Chapter 1: Misunderstanding

Caroline was wandering alone.

It's Calvin Klein product launching event and while the Salvatores were invited and tag her along, there is no guarantee they will stick with her till the end of the event. Like always, Damon-being Damon-is off to flirting with the first model he found and Stefan, being Stefan, is stuck somewhere talking about business deal while the rest of the population is having fun, enjoying the ball.

Caroline was never alone for long, however. Old business partners, potential customers and some companies who recognize her and were looking for partnership comes up to her to greet, have a small talk, all because they know of her work, and her connection to the Salvatore brothers.

After a few rounds of talking, Caroline looked around. Stefan and Damon is still no where to be found. Rather getting tired of standing alone waiting for them only to be greeted in meaningless small talk, Caroline grabbed a glass of Champagne and escaped to the balcony, away from other people. But someone was already there. Someone with dirty blonde hair, who turned around to looked at her in surprised with his dark blue eyes, and nicely groom bearded face.

"Hi, sorry if I'm interrupting - "

"I'm Niklaus Mikealson, and no, you're more than welcome to join me."

Caroline found her throat running dry, either from drinking too much Champagne or the sudden encounter with a tall hunk with that Brittish accent and sexy crooked smiled.

"I'm Caroline. Caroline Forbes." She replied politely and take out her hand to shake hand with him. His large gruff hands enveloped her small soft ones. She might have imagined it but she felt like he hold it a second longer before letting it go.

"How come a lady so beautiful running to hide in the balcony over here?" the flirtatious line roll off his tongue easily. He was not one for being flirty - mostly enjoy his time working than being a social butterfly in most event, but even him can't help himself when met with a pretty blonde in a striking red dress. The red halter neck dress is long and covers more than it shows but for some reason it looks more sexy that those things girls put on, showing off their back or too short.

"I just ... need a breather. They were going on and on nonstop about business this and that while as an event planner, all i can think about is how disorganize those center piece is and don't even get me started on the color coordination of tonight's theme." Caroline bit her lips. "I'm sorry, that must have been annoying."

Klaus never thought it's annoying. Those blue/green eyes twinkled, beautiful smile. The girl is charming.

"Believe me, I'll never be annoyed by you," and he flashed his flirty wolfy grin at her. She returned with a genuine smile and take a step closer to him, so not to be interrupted by the music and the chattering of people in the ballroom next to them.

"So... I'm involved in all sorts of business venture but I don't think I know anything about the Mikaelson."

"We are big in the UK. Only do business in Europe, actually."

"But now you're here."

"To make appearance. Since I have plans to expand our venture here in the U.S."

"May I ask what is it exactly you do?"

"Mainly real estate developing but the I decided to expand the Hotel chain first."

Klaus continued on to tell Caroline about his plan of making it more of an entertainment complex rather than just a residential hotel. The hotel will have complete entertainment set up: clubs, casino, rooftop bar, restaurant and even a boutique inside. Caroline loved the plan, just as much as how she normally love any projects. She started talking about how the launch party should go to attract as many A lists as possible.

"Are you sure you're supposed to stay here this long? No date waiting for you somewhere in the ballroom?"

"No, no. I don't have a date." Caroline smiled at the subtlety.

"No escort?" Klaus eyes was hopeful and he was grinning that a child excited for candy. In his mind, he really wish the young lady has no escort, no date, so he can grab her for himself. His mind already playing less than decent thing he could do to her, but this one seems like a nice girl and he wouldn't mind taking time, going on dates and actually getting to know the girl first.

"Actually, I'm here with Damon and Stefan." Klaus's grin disappeared instantly.

"The Salvatores?"

'Yeah.' Caroline then remembered their notorious lifestyles published in the tabloid and she wanted to clarified - to avoid any misunderstanding from this gentleman she grew to like. But, alas, before she get there, comes the snide comment.

"I see, blonde is the new flavor of the month for the Salvatore," Klaus bite out the last name out of disgust, "I never imagine they go for someone so young though, but you look like you're quite the catch, aren't you?"

Caroline gasped, and only then did Klaus stop to question his action. Not that he's going to apologize though.

"I was told English men are gentlemen but perhaps those are just rumors. Whatever it is the Salvatore, or I do or anybody else for that matter, it doesn't concern you, Mr. Mikealson. Welcome to America. We. Do. Not. Care."

Klaus opened his mouth to retaliate but Caroline already stormed off, leaving him alone on the balcony, sizzling in anger.


"Damon!"

Caroline open the door to the townhouse she's been living for years with Damon and Stefan.

"Stefan!"

The Salvatore brothers live in the town house of the upper east side of New York City. The house is a 3-story house with 5 bedrooms, living room, English style kitchen, beautiful balcony in each room, and a beautiful rooftop garden that has been renovated to include lounges and bar - a great place for rewind after a long day considering the drink that they would have watching the New York skyline at night, of course turn out to be Damon's favorite spot to bring chicks in.

Climbing up to the top floor, Caroline opening the door to the rooftop lounge to be greeted with the image of Stefan laying on the U-shaped sofa with a petite brunette's lips latching on top of him. Damon was behind the girl, taking off her navy blue blazer to reveal her black tube dress and beautiful shoulder he was nibbling on.

"Seriously?"

"What now blondie?" Damon groaned in frustration as he sit back properly on the sofa. Stefan doesn't show it if he looked annoyed, and the girl just fixed her top like Caroline didn't just run into her making out with 2 men at the same time.

"You left me. AGAIN! Do you expect me to hitchhike and run back home?"

"Exaggeration." Damon shrugged and pour drink in his glass. "You just have to call Matt"

"She has something to talk." Stefan than motioned to the girl, "how about you go wait in the master bedroom? First door on the left, second floor."

"Spill." Stefan said once the girl disappeared from the rooftop, leaving just the 2 brothers and Caroline.

"There's a man."

"You disrupt my make out session because you met a guy?" Damon raised his eyebrow.

Caroline take a deep breathe, not wanting to waste time bickering. How she just miss Damon commentary.

"There's a Mikaelson. Who is clearly into me, but bite me the moment he knows I'm involve with you two."

"Well, sorry star crossed lovers. To be fair though, mentioning you live with 2 grown man who is not your blood relatives may not be the best first date exchange."

"Urgh, you're frustrating! I just needed to know if he's involved with our company in any way. He clearly hate you two and he work with other business other than hotel chains, so I was wondering did you guys ever like, cross path and be business rivalry in anyway?"

"No. Not before. But I talk with his brother and he's actually interested in working with us."

"Since when?" Damon asked, looked just as confused as Caroline.

"Since tonight, you know, when I was doing the real work and you were off collecting super models."

"Well, shared responsibilities, brother. I do share in the end." Damon winked. Stefan rolled his eyes and Caroline just wished they keep the bedroom business to themselves.

Seriously they are amazing people, with really really gross lifestyles.

"So we're working with them?" Caroline clarified, "But they seem to hate you."

"His brother, Elijah like us. Well, final decision depend on Klaus anyway, he's the one who own the Hotel business. And if we're doing a joint venture, he's mostly working with you. Redecoration, and event planning for the launch business is under your control, Care."

Great. because they end their discussion in the worst note.

"Are we done here?"

"No. I'm not done with you, Damon. Every single time. I ask you if it's ok to pick me up and bring me back, you always say yes, and then what happen? You run off with your new found date and I have make call for Matt to pick me up again! Next time just say it and I'll go by myself."

"Woah ~ no need to be so mad, Goldilocks, wrinkles are showing up pretty fast on your face for a 22 year old." Damon poke Caroline, only to have her swat it away. And storm off the roof. It's not set in stone that she will somehow work with that judgmental man yet but she pretty sure need a long relaxing bath from all tonight drama.