Chapter 9: 'Everything comes back to you'
(A:N) It's the past time line but it's still the integral part of the story.
March, 2015
It had been six months to their secret relationship. Six months of pure bliss. Six months of hide and seek from the rest of the world. They were happy in their bubble but it was bound to burst one day.
At first, when Damon persuaded her to keep their relationship a secret she didn't have much problem. She was afraid her best friend wouldn't approve of her dating her brother, especially when she specifically told her to stray clear of both of the Salvatore men.
Damon's reasons for hiding their relationship was the fact that he was a big name and after getting associated with him, the media would follow Elena around everywhere and make her life a living hell. Secretly, he was also a bit afraid of the backlash he would get from the elite society he came from. People expected him to date a woman that shared the status he held. Women like Andie Starr, the daughter of a very famous multiple sugar mills owner, Abel Starr. Also, Elena was nine years younger than him. The age difference would not set well with the media. They would probably ridicule him for it.
It wasn't like he was ashamed of being with her . He was just afraid of the backlash and the negative effect it would have on his business. Sometimes, he felt very guilty. He could imagine what she would feel if she found out the real reason why he wanted to hide their relationship. It would be a painful blow to her self-respect and ego. He might even end up losing her. The very thought of it was like a dagger to his heart.
He was crazily, madly in love with her. He had confessed that to her on the second month of their relationship and she had admitted she loved him too. But with each passing day he craved her presence more and fell deeper in love with her, so much that he wanted to be around her all the time.
But lately, Caroline had been staying over at his house more often and they barely got time to be with each other. It was a torture to be in the same room with her and not touch her or kiss her. His resolve was going to break soon. It was a matter of days before he announced their relationship to the world. It happened sooner than later because of the events that followed.
Like every year, the Salvatore's were on a family trip to their home town, Mantua in Italy, one of the most romantic cities of the world. Despite Caroline's insistence that she could take care of Lily without Elena, he stood his ground to take her with them. He wanted to show her around his city. It was just another excuse to spend some time with her.
What was it about this girl that riled him up? She invaded his thoughts, danced in his dreams and kept him yearning for her more. According to what they had decided, he should stay away from her but he just couldn't.
Of course, he regretted his decision of taking Elena along with them the minute they stepped on their private jet. Stefan hurriedly took the seat next to her and started talking, trying to charm her.
Throughout the whole journey, while his general manager, Matt Donavan was briefing him about their project, Stefan, Elena and Caroline were indulged in a long cozy conversation. Eventually Caroline fell asleep with her girls and then it was just Stefan and Elena, chatting.
To anyone watching, the whole thing seemed normal. Two friends talking about their likes and dislikes, but Damon knew it wasn't like that. Two things had emerged that worried him deeply.
Firstly, Stefan's fascination with Elena. It seemed like he was as much charmed by her as he had been himself back when he had just met her. Stefan was the playboy of the family. He was footloose, fancy, free and went for 'everything in skirt'. Like him, Stefan wasn't the commitment type guy either. He was playing with her at first, but now it seemed like he was genuinely interested.
Secondly, the thing that produced the greatest reaction inside him while they had been talking and even now gripped his heart in the grip of icy cold hands was the way Stefan and Elena just clicked. They had almost everything in common, unlike him and Elena. They both possessed common personality traits and agreed on almost everything. It bothered Damon a lot. He had been in a very bad mood and snapped at Matt multiple times without any reason.
They reached their destination in the evening. Stefan wanted to go out immediately to explore the city. Everyone agreed, except Damon. He claimed that he had a terrible headache and wanted to rest. Seeing as he was staying Elena excused herself too.
Once everyone left, she sneaked to his room. As expected, she found him engrossed in work, studying a spreadsheet. She could sense that he was distressed. He always buried himself in work whenever he was upset.
She sneaked up behind him and covered his eyes with her hands, playing an old childish game. "Guess who?"
"Quit it, Birdie. I'm not in mood." He replied in a dry tone.
A look of concern crossed her face as she sat next to him. She reached up and put her palm to his forehead. His hair fell over her hand, the silky touch of it intimate against her skin. "How is your headache? I can give you an Indian head massage, if you like. It works like magic." She suggested, concern and love seeping in her tone. He took her hand and kissed it with great affection. He adored how compassionate and caring she was. That's what made him fall so helplessly in love with her.
"I'm fine. I just had some work to finish first." He said, pulling her close to him, he snuggled down into the bed as she curled herself up into his chest, making herself all warm and comfortable.
"Work? You work all the time." She made a face. "You promised to show me around here," She pouted, in a childlike way. "Come on, take me somewhere." She added, burying her face in his neck.
"Not today, Birdie. I'm really tired and I just want to sleep."
"Not a bad idea." Reaching up, she kissed him softly, just a press of her lips on his. His arms tightened around her as his mouth slanted over hers. He drove his tongue into her mouth, lunging hungrily. A groan came from deep in his throat as she pressed against him. He pulled his mouth away from hers and cradled her against his chest.
"As much as I would love making out with you, I was actually thinking of sleeping, for real." Somehow he seemed very guarded and hesitant.
"But I want to go out." She insisted.
"If you want to go out, you should have gone out with Stefan. From what I heard in the plane, sounds like you two were really enjoying each other's company." He said bitterly.
"What?" She seemed surprised by the change in his tone.
"Nothing." He replied with a cold sigh.
"Why are you so moody today?" She asked, leaning up on her elbow.
"I'm not moody." His answer only convinced Elena that he was.
"Is something wrong?" She asked again.
"Has it occurred to you that I might be jealous?" He finally opened up.
No, it hasn't occurred to her. She had always seen him so confident and calm to her. She had completely forgotten his insecurities regarding relationships. Somehow, he always thought he wasn't good enough for her.
In the past few months, she had worked very hard to make him believe in their relationship, to make him believe that she would never give up on him. And it seemed like she had been successful. He was finally trusting her with his heart, but now she realized his insecurities had not completely gone away.
"There is nothing to be jealous about," She replied, frowning. "Stefan and I are just friends. He is with Rebekah and-"
"Stefan is a repetitive cheater. His relationships mean nothing to him. Rebekah is just his play thing and you're his next target."
"I think you're over reacting."
"He kept flirting with you, you didn't stop him and I'm the one who is over reacting?"
"He wasn't flirting with me, Damon. We were just talking, like friends do."
"Friends? I doubt he ever looked at you that way." He mumbled, his tone filled with disdain.
"You're impossible."
"And you're blind." He replied.
"So you're saying that a man and a woman can never be friends?"
"No, there is no such thing as that. A man and a beautiful woman can never be just friends. Guys always have an ulterior motive."
"You're such an old fashioned, narrow minded, chauvinist…" She said, aggressively.
"Say whatever you want, but you'll soon know I was right all along." He replied, shrugging.
"Okay, so if that's the case, then what about you and Kat? Is there something going on between you two?" She demanded, baffling him. Maybe, this will knock some sense into him, she thought.
He let out a chuckle, a low, smooth laugh that acknowledged his own defeat and her cleverness too; he seemed to enjoy her wit, this woman knew him more than he knew himself.
"Fair enough." He thought, understanding what she was trying to say.
"So, is there something I should know?" She asked again.
"You know there isn't anything." He replied. "We've known each other since we were kids. She is almost like a sister to me."
"Almost?"
"Elena, you're the only woman I've ever loved...or will love. You're the only woman who's ever mattered. I only have eyes for you." He took her hand and placed it underneath his shirt, where she could feel his heart beating wildly. "I swear my heart only beats for you. The only reason I'm paranoid all the time is because you're literally the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm afraid that you'll realize that I'm not good enough for you and you'll leave me. I won't be able to survive it, Elena. I really won't."
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere." She cupped his face in her small, delicate hands, filling his gaze with her love. "Stefan has nothing on you. You're the only one for me, and you know that. You're the one and only love of my life. I've told you a hundred times, haven't I? I love you, only you. You have no reason to be jealous. You're the only man in my life… in a romantic way."
He nodded understandingly. He covered her hands with his, holding them there and closed his eyes in great reprieve. He believed her. He promised himself that from this moment onwards, he would trust her explicitly.
"I love you so much, Elena." He confessed, opening his eyes again.
A sly, shy little smile played across her lips. "I love you too."
'Meet me in the kitchen in ten minutes.' She read the text he sent her just a few minutes ago. They had been out exploring the city all day along with the family so they hardly got any time alone.
They had visited Teatro Bibiena. Dimly lit and plush with velvet, it was the most elegant and beautiful theatre Elena had ever seen. Later, on Damon's insistence they stopped by Palazzo Forti, a museum that retraced history of centuries, from the Roman ruins to the Medieval structure.
Even though Damon and Elena were surrounded by family members, he still didn't let the chance slip and showed her each and every nook of the museum while answering her bazillion questions, just like he had promised. On their way back, they had lunch at Giovanni's salumeria – a sausage shop anda local legend that served the best antipasto.
It was late in the evening when they came back to the rest house owned by Zach Salvatore, who was also their host. She was staying with Caroline in her room. They were talking about the adventures they had throughout the day and planning for the next day when she got the message.
"I'll be back in a bit." She said, standing up.
"Where are you going?"
"Umm... kitchen. I need some ice." She replied, pointing at her wine glass.
"No problem. I'll ask one of the boys to bring that." Caroline said, reaching out for bell to call someone from staff, making her sit again.
"No. No. It's ok." Elena said, getting up again. "I'll be back in a minute." She added, leaving hurriedly before Caroline could stop her.
As she entered the kitchen, the familiar heat of the grill washed over her and the smell of sizzling beef filled her nose. She rushed to the stove and lowered the heat when a pair of strong muscled arms encircled her, making her gasp.
"Shush!" She heard him whisper. "It's me."
"You scared me," She sighed in relief, making him chuckle at her dramatic antics.
"Are you going to come to my room tonight? I miss you." He said, burying his head into her neck as they swayed side to side slightly.
"You know I can't. Your sister is a very light sleeper." She replied, leaning back into his chest.
"It's been so long—"
"It's been two days." She replied, chuckling.
"I want you with me tonight. I'll snuggle up against you, and then I want to kiss you all over your body — and I mean all over. I want to kiss every square inch of your body and taste your every curve. I want to feel your body over mine, feel your lips kiss me, feel your heart beating for me-"
"Damon!" She whispered, stopping him from tempting her.
"Then when we are done, I'll just hold you all night while we sleep." He completed, smirking.
She turned around slowly, her eyes meeting his intense gaze. She circled her arms around his neck, molding her supple body into his. "No promises but I'll try."
A smile crossed his face and he leaned closer, his eyes burning into hers. "I love you so much." He moaned. His hand dug into her hair, twining the strands around his fingers. He pulled her closer and brushed his lips tenderly over hers. They kissed for what seemed like hours, his hands caressing her back, his lips seeking her mouth, her face, her eyes, her hands on his neck, and then touching his face as she kissed him back, they seemed lost in their own world until they heard a squeal.
They parted immediately, moving away from one another to see who interrupted their moment. Lizzie stood there, her face scrunched up in disgust. "Mama! Elena and Uncle Damon—"
"Shush, Lizzie," Damon hurried to her, putting a finger on her lips. "Please." He begged.
"Mama told you to stay away from Miss Elena." Four-year-old Lizzie scolded him in a very Caroline-like manner.
"Lizzie, please, don't tell your mum about this." Elena pleaded, rushing to her.
"Lizzie, what's wrong honey?" Caroline called from the other room. "Did you find Miss Elena?" She added.
"Yes, Mama. She and uncl-"
"Lizzie, I'll buy you that doll house you wanted if you keep this a secret." Damon offered.
"Damon, you can't bribe kids." Elena rolled her eyes.
"Exactly, I don't hide things from my mama."
"LIZZIE!" Caroline shouted, concerned.
"How about I throw in a set of new Barbie dolls?" Damon said.
"Deal." Lizzie said, grinning.
"Lizzie, Oh! Here you are." Caroline said coming out of the room. "Why won't you reply? You got me worried." She said, picking up her daughter.
Lizzie replied with coy smile, claiming she didn't hear her. "Elena, did you find ice?" She asked, turning her attention to them. "And what are you doing here?" She added, as she glared at her brother.
"None of your business." He said with a cold face, void of all emotions. He took out his phone, pretending to text someone as he passed her, walking back to his room.
"What was he doing here?" Caroline demanded, turning back to Elena.
She shrugged, not replying. She hated lying to her best friend.
"I knew it. He is still circling you, isn't he? Well, it's a good thing you don't have nothing to do with either of them. Come on! Let's go back to our room. I downloaded our favorite Channing Tatum movies. We are gonna have so much fun." She squealed excitedly.
"You go ahead. I have to check up on Lily." Elena said, smiling.
"Be quick!" Caroline replied as she rushed back to their room.
Smiling, she turned into the hallway, almost knocking into someone. "I'm so sorry." She looked up and found their host, Zach Salvatore smirking at her.
"Careful, Miss Gilbert," He said, holding her from stumbling backwards. She replied with a courteous smile, sliding herself away from his arms. "If you get hurt your lover boy wouldn't like it." He added with a sneer.
"Ex.. excuse me," She replied, baffled. "What do you mean?"
He let out an amused chuckle. "I'm not Lizzie, Miss Gilbert. You can't fool me." He said, shaking his head. "Good day!" He added, walking away.
It was past mid night and she still wasn't here. He was sure she must have fallen asleep since he couldn't hear the sound of gossip and muffed giggles coming from Caroline's room.
It had been three days and he hardly got any private time with his girlfriend. Caroline had made it her personal mission to keep her away from both him and Stefan. Like a shadow, she kept Elena by her side.
Well, he had had enough. Frustrated and fed up with hiding, he decided he would talk to Elena about announcing their relationship to the world. He wanted the world to know she was his— and not anyone else's for the taking'. He wanted to be able to touch her in both public and private.
As the night deepened, his longing for her doubled. He missed her so much that his soul ached. When he wanted something, he took it. And right now he wanted her.
With a new determination, he rose up from the bed and quietly sneaked to the room his girlfriend was sharing with his sister. Slowly, he opened the door. As expected she was sleeping soundly. A soft smile of loving tenderness curved his lips as he reached his hand toward her and stroked her cheek with the side of his fingers. She moaned slightly as if recognizing his touch. Disturbed by the faint sound, Caroline shifted in bed, breaking his daze and reminding him why he was there in the first place.
"Elena…" He whispered, as he shook her gently to wake her up. "Birdie, wake up!"
She stirred slightly before she opened her eyes, groaning. As soon as she saw him, her eyes widened with panic. Before she could make any sort of sound, he cupped her mouth, pleading to her with his eyes to remain silent.
When she nodded, he pulled his hand away, signaling her to come with him. She shook her head, pointing at Caroline as if telling him she would wake up and he should just leave. He frowned, mouthing 'No', and offered her his hand to urge her to come with him.
She rolled her eyes but placed her hand in his palm, jumping out of the bed. Silently, he led her outside the room.
"Damon, what are you doing?" She whispered. "I told you she is a light sleeper, she will wake up and if she doesn't find me there she'll—" the words remained unsaid as his mouth covered hers. He pushed her gently into the darkness against the wall of the hall.
"I don't care if she finds out. I missed you so much, I couldn't wait any longer," he said, plunging his blue eyes into hers with a wonderfully tender expression. "I think we should tell everyone about us." He added.
"What?" She seemed puzzled. "We'll discuss that later, okay?" She said, cupping his face. She needed to think it through before she confessed everything to her best friend. She knew Caroline would never approve of this. Just then, she noticed they were still in hall and could easily get caught. "Kitchen," She whispered. He was about to suggest his room but she pulled him towards the kitchen. "Now!" She added.
Guiding her inside, Damon drew her into his arms. He then pulled her closer to him in a tight embrace and their lips met in a soft, passionate kiss. Her lips were so sweet; he loved them more each time. She was on her toes and just couldn't get close enough to him.
"I want you so bad." He whispered as his hands trailed down her body.
"I want you too." She said, longing evident in her tone. "But… but you know… we…"
"I know, we can't." He said with a cold sigh. On their third date, Elena had dropped a bomb on him, that she was a virgin and she wanted to save herself for marriage. Another one of his theory about her was wrong. When he first met her he thought she was an easy lay because of the way she dressed. He'd been so wrong about her it was laughable. He'd always prided herself on reading people, especially as he worked in corporate world, but Elena Gilbert was not as she first appeared to be.
"But that doesn't mean we can't do other things." She said, wickedly, circling her arms around his neck.
He smirked, leaning down to capture her lips in a long and sensuous kiss. She pressed her body tightly against his. Raking his teeth with her moist tongue, she plunged it deep into his mouth, wreaking havoc on his senses and making him forget everything.
Slowly, he backed her towards the wall as she unbuttoned his shirt. A loud thud of the door interrupted them.
"Elena!" She could hear Caroline searching for her.
"Shit!" Elena muttered, pulling away from him and straightening her shirt at the same time. "What are we going to do?"
"Let her catch us," He whispered back. "I don't want to hide anymore."
"She is my best friend; I can't just drop this on her like this," Elena replied, pushing him down on the stool. "Sit here."
She turned on the lights and rushed to the drawer to get the first-aid kit. She took out a band aid, pretending that she was tending his wounds.
"What's going on?" Caroline said in groggy tone as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.
"Mr. Salvatore got a little scratch from the paper cutter. I was just fixing him up." Elena replied in her most professional tone.
"He couldn't put a band aid himself." Caroline's eyes narrowed.
"Why do it when I have hired a professional nurse at service?" He replied in a dry tone.
"Hmm." Caroline said, folding her arms on her chest. "Are you done, Elena?"
"Yeah, done." Elena replied, closing the first aid box.
"Let's go sleep then. We have a busy day tomorrow." She said, yawning.
"You go ahead. I'll be back in a minute," When Caroline glared, she added. "I need a glass of water."
"Okay, be quick."
As soon as Caroline left, he pulled her close against his hips, trapping her arms against his lean chest. "We should've let her catch us. I'm tired of hiding, and I'm tired of lying."
"Okay, we will tell everyone about us but not like this. We'll come clean to her and everyone but in a civil away."
"Tomorrow?"
"Let me mentally prepare her."
"Elena…"
"As soon as we go back to the States." She proposed. Caroline was her best friend and she didn't want to lose her. She knew Caroline didn't approve of her relationship with either of her brothers and would react very strongly if she found out about Elena secretly dating her brother behind her back.
"Deal," He said after a pause. "But this means we have to hide and sneak around again to see each other." He added, pouting.
Smiling, she kissed his pouting lips, giving him a slight push. "I should go. Before she comes back."
He tangled his arms around her, letting her go. "Good night."
Smiling, she rushed outside the kitchen.
After that day, they hardly got to spend time with each other. Damon had been busy with work and Elena stayed out late with Caroline, Lily and Stefan, visiting the city's attractions and enjoying the trip.
At nights, after Caroline would go to sleep, she would sneak into her boyfriend's room and then they would go out together, strolling by the lakes of Mantua. Strangely, Caroline didn't even notice her disappearance once.
For once, it seemed like things were going her way. But then something very strange happened.
An evening before their final week in Mantua, Stefan suggested they go to Festa Della Bruna, a traditional festival held in Matera, a seven-hour drive from their residence.
They were all ready but then Zach informed Damon that they had a meeting with a Portuguese delegation, so he had to stay behind and miss the event. Upset that he couldn't join them, Damon still arranged them transport and urged them to go.
They weren't even half way there when Elena claimed she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go back. She told them to go on without her and that she'll take a bus back home. Strangely, Caroline didn't stop her and agreed. It was like she was onto something.
After traveling for two hours, she had just arrived back when she heard strange voices coming from her boyfriend's office. Quietly, she walked there to see what was going on.
Peeking through the door, she saw her boyfriend completely wasted, as if he'd been drinking for hours. Zach Salvatore and his lawyer were standing by his side, urging him to sign some papers.
"What is this, Uncle Zach?" He slurred, trying very hard to read the file in front of him.
"You have to sign these papers, Damon." Zach kept insisting.
"Can… can I get back to you later? I'm not feeling too well." He garbled. He clearly didn't seem like he was in his senses.
"Sign these, damn it." Zach hissed, handing him a pen.
"What the hell is going on?" Elena growled as she entered.
"Baby!" He greeted, happily at the sight of her.
"He is drunk out of his mind. You can't make him sign documents in this state. It's against the law."
"Miss Gilbert, It's not what you think. I… We have to fax these papers back by evening. It's very important. We just…"
"No," Elena refused, "I don't care how important these are. He is clearly not in his senses and I'll not allow you to make him sign legal papers while he is like this. You can come back when he is sober." She said, helping him get up.
"Miss Gilbert… Please, will you-"she didn't listen to his arguments and led Damon away from them and back to his room. Somehow, she knew whatever Zach was doing wasn't right.
"Miss Gilbert?" Zach peeked through the bedroom, seeing her sitting on the other side of the bed while Damon was sleeping.
"Not now, Mr. Salvatore."
"It's for your benefit."
She frowned, gently pulling away from Damon's arm, covering him with blanket. She stood up turning to look at Zach.
He gestured her to come outside. She looked back at Damon who was fast asleep. With a huff she headed out after Zach. Closing the door after her she instantly asked," What is it?"
"What happened earlier-"
Elena gestured him to continue, with a straight face.
He leaned closer to her ear almost talking in a whisper." I know you're with him, Elena. A beautiful woman like you with a dry man like him… I think we both know why you're with him but I'm not judging you. We are both after the same thing, after all. "
"Excuse me?"
"Join us, Elena. I promise a very heavy price for your help." He showed her the documents. "I'll make you a millionaire Elena. All you have to do is make him sign these."
"How dare you? I would never do that."she almost yelled at him.
"Miss. Gilbert," He said as if trying to convince her, adding, "Final offer. 3 million dollars for your help."
"Mr. Zach, please leave right this instant!"
"Miss Gilbert, this offer is very beneficial. You're making a mistake. Okay, how about 3.5 million?"
"GET OUT RIGHT NOW!" she shouted adding. "And I'm going to inform him about this."
"You can tell Damon all you want, he isn't going to believe you. I'm one of the owners of the company. What are you going to tell him? Why did I do this? You know nothing, girl."
"I said go away, GO AWAY!" She pushed past him and went back inside the room. Feeling unsafe, she locked the room.
Her eyes filled with tears. She suddenly felt Damon wasn't safe while surrounded by deceptions.
She rushed to him and sat by his side, holding his hand in hers. What did he want with him? What was in those papers? Why did Zach want Damon's signature on them so bad? Did it has something to do with Zach's son's fraud that Damon exposed a few months back?
She had to warn him. She wouldn't let anyone hurt him.
"And he was making me sign something?" Damon asked as she gave him a Tylenol for the killer head ache he had. Strangely, he didn't remember getting that drunk. Sure, he had a beer or two but not enough to pass out.
She sat next to him and nodded, her face filled with worry. "He told me to not tell you about this. He offered a very big amount if I help him." She added.
"Elena, I… Uncle Zach has been on my side since forever. He was the one who persuaded Dad to give me larger share in the company. There isn't any logical reason for—"
"Damon, I'm not lying." She said, her eyes glassy.
"I know, love," He said, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes. "I'll ask him about it. He isn't getting away with this."
When Damon demanded Zach for an explanation, Zach accepted that he indeed was making Damon sign but very cleverly he reasoned that those papers were contract papers of their new project and he had to fax them back by evening so he couldn't wait. When Damon inquired about the offer he made to Elena, he clearly refused, claiming that she must have misunderstood his intentions.
The meeting was still going on when Matt informed them that Damon had a guest. The doors opened and Katherine Pierce entered.
"Kat," He stood up, a warm welcoming smile on his face.
"Surprise!" Katherine said rushing to him, pulling him in a hug.
"A very pleasant one." Damon answered hugging her back. Elena rolled her eyes at the display of affection but remained quiet.
"I had a meeting in Venice so I thought I should stop by at your place too," She said, pulling away, looking at him with utmost adoration. "Wait! I'm not interrupting something, am I?" She asked.
"Actually, Kat, darling," Zach said, stepping forward. "You're here right on time."
The next ten minutes went by as Zach explained all the allegations Elena made, urging her to knock some sense into his nephew. "I mean I literally raised the kid like my own son. I would give my life sooner for him than my own son. And he trusts me too, but Miss Gilbert here claims that I was taking advantage of his intoxicated state." Zach said quickly.
"Absolutely, Zach. Miss Gilbert, those were contracts papers. I know because I was the one who told Zach to have them sighed and send it back as soon as he can." She testified.
"Miss Pierce, It didn't seem like-"
"Miss Gilbert, don't poke your nose into things you don't understand. You're an employee here and you best mind your own business and do your work. Please don't get involved in the matters that don't concern you." Katherine snapped at her.
"Kat, stop it! Elena was doing what she thought was right. Don't talk to her like that." He defended her.
"She is trying to set you against your own uncle and you're defending her?" Katherine replied harshly. "The Damon I knew would have fired her for even talking about his family like that."
"You know what, we are making a big deal out of nothing. Let's finish this right here," He said, shaking his head. "Miss Gilbert, can you give us a moment alone? I need to discuss something with my business partners here." He added, politely and formally.
Biting her lower lip, she nodded and left.
From the day Katherine arrived she made it impossible for Damon and Elena to see each other. Like a shadow, she followed Damon around everywhere. But thankfully, only a week was left to the end of their vacation and then they would go back home and he and Elena would be alone, once again.
As time passed, he found himself drawn more and more to her. She was the kind of woman he normally avoided—the home-and-hearth type. But somehow, she had crept under his skin and stole his heart and soul. He found himself imagining what it would be like to have Elena as his wife. What it would be like to have her forever with him?
His daze broke when he heard Josie cry on top of her lungs as if she was in a lot of pain. He rushed to Caroline's room to see what happened.
"I don't know what's wrong with her, Lena. Why is she crying so much?" Caroline was on verge of tears.
"I told you not to give her chili for lunch, didn't I?" Elena replied. "It's definitely a mild stomach ache." Elena said picking Josie up, cooing, hugging her to her chest.
"Should I call a doctor?" Damon asked. "Or can you handle it?"
"I think I know what to do but I need to confirm the medications from Dr. Ella. She is a specialist. She will know better." Elena answered, picking her phone from her bag.
The next half hour passed as Elena talked to the doctor about Josie's condition and then hurriedly treated her like Dr. Ella instructed. He watched her stay awake with her all night, just as anxious as Caroline.
While he was irritated by Josie's continuous crying, Elena didn't even complain once. She affectionately treated Josie and stayed by her side, giving her medicines, feeding her food, treating her as if she was her own daughter.
That's what he loved about her. Her compassion was her halo. Her kindness was her real beauty. He wanted a woman like her to be his wife and the mother of his children. She may not share the same status as he held in society but she was a gem and there was no way he would let go of such an amazing woman.
"Isn't she the kindest soul ever?" He heard his mother say.
"Huh?"
"The girl, Elena." His mother added.
"She's perfect." He replied, smiling. And mine.
"You love her, don't you?" Lily asked, smiling.
"Wha…"
"I have seen how you watch her, how you get lost in her eyes. I think she is the one, Damon. You should probably do it."
"Do… do what?"
"Marry her." Lily said, reading his mind.
"Coffee?" Katherine asked despite seeing a cup in his hand. He shook his head still looking. They were standing on the long bridge that sliced through two mist-covered lakes of Mantua. From a distance he could clearly see Elena and his mother in the garden talking while Elena made Lizzie's braids.
"Nope, I am cutting on caffeine." He mumbled.
She laughed. "Really? Why?"
"Someone told me it's not healthy. This is better." he turned slightly to her showing her the herbal tea in his mug. That someone he was talking about was obviously Elena.
"Why?"
"I don't know. I decided I'm going to make some healthy changes in my life."
"Changes?" She huffed. " Damon, you hate changes."
"Not anymore, Kat. I want to change everything." He finished his drink, smiling as he caught Elena looking at him. Their eyes met and she even smiled lightly before looking away."
"Everything?" Katherine saw them eyeing each other slyly.
Damon turned to Katherine. "Yes, everything. When we get back , you're getting my house new furniture , a new car, a new GM , that Matt Donavan has been hitting on our nurse a lot," He mumbled the last line. "Yeah, lots and lots of paintings. What else?" he seemed excited like a child. "Fresh flowers all around the house-"
"Woah! Woah! What the hell is going on?"
He scratched his head, slight blush covering his cheeks." Sorry, it's just that I've never felt this way, Kat . I am so happy."
She smiled. "Really? Well, I'm glad that you're happy. But what's this all about?"
He sighed deep, looking at Elena from the bridge, then back at Katherine.
"I am in love, Kat."
She frowned. "What?" Was he talking about her? They had been spending so much time together, did he finally felt it too?
He bit his lower lip with nervousness, nodding," I don't know what, how, when. All I know is that it's the most amazing and genuine feeling I have ever felt. I feel euphoria, absolute joy and peace. It's-"
"Slow down, Shakespeare." Katherine raised a brow.
"I can't help it Kat. I try to play it cool, but it just happens. I can't control it," He was positively beaming. If he smiled anymore it would split his face. "And I wanted to tell you first. You're my best friend and I wanted to share this first with you that I'm finally ready to settle down and commit for life."
"I'm honored, your highness." she bowed down dramatically.
He chuckled. "Stop making fun of me!"
"I will have my fun, so what else?"
"What else, huh? I've planned my honeymoon." he joked.
He glanced towards the lakeside again, looking at Elena.
Lizzie and Caroline got up, running towards the boat that would take them for a trip around the town. Elena stayed behind, helping Lily up.
Their eyes met again, she smirked giving him the 'bedroom eyes'.
"Do you think she'll ask for her salary after we get married?" he joked again.
"What?" Katherine's happy bubble burst with a pop.
"Nothing," he shook his head turning to her. "Do you think she'll say yes?"
"Who, Damon?"
"Elena." He sighed her name like a prayer.
"Elena who? The nurse?"
"Who else?" he pursed his lips. "You know, when I first met her, I thought she was crazy… not my type. I mean, how can someone like her exist in real life? She is so true, so pure, so unselfish, so kind. It all seemed so surreal…I tried so hard to fight the attraction. Honestly, I did. But I couldn't stay away from her. She's in my thoughts, she owns heart. She's always on my mind; I want to be with her all the time. I have no desire but to be around her silly ass! Shit! I want her so bad. I have to make her mine, Kat. I can't live without her."
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Katherine almost shouted. "How –how did –when did this happen?"
"I don't know, we talked and clicked. She said –"
"Who cares what she said? She's a—she's a fucking nurse!"
"KAT!" he said in a loud voice. "Don't talk about Elena like that."
"Oh, so now she matters more than I do? More than your best friend? "
"I didn't say that."
"You're thirty-one, Damon. Don't you think you're a tad-bit older for a twenty one year old?
"So?" He said, not giving it much thought.
"Damon, this girl is a fucking scam; she wants to suck money out of you. That's what girls her age do. You're her ticket to easy money."
"Kat, Elena is not that type of woman. If anything she is so self-dependent and responsible, it's concerning."
"You're so blinded by her short skirts and her artful use of makeup," she huffed, "You've no idea what she has really planned."
"Shut the hell up, Kat."
"Girls like her use their bodies to trap rich men like you. She is only claiming that she loves you but in reality she has her eyes set on your money."
Ignoring her, he rolled his eyes and was about to walk away when she shouted. "Damon, I'm telling you this girl isn't right. I won't let you do this, this is a mistake."
"Stop it, Katherine. You're making a scene."
But Katherine seemed like she didn't care. "She doesn't want you. Once she gets all your money she will leave your ass and find another target."
Damon pushed her. "ENOUGH! You don't know anything about my Elena,"
"Damon!" she tried to touch him but he moved away.
He moved back not letting her near him. "No, just stay away, okay? Don't make me regret being friends with you."
"I won't let you ruin your life. I won't allow you to marry that bitch."
"Unbelievable!" He muttered under his breath. "Well, it's a good thing I don't need your permission."
"Damon, please—"
"Kat, don't come near me. I can't be around you right now." He said, irritated by her childish behavior. Before she could argue more, he quickly sprinted away from her.
It was their last day in Mantua. Zach had thrown a huge farewell party for them. The party was very lavish, and very, very exclusive. The best food, best champagne and a selected guest list.
Damon and Elena arrived separately but stayed together the whole time. In a way, it was a sort of announcement to the world that they were together.
They were afraid of how everyone would react but it seemed like everyone already knew, except for Stefan who was shooting Damon murderous glares.
Just last night, he had asked Elena out after breaking up with Rebekah, claiming that he felt something very strong for her. Elena had gently refused, crushing his hopes once and for all but as soon as she told Damon about it, he knew he had to come clean now to everyone about their relationship and claim Elena his, permanently.
After the dance and dinner, he sneaked them out of the party quietly to the lake side, where they strolled every night.
"You are looking so beautiful tonight." He said, biting his lip as he made her sit on his lap.
"I always look beautiful." She flipped her hair from her face dramatically.
He chuckled at her girly antics. God, he adored her so much. When he looked up, he found her warm eyes staring back at him, want evident in her gaze. She was leaning closer, to capture his lips in a kiss but before their lips could touch, he buried his face in her neck, letting her kiss his temple instead.
"What?" Elena seemed surprised. He never refused her kisses before. If anything he was addicted to her kisses. He often complained that she didn't make out with him enough.
"Nothing." He replied, chuckling. He didn't want to start kissing her right now because he knew he'd never stop.
"You're being really fussy today," She said, narrowing her eyes. "Is something wrong?"
"No. No, nothing like that." He replied, cursing himself for his nervousness. He took a deep breath. 'She won't refuse. She loves me. Ask her.' He mentally repeated.
"Actually there is something," He said, looking up at her. "I… I umm, you know we have been together for a while."
"Aha…"
"We had a rough start but we clicked, even though we are poles apart, Elena. But the truth is you're not the type of woman I expected I'll fall in love with."
Her heart dropped. Was he breaking up with her?
"I want to have a quiet life and you… you can't even walk without breaking stuff and creating havoc,"
Tears pooled in her eyes. He was leaving her. It felt like her heart broke into a thousand pieces.
"But you're also the most amazing and the most attractive woman I've ever met. You're so kind, so genuine, so compassionate with people. I've never seen anyone like you. Elena, I would be a fool if I let a woman like you slip through my fingers." His eyes spoke to her soul as he spoke.
Her breath hitched as tears once again filled her eyes.
"I love you, Elena. I have since the day you swooped into my world." Her face was flushed, her lips parted, her breathing erratic. She was a sight.
Pausing, he pulled out a ring from his pocket that would've made most women pass out. "I want to ask you to be mine forever. Will you marry me?" He breathed.
"Damon…"
"Say yes." He demanded.
Her breathing came out hard and fast as she stared at the ring.
"Please," he pleaded.
She nodded, tears streaming down her face.
Shaking, he slid on the ring on her finger, mumbling how much he loved her, how much he needed her and how she was his life and that he couldn't live without her.
They did not feel the cool of the night, the cold air or the damp grass. They simply looked at each other, and as their eyes grew dim they fell into each other's arms, while their lips met passionately.
Little did they know that they were being watched and plans were being made to part them forever.
(A:N)
I know that we all want present time line to start. Believe me I'm most excited for that but the past time line is very important part of the story. It will answer a lot of your questions.
Next chapter would be the last chapter of 'PAST TIMELINE' It will show how 'he' and Kat conspired against Delena. Who do you think that 'he' is? And why is he doing this?
I hope you like this chapter. I'll be eagerly waiting to read your thoughts about it. So please, do review! That's the only way I know you're still interested in this story!
Thank you for your reviews and support!
Shout to Manali (AllthingsDelena) for proofreading this and making it readable!
Also Manali (AllthingsDelena) has post finale one shot series out! 'Today I feel alive' I know she will love to hear from you. She's very talented and I'm sure you'll enjoy her delicious one shots.
Review?
