Page 17 of Bound to the Bratva
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.
We arrive at the townhome and it reminds me a lot of the townhouse Aria's father and stepmother live in. The townhome is nestled in a row of similar buildings, each with its own unique charm. Katarina leads me through the front gate and up the steps to the entrance. The door opens, revealing a cozy foyer with hardwood floors and a staircase leading to the upper floors.
"This townhome has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, and a spacious living room," Katarina explains as we step inside. "The layout is perfect for someone who enjoys having a bit more privacy while still being part of a community."
I nod in agreement, taking in the inviting atmosphere of the living room. The space is adorned with comfortable furniture, warm tones, and touches of rustic elegance. It's not too modern, too luxurious, or too relaxed for my liking. It seems like the perfect mixture of everything I've been looking for. However, there are so many amenities with the condominium we just looked at.
Even though I really like the condo, I'm not going to completely hate on this property yet. Katarina leads me upstairs to explore the bedrooms. Each one offers its own unique charm and character. The master bedroom boasts a large window that overlooks the quaint neighborhood, filling the room with natural light. The second bedroom has a cozy feel, with soft lighting and plush bedding. And the third bedroom is smaller but can serve as a versatile space—an office, a guest room, or even a personal sanctuary.
