Built in the late 1920s, this house was originally the residence of banker Dimitar Ivanov and his wife Nadezhda Stankovic. The interior features a striking red marble fireplace in the reception room, as well as a stage for musical performances and crystal-adorned interior doors.
The house has several bedrooms, elegant terraces, a spacious study and various utility rooms. Although the original furnishings have been lost, historical records indicate that the elite Sofia residents of the time preferred Central and Western European furniture.
The exterior of the property features a large front garden bordered by an ornate wrought iron fence. A large triple staircase leads to the main entrance, and the property is also characterized by carriage portals that flank the courtyard.
These portals are reminiscent of a bygone era where one can imagine a horse-drawn carriage driving into the courtyard, while the horses and carriage wait in a specially designated area behind the house until the end of the reception.
The Ivanov family enjoyed their residence until 1944, after which the estate was nationalized. At first it served as the Romanian embassy, later as the USSR’s trade mission in Bulgaria and as the headquarters of various communist organizations with unclear functions.
In the 1990s the house was returned to Ivanov’s heirs. In 2004 it was taken over by Valentin Zlatev, director of Lukoil. Despite this change of ownership, the property, which had fallen into disrepair for decades, remains neglected and abandoned, with no apparent connection to its cultural heritage.
Having left his wife penniless after the divorce, Anton rubbed his hands with satisfaction. And three years later, when he accidentally ran into his ex, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Anton had always treated himself the boss of his life. While others were plodding through textbooks, Anton was already busy with business. Sometimes he was reselling cars, other times he was collecting computers to order. It was then that he met Albina. She was a humble honor student, studying a foreign language.
They became lovers. Then, they got married. Soon their firstborn, Dimka, was born. Albina threw herself wholeheartedly into motherhood. A couple of years later, a daughter, Lenochka, arrived. Taking care of two little ones wasted all her time and energy. Albina wanted to hire a nanny.
But Anton rejected it.
Children should be cared for by their mother. Anton said that he was investing everything in developing his business. Meanwhile, he’d buy a big TV, or a car for himself, or go out with friends. And when Albina required a hairdryer, her husband said that her old one was just good.
Time passed away. The children grew up and started school. Albina began to feel lonely and tired. If Albina asked him to go somewhere, Anton would say he was busy while he always found time to meet with his friends.
— We’d better get divorce, — Anton blurted out. — I’m tired of this whole family game. I have my own life. And I need freedom.
— Break up? — Albina said. — What about the children? What about me?
— Well, you’ll be fine, — Anton shrugged. — You’re a mother, after all. You’ll handle somehow.
That very evening, Anton moved out, pick up all his things. Albina couldn’t believe that her comfortable life had destr0yed overnight. She began to find a job. She had to leave the children with a neighbor.
With great difficulty, she handled to get a job as a cleaner at a shopping mall.
It wasn’t the job Albina had wanted, She had to take on extra shifts at night. Albina was ripped between work and home. And then she would be busted in the evenings.
— Mommy, why are you always at work? — little Lena asked. — I miss you so much.
— I’m sorry, sweetheart, — Albina sighed. — I need to earn money to buy us food and clothes.
— And what about Daddy? He earns a lot. Why doesn’t he help us?
Albina didn’t know what to say. Anton had seemingly disappeared from their lives.
Albina barely controlled to get time off from work and went to the office. There, she was in for a sh0ck. It happened that grandfather had been quietly buying shares of various companies throughout his life. And now he had left his entire inheritance to his beloved granddaughter.
Albina couldn’t believe her ears.
She remembered how grandfather always said, “Save your pennies, granddaughter. They’ll come in handy someday.” Now shae understood it.
Albina decided to use the money shrewdly.
She entered in professional development courses to return to her field. And part of the funds was invested in a small business. She opened a café in their neighborhood.
She was happy in working in the dining area sometimes—it helps her feel better the café’s atmosphere and chat with the patrons.
Albina naturally turned to welcome the new guests—and froze. He is Anton. Next to him was a young, striking blonde. She approached the table the couple had chosen.
— Good afternoon. What would you like to order? — Albina said.
Anton looked up from the menu and stared at his ex-wife in sh0ck:
— Albina? Are you working here as a waitress?
— Yes, I work here, — the woman replied calmly. — So, what will you have?
— Two cappuccinos and croissants, — Anton said. — Look at you, down on your luck. I thought you were still working as a cleaner. – he smirked.
— Your order will be ready in a few minutes, — she said.
When Albina brought the order, Anton couldn’t continue commenting again:
— You’re doing pretty well. Maybe serving coffee really is your calling?
Albina said nothing.
— Albina! How are you? So, shall we discuss our proposal? Are you free now?
Albina smiled:
— Well, as you can see, I’m working a bit on the side.
The second man laughed.
— You, as usual. In your situation, everyone is in offices, and here you are, out among the people.
Albina said:
— Enjoy your meal.
Anton sat there, mouth agape.
— So you’re the owner? — he finally managed to ask.
Albina smiled:
— Yes, this is my cafe’. Enjoy. If you need anything, you can ask the waitress Lena.
And Albina came into the office. She could experience her ex-husband’s surprised gaze on her back. It was obvious that she had finally let go of the past.
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