Chapter 20

My jaw nearly hits the floor as the car pulls up in front of the Upper West Side brownstone Ivan calls home.

This place isn’t just a house; it’s a freaking monument. The classic brownstone facade is impeccably maintained, with ivy trailing up the sides, giving it an old-world charm that’s rare in the city. It’s like something out of a movie.

Ivan leads me inside, and I’m instantly struck by the sheer size of the place. The entryway alone could fit my entire apartment. High ceilings, polished hardwood floors, and an elegant staircase that spirals upward greet me. It’s all so grand, I half-expect a butler to appear and take my coat.

But as we walk through the rooms, something odd catches my attention. Most of them are empty. No furniture, no artwork, nothing. The living room is a wide, open area with large windows that flood the space with light, but there’s not a single couch or coffee table in sight.

I turn to Ivan, unable to hide my confusion. “So, uh, where’s all your stuff?” I ask, gesturing to the barren room.

He shrugs, a faint smile playing on his lips. ‘I only use the bedroom, office, and kitchen. Never saw the point in filling up the rest.’

I blink, trying to process this. Here’s a man with one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen, and he’s living in it like it’s a bachelor pad, less than a bachelor pad, actually. ‘Ivan, this place has so much potential! It’s like a blank canvas begging for an artist.”

He laughs at my dramatics, clearly amused by my horror. “Well, if you’re so keen on it, I have something that might interest you.” He fishes a credit card out of his pocket and hands it to me. It has my name on it.

“This is for you,” he says. “There’s a bank account set up in your name. Go wild with the furniture shopping. Turn this into a home you’ll be comfortable in.’

For a moment, I’m speechless, the card heavy in my hand. Then, a grin spreads across my face. I start walking through the rooms again, this time with a new sense of purpose. I can already picture a plush sofa here, a stylish coffee table there, maybe some modern art on the walls.

‘This could be fun,’ I admit, excitement bubbling up inside me. ‘I get to decorate your house?’

He nods, watching me with an indulgent look. ‘Our house,’ he corrects gently. ‘And yes, decorate to your heart’s content.”

The word ‘our’ sends a warm tingle through me. Our house. It’s a strange and thrilling thought. I spin around in the empty living room, my mind racing with ideas. ‘Well, prepare to be amazed. I’ve got some serious Pinterest boards to consult.’

Ivan chuckles, his eyes following me as I dart from one room to another, the wheels spinning in my head. ‘I have no doubt,’ he says, leaning against the doorway. ‘Just promise me one thing.’

I pause, looking back at him. ‘What’s that?’

He smirks, a playful glint in his eye. ‘Try to leave at least one room set aside. For activities.’

I laugh, shaking my head at his cheekiness. ‘You’re incorrigible.’

He steps closer, his presence suddenly filling the room. ‘But you like it,’ he speaks, his voice low.

I can’t argue with that. Stepping into his arms, I tilt my head up to meet his kiss. The house, the future, the possibilities, all of it fades into the background as we lose ourselves in each other, right there in the middle of our big, empty living room that’s just waiting to be filled with life.

Two weeks pass in a whirlwind of activity, and Ivan’s once-empty house is transformed into a warm, inviting home. The living room now boasts a large comfy sectional sofa in a soft cream color, accented with vibrant throw pillows. A sleek, modern coffee table sits in the center, surrounded by lush indoor plants that bring a touch of nature inside. Abstract art adorns the walls, adding splashes of color and personality to the space.

The dining room is equally transformed, with a long, elegant table made of dark wood, surrounded by high-back chairs upholstered in a rich, royal blue. Above the table hangs a statement chandelier that casts a warm, inviting glow over the room.

In the kitchen, I’ve added small touches that make it feel more lived-in—a bowl of fresh fruit on the marble countertop, a set of stylish canisters for coffee and tea, and a couple of cookbooks displayed on a stand.

Ivan walks through the house, taking in all the changes. His initial hesitation has given way to genuine appreciation. ‘You’ve done a remarkable job, Julie,’ he says, his eyes scanning the place. ‘It feels like a home now.’

I beam with pride, pleased with his reaction. ‘I’m glad you like it. It’s been fun adding a bit of… well, me, to the place.’

He nods, a smile tugging at his lips. ‘ You’ve managed to make this place warm and inviting. It’s a pleasant change.’

Our relationship has undergone its own transformation, as well. Mutual respect and attraction have blossomed into something deeper, something that feels a lot like the beginnings of real affection. Yet, there’s a part of Ivan that’s holding back, focusing more on the physical aspect of our connection.

At work the next day, the reality of our professional relationship comes back into focus. Ivan has scheduled interviews for a new assistant, and while I know it’s part of our agreement, I can’t help feeling a twinge of reluctance at the thought of leaving my position.

In his office, Ivan looks over the resumes with a furrowed brow. ‘I’ve got three interviews lined up today,’ he says, sounding less than enthused. ‘But honestly, none of them seem quite right.’

I lean against the doorframe, watching him. ‘You never know, one of them might surprise you.’

He glances up, meeting my eyes. ‘I made you a promise to find a replacement. And I intend to keep it. But’ he pauses, a hint of something unexpressed in his gaze, ‘I’ve grown accustomed to having you around. More than accustomed, actually.’

I smile, a warm feeling spreading through me. ‘Well, whoever you hire will have big shoes to fill. But I’m not going anywhere just yet. I’ll make sure they’re up to speed before I step back.’

Ivan nods, a look of gratitude in his eyes. ‘Thank you, Julie. That means a lot.’

The air between us goes silent with unspoken words, a shared understanding of the unique dynamic we’ve built. As I turn to leave, Ivan calls out, ‘Julie?’

I look back, waiting.

He stands, crossing the room and stopping in front of me. ‘I just wanted to say I’m glad you’re here. In every sense.’

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard, and for a moment, I’m speechless. Then, with a playful smile I reply, ‘Well, get used to it. I’m not going anywhere.’