Hey dolls!
I'm so excited to release this story and share it with you lovely people.
I plan to do something different with this story;
Something I've never tried before.
You'll understand what I mean soon.

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ENJOY! :)

Chapter 1

President Niklaus Mikaelson paced around the White House Oval Office. It was a habit he picked up whenever he was contemplating big decisions. It became a daily habit since becoming President.

His siblings watched him, patiently waiting for him to make a decision. Predictably, he has decided to run for a second term for the upcoming election, but he wanted to choose a campaign runner before releasing the news. The campaign runner was the one who made or break a man's chance at becoming President.

Elijah, the eldest sibling, was tense. His arms were set on the chair's armrest and his hands balled up into fists. He worried about Klaus' decision. The campaign leader who put Klaus into office was the same person who nearly had him impeached with all the rumors that spread only a year after his inauguration. She double majored in political science and public relations during her undergrad at Yale and then continued onto law school. It made her the perfect public relations consultant for the campaign. Without her work, Klaus wouldn't be in office in the first place.

With him being the White House Chief of Staff, he worried for every decision Klaus made, even the small ones. His wisdom and guidance helped put Klaus into office. He believed in Klaus when everyone else had their doubts. He was more of a father to Klaus than an older brother.

"Is anyone going to say anything?" Kol asked in a chipper voice.

In all moments, whether it is joyful or terrible, he always carried a chipper voice. It was a great quality for his position as Vice President of the United States. Klaus reluctantly chose him to be his Vice President. So far, he's managed not to do anything horrible, but that's not to say it won't happen.

He ran a hand through his dark brown hair and leaned his back against the couch. He looked like a younger version of Elijah with a boyish smile.

"Shut it, Kol." Rebekah scolded, which prompted him to roll his eyes at her.

She was the baby in the family and also the only girl amongst four older brothers. She was the perfect fit for the White House Press Secretary, since she was always up to date with the news and most importantly, the gossip.

She and Klaus were the only two with blonde hair. She liked to keep hers long and straight. On special occasions she would curl it, but she liked to look pristine and professional for the Press.

"I mean really, Nik. Your first campaign leader must continue for your second. She's perfect for the job." She said, trying to put in her two senses.

Rebekah introduced her to the family as her best friend. They met during their freshman year at Yale. They were absolutely inseparable back then. Their friends called them Siamese twins since they acted the same and both had long blonde hair.

Two years ago rumors flooded the political news about the President having an affair. It nearly destroyed Klaus' presidential term. But it was never confirmed or denied. She was petrified and embarrassed when the media spiraled out of control. Eventually, the news died down and America focused on other scandals.

Since then, she cut all ties with the Mikaelson family. It was the only way she could walk in the streets and not hear a mere whisper about the scandal.

Rebekah saw this as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with her best friend, whom she missed dearly.

Finn, the second eldest, checked his watch. He stood next to the wall, constantly checking his watch. "I can't stay much longer. I'm due for a court hearing in thirty minutes, Niklaus."

His moral compass seemed to be the only one that worked in the Mikaelson family. He conscientiously thought about every action he committed, which is why he was voted as the U.S. General Attorney.

"I don't understand why we are having this meeting. We all know who should run Nik's reelection campaign!" Kol complained. "Besides, I haven't seen the lovely lady in forever."

Elijah and Finn gave him a disapproving glare. Neither of them wanted to bring back the woman who nearly ruined Klaus' presidency. They didn't dislike her, per se. They were just worried.

Prior to his efforts of becoming President, Klaus was headed on a wasteful path. He was the definition of a spoiled rich kid. Although he had the brains, he wasted it on shenanigans that usually landed him in jail or in the hospital. Finn and Elijah couldn't take another call to bail him out of jail. It was a miracle when he turned his life around and put all that energy towards something great.

"Niklaus, it is ultimately up to you. We've shared all our thoughts about each candidate… So who shall it be?" Elijah asked, speaking eloquently.

Klaus stopped in his tracks. His shoulders noticeably rose and fell as he took a deep breath. He thought about this over and over. He kept tossing and turning in the bed last night. He needed to make the best decision for himself and guarantee him a second term.

"I need the best of the best, and she is better than that." He finally spoke.

The elevator doors open to Forbes & Co. on the twenty-first floor and out came Caroline Forbes. Her white Prada top handle bag hung on one arm, while her iPhone was in her other. As she looked down at her screen, she proceeded toward her office. Her blonde medium-length hair fell in front of her shoulders.

"It looks like we saved the Robertson's from their son's fourth public arrest." Caroline said loud enough for her associates to hear. "But they've delayed their payment for three months. So the firm's budget will be a little tight for the new few months. Not to worry though, I'm sure we'll have another client walking in soon."

She expected to hear some sarcastic comment from one of her associates, but instead they were both silent. Looking up from her phone, she saw Stefan Salvatore and Katherine Pierce, standing awkwardly in front of her office door. Something was up and given her clientele, it usually meant something was wrong. Luckily, her office was made up glass walls and a glass door, which made it easy for her to see a man sitting in her office.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

Katherine looked to Stefan, forcing him to tell her using her intense brown-eyed stare. Stefan sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. He hated delivering unwanted news.

"Care, there's someone here to see you." Stefan told her.

Caroline furrowed her eyebrows. "Who?"

"Take a look for yourself, Blondie." Katherine muttered.

In sync, the two stepped away from the door, while Stefan pushed it open. Caroline took a deep breath in before entering her office. The man sitting in front of her desk was dressed in a black suit. His hair was dark brown and he looked vaguely familiar. Once Caroline was inside, Stefan closed the door to give them some privacy. As she rounded her desk, she finally saw his face.

"Elijah." She said as a greeting.

"Miss Forbes." He greeted her in return. "Please sit."

She rolled her eyes at him. It was her office and he was dictating her. She set her bag aside and took a seat.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I come to you on official business." He started.

"But of course." She replied curtly with a quick small smile.

He shifted in his seat, feeling uncomfortable. "We need your help."

Caroline noticed his choice of words and she automatically knew whom "we" included. She let out a huge sigh, while rubbing her fingers against her temple.

"Elijah, what happened?" Her voice was serious, with an undeniable hint of concern.

"I see you're not up to date with the latest news." He observed.

She rolled her eyes. He acted as if she was frolicking in the fields. "My clients keep me busy."

As a lawyer who managed her own law firm, she was a lady who never stopped working. Working was her hobby. She liked it. Sure, there were certain aspects she hated, but that can be said about any job. Her clientele consisted of a long list of politicians and other people with money that usually needed to clean up whatever dirty mess they've gotten into. However, she was smart in selecting each case she worked. She never took on a case if she didn't believe in her client. That ounce of faith she entrusted into her client was enough to drive her.

He nodded. "The president has announced his pursuit for a second term." He paused for a moment. "I come to offer you your old position."

Her jaw dropped. She was never great at hiding her emotions. "You're kidding, Elijah." She silently wished he was playing a joke, but his face showed no hint of a laugh or smile. "You do realize what happened in the past."

He grumbled. "Yes, but we both know how hungry he is for power."

She took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled through her parted lips. Her head felt light. Taking deep breaths always made her feel better. "I'll have to think about it."

He raised an eyebrow questioning her hesitation.

"I have clients, Elijah. I can't service my clients while running a presidential campaign. It's a lot to think about. I need time."

"Very well. Have a definite answer in twenty-four hours."

He stood up from his seat and nodded at her. As he walked toward the door, Caroline stopped him.

"Elijah." She started, but stopped herself there. She wanted to ask one question, but tried her hardest to fight it off. She shouldn't care, but she did.

Elijah didn't turn around. Instead, he kept his back facing her. "He is doing well." He answered her and then left shortly after.

She leaned her elbows on her desk and folded her hands. She felt the wrinkle form on her forehead.

Stefan and Katherine barged into her office with curious questions as soon as Elijah was out of sight.

"Care, what's going on?" Stefan asked.

She didn't respond.

"The White House Chief of Staff just left your office. Tell us what is going on!" Katherine exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.

Katherine was always a "curious Kat." She stuck her nose into people's business, especially when she was tiptoeing around sensitive subjects, like this one. It was one of the reasons why she was good at what she did and why Caroline hired her.

Stefan glared at Katherine for being insensitive of Caroline's feelings.

"Care, is there anything we can do to help?" He asked.

Stefan's compassion is the main reason Caroline hired him and why they were quick to become best friends. In all honestly, despite Caroline being their boss, the three of them were best friends. Stefan became her right-hand man both in work and in her personal life. Yet she had very little time to spend on herself with all the work she does.

"They offered me my old position." She finally told them, starring blankly at them.

Katherine's jaw dropped at the news.

"Did you accept?"

"No… He told me I had twenty-four hours to decide."

"Well, are you gonna accept?" Stefan asked.

The blonde shrugged her shoulders and put her head down on the desk. "I need a drink."

"Are you going to say a word?" Kol asked Klaus, feeling bored again. "You've barely said two words since our meeting."

Klaus glared at his little brother. He wanted to throw something at him. He glanced at his watch to check the time. They were waiting for Elijah to return. He had a meeting after seeing Caroline and it's running later than scheduled. He anxiously waited for an answer from her or even a message.

"Nik, can I be frank?"

The President nodded for him to continue. It was a toss up whether Kol would say something genuine or something ridiculous.

Kol pressed his lips together before speaking. "She's a good person, Nik."

"I know she's a good person. Why the bloody hell are you telling me that?"

The little brunette Mikaelson sighed. "I just think you forget that sometimes."

Klaus wanted to yell at Kol for insulting him like that, but Elijah walked through the doors. He ignored Kol's comment for now.

Elijah saw Klaus' mouth open to ask about Caroline, but he raised his hand to stop him. "She has yet to give an answer."

"I should have done it myself." Klaus said under his breath.

"I warn you, Niklaus, do not let this woman ruin you." Elijah cautioned. Every time he thought about that woman he can only remember the bad things that happened and how Klaus' empire nearly fell over a scandal.

"I think you have it flipped, brother. He is the one who will ruin her." He said in light joking tone, but he truly meant it.

Kol and Caroline became quick friends at Yale. He and Rebekah were only eleven months apart, so they were in the same graduating class with Caroline. Kol was born in January and Rebekah was born in December. The three of them studied in the same law school and had the same courses every semester. As much as Rebekah and Kol tried to avoid each other, they ended up being in the same study group every time.

Caroline was the only one who could keep up the pace with Kol's wit and charm. After spending time with her, he discovered she was a good person. Despite being a jokester, he appreciated and befriended the genuine people, which were very rare to find these days, especially in their social circle.

Caroline and Kol playfully teased each other, but were never romantically interested with the other. Caroline was like another sister to Kol, which explained why he defended her when he could.

Elijah glowered at Kol for his comment. Whenever Klaus was present, he wanted to remind him of the dangers that came when he interacted with Caroline, though he tried his best not to taint her reputation or saying things that weren't true.

"Deliver her answer as soon as she responds. Schedule a campaign meeting the following day at five." He instructed Elijah. "Leave me be."

Kol got up from the couch and followed Elijah out the room. He closed the door after himself, leaving Klaus to himself.

Klaus went to the little alcohol cart and made himself a glass of bourbon. It was ten o' clock on the dot and he should have gone to bed an hour ago, but he couldn't. A glass of bourbon usually accompanied a night of sulking. The amber liquid burned his throat, but he found it refreshing.

He walked back to his desk and set his drink down. Since his decision to hire Caroline, he hasn't been able to think straight. His short temper was shorter today after his meeting. He yelled at two staff members and nearly fired one of them.

He pulled out a keychain from his pocket and found the smallest silver key. He used it to open the bottom drawer on the right side of his desk. It's been two years since he used this key. Inside the locked drawer, he found an old silver flip phone. The phone was turned off. Holding it in his hand brought back memories. It was a phone he kept discreetly to make calls that couldn't be traced or wired by the United States White House president archive files. He could have used to it to call anyone, but he only called one person.

He turned on the phone and was surprised to find it wasn't dead when the light came on. Once it was on, he pressed the green call button and a list of his recent calls displayed on the screen. There was only one number listed repeatedly. His finger lingered on the call button, only one press away.

Caroline sat down in her black leather office chair, spinning slowly around, while sipping on a glass of bourbon. Since Elijah left, she couldn't concentrate on work. She busted out the bottle of bourbon sitting in her bottom drawer as soon as he left.

Stefan and Katherine welcomed themselves into her office, as usual. Caroline didn't stop spinning in her chair. It made her dizzy, but she already had a headache trying to make a decision.

"He's not worth your bourbon." Katherine commented. She pushed aside some files on Caroline's desk to make room for her to sit down. "Please tell me you're not considering it." She begged.

She didn't like Klaus one bit. He was never the man America portrayed him to be, at least not in her eyes. She was the only one who voiced her true opinions for his behavior and the way he treated Caroline back then.

"Well…"

"Seriously, Caroline. Don't kid yourself. He's a pompous smug bastard."

Caroline scowled at Katherine, but she knew it was true. Every single side comment she made about Klaus was ultimately true.

Caroline carried the same opinion about Klaus when she first met him at Yale. He was two years older. He held his chin high and his head higher. He believed he was the best and belittled everyone. He bullied fellow classmates and made them think they were incompetent. Caroline was fed up with his behavior and gave him a piece of her mind one day, but he joked it off, which only made her more frustrated. Every time she criticized him, he laughed it off and joked with her. Sometimes he'd throw in a compliment for fun. The more they argued, the more he found her attractive. Not only was she beautiful in his eyes, but she had tenacity and drive that matched his. Eventually their banter became playful and she found herself laughing with him.

She chided herself for giving into the Mikaelson charm, but she couldn't help it. He had undeniably handsome looks.

"With all emotions aside, this job will be great business for the firm. Our clients have deferred payments. The campaign will give us a ton of money in the meanwhile." She tried to reason with them.

"Forget it!" Katherine exclaimed. "We don't need his money."

Caroline sighed. She stopped spinning her chair and landed her eyes on Stefan. He stood up straight with his arms crossed over his chest.

"What do you think, Stefan? You haven't said a word."

"We can give you our opinions, but you're gonna do what you want in the end, Caroline." He told her. "Besides, it really should be your decision, not ours."

She opened her mouth to say something, but her phone started to vibrate loudly on her desk. That was Katherine's and Stefan's cue to leave. She waited until they closed the door to grab her phone. The caller ID read "unknown" which made her cock her head to the side. She downed the last sip of bourbon before pressing the green answer icon.

"Caroline Forbes, speaking."

Who is the unknown caller?
Will Caroline accept her old position?
What happened in the past that nearly destroyed the President's term?

Stay tuned to find out!

Please don't forget to leave REVIEWS!

xoxo,

Britannia