ignoring Livia, Matilde asked Lucas, "Lucas, are you a teacher, too?"

"Yes, I am."

"What grade do you teach?"

"Mom, he's a college professor." Livia couldn't stand it any longer. "Can you please stop asking?"

Matilde didn't hear Livia's plea and, with a beaming smile, prodded further, "So young and already a professor. That's quite impressive. Are you married?"

Livia felt a headache coming on.

She looked apologetically at Lucas.

Shaking his head with a smile, Lucas responded, "Not yet."

Seizing the opportunity, Matilde pressed on, "Do you have a significant other?"

"No."

"How can such a fine young man still be single? Livia always thinks she's still young and is always reluctant to look for someone." Matilde was quite the conversationalist and soon spilled all the beans about Livia's current situation.

Lucas was slightly taken aback. He had assumed the guy with Livia was her boyfriend.

Livia took a deep breath, fearful she might do something disrespectful.

She could only respond with an awkward smile.

"Miss Ashcroft is quite the catch. It's hard to believe she wouldn't have someone," Lucas commented casually while sipping his coffee, though his peripheral vision was fixed on Livia.

Matilde huffed, "She really doesn't have anyone."

Livia stayed silent.

Lucas laughed.

"Mom, can you please not talk about this?" Livia was exasperated.

Matilde glared at her. "I'm thinking of what’s best for you."

Livia was speechless.

"These things depend on fate," Lucas interjected. "Your daughter is exceptional. The man lucky enough to be your son-in-law will definitely be no ordinary guy."

Lucas had a way with words.

Matilde glanced at Livia but turned to Lucas with a beaming smile, "What do you think of Livia?"

Livia was stunned.