A/N: Welcome to Heartbreaker! Please enjoy & leave a review (or two). Let me know how I did & if you would like to see more from me!
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of The Vampire Diaries (the book or television show). Since that means I can't own Klaus either, I'll settle for only owning the contents of this fic. :D
Full summary:
AU/AH. Caroline Forbes enjoys living her life to the fullest as an independent, successful woman—no ring, no husband, and absolutely no kids. So of course she doesn't have any issue in helping best friend Elena Gilbert plan her fairy-tale wedding. As long as it's not her doing any knot-tying, Caroline is more than happy to play wedding planner extraordinaire.
Klaus Morgan, also finding himself taking pleasure in the single life, has no desire to be tied down to a woman or even think about exchanging vows of everlasting love.
So, when he sets eyes on the flirtatious and fiery Miss Caroline Forbes, his only goal is get the blonde bombshell into his bed. But as the two spend more time together, they can only pretend that strings and labels are non-existent for so long. When new feelings, old flames, and crazy family and friends come on the scene, will Caroline and Klaus be able to stick to their guns? Or is it possible that they might fall in love against all odds?
Heartbreaker
Chapter One
It was during the spring that Caroline thought the city was at its best; the crisp air during her early morning run, the fresh smell of growing grass and new flowers, and, best of all, the sun rising before she had to be at work. The overall rejuvenating essence of spring time felt like a cool splash of water that was needed to wake up at the crack of dawn. Caroline was always chipper and up-beat, but because today was the official first day of spring, she had an extra pep in her high-heeled, pointed-toe step as she strutted confidently down the sidewalk towards her destination.
Though, that wasn't the only reason Caroline found herself somehow speed-walking in her heels and brand new form-fitting, cream-coloured suit. Today was the first fitting for her BFFL, Elena Gilbert's wedding gown, and she, the chosen maid of honour, was already twenty-three and a half minutes late to the appointment at the dress boutique. Caroline scoffed as she felt her phone vibrate from inside her coat pocket for the nth time in the past minute. She knew Elena was blowing up her phone with panicked messages. Caroline didn't understand all the fuss; after all, it wasn't like Vera Wang was going to be at the fitting. Really, it would be only her, Elena, and the boutique employees—so Elena had nothing to worry about if she was, oh say half an hour behind. Besides, she had already shifted around at least three appointments for the day to squeeze in the last-minute-notice time change for the dress fitting. Caroline had all the other wedding details handled and under control—Elena seriously had nothing to worry about. As she finally came up to the shop's entrance, Caroline slowed her pace so that she didn't look as though she had just run a marathon. Opening the door with a perfectly manicured hand, she found Elena across the boutique right away. She was already gowned up and on the pedestal, glaring at her best friend in the mirror's reflection.
"Where exactly have you been, Care?!" Elena whispered accusingly at her as soon as she reached the pedestal and mirrors. Caroline whisked a flute of complementary champagne from a nearby tray, knowing it was far too early, but that it was a necessity to deal with Elena's version of Bridezilla today. Taking a sip, she looked at her best friend out of the corner of her eye before setting the glass down again. She held Elena's gaze through the mirror, her friend's cross expression unchanging. She noted that at least her hair and makeup were still flawless.
"OK, ok; I know I am a teensy bit late," Caroline admitted, flattening her blonde locks anyway, "Cut me a break this once, pretty please? I've been super swamped lately. You know, usually they peg me as the neurotic control-freak. Maybe I am rubbing off on you a bit after all these years," she joked. Caroline paused to take a better look at at the dress, before saying, "But seriously, lady, this is your first fitting and your already look bomb in your dress."
Thankfully making fun of herself and complimenting her friend was enough for her to see past the tardiness, because Elena broke out into an excited grin and looked over her shoulder at Caroline.
"You really think so?" she asked, though well aware of the answer.
Caroline gave her a knowing look, "Yes, Elena, you are gorgeous and your groom will be amazed when he sees you walk down the aisle whether you're wearing it or a paper bag."
"You're right, of course. He really is perfect, isn't he?" It was a rhetorical question, to which Caroline snorted in response. Elena had turned back to the mirror, smoothing down the beautiful gown and looking herself over again.
"Mhmm! Now where is that woman making the alterations? The dress is beautiful enough, but I have some ideas about the cut at the top and the train. Are you sure you don't want more beading over the bodice? Do you want more in the skirt or is it ballgown enough for you? Have you decided to wear a veil or not? If yes, we have a whole new can of worms to open—on another day of course." Caroline laughed out the last part, but was already having an internal self-pity-party. She had so much work waiting at the office it wasn't even close to funny. But when her best friend chose the most exclusive boutique in the city to shop at and crowned her maid of honour, it was only expected that she'd be jumping through hoops of fire to make sure Elena's dress was seamlessly selected, fitted, and ready for the big day. Besides, getting the dress and veil organized was going to be a piece of cake compared to the hell that had been obtaining the venue Elena picked. Not to mention the catering—now that had been Caroline's proudest achievement so far. After accommodating all of Elena's, her fiancé's, and his family's respective allergies and weird food preferences, Caroline was surprised there was anything edible left on earth to make up a menu.
Quickly, she glanced down at her new diamond encrusted watch, not really focusing on the exact time, but feeling the pressure of it passing. Elena seemed to notice and frowned at her.
"I'm really sorry Care; I know Tuesdays are really busy for you. I didn't mean to let all this wedding stuff get in between you and work," she said guiltily, gesturing to all the fluff and puff of overkill taffeta that surrounded them and then looked down in shame. Caroline let a soft smile creep up on her face, not being able to withstand the inherent goodness of her friend. It wasn't her fault that the epic Bridezilla Monster was finally coming out. Caroline stepped closer and firmly took hold of her hands so that Elena looked her in the eye.
"Elena Gilbert! Stop that right now. You are too good, always letting your over-sensitive sense of responsibility get the best of you," Caroline said sincerely. "I'm the one who's sorry. I'm just trying to focus on too many things at once. With the wedding, work, and everything else, I've been so exhausted; I haven't even been able to get my butt to hot yoga for the past three weeks!" She giggled, trying to restore a light atmosphere.
Elena appeared to accept her words and nodded slowly in response before finally matching her smile. "Thanks Care. You are the best friend a girl could hope to find," she spoke, her eyes shining in honesty before taking on a mischievous glint. "Don't worry! I'll be sure to give back one hundred and fifty percent when it's your turn! I can't wait to meet the man who can make you weak in the knees!" They both burst into laughter at her little outburst of enthusiasm. Caroline stepped away, still laughing.
"Gee, thanks, Elena," she said sarcastically, "If we ever meet, I'll be sure to let you know he makes my knees feel like jelly."
"Care, don't be like that! It's not all bad, you know, being in love with someone who makes you happy and can take care of you," Elena defended, "I mean sure, all couples have fights, but at the end of the day you go to bed at peace next to your other half."
Caroline laughed again and rolled her eyes, "Oh God, woman! You are a total sappy romantic. And I suppose we'll gaze longingly into each others' eyes too? Will I be able to know what he's thinking just by the quirk in his smile or rise of his eyebrows? You're too much for me today!" Elena crossed her arms over her chest and her face took on what she would have called the 'mother knows all' look. "Say what you want," she said warningly, "Before you know it I'll be barefoot and pregnant and you'll be head over heels in love and ready to get hitched on a tropical beach."
"Oh dear God," Caroline groaned, "I think I have enough going on right now without having to worry about you and your man's first baby shower. And the only way I'm getting married is if you drag me to Las Vegas, roofie me, and get me hitched in some cheesy chapel to a guy who has the bad luck of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time."
It was Elena's turn to roll her eyes at the blonde's dramatic exaggeration. She shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh at Caroline, "You might think you're happy with the single life, enjoying your career and travelling the world. Maybe I did too before I met my true love. But living like that has its limits; I'm not worried though, your time will come."
"See? That's why I am happy the way I am!" Caroline exclaimed, as if Elena had just spelled out the answer herself, "Your time will come. You make it sound like a death trap. For me, that's exactly what an exclusive relationship is. It's not like I don't have a love-life at all, thank-you very much. And don't think I'm ignorant to the way your eyeing me Miss Gilbert; I'm not going to eat my words!"
All Elena could get out was a frustrated huff because all their chatter had finally gained the attention of the seamstress, who hurriedly made her way over to the duo.
"I see the maid of honour has finally made it," she said in a tone that sounded like she was not as forgiving of Caroline's being late as her best friend. Whatever, the woman was being paid to measure, stitch and alter, not bitch at her. Caroline raised a brow at being called out. She looked down at her watch once again before she offered a bored glance at the shop's employee, "Yes, I am she; I'm afraid we're running on a very tight schedule today, so I'm sure you understand that we'd love to get started now that I'm here."
Elena had the decency to clap a hand over her gaping mouth, somehow still able to be shocked at Caroline's typically sharp tongue. The other woman didn't seem to expect that sort of response and looked infuriated. Quickly composing herself, she mumbled something unintelligible and rushed to Elena's side, which earned a satisfied smile from Caroline. At last, they could get this fitting done and over with.
It was an hour and a half later when she and Elena finished their appointment at the boutique. Downing what was left of Elena's champagne, as she'd already drank her own, Caroline and the bride-to-be walked to the exit after quickly booking the next dress fitting. They went out onto the busy street, full of people milling about the city. It was early lunch hour, which her body apparently knew because it was acidly growling at her. Popping her blue-tooth piece into her ear she got ready to call her personal assistant to let him know she'd be in soon and to have her favourite 'hungry-girl' lunch waiting at her desk. Oh dear, it was going to be a bad month—no hot yoga for three weeks, plus champagne and a greasy burger in one day. At this rate, she'd have more trouble fitting into her dress than Elena. Before she could connect the call, Elena turned to speak to her.
"Hey, I know you're late enough already, but it's already nearing lunch time. Why not eat with me? I already have reservations with the hubby in half an hour at the restaurant across from his building, and it's close to yours." Caroline bit her lip in hesitation, debating if she should join the near newlyweds or run for the office and work through her lunch. "C'mon Care, its' the one that has that pear and walnut salad you love," Elena said smiling, trying to sound persuasive. Caroline hung her head, sighing in defeat as she plucked her ear piece from under her hair and dropped it back in her purse. Well, at least she'd fit into her bridesmaid dress even if she'd be stuck in the office until dawn tomorrow.
"Ok, fine." She said caving, "Lead the way! I have some last minute menu details to sort out, which will be easier to do with the two of you together anyway."
Lunch flew by, and within an hour Caroline was leaving the restaurant satisfied with the last menu details covered. Now all she had to do was catch up with the catering company and everything would be finalized. She re-applied her lipstick and made plans with Elena to start the cake-tasting next week before saying goodbye and leaving the restaurant. Considering all the cake she would soon be ingesting, maybe it was a good thing she'd had the salad after all. Popping her blue-tooth ear piece into place again, she quickly called the office as she began speed-walking to her building.
"Caroline! What a nice surprise to hear from you. Thought you were playing hooky on me today," an amused voice sounded from the other line.
"Ha ha, your sense of humour makes my every day, Stefan, "she said dryly, "I'm done with the wedding stuff for today, so I'll be right up. Get ready to pound some overtime my friend—hope you had lunch already."
"Care, you know it's strictly against company policy for any employee but the president to work overtime," Stefan continued to joke.
"You know, I knew I brought you on as my second in command all those years ago for your onetime stint as a comedian. Seriously though, Stef, it's going to be a long day," Caroline replied tiredly.
He only laughed at her in response. "You've left me hanging so long already. You should see the pile of work that's been staring at me all morning." She could tell he was definitely sulking. "I'm kidding, Care. Don't worry, just get yourself here and we'll get through it. I already figured we'd do take-out tonight; we haven't had Thai food in a while." Caroline smiled, even though she knew he couldn't tell. He would be the one who made sure she got through today and survived to do it all again tomorrow. What did she need any other man in her life for again?
"Thanks Stefan, you're the best. When things start calming down, I'll be sure to take us out for dinner and drinks," she said feeling relieved for the first time today.
"Uh-huh. Stop trying to butter me up and get up here. Your one o'clock will be here soon and you know he doesn't like waiting."
She sighed, knowing he was right. "Yes sir, be right there; just getting into the elevator now. See you in a minute." The call ended and Caroline pushed the button to the top floor, where her office was located. It wasn't easy being the president of her company, but her work was rewarding and she wouldn't trade her self-made success for anything in the world. Despite what Elena thought she did not need the love of a man to feel complete. Her life was perfect as it was and Caroline was beyond convinced that having a man in her life would serve only to ruin everything.
A/N: Share your thoughts. Klaus will make his debut next time. :)
xo
