Chapter 6
Six
Maxim
It's been a few days since I met my fiancée. Since then, I've been speaking to her father quite a bit. It was revealed to her I'd be staying in Chicago and for the meantime, I've been staying in a suite at a luxury hotel downtown. Today, all of that will change.
I'm meeting with a real estate agent referred to me by Nikolai. She knows Chicago's neighborhoods very well and specializes in luxury real estate. I've been emailing with her back and forth over the last couple of days, trying to determine what I'm looking for.
The God's honest truth is that I don't know what I'm looking for.
Whether it's a condo, townhome, or house on the outskirts of the city.
..I don't have a fucking clue. Nikolai did let me know that Aria lives in an apartment ten minutes away from the hospital, and I believe there's a rule that says doctors working for hospitals need to be within thirty minutes of it.
So, I have given Katarina, the realtor, that information.
I told her as long as it's within thirty minutes of the hospital, to go through and see what she thinks would fit. I have a budget of six million, and would prefer two living spaces, and three to four bedrooms. Otherwise, I'm not overly picky.
Katarina and I blocked out the entire afternoon today so we can go house hunting. I'm supposed to meet her in about twenty minutes, so I head out.
I arrive at the designated meeting spot faster than I thought I would, a quaint little café nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries.
The sound of chatter and clinking cutlery fills the cozy space as I scan the room for the woman who will undoubtedly get a large commission check.
Suddenly, a woman catches my eye. She exudes an air of confidence and sophistication as she gracefully makes her way toward me.
Her cascading chestnut curls frame her face, accentuating her striking hazel eyes.
Dressed in a tailored suit that hugs her curves in all the right places, Katarina's presence commands attention.
Not surprising considering she's Russian.
"Maxim?" she smiles warmly, extending her hand toward me. "I'm Katarina, your real estate agent. It's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name."
I return her smile and shake her hand firmly. "Likewise, Katarina. Thank you for taking the time to show me around."
Katarina leads me outside where a sleek black car awaits us.
With a graceful motion, she opens the door for me and I slide into the luxurious leather seat.
As we embark on our journey, Katarina explains that our first stop is a magnificent mansion situated just outside the bustling city, but still conveniently within thirty minutes of the hospital.
As we drove along tree-lined streets, I can't help but be captivated by the beauty surrounding us.
I didn't think Chicago would be anything good.
I thought it was a dump of a tourist attraction, but I'm wrong.
Stunning mansions peek out from behind meticulously manicured hedges, each one more impressive than the last. The sun casts a golden hue across the landscape, illuminating everything in its path.
Finally, we arrive at the first home. An immaculate mansion tucked away behind an eight foot stone wall surrounding the property. Katarina pulls up to iron gates and rolls down her window, inputting a key code in the keypad.
The iron gates swing open slowly, revealing a long driveway lined with barren trees. "Do you know what kind those are?"
Katarina glances out the window of her car. "They're cherry blossoms. Not much to look at right now, but in the spring they're beautiful."
We have cherry blossoms planted at our home in Moscow.
It reminds me of the way their soft petals dance in the gentle breeze.
I would always take Vera to our garden out back so she could pick up the fallen petals.
She was a very creative kid, made necklaces out of them, and did other crafts with the rest. Thinking about my childhood takes me back to another time.
Katarina drives the car slowly, allowing me to take in the splendor of the surroundings as she explains
As we approach the front entrance, the massive double doors swing open, revealing a spacious foyer adorned with elegant marble floors and a crystal chandelier hanging from a high ceiling. The opulence is more than I thought it would be.
Katarina leads me through the mansion, showcasing each room with expert precision.
The living spaces are filled with luxurious furniture and intricate artwork, while the bedrooms boast expansive windows that offer panoramic views of the sprawling landscape that stretches beyond.
The mansion is on a hill, so we get some pretty good city views.
It's a dreamlike sanctuary, not too close to the city, but not too far away either.
As we step out onto the terrace overlooking a meticulously landscaped garden, Katarina turns to me with an expectant smile. "So, Maxim, what do you think?"
I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "It's certainly impressive," I admit, my gaze lingering on the beauty surrounding us. "But it feels too impersonal, too... perfect."
Katarina nods thoughtfully. "I understand what you mean. Some people find comfort in such grandeur, while others seek something more intimate and cozy. Let's move on to our next destination."
We leave the mansion behind and make our way to the heart of the city, where contemporary high-rise condominiums dominate the skyline.
As we enter one of these luxurious buildings, I'm greeted by something that's toned down a bit.
Don't get me wrong, it's still luxurious, but there's a modern, rustic theme spread across the lobby.
It only makes me wonder if the same aesthetic carries to the condominiums within the building.
Katarina leads me into the elevator, and we ascend to one of the top floors of the high-rise.
The doors open, revealing a spacious hallway filled with natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.
We step into the first condominium, and I immediately notice the warm, earthy tones that dominate the interior.
Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and cozy furnishings create an inviting atmosphere.
I've never imagined myself living in a place like this, but, I like it.
My entire life is changing, so it might be nice to do something a little different.
"This unit has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, dining room, and living room combination, as well as an office, plus there's a den," Katarina explains as she guides me through the open-concept living area.
"The kitchen features high-end appliances and a large island perfect for entertaining. "
I wonder if Aria and I would eventually host dinner parties here, or even have friends or family over. Actually, I don't think it's feasible. If we had people over, it would mean we'd have to be getting along. All we seem to be doing right now is wanting to be clawing at the other's throats.
We move on to explore the bedrooms, each offering unique charm and character.
One is adorned with plush textures and rich colors, exuding a different kind of opulence.
Another boasts large windows that overlook the city skyline, providing an urban oasis.
The third bedroom is smaller but radiates coziness with its soft lighting and snug design.
As we stand on the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of Chicago's bustling streets below, Katarina turns to me with a knowing smile. "What do you think of this one?"
I pause for a moment, considering the options before me. While I appreciate the grandeur of the mansion we visited earlier, there's something about this condominium that makes me want to pull the trigger. Add in all of the space, plus the size of this balcony and it's obvious.
"I think I've found what I'm looking for," I say firmly, my voice filled with conviction. "But, how far is this from the hospital?"
"About five minutes. Possibly ten minutes on a bad day."
"Perfect. Are there other amenities that come with living in the building?"
Katarina's smile widens as she lists off the amenities.
"Absolutely, Maxim. This building offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop pool and lounge area, a concierge service, and even an exclusive restaurant on the ground floor that only people who rent and purchase here can go to.
You can of course invite friends and dine with them, but you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. "
Hmm, this all sounds good.
"That sounds fantastic," I reply, envisioning myself lounging by the rooftop pool after a long day or indulging in a delicious meal without having to venture too far from home. "Count me in."
Katarina nods, her excitement matching my own. "I'm glad you're pleased with this option, Maxim. I can already imagine how perfect this place will be for you."
As we make our way out of the condominium, Katarina tells me about the next property we will visit—a charming townhouse nestled in a quaint neighborhood nearby.
She mentions its close proximity to parks and boutiques, painting a picture of a vibrant community perfect for someone looking to immerse themselves in city life.
As we step back into her car and drive toward our next destination, I can't help but feel calm about this new journey I'm on. Sure, I'm moving from Moscow to Chicago, but maybe I can learn to love it here.
This endeavor of finding a new home isn't just about finding a place to live—it's about embarking on a new chapter in my life. I'm not going to sit here and act like a spoiled brat, forced to marry this woman. I'm going to make the best of it and use it to my advantage. That's all I can do.