Chapter 46: A Place of His Own
The next morning in San Francisco arrived with clear blue skies and a calm breeze drifting through the city streets. Compared to the chaos around Mia's school the previous day, the morning felt unusually peaceful.
Anshul left the hotel shortly after breakfast.
Living in hotels had been convenient in the beginning, but it was no longer practical. His activities were expanding—business meetings, travel between worlds, and his growing relationship with Mia. Continuing to stay in temporary accommodations would only create unnecessary complications.
He needed something more permanent.
A private residence.
Preferably somewhere quiet but still close enough to the city center and Mia's school.
After spending some time reviewing property listings the night before, he had already selected several possible locations. Now he was heading to meet a real estate agent who specialized in luxury properties.
The office was located in a modern building not far from downtown. When Anshul entered, a well-dressed woman greeted him with a professional smile.
"Good morning. You must be Mr. Anshul."
"That's right."
"My name is Rebecca. I'll be assisting you today."
She led him into a meeting room where several photographs and property details were already prepared on the table.
"I selected three villas based on your preferences," she explained while placing the documents in front of him. "All of them are private residences with large grounds and high security."
Anshul examined the first property.
It was a modern villa located on the outskirts of San Francisco, surrounded by tall trees and overlooking a quiet stretch of coastline. The architecture was sleek and minimalist, with large glass windows and open interior spaces.
The second property was located in a more secluded hillside area. It had a large garden, a private swimming pool, and a panoramic view of the city skyline.
The third option was the largest.
A luxurious estate with multiple floors, a large courtyard, underground parking, and enough space to host large gatherings if necessary.
"Would you like to visit them in person?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes."
Within the hour they were driving toward the first property.
The coastal villa turned out to be even more impressive in person. The house stood on a quiet cliffside road, with the ocean visible beyond the wide glass walls of the living room.
Inside, the villa was spacious and elegant.
A large open living area connected directly to the kitchen and dining room. A curved staircase led to the upper floor where several bedrooms overlooked the ocean.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Private.
Exactly the kind of place where someone could work quietly without being disturbed.
Rebecca watched him carefully.
"It's one of our most popular properties."
Anshul walked toward the balcony and looked out over the water.
"How much?"
"Four point two million dollars."
He considered the price briefly.
For most people it would be an enormous purchase.
For him, it was simply a matter of convenience.
"I'll take it."
Rebecca blinked slightly.
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
Most clients spent weeks deciding on a property like this. Anshul had made the decision in less than five minutes.
Rebecca quickly recovered her professional composure.
"I'll begin preparing the paperwork immediately."
By early afternoon the deal was complete.
The villa now belonged to him.
When Anshul arrived back at the property later that day, the place felt strangely quiet. The rooms were still mostly empty, but the view of the ocean through the large glass windows gave the house a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
He walked slowly through the living room before stepping out onto the balcony again.
This place would become his base in San Francisco.
A location where he could think, plan, and work without interruptions.
Later that evening, his phone rang.
The caller ID displayed Mia's name.
He answered.
"So," Mia's voice said from the other side, "did my mysterious boyfriend really buy a villa today?"
"Yes."
"Wow," she replied immediately.
"Would you like to see it?"
There was a brief pause.
"Are you inviting a princess to your new house?"
"Of course."
Mia laughed softly.
"Well then… I guess I'll have to visit."
Anshul looked out over the calm ocean horizon.
San Francisco was slowly becoming one of his homes.
And this villa was only the beginning.