Walking back through a living room that felt large enough to host an NFL football game within its confines, Hannah still couldn’t help but wonder if she was in a dream. Though after the scenario she’d just left, anything would seem like a dream.

Before she could go any further down that disaster-strewn path, and determined to keep her spirits up, she continued her tour of the space, moving through to the small kitchen and marvelling at the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, dazzling aluminium pots and pans hanging over the prep area island currently awaiting its aforementioned Calacatta marble countertop finish.

It was every chef’s idea of heaven. But Hannah was a little uncertain about whether or not she was allowed to use it and made a mental note to go back over the house rules Courtney’s assistant Sara had mailed across when making initial arrangements.

Not that it mattered. She was a tragically terrible cook and there was no shortage of great places to eat in this town. Which would also encourage her to get out there and help meet new people – as it was, she knew she’d spent far too long licking her wounds and eating her feelings in the form of Ghirardelli’s hot fudge sundaes. It was time to start living life again.

She smiled dolefully. Still … baby steps. Passing by a mammoth Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, Hannah caught sight of herself in the reflective surface and regarded what she saw with a more critical eye. While she would never in a million years be considered influencer material like Courtney, she knew she looked decent enough not to send kids (or New Yorkers) running away in terror when they saw her.

Petite in stature, with shoulder-length chestnut hair and wide blue eyes, it was all too easy to underestimate her, and very many people did. Hannah smiled. She liked that, the way appearances could be deceptive; and it was something she utilised every day in her PR manager role.

She left the kitchen and ambled back into the living room. The main living space was also brought into the modern era with a few carefully selected pieces of furniture. Sleek, low-profile sofas in shades of grey and blue provided ample cosy seating, with a round ottoman and a couple of mid-century modern pieces for enjoying those incredible Central Park views, and the Dakota building directly across.

The yet-to-be-delivered Eames lounger Courtney had mentioned in her welcome note would surely be the piece-de-resistance in here. To finish off the space, an elaborate art-deco chandelier was installed in the centre, adding a bit of twenties sparkle and glamour.