She was finally leaving. Having waited so long for this day to come, she still couldn't quite believe it was actually happening.

For the next year she would be spending her time as an intern, in London, competing for the job she had always wanted. She would be leaving her brother Jeremy behind, but she knew it was for the best. They would miss each other dearly, however they both were glad for each other and the new adventures they would both face being apart.

Elena needed a fresh start in a new city where she could be the girl she always dreamt of being. Instead of the one labeled as 'the girl who lost her parents'

She knew this was supposed to be a competition but there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted this the most. Elena now had the responsibility of supporting her and Jeremy and she was determined not to let him down. This was an opportunity she could not surpass. Whoever the competition for this job was going to be, they were irrelevant to her. She was going to get the place at the end of the year.

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Stefan couldn't believe how quickly January had come around. He sent through the application for the internship in August, that was a nearly six months ago, when it felt like two minutes. Everything had gone so fast, from the minute he found out he had been short listed and invited to London to compete for the job against the one other candidate, to now. It felt like he had only just taken it all in. Right before he was about to leave behind his family.

He felt guilty in saying that he wouldn't miss them, but it was true. His brother was selfish and arrogant and his parents only had time for the son that did exactly as they wanted - Damon.

Stefan knew he had only ever been a disappointment to his parents but he didn't know what else he could possibly do. Over the years he tried harder to please them but only seemed to displease them more each day. Eventually it stopped. He decided one day he would do something for himself, so as he boarded the plane to London, he revelled in the fact he was finally taking control of his life and steering it in the direction he wanted. He wasn't going to be a puppet anymore.

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After reluctantly saying goodbye to Jeremy at the airport Elena felt lonely on the long plane journey to London. She had been told that the other intern would be flying from a different state so evidently a different flight to her. Elena thought it was an awful shame, she had wanted to eye up the competition.

From previous work experience back home she knew what the people in the business industry were like, completely ruthless. It wasn't about what you know it's who you know and honestly she didn't know anyone right now. Elena had no self confidence and she knew if she was going to survive this year, she would have to believe in herself - or at least pretend to.

She had heard from various sources that the other candidate came from a family that was extremely influential in the finance business and that their parents owned a long chain of successful businesses which they would soon hand over to their eldest son.

Elena already knew she was going to despise this man. A privileged upbringing never seemed to instil the best qualities into those kind of people. She could already imagine his rude and selfish attitude. It gave her confidence that she would take pleasure in winning the job he wanted, but obviously didn't need.

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It had been a couple of days since both Stefan and Elena arrived in London. Now on Monday morning they both arrived promptly to their new office after spending a few days becoming familiar with the city.

Elena walked into the boardroom where she could see the other intern was sitting in one of the many chairs awaiting the impending arrival of their new boss. Nervous wasn't even a word to begin to describe her feelings as she opened the door to the room and felt his eyes set on her immediately.

She took a deep breath and pretended he wasn't even there and walked with confidence to the seat opposite him across the table. As she sat down it took her a minute or so to finally direct her gaze over to him after she had deliberately avoided making eye contact as of yet.

Elena looked up at the man sitting across from her and stuck out her hand for him to shake. "Elena" she said briefly introducing herself, she believed that was all that was needed. "Stefan" he said taking her hand and shaking it, whilst wearing an unbelievably smug grin on his face which made her hate him already.

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Stefan admired the woman sat before him. Boy was he glad he had come on this trip now, this girl was hot and surely couldn't say no.

Now it would be even easier to destroy the competition, he would only have to sleep with her a couple of times before persuading her to go home and look elsewhere for a job. This would be easy.

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"You don't have to look so miserable you know" Elena heard from across the table. Why could he not be content with sitting in silence waiting for their boss? And why on earth was he being so rude to someone he just met. She decided to ignore him, it was definitely for the best.

"You know I'm sure me and you could have a lot of fun this year." He added noticing that she was trying to ignore him.

Elena couldn't believe what she just heard. Actually coming from a guy like him she could. He was that type. "I don't think so, you really aren't my type." She countered sick of his arrogance towards her. She prayed that their boss would walk in any minute.

"Aww does someone have a boyfriend back at home they don't want to upset" he mocked, pleased with how easy it was to irritate her. The fact she got even hotter the angrier she got just fuelled the sarcasm he used.

"No I would never date a coworker, it's unprofessional, not that it's any of your business anyway but I guess you need to learn the rules of the workplace if you even want a chance at getting this job," she finished.

The board room door opened and their conversation was quickly cut off.

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The talk with their boss that morning lasted about an hour. They we're both briefed on what was expected of them throughout the duration of their stay. It was explained that at the end of the year one of them would be chosen for the job and the other would have to return home. This was a one time opportunity and they couldn't afford to mess anything up.

They both will be constantly judged and monitored to truly prove who is the best for the job.

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They both rose from their seats and as the headed toward the door, Stefan, like the true gentleman he was, held it open for Elena - much to her disgust. Of course it made him happy, that and the fact he got the best view of her whilst she was walking away.

Both Stefan and Elena would be sharing an office, working together but at the same time competing. As their boss walked out of their new office after showing them where they would be working for the next year. Stefan leaned into Elena and whispered into her ear confidently.

"This is going to be the best year of your life"