Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Summary: It had been four years since she last saw him, but no amount of time was enough to forget what had transpired between them. When she had finally buried her past behind her, fate had to intervene. How will she react when she realizes her ex- husband is her new boss? Will they be able to resolve their conflicts and give one another a second chance at love?
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Sometimes second chances work out better because you already learned from your mistakes"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Chapter 1: Intertwined Fates
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Caroline, wake up! Wake up! You're going to be late," Katherine shook her sleeping best friend.
"Hmmmph, five more minutes," she moaned.
"Come on blondie. It's your first day with a new position. I'm certain you wouldn't want to end up late."
Caroline shot up immediately seeing her roommate smiling at her knowingly. "I'm up. Shit, what time is it?"
"Just past seven."
The blonde threw her covers back and dashed towards her closet, rummaging for something to wear. "I cannot be late, especially not today."
The brunette chuckled seeing her best friend already so worked up. "Hey, I want you to clear your schedule tonight. We're going out to celebrate your promotion."
"Yeah sure," Caroline replied waving her off.
Three years ago, she and her best friend Katherine decided to take on the big city. The girls had always dreamt on living together in New York City and that was exactly what they did. It was a struggle at first, both being so far away from home and the shocking amount of expenses they had to cover but they managed it.
Katherine was like an older sister she never had. They had been best friends since they were children and she couldn't imagine a life without the feisty brunette. Unlike her, Katherine had a fabulous job. She was an editor for the New York Times while Caroline was still trying to achieve her dream job.
Since she was in middle school, Caroline had always wanted to pursue a career in law. It was her dream to be a lawyer, just like her dad. She never really had the opportunity for it until she moved to NYC. The blonde was thankful to find a well paying job the first month they got there. With her outstanding résuméand her bubbly personality, Caroline aced her interview and landed a job as a paralegal for one of the top law firms in NYC- Saltzman & Sommers. It was a huge honor and also the first step towards her future career.
The past three years have been hectic as she juggled between attending law school at New York University and her work as a paralegal. Caroline loved her job but she wanted something more. Hence, it was a dream come true when her boss Alaric Saltzman offered her a promotion last night promoting her to junior associate.
She couldn't believe her luck and Alaric told her she deserved it especially due to the help she had given during their last law suit.
"I think you deserve a promotion and after discussing it with Jenna, we agreed on promoting you to an associate."
"I don't know what to say."
"A thank you would suffice," Alaric teased.
"Thanks so much, Alaric, Jenna. This means so much to me."
"You deserve it Caroline. I can see the capabilities you possess as a lawyer and we can't wait to see you in action."
"I won't disappoint the both of you."
"Good, one last thing, you won't be just a typical junior associate. We've just hired one of the best lawyers in Europe and you'll be his personal associate. We think it will be a great experience for you and you'll be able to learn from the best."
"Alright, no problem."
Her bosses didn't give her much information on the mysterious top lawyer just that he graduated first in his class from Oxford Law and that he would be an impeccable addition to the company. She was to help him settle as best as she could and help him with everything he needed.
By the way her bosses spoke of him, she could tell he was an asset to the company and it seem they had pulled a lot of strings to finally convince him to join their firm. The fellow lawyer had to be smart- graduating first in his class from the second most prestigious law school in the world. She was hoping he would turn out to be a decent guy and not those snobby lawyers who think they own the whole world.
Deciding on a cream colored dress with tiered crochet lace skirt paired with a gold metallic belt, the blonde headed for a quick shower. She was tired from her late night. She had been busy finishing up on her paper for her Criminal Law class and only got to bed at around two in the morning.
The shower felt good on her skin, soothing her muscles. She spent fifteen minutes in the shower just organizing what she had to do today and also imagining how her new boss would look like. Was he young or old? Good looking? Funny?
She knew she was getting carried away but she was ultimately just curious about him. In her three years working at Saltzman & Sommers, there had been many new associates and partners who came and go, however none of them were immediately hired as senior partner. Hence she knew how important the mysterious man was.
Plus, she hadn't been able to emotionally connect with a man in a very long time. Not since the only man she felt in loved with. After the separation, she had busied herself in her work not wanting to let her mind wander back to the man who broke her heart. She tried dating but none of her relationships lasted for more than six months. It was mostly casual flings without any strings attached.
"Caroline, I made coffee. Hurry up before it gets cold," she heard Katherine shouting bringing her out of her reverie. She had stopped thinking about him a long time ago, knowing that it was pointless reminiscing what she could have but cannot. Although, from time to time, he would pop into her mind and she would fantasize what her life would be like if he hadn't leave or if she hadn't caught him in bed with another. She had thought four years would be enough to get over him, but he still had a hold on her despite everything.
It was the worst four years of her life and sometimes she wished she had never met him. She wouldn't have experienced what it felt like to have something one moment and for it to be ripped away the very next moment. It took close to three months for her accept that she had lost them and lived almost a year in grief. It was her mother that suggested her to pursue her dream of going to the big city.
"You should go. You need a change of air. Staying here will only always remind you of what you lost and can't have." Liz told her daughter sadly. She hated to see her daughter so broken and weak.
It was because of her mother's encouragement that she left Mystic Falls with Katherine to search for herself and to start fresh.
Turning off the shower, she shook her head, erasing all thoughts of him. Today was going to be a good day. She had a new position and life was looking good. Using a blow dryer to dry her blonde locks, she used her curling iron to create a tousled wave effect. She always felt more confident when she looked good. Applying a neutral shade of make up that accentuated her blue eyes, she slipped into her dress and a navy blazer before heading to the kitchen to meet her friend.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Finally, took you long enough," Katherine teased placing a serving of pancakes on her plate. It never ceased to amaze her how little time Katherine took to get ready. The brunette was already dressed in a black short dress and a red cardigan ready for work.
"What's the occasion?" She looked at her breakfast skeptically.
"Just a little something to wish you good luck with your new position."
"I thought we're celebrating that tonight."
"You can never just limit yourself to one celebration especially for something like this."
"Thanks Kat," the blonde smiled taking a bite of her pancakes.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Klaus groaned hearing his alarm ringing. He reached for the incessant device turning the damn thing off.
"Mmmm," the person next to him moved.
He stared at his mobile noting the time. It was seven past and it was his first day at work. He sat up from his bed looking at the warm red head beside him. "Genevieve love, get up."
"Hmmm..Klaus…"
"I have to get to work and so do you."
She turned around to look at him. "I'm off the clock," she shrugged.
"You still need to leave."
He had just gotten back from London three nights ago. It had been four years since he last step foot in America and being in the country reminded him of a particular phase in his life. The memories he had tried to get rid off after fleeing back to London. He had put it past him but being back in the country unconsciously reminded him of her. He couldn't help but wonder what she was doing now? Was she happy? There were still so many unanswered questions and secrets between them when they parted and they were still left unfilled.
The lanky red head started clasping her bra back on and then tugging on her panties. "So, should I come over again tonight?"
He had met the red head two nights ago at the bar she worked. He had been busying himself with her for the past two days but he had work today and Klaus was a completely different person when he did what he loved. "Don't bother. I'll call you when I need you."
"You seem to think that just because I sleep with you that I'm your beck and call," she hissed. "News flash, Mr. lawyer, I'm not. So if you don't treat me with an ounce of respect, you can forget about this."
"Just go," he sighed passing his hand over his face. He didn't want to deal with this right now. She was nothing more than a warm body to him and if she was delusional enough to think she might mean more, he needed to cut her loose.
There were only two women he had loved. The second one more than the first, but it all ended up the same- he was left broken, the relationship unable to repair. He learnt then that women were just a means to an end. He treated them with respect and all but hated them when they all too willingly jumped into his bed. They reminded him of her and he never ever want to experience the pain she gave him ever again. It took him the hard way to learn that if he didn't care, he wouldn't get hurt. He was sick of hurting and thus he stopped caring. Feelings were for the weak and if he had lived his life based on feelings, he wouldn't be where he was today- one of the best lawyers the world has ever seen.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Good morning Caroline," one of the associates greeted her as they both waited in line for some coffee.
"Morning Tyler," Caroline smiled taking her cup of cappuccino from the barista. She waited for him to grab his coffee and they walked towards the elevator together.
She had always liked Tyler. He was nice towards her, always offering her his help. Tyler Lockwood had been in the firm for as long as she remembered. He had started as a junior associate but got promoted by Jenna a year ago to sophomore associate.
"I heard the good news. It seems our best paralegal is now an associate. Congratulations."
"Thanks Tyler."
They rode the elevator together catching up on what they had done over the past week. Tyler had just came back from his trip from Boston with Enzo- a senior partner of the firm and he was telling her how amazing had been.
"We should grab lunch some time," Tyler told her when they exited on their floor.
"Sure," she waved to him heading to the opposite direction.
The blonde made her way to her office and squealed at the changed sign. Oh My God! In bold letters, instead of
Caroline Forbes
Paralegal
It was…
Caroline Forbes
Junior Associate
She couldn't quite believe it! That was fast! She ran her hands over her letters still trying to let it sink it. It was still unbelievable she had been promoted as the firm tends to only hire law graduates as associates and she was only in her sophomore year of her degree.
"Ah, there you are Caroline," Alaric said. "I've been waiting for you."
"Is there a problem?"
"Nope, I just want to introduce you to your personal boss," he chuckled at his own joke. "He just got here and I thought it would be best if you get to know him."
"Yeah sure, let me just unload my stuff," she mumbled entering her office hastily.
"Take your time Caroline. Just drop by my office when you are ready. I'll entertain him in the mean time."
Placing all her files on her desk and her bag on her swirling seat, she checked herself on her compact mirror to make sure she looked perfect. Well, here it goes!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The young lawyer entered through the revolving of the building and was greeted by a sultry looking brunette. "You must be Mr. Mikaelson. Hi, I'm Hayley. I'll be your personal assistant while you're here."
"Nice to meet you Haley," he replied in his rich British accent.
The brunette was expecting a geeky nerdy man but what she saw in front of her was not what she expected. The new guy was gorgeous with his dark blonde hair, his rough stubble, his deep blue eyes and that seductive accent. She could already picture herself having a very good time with him as her new boss.
"Right this way sir," she said way too eagerly.
Klaus smirked seeing her ogle at him. "Lead the way, love."
As they took the elevator up, Haley couldn't stop herself from glancing at him. "You're staring love," he teased.
"You're really hot," she stated then covered her mouth, her cheeks turning red. "I didn't mean that. Sorry. That was inappropriate."
"It's not a problem sweetheart. America is a free country. Freedom of speech and all."
She nodded dumbly and was relieved to hear the ding that notified that they reached the designated floor. She brought him to Alaric's office and without a second glance fled out of the office trying to save whatever dignity she had left.
"Ah, Mr. Mikaelson. I'm Alaric Saltzman and this is my partner Jenna Sommers. We've been dying to meet you," Alaric offered his hand.
Klaus took it returning the gesture than did the same to Jenna. "It's a pleasure meeting the both of you."
"You're a tough one to persuade but I'm glad we did. You'll make a great addition to our team especially with your specialty in merging, acquisition and financial fraud."
"You speak too highly of me."
"We are not," Jenna added. "It was a battle trying to get you to join our firm."
"Thank you," Klaus smiled. He knew that they were plenty of law firms that were dying to hire him but he ultimately chose Saltzman and Sommers.
"Can I ask what made you decide to join us?"
"Your offer is great and the only reason I choose to join this firm is because I want my name on the door."
"You want to be named managing partner?" He asked stunned at his proposal.
"I know it's early for that but my work will prove that I'm worthy of it. I just need you to keep an open mind to it. I want to be managing partner of the best law firm in NYC," he told them solemnly. Klaus knew what he wanted and he never stopped till he got it.
"Yes of course, we'll take it into consideration."
"I'm sure you've heard that I never lose a case. I only win."
"We know," Alaric nodded. "You are considered the best closer in London."
"Good. I guess we have everything covered them."
"It seems so," Jenna stood up from her spot. "I'll show you your office then," she stood up nodding to Alaric.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"We've also hired a personal associate to help you. I hope you don't mind," Jenna said as she led him towards the other end of the floor.
"I would appreciate the help I can get."
"She's new and I hope you'll be able to take her under your wing and teach her."
"Junior associate I presumed?"
"Yes, she's been working as a paralegal for the past three years and my partner and I feel that it's time we gave her a chance. She's smart and is actually one of the top students in her law school."
"You're telling me she hasn't graduated from law school?" He was unimpressed. What were they thinking giving him a junior associate who hadn't even graduated from law school? He was here to work not to babysit some newbie.
"Yes but she's a really smart girl. She has worked on most of our cases and I wouldn't have given her the position if I didn't think she was capable."
"Fine, I'll mentor her but I won't make any promises on the matter."
"Of course," Jenna nodded accepting the terms. "Here is your office," she pushed open the glass doors leading to a spacious office.
Klaus was impressed at his new office. It was wide and spacious and also gave him a great view of the city. The walls were painted white and there was a huge seating area for him to talk to his clients. It wasn't as big as his office in London, but he could manage with this. Besides, his name was already on the door.
Klaus Mikaelson
Senior Partner
"I hope it's up to your standards."
"I like it, thanks."
"Good, I guess I'll leave you to your work. Alaric will bring your associate to you in a few and I'll just like to remind you that we have a board meaning tomorrow at nine sharp."
"Got it," he replied taking a seat on his desk.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Caroline knocked on Alaric's door softly and the man smiled at her. "Great, you're here. I'll take you to meet your mentor."
"Sure," she nodded.
"Jenna just took him to his office," her boss explained. "You'll learn a lot from him, people say he's the best closure in London."
So her new boss was from London. Interesting.
He led her to the largest office located in the west wing of the building. It was actually just three doors down from her office, which was good.
The door was wide open and Alaric strode in confidently with her following close behind. The mysterious man had his back towards her and for some weird reason she found his back looking familiar.
"Mikaelson, this will be your associate."
The second she heard the word Mikaelson, she felt as if her world was crumbling to pieces. No fucking way. It couldn't be. It was not possible. Please God, please not be him, she silently begged.
She hadn't paid attention when she walked in and didn't see the name on the door. However, she knew that Mikaelson was an extremely rare last name. And the only family she knew with that name was his. Please don't be him! He was supposed to be in England! Not here! It couldn't be him! She wouldn't know what to do if it was him.
"Klaus, this is your associate, Caroline Forbes."
She begged and begged hoping this was all a joke and it was not him. But what are the chances of this man having the exact same name with her ex- husband. Mikaelson was already a rare name, Klaus happened to be rarer. She hadn't met anyone except his siblings that possessed such old fashion names.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The familiar blend of vanilla and roses filled his senses when he heard two people walking in. It was a scent he missed and in his twenty-six years of living, he knew only of one person with that unique scent. But it couldn't be her. She was back in Mystic Falls. There was no way she would be in New York.
He knew how adverse she was to the idea of moving. It was one of the reasons of their divorce. He wanted to live in a city where they could learn and explore new things but she didn't. She didn't want to leave Mystic Falls claiming it was her home. So it couldn't possibly be her.
But he couldn't have been more wrong. The sentence that Alaric uttered next rattled him to his core. The only word he heard was 'Caroline Forbes'. Was this a joke? A sick game perhaps. Why was this happening to him? Was fate playing him?
He turned around slowly, wishing it was another woman with the same name. He was disappointed as his new associate was indeed the woman who had broken his heart- his ex- wife.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Caroline sucked in a deep breath as the mysterious man turned around and she couldn't breathe at the sight that greeted her. She had hoped, prayed and begged it wasn't him, but it was. She caught his deep gaze, just for a moment, and she saw the several emotions swirling behind his eyes- surprise, rage, sadness and ultimately hurt.
She felt the exact same way. She hadn't prepared herself for this. She never thought she would see him again. She wasn't ready to face him, not after everything. He looked different from what she remembered.
"Caroline?" she heard Alaric staring at her worriedly. "Are you alright? You looked pale."
Of course she wasn't feeling well. She felt sick being in the same room with him. She suddenly felt it hard to breathe and couldn't look at him as she averted her gaze downwards. She knew it seemed rude but she couldn't face him.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled before running out of the office.
"Caroline!" Alaric shouted at her looking at her retreating figure. He turned to Klaus to apologize. "Sorry, she isn't usually like that. She must be under the weather or something," the managing partner explained.
Alaric hadn't noticed Klaus changed in demeanor. The closer was shock to see her but recovering from the shock, he schooled his face into an impassive mask.
"I'll go check on her and will get her to apologize for this," he told him heading for the door. He stopped remembering something. "Welcome to the team, Mikaelson."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The second Alaric left his office; Klaus fell helplessly into his chair. He couldn't believe he just saw her. She had looked so different but the hatred he saw in her swirling eyes shocked him. He knew she hated him for everything but he hadn't thought the hate ran so deeply.
She looked as if she saw a ghost when he turned around. And even though, they weren't together anymore, he never wanted for her to fear him. The memories he had tried to bury erupted and flooded his mind in a sequence.
He remembered the first time he laid eyes on her.
The first time he asked her out.
Their first date.
First kiss.
Their wedding.
He didn't just remember the good memories, the bad ones also accompanied them.
He remembered the look she had when he accused her of cheating.
Their fights that ended up with her moving out.
But most importantly, the image of her hurt and broken when she saw him with another flashed through his mind.
"Why are you doing this?" He shouted frustratingly. Was this karma punishing him for his sins?
He had sworn to hate her for what she did to him. He had believed he did but seeing her in the flesh was a wake up call. He knew despite everything they had been through, he could never hate her. She was the love of his life.
He knew they needed to have the long awaited conversation. He had so many unanswered questions. He wanted to know why she went to London after their mutual decision for a divorce. Did she change her mind then? He had so many questions that needed answers to which only she could give him.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
She ran to the one place she knew he wouldn't find her. She ran towards the bathroom, locking herself in one of the stalls. She couldn't control the tears any longer. The floodgates opened wide and she cried washing all the pent up emotion deep inside her.
Why couldn't it been a different Mikaelson? She could handle anyone of his siblings even though she disliked them, but just not him. She wasn't ready to face him and never think she would be able to.
The floodgates gave way and she cried, cried for their lost future, for her mistakes and her grief over her lost child. She was sobbing hysterically on the floor that the ringing of her tone startled her. She didn't want to answer initially but the caller ID read Katherine and she really needed some comfort.
She connected the call. "Kat," she cried into the phone.
"What's wrong?" The brunette instantly knew her best friend had been crying.
"I just saw Kl..Klaus…"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
T.B.C
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I've had this idea for a while and finally after much procrastination on my part, finally decided to have it written. The setting of this story is based on 'Suits' and since I'm in law school myself, I thought it would be interesting to write something I can relate to. Let me know what you think. Not sure if I should continue it or not. As I still have two fanfics to update, I'm still deciding if I should start another one :/
I'll still like to know what you think though.
P.S: I'm halfway done with In Love with a King, I should be able to update by the end of next week :)
XOXO
Suzypyong