People say that having a healthy work-life balance was like trying to assemble furniture from IKEA. In my experience, It didn't exactly feel like that. It felt more like being in a race car, speeding through turns and running stop lights, it was more about what you could control than what you can fix.

I've been out of commission for almost four months. Between therapy, sparing with Nat, and keeping my mother company—I was ready to throw myself back into the fray...Even if that meant dealing with all the gossip that came with it.

At this point, Ivan and I were an open secret. Well...even more than before. I didn't think I'd heard the nurses gossip as much as they have ever since Dr Bell from psychiatry was caught kissing one of the CNAs in a supply closet. It wasn't malicious, I just didn't care about what they said. Hell, most of my colleagues were supportive. Especially Haley. Andre just glared daggers whenever Ivan was mentioned, he didn't give a damn if Ivan was the one who owned the hospital or not, he just wanted to be sure he wouldn't hurt me. Which was sweet, I'll admit. I can see why Haley adored him so much.

My morning was typical. So far there were several cases of people putting things in their sphincters when they shouldn't, a junkie that overdosed on heroin, two people who suffered a concussion from several bricks falling on them and a lot of cases where someone had gotten shot because they didn't understand gun safety. Overall, an average day for me. But hey, at least nobody died. Yet.

My morning was so busy that I barely had a break. My lunch break only last for half an hour, and there were so many patient files to get through. I laid my head down, tempted to take a nap and skip lunch.

Haley knocked on the door, poking her head in. "Hey, quick question?"

"Shoot," I said without looking up.

"Are you going to skip lunch again?" She asked, noticing the mountain of files I was thumbing through.

I glanced up at the clock. It was almost one pm. "Yeah. Why?"

Haley glanced behind her, the grin on her face growing wider. She grabbed the files on my desk before I could stop her.

"Hey!"

"You owe me!" She opened the door, giving me a wink. "You're welcome!"

I got up, trying to chase her down only to be blocked by someone standing in the doorway. A pair of strong arms wrapped around me, keeping me from falling. I look up, meeting familiar blue eyes. Ivan smiled at my stunned face, showing off his dimples that made him look younger. 

"I know I didn't call but—" I wrapped my arm around Ivan's neck and pulled him down into a hug. I didn't know just how much I missed him until now, all the fatigue and stress from this morning melted away. The scent of his cologne cocooned me in warmth.

He chuckled at my reaction, kissing the top of my head. "Am I interrupting?"

"No," I said as I shook my head. "When did you get here?"

"Five minutes ago. Just came to see my lovely girlfriend," He placed a brown paper back on the desk while keeping his arm wrapped firmly around my waist. "I'm thinking of starting a new trend. Five-minute date. Perfect for workaholics like us."

"Ivan." I sighed, smelling the scent of rich tomato sauce and cheese. "Have you always been such a romantic?"

"I've been telling you and you didn't believe me." He held my hand and lead me to my desk, pulling out a chair for me before he started to unpack our lunch. "Come on, let's eat before this gets cold."

"It smells delicious."

Spending time with Ivan was nice. I could relax for a short while, letting the pressure of work slide off my shoulders as we talked about everything and nothing. Half an hour went by quick through bites of pasta and Ivan's cheesy jokes. The pasta was divine, it almost tasted authentic. I made a mental note to ask him for the recipe.

"Should I hang around?" Ivan asked, glancing at his watch.

"You don't have to stay here the entire day," I said, packing up the leftovers. "Don't you have work tomorrow?"

"I'll take a day off."

I scoffed. "You'd go insane from boredom."

He put his hand on his hip, affronted. "I can take a break."

"Oh, yes. I'm sure."

"Was that sarcasm?"

I turned around, grinning. "What do you think?"

"You're too cheeky, that's what you are."

"Really?" I perched my head on my hand, fluttering my eyelashes at him. "I thought I was beautiful."

Ivan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you are,' he mumbled, his cheeks pink. "It's so unfair."

He was incredibly cute when he was flustered. Perhaps I should tease him more. It was rare for me to make him blush.

"Ivan," I laid my hands on his shoulders. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's great," he said. "I just wanted to see you again."

"You missed me that much?" I teased him. "It's only been a day since you saw me."

"Can you blame me?" He asked as he leaned in, eyes fluttering closed.

I quickly covered his mouth with my palm, giving him a stern look. Ivan looked like a kicked puppy when I denied him a kiss. His eyes fluttered in confusion as he pulled my hand away from his mouth.

"I'm at work," I responded with a smirk. "You know my rule."

"Why?" He asked, his question muffled by my hand.

I gave him a knowing look. "That's my rule. No kissing at work."

"Yes, But why?"

If anyone else saw Ivan right now, they wouldn't believe that this man was a ruthless and cutthroat man who wouldn't hesitate to torture someone. Sometimes I even had difficulty remembering if Ivan was that terrifying to a normal person. To me, he was just goofy and sweet.

"Because," I said, pulling away and straightening my white coat. "I'm a professional."

"Fine." He pouted, pointing toward his face. "At least a kiss on the cheek? I'll take it as consolation."

"No."

"You're evil. You know that?"

"Am I?" I gasped, fluttering my eyelashes at him. "Don't pout at me. It makes me want to do terrible things to you."

Ivan rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around my waist and trapping me against him. My hands slid up his chest, wrapping around his neck automatically. Our faces were inches apart, I could stand on my toes and kiss him if I wanted to. I bit my lip knowing that his eyes were drawn to them. I think I liked teasing Ivan more than kissing him.

"If I say please would you reconsider?" He asked, his breath fanning over my lips. "You know? Just this once?"

"I'll have to get back to you in three to four business days."

"Fine." Ivan looked up at the ceiling and sighed, all dramatically. "Would you please kiss me on the cheek, you beautiful menace?"

"Just this once." I kissed his cheek and pulled away, blushing. "Okay?"

"I don't know. Maybe you could do that again just to make sure?" He pleaded, giving me his best puppy dog eyes—which were ridiculous on him. He turned his cheek towards me. "I think you missed a spot here."

I laughed, starting to push him out the door. "You've got your kiss and I've got my lunch. Consider it a fair trade."

"Don't forget. 7 pm. I'll come to get you."

I give him one final kiss. "How could I ever forget?"

*****

The idea of going out with Ivan didn't make me feel nervous anymore. I felt excited, the butterflies in my stomach dissipating as I put on my make-up.

I chose a soft lavender dress that complimented my skin tone. It had been a hasty purchase and I was so glad that Nat pushed me out of my comfort zone. The dress hugged my hips and flared out from my knees. It felt like something an actress from the nineties would wear to a red carpet premiere. Matter I'm fact, this was the fanciest thing I had in my closet.

By the time Amara had done my make-up, I looked as different as I felt. She tied my hair back into a bun letting a few curls loose to frame my face. My eyes were highlighted in black eyeliner making my eyes look bigger. My lips were painted a dark red, showing off the shape of my Cupid's bow. My skin glowed...I'm pretty sure that was because of the highlighter that she applied.

The hardest part of tonight wants meeting Ivan or getting to the restaurant. It was my mother. Specifically, my mother meeting Ivan.

And it went exactly how I dreaded it would be.

Mom looked unimpressed at Ivan, giving him a once over then made me squirm in my seat.

I leaned forward and grabbed her hand. Mostly to calm her down but to also ensure she wouldn't pull a knife out and try to stab Ivan. "Mom, this is Ivan."

"Ivan....?" She raised her eyebrow sharply.

"Ivan Farewell." He turned around smiling at me. I didn't feel as reassured as I could've been. "I'm the man that your daughter is dating. Is it nice to meet you, Dr Saravana?"

"Yes," Mom said, her lip curling up a little. "Truly."

"Mom!" I hissed.

She just gave me a flat look, taking a sip of her chai tea. Her brown eyes were as unwelcoming as a dessert storm, all she could see was the man who lead to her only daughter getting hurt. If only she could see what I did.

"Why him?" She asked, the Tamil words spilling off her tongue without hesitation.

It had been so long since I've heard someone speak my language. Tamil was completely different from Hindi, although I could speak it just wasn't the same. Speaking to the deli store owners in Hindi was easier and they didn't charge as much when you spoke their languages. My mom had raised me to speak several languages, ensuring that I would be able to survive anywhere. It's a good thing I got my sharp tongue from her too.

It took me a moment to register her words fully. "Amma, stop. This man isn't Appa. He cares for me!"

She scoffed. "Appa?! That monster said the same words to me, look what happened."

I felt Ivan tighten his hand around mine. "This is different," I said, narrowing my eyes at her. "I'm not you."

Her eyes went from cold to hard. Ivan glanced between us, curious about what we were talking about.

Mom poured herself another cup. "No, you're not," she said, switching back to English.

Ivan squeezed my hand. "Dr Saravana, I don't know what you're saying or why you don't like me but I can understand why. You love Meera, she's your daughter and you've sacrificed so much for her." He smiles. "She's important to me too. I would do anything to keep her happy. I will never abandon her. I will never let her feel alone. I promise you that I will cherish her. Even if you don't believe it...she's everything to me."

I was speechless. I just looked at Ivan who stared straight ahead at my mother.

His speech felt as if he was asking my mother's permission to marry me than date me. I swallowed thickly, feeling my throat tighten at his words. I couldn't pretend that they didn't affect me. I knew they were from his heart.

My mother's face was stone cold, it was hard to trace any emotion. I bit my lip anxiously, glancing between them.

I didn't know what I would do if I had to choose between them. Could I do that?

"Mr Farewell," My mother sighed. "I can't trust you." She looked at me, searching my hopeful gaze. "But Meera is my daughter and I'm not stupid enough to not respect her decision. For better or worse, she's set on you. I'll trust her judgement...even if my heart fights against that decision."

I slumped into my seat, feeling the oppressive air dissipate a bit. "Thank you, mom."

She curled her lip up. "Hurry and leave before I change my mind."

I sprang from my seat and hugged my mom, squishing her shoulders. "I know you're worried for me, Mom," I said, lowering my voice. "But I can do this. I know what my limits are."

"That's what I'm afraid of." She sighed and wrapped an arm around my waist.

I didn't waste a second after that. I grabbed my purse and Ivan, heading out the door. "I'll be back by ten. Mom!"

"You better be!"

"You're mother is intense," Ivan said as soon as we were in the car.

I scoffed. "You have no idea."

He kissed my temple. "Now I see where you get it from."

"What? My stubbornness?"

"Yes, but also your compassion." He started the car, pulling away from the curb. "You really are your mother's daughter."

*****

When Ivan said fancy he meant it.

The restaurant was never Greenwich Village in a building with a limestone exterior. As simple as the outside was, the interior was anything but. I'm talking high ceilings decorated in gold and oil paintings with chandeliers that were promised made out of real crystal hanging over our heads. I couldn't help but gawk at the marbled floors or the guided decorations.

Ivan chuckled as he took my coat and passed it to one of the waiters. "So...what do you think?"

I tore my eyes away from the Klimt painting that was on the wall. "Well, Ivan. I gotta give it to you." I smiled up at him. "You've got expensive taste."

He grinned, leading into the restaurant. "Blame my mother for that," he said. "After all, I'm a Farewell."

"Really. I couldn't tell."

Ivan wrapped his arm around my waist. I could feel people's eyes on us as we walked in through the doors.

The mummers rose immediately like a mist.

This place wasn't just any five-star restaurant. This was a place where the city's most influential people wined and dined with each other. I recognised a famous actress from Broadway dining with a politician and his diamond-studded wife. Several Wall Street guys were passing around champagne, their eyes glued to Ivan's arm resting around my waist. It was exactly how I expected it to be. Even if Ivan was involved in the Underworld he and his family were still influential. It didn't help that Ivan was ridiculously handsome either, he drew everyone's gazes whether he meant to or not. 

He noticed my expression. I straighten up, wrapping my arm around his waist and throwing a cold stare over my shoulder. I wouldn't let anyone gossip maliciously about me. Some may think that I seduced Ivan or I'm after his money. None of them knew that we chose each other irrespective of the consequences.

I had what they couldn't have.

Ivan's hand was on my hip, pulling me closer. His eyes were hard as he stared them down, his gaze was intense. I nearly shivered realising just how quickly Ivan could switch between his two selves. Of course, he was handsome before but right now he was downright attractive. There was a certain thrill seeing Ivan like this. I've seen this side of him through brief glimpses but not fully. I felt my cheeks rush with heat as I tore my gaze away.

"Ignore them, Meera," he said, whispering into my ear. I could feel his breath on my skin like a brand, goosebumps rising on my skin at the sound of his voice. "These people don't know the difference between diamonds and coal."

I nod, not trusting my voice or my knees.

The waiter leads us towards a corner with a partition and a table set up. A candle and a bouquet of tulips rest atop the off-white table clothe. Ivan picks it up and hands the bouquet to me, kissing my cheek.

"You know how to make a girl feel special, don't you?" I said after we had ordered.

Ivan rolled his eyes playfully returning to his former self as passed me a glass of wine. "Well...you're not just any girl, are you?" He sat down across from me, a boyish grin on his lips. "I want to spoil you. I know you'll probably disagree but you deserve everything good that the world offers and I'm willing to help with that. What I said to your mom weren't just words, I meant them."

I reached out my hand, palm facing up towards the decorated ceiling. "I know," I said. "You deserve the best too, Ivan. You deserve to be happy."

Ivan took my hand, bringing it to his lips. Not once did his eyes leave mine. "You know what. I think I'm starting to believe that."

"Good."

"Speaking of good things..."He slides an invitation to me. The light green covered envelope is sealed with gold wax and flowers. My name is scribbled across in perfect handwriting that was unfamiliar to me.

"What is this?" I asked, flipping over the envelope.

"This is an exclusive invite. My mother is hosting her charity spring ball in three days." He said. "Will you come with me?"

"As in...."

"My date." Ivan entwined our fingers. "Officially. I want everyone to know that I'm dating you. I'm so tired of keeping it a secret."

I let out a laugh, thinking of the nurses at the hospital. "I think we're doing a pretty bad job of keeping it a secret."

"Yeah, no kidding." His eyes slid over my shoulder. "We're not very subtle."

I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip. "Are you okay with that?"

He raised his eyebrow. "Are you?"

"Of course. I don't intend to fight off other women because they think they have a chance with you."

He leaned closer, his eyes dancing mischievously in the candlelight. "So....that's a yes?"

I laugh, covering my mouth. I glance to see if anyone is staring at us. "Id love to be your date, Ivan."

The rest of the dinner was uneventful. We did play around with our food by throwing grapes into each other's mouths, forgetting about the fact we were in a fancy restaurant.

We ended up near Battery Park, sitting on one of the benches as we overlooked the Statue of Liberty in the distance. I sat on Ivan's lap, my arm wrapped around his shoulders as we watched the city lights glint off the choppy surface of the Hudson River.

There's a slight chill in the air, winter keeping its grip on the city even though spring is in full bloom. Above us is a cherry blossom tree, its flowers glowing pink as the light of the sunset catches on the petals. It felt too good to be true. Even though I knew deep down that this peace wasn't going to last long I decided to relish the last few moments that I had with Ivan. Happy things, no matter how brief, were always worth remembering.

Ivan leans his head on my shoulder. "Can I kiss you now, sweetheart?"

I tilted his head up, staring it his eyes. His eyes were impossibly blue. I leaned down, pressing my lips against his gently. He let out of short breath, his hands gripping my hips to pull me closer. I didn't care if anyone was watching us, Both of us looked out of place dressed in our best.

"Not bad, eh?" He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. In a decade or two, there would be wrinkles around his eyes. I wondered if I would be around to see that.

I kissed the top of his head affectionately. "No, not bad at all."

It was perfect.