A/N: hey friends, remember me? I'm sooo sorry for the long wait for this part and i left up on a bit of a cliff hanger. It was really challenging to write this and even harder to get it right. I'm lucky my laptop survived and didn't get thrown out the window. A shoutout to Jay (klovec) she's pretty amazing and puts up with too much from me. And a huge thanks to her too, i owe her for all the abuse she got from me for this part, it was truly a frustrating thing. Anyway, hope y'all enjoy!
Chapter Ten
"Life gives you lots of chances to screw up which means you have just as many chances to get it right."
Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City
"Are you ready for this to all be over with?" Caroline questioned from her spot on the bed, watching as Klaus pulled up his collar and slung a tie around his neck.
He met her eyes in the mirror he stood in front of and smiled. "More than ever. It's been four weeks of prep and I'm just ready for this to be over so we can focus on the little one."
Klaus stepped away from the mirror and turned around, Caroline struggled to push herself up off the bed and made her way to him. She tugged on his tie, navy with a light blue design, and pulled it off completely and held it up in front of his nose. "Not a good choice."
He watched as she threw the tie with the pile of clothes on the bed and began to dig into her closet that held some of his clothes, him having temporarily moved in. She suggested it being that Tatia was at his apartment and this solution was cheaper than a hotel, he agreed because he wanted to be closer to her and the baby.
Caroline reached over to the closet, surfing through some of the ties he had brought with him and came out with a navy blue one and carefully placed it around his neck. Klaus smiled down at her as she tied it carefully and slowly, tugging the knot up to his neck and patting it down.
She took a step back to study her work and approved. "They say on all those law shows to wear blue, something about honesty or something," she shook her head and laughed.
Klaus laughed too, shaking his head at her antics. "It's only divorce court, Caroline."
"Well, every bit counts right?"
He nodded, reaching out to grip her hips, stilling her from moving away. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "For staying by my side this whole time."
Caroline leaned up, giving him a quick peck on the lips. "I wouldn't be anywhere else, Klaus."
He couldn't help but lean forward and capture her lips, his grip on her hips tightening slightly as his thumb brushes over her belly. He pulls back and leaves a lingering kiss on her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too," she replied effortlessly. "Now let's get this show on the road, you don't want to be late."
Klaus grabbed his suit jacket from the bed and quickly threw it on and moved through the apartment to the door. Caroline paused just behind him, hands knotted in front of her and chewing her bottom lip. Her nerves were going haywire; she didn't like that she wasn't going with him.
"Are you sure you don't need me to come with you?" She questioned, pouting slightly.
Klaus reached out, his fingers tangling with hers while his other hand gripped the back of her neck. His thumb soothed her jaw, tugging her lip from her teeth. "You don't need to be in there, it's going to take hours and it won't be a pleasant environment. Stefan has your affidavit; it will be fine."
"But-"
He moved his hands to smooth down her hair and frame her face, forcing her to look up at him. "It won't be the place for you. Insults will be thrown around and it will take hours to come to a conclusion. It really will bore you. Besides, I called a few friends to keep you company."
Caroline visibly perked up, eyebrows raised in question. "You invited my friends over?"
Klaus smiled, "Only because I knew you would worry yourself sick the whole day."
"Thank you," she whispered, her heart melting at the thoughtful gesture. She rose up slightly on her toes and leaned in, giving him a quick kiss. "You should get going before your late."
Klaus pulled back, Caroline letting him go reluctantly. "I'll call you once everything's settled."
"Good luck," she said, seeing him off and out the door. Caroline closed it behind him after she watched him leave down the hall and disappearing around the corner. She really wanted to be with him and was close to going after him if it wasn't for three familiar voices floating up the halls.
When Katherine rounded the corner, Caroline broke out into a grin. Lexie and Bonnie were right behind her, the three pacing quickly to Caroline and enveloping her into a big group hug. Relief flooded through Caroline's body and suddenly she didn't feel so on edge anymore.
"I'm so glad you guys are here," she breathed out into the hug.
"We wouldn't be anywhere else," Bonnie replied, giving Caroline a one armed squeeze around the shoulders.
"Let's go inside, we have plans of margaritas and Sex And The City marathon to fulfill," Katherine said, pulling back and ending the hug. The other three girls shot her a look, to which Katherine quickly shot back, "virgin margaritas! Please, I know our Care-Bear can't have any alcohol."
"Oh, Caroline, you'll have to show us everything you've gotten so far for the baby," Lexie exclaimed.
"Yes, Care, show us," Bonnie said, gently leading Caroline back into the apartment.
The blonde just laughed, bringing her three best friends into the spare bedroom and soon to be nursery that was filled with boxes and shopping bags. Caroline sighed in relief, the day would be bearable now that she had her best friends for company to help ease the anxiety waiting always caused her.
Klaus met Stefan at the courthouse, the lawyer standing outside courtroom 'C', and off to the side. Klaus scanned the surrounding area as he approached, looking for Tatia, wanting to make sure she showed up; he wouldn't put it past her to refuse to come just to get back at him.
"Hey, man," Stefan said, extending his hand. Klaus quickly shook it, offering a smile and quick greeting. He seemed to notice how tense Klaus was and began to explain things once more. "So let's go through this one more time."
Klaus nodded, half distracted and still looking around the busy courthouse. Stefan followed his gaze, confused but went on, filling in his client. "It's only family court, so it will be a judge hearing the case, no jury. I'll be doing all the talking for your. Don't speak unless you are directly addressed by the judge. I have both Caroline's affidavit and Elijah should be here shortly to act as a witness."
"Right, and when this is all over Tatia and I will finally be divorced?"
"Yes, we have enough evidence that both you and she were unfaithful while married, thus cancelling out the clause in the prenuptial agreement. It's really all straightforward," Stefan answered.
Klaus nodded, he had limited knowledge of the law. He was at a loss but had the utmost faith in Stefan. "I wouldn't put it past Tatia, she likes to make things as dramatic as she can," Klaus grumbled under his breath. He turned slightly, looking around the room, no doubt trying to look for the woman. "She better be here on time. I'm not postponing this thing any longer."
"She'll be here, we're still a little early," Stefan tried reassuring him, but saw it fell on deaf ears.
"And where is my darling brother?" Klaus questioned, still looking around the court house.
A voice cleared from behind the group, drawing the attention of two sets of eyes. "Right here," Elijah answered, his voice uneasy.
Stefan felt the tension rolling off Klaus. He also noticed how he balled his fist and he scowled. His friend was obviously still angry at his brother. He held out his hand to the man, only knowing him through the few meetings they had leading up to the court date. "Hello, Elijah."
They shook hands, Elijah offering a smile and greeting. Elijah gave a slight nod to his brother, unsure what to do or say. Stefan pulled Elijah aside, too brief as he did Klaus, even though they've gone over it a few times in the weeks prior. He didn't want his client to lose this case, it was straightforward but one bad testimony and who knew what would happen. He was playing all his bases safe, and that included explaining that Elijah needed to tell the truth, no matter what.
Klaus looked down at the watch on his wrist, then back up at the entrance of the court house. Tatia still wasn't here and there was only five minutes until their hearing started. He knew how vindictive the bitch could be and just prayed that she showed up. He wanted this sham of a marriage over with, especially with the impending birth of his daughter drawing close.
The room had quieted down, many people being pulled into various court rooms. Theirs was running behind, something about an angry plaintiff throwing his shoe at thedefense. Klaus could feel his anger and blood pressure skyrocket with every second that passed and Tatia wasn't there.
Not a second later did the doors open and the sound of clicking heels echoed throughout the large open room, drawing the attention of the anxious group of three. Tatia strutted across the floor, dressed in a royal blue dress and black stiletto's, walking as if she were on the runway.
That didn't surprise Klaus, or even Elijah. What surprised them was the man that was trailing behind her. He was older than the two, salt and pepper hair, blue eyes and dressed in a designer suit. It was someone they knew all their lives. It was their father, Mikael Mikaelson.
Klaus moved forward to go question the two, angry that his father was helping defend the woman who was singularly trying to ruin his life, but Stefan held him back with a tight grip on his arm.
"You're not supposed to speak to him before the hearing," he said seriously, his brows furrowed.
Klaus went slack, no longer trying to get to the two who were talking a few feet away and sending glances over their shoulders. "What is he doing here with her?"
"I think he's her lawyer," Elijah answered confused, even though no one was talking to him.
Before anything could be said or discussed, the doors to court room 'C' opened and out filtered the defendant and plaintiff, followed by family members of each side. It was finally their time and hopefully within the next few hours everything would be settled.
"All rise for Judge Wilson," the bailiff said. A scraping of chairs and shuffles echoed throughout the small court room, everyone standing for the judge as he entered.
It was an older, tough looking man. He wore a stern expression, frown lines evident and dark beady eyes as he stared down at the occupants. Klaus stood beside Stefan behind a small table, Elijah behind him, waiting to be used as a witness. Tatia and Mikael stood at the table to the right of him. There was no crowd behind them like known to be on television.
Klaus noticed the malicious grin Mikael sent his way, his eyes darkening ever so slightly. Movement from in front of him caused him to snap his gaze up to the judge that had been handed the case file and sat down.
"Case number 433, on account of Tatiana Angelou versus Niklaus Mikaelson. Both have been sworn in, please have a seat," the bailiff announced, and with Elijah being the only one allowed to sit, sat down.
Judge Wilson looked up from the open file, and across at the four standing at their respected tables. The older man's attention was drawn to the table to the right, "Mr. Mikaelson, you are representing Tatiana Angelou?"
"Yes, your honour," Miklael replied, suddenly somber and serious.
"Please present your case."
Mikael straightened his posture ever so slightly, looking down at his client who was frowning and playing up the scorned wife. Klaus scoffed internally, rolling his eyes at his soon to be ex-wife, she was anything but innocent.
"My client, Tatiana Angelou agreed to sign the prenuptial agreement prior to their marriage to Niklaus Mikaelson before their marriage. There was one clause that stated they were held accountable for five years of marriage and if either party broke said clause they were entitled to pay out fifteen million. We are suing Niklaus Mikaelson for the affair he had with one Caroline Forbes, breaking the prenuptial agreement."
The judge nodded, taking in everything Mikael had to say before turning his attention over to the other table. "Mr. Salvatore, you may please present your case."
Klaus felt Stefan inhale and stood taller, looking up seriously at the judge. "My client, Niklaus, agrees to everything that Mr. Mikaelson has already stated. He agreed to having an affair with Ms. Forbes. However, we believe that Mrs. Angelou had an affair of her own with Elijah Mikaelson, who has offered to step up as a witness. We are suing Mrs. Angelou for a divorce, not the fifteen million."
Judge Wilson nodded, looking down to the file in hand. After a moment his gaze moved over towards the table on his left, the plaintiff, looking at Tatia, "Mrs. Angelou, what is your response to the claims that you had your affairs with Mr. Elijah Mikaelson?"
Klaus looked over to his right, seeing Tatia look down at her hands then over to him. Her eyes were big and watery, the edges of her lips tugging downward in a frown. She looked pathetic, her shoulders hunched and lip tugged between her teeth. Klaus held his breath, waiting for the damage she was about to inflict.
"I was a loving wife, your honour," she said as she looked back up to the judge. "I was often was working out of the country. I loved my husband, even when he was having sex with that whore."
"Mrs. Angelou, please refrain from using such language in my court room," the judge scolded, frowning at the woman.
Tatia sniffled, "I'm sorry, your honour."
The judge remained impartial, turning his attention to Klaus. "Mr. Mikaelson, you are willing to acknowledge the affair you had with a Caroline Forbes?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And there is an affidavit from Ms. Forbes giving her statement as well to the claims?" The judge questioned Stefan.
"Yes, your honour, I have it right here," Stefan replied.
"Please bring it to the bench."
Stefan grabbed the piece of paper with Caroline's statement on it from the pile of papers on the table in front of them. Klaus watched with bated breath as his lawyer stepped out from behind the table and up to the judge's bench and handed over the paper. Judge Wilson studied it, leaving the court room quiet and tense.
After a few moments, the judge nodded, "It appears Ms. Forbes has agreed with the claims of the affair and was a willing participant." Tatia smiled sadly while Mikael looked a little too happy about the fact of the ownership they were taking. "Mr. Salvatore, you claim to have evidence and a witness that leads to the affair Mrs. Angelou was said to have?"
"Yes, your honour. We have an affidavit from a witness of Tatia and Elijah's affair, but also have Elijah as a witness who can testify that the affair occurred," Stefan claimed, looking over to Eljiah who had been watching from the sidelines.
"This is your witness, Mr. Elijah Mikealson?" The judge asked, looking to the left of them, to a seated Elijah.
"Yes, Sir," Stefan replied."
"Mr. Elijah Mikealson, please step up to the table."
Elijah stood and shuffled from the chair to the table and stood beside Klaus. He was tense as he clenched and unclenched his hands at his sides, but remained stoic, something Klaus was thankful for. If anything, his brother was always professional and could handle any test that was set in front of him.
"Mr. Elijah Mikealson, you confirm the affair with Mrs. Angelou, the one that she denies?"
Elijah cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, your honour."
"May you please expand on the matter?"
"The first time that I had sex with Tatia was a few months after her wedding to my brother," he began, Klaus' eyes were staring holes into the side of his head. "We were both in London, I had a conference and she was there as well for work. Tatia asked to go to dinner one night to which I agreed to, it was after that dinner that we returned to my apartment and slept together."
He paused, gathering strength to explain the rest, and continued on, "She returned multiple times over the following months, promising each time that she loved me more than my brother and she wanted to be with me but we had to keep everything quiet. I agreed, but after the third month I broke it off."
The anger Klaus felt weeks ago had slowly dissipated but flared up at hearing the details of his brother's betrayal. Where was the family loyalty that Elijah was always ranting about? Or the morals he held so close?
"And this relationship you had with Mrs. Angelou was one of a sexual nature?"
"Yes, Sir," Elijah replied.
"The time from was approximately four months?" Judge Wilson questioned, looking down at the file which laid open in his hands.
"It was only three months."
"And both were willing participants?"
"Yes, your honour. I did not trick or force Tatia into a relationship or sex," Elijah responded, grimacing slightly at the question, but understand the necessity.
Judge Wilson nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Mikaelson, you may sit back down." Elijah moved back to the side and out of sight while the Judge turned to look over at the other table. "Mrs. Angelou, do you still hold your statement true that you did not have an affair with Mr. Elijah Mikaelson?"
Klaus watched as Tatia opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say. She looked helplessly up at Mikael who saw her helpless look and spoke up. "Your honour-"
"Mr. Mikealson, please let your client talk," the judge reprimanded, interrupting Mikael.
Tatia casted a look over at Klaus then past him to Elijah. She was backed into a corner. "I was always away for my job and during that time my husband was sleeping around, why does this have anything to do with me and if I had an affair?" she finally said, battering her doe eyes up at the judge.
"Objection!" Stefan yelled.
"On what terms, Mr. Salvatore?" The judge questioned, looking over to the lawyer.
"She didn't answer the question, she's just running in circles!" Stefan claimed, his voice raising with anger and frustration.
"I understand the claims we have just heard from Mr. Mikaelson," the judge replied before turning his attention back to Tatia. "May you please explain yourself, Mrs. Angelou?"
Tatia nodded eagerly. "I agree that I did go out for dinner with that night with Elijah but the next day I went away on business. I did keep in contact with him, he's my brother in law. I have been a loving wife to Niklaus, your honour. I was neglected by an emotionally unavailable man who punished me with his indifference," she began to sob loudly and seemed overwhelmed.
Judge Wilson casted glances at both parties, "Let's take a ten minute recess to allow Mrs. Anjelou to compose himself."
Klaus paced in front of Stefan and Elijah, "what is she doing? We're never going to win! She's playing the scorned housewife."
"The evidence is against her, we have witnesses," Stefan responded, reaching out and grabbed Klaus' arm and stopping him in place.
"I agree with Stefan," Elijah stated, standing from his perch on the arm of the chair. "We have her backed into a corner."
"We're in a stalemate!" Klaus yelled, glaring at his brother.
Stefan sighed, "Sit down and relax, this is an open and closed case."
Stefan pushed Klaus into the chair which Elijah had just vacated. The three were in a small room used for for the brief recess. Elijah moved to the far side with Stefan, talking quietly, no doubt about what they were planning on doing next.
He just wanted everything to be over with, to be divorced from Tatia and settled down with Caroline. Klaus stood from his chair, moving over to hear the plan that the other two were developing, determined to get rid of Tatia once and for all.
"We're fucked," she confessed, turning around and into Mikael. The older man crossed his arms and frowned. With brows furrowed, she knew he was deep in thought but pushed on. "With Elijah as a witness my credibility is shot to hell."
"This is all your fault," he accused, angry at the court process.
"How?"
"Because you couldn't keep your claws to yourself! You sunk them into my son; you were the one that messed this up. It was supposed to be Niklaus having the affair, not you as well. Did you not think about the consequences, Tatiana?" Mikael snarled.
She stepped away, taken back by his abrasive and intrusive manner, slightly scared.
"You knew the plan, I clearly explained it to you," Mikael snapped. Tatia went to turn her back on him but Mikael grabbed at her elbow, spinning her back around to face him. "Do not turn your back on me," he growled. "You're the one who spreads her legs to any man that walks by. Now I have to fix this and you're in all the way to the end."
"Then what do we do now?" She sounded weak but she needed a way out of this mess she made. She knew it was her fault, she just needed Mikael to come up with another plan. "Just help me get out of this, please," she whispered, closing the distance and bringing her hand up to his cheek.
Mikael locked his grip around her wrist, pulling her hand away from his face. "Continue the act, you're the loving wife who would never cheat on her husband."
"But that's against the law," she shrunk away from his grip, not liking where he was going with things. "The only way to get out of this mess is to confess to everything."
"I will not give up, not when we're so close," Mikael argued, his voice punishing and angry.
She wanted to trust him, to play the role she was given but she was smarter than that. She knew the odds weren't in her favour, knew her wrongs were displayed in there earlier. There was no way she was getting out of the mess she created, so why didn't Mikael understand?
"I should confess," she said quietly, not able to meet his eyes.
Mikael closed the remaining distance between them, looking down his nose at her. "You will do no such thing. Play the role you were given and get us that money."
She shrunk away from him, needing to put the distance between them. She had never seen him this mad. The way he was acting, ruthless and cut-throat, scared her slightly.
He reached out, softly cupping her cheek, his demeanor changed significantly as he let go of the anger. "We'll get through this war, Tatiana, trust me."
She nodded weakly, "Okay."
The same procedures were repeated with the judge returning to his bench while everyone stood. The older man opened the case file, quickly scanning before addressing the room. "Are we ready to continue? Mr. Mikaelson? Mr. Salvatore?"
"Yes, your honour."
Both sides responded.
"Yes, Sir, we support our statement made earlier."
The Judge straightened and shuffled around his papers before folding his hands and staring down at the two parties. "Is there any additional evidence that either party would like to review?"
Tatia looked around the courthouse, seeing Elijah staring at her confused and hurt appearing. Klaus looked angry. Mikael stood beside her smug, thinking he was still going to win this battle of wills.
She knew differently. If she kept up this act it would be her that went to jail, she would be ruining her life all because this man told her to do as he said. It was Mikael that wanted revenge on his son, not her. She couldn't see the outcome favoring her in anyway unless she confessed to everything.
She messed it up and she was going to right it again. This wasn't her fight anymore.
Tatia looked up at the judge, clearing her throat and bringing the attention of the occupants to her attention. "Your honor, I would like to recant my statement."
"What are you doing?" Mikael hissed, grabbing her wrist and turning her towards him roughly.
Judge Wilson rubbed his forehead, "So you did have an affair with Mr. Elijah Mikaelson."
"Yes, your honour," Tatia replied and at the same time Mikael spoke.
"No, your honour," he said, casting a side glance down at her, his grip tightening on her arm.
The judge raised his eyebrows and stared down at the two causing the commotion, "Would you two please get your story straight, will you be accounting for the affair or do you still hold you testimony of denial of the affair."
Tatia yanked her arm free from his grip. "I admit to it all. I had an affair with Elijah Mikaelson while I was married to Niklaus Mikaelson. I felt neglected and abandoned."
"You're giving up," he hissed.
She turned to him, "This is your fight not mine."
Klaus watched as his father squirmed, losing his grip and control of the situation. He glanced all around the room, looking for his answer or another way out of the mess they created. He looked over to Tatia, the woman was surprisingly calm as Mikael grew angry.
Klaus smiled, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders.
The judge remained impassive and Klaus couldn't tell what his ruling would be until he spoke, "I've made a decision. I hereby declare this divorce procedure as final. The prenuptial agreement is void, neither party owes any fees to the other. I advise a session with a mediator to separate assets acquired during the duration of the marriage evenly as they are not included in the prenuptual agreement. Court is adjourned." With a final hit of the gavel in the judge's hand, it was all over.
Klaus relaxed, sighing in relief. It was all over, the signing of the divorce would follow and he would gladly give any assets up just to speed things along. He didn't want to deal with that woman any longer.
Stefan squeezes his shoulder and leads him out of the courtroom, Elijah behind them. "It's over," his lawyer and friend whispered into his ear.
Klaus couldn't help but smile, the worst was over. Now he could concentrate on Caroline and his daughter. He wanted to hurry and get home to the family that waited for him.
A/N: so what did you think?