A/N: Sorry for the very long wait, I will try to update this story weekly but really I think every other week is what will happen.

Thanks to all who have reviewed and commented as well as those who follow and favored this story. I don't own any of the characters, they belong to TVD/TO.

Happy reading everyone….

World's Apart

Chapter 14

"I can't believe it, I'm in Paris" Caroline was twirling around the lavish hotel penthouse that she and Klaus had checked-in. Klaus was content to watch her as he leaned against the bedroom door. The innocence and sparkle of happiness she exuded at that very moment had him again thanking the Gods for bringing her into his life. The darkness and dread that usually surrounded him now held flashes of light. Everytime she was with him, she brought her sunshine with her and it shine around him, consuming some of the darkness around him. He once again promised himself he would do everything in his power to keep her safe, preserve her light and show her how much she meant to him. Bringing her to this city of love was just the first step.

He walked toward her light capturing her and swinging her around before lowering her eye level to him. "We have four days here love, I will show you the best the city can offer, only the best for you, my Caroline."

Caroline bit her lip, cringed her nose as if willing herself some courage for what she was preparing to say. "Ummm, I know you probably had all the museums, restaurants, sites planned out without sparing any expense. But….."

Klaus frowned, "but…" he encouraged her.

"Can we try this my way?"

Klaus raised a brow, "your way?"

Caroline grinned sheepishly, "I kinda want to discover Paris the way any ordinary tourist would. Exploring the city and every nook and corner by the usual standards, walking, taking the hop-on hop-off tour or even by hiring a vespa bike."

Klaus was confused, "why would you like to discover Paris like anyone else when you can have Paris at your feet, everything beautiful about Paris as only a few privileged can enjoy."

Caroline lost her smile a bit and exhaled, 'ok, what do you have planned. I'm sorry, let's do what you planned."

And the moment he saw Caroline deflated, he gave in to her, as he always will. He embraced Caroline once again and kissed her forehead, "fine, let's do it your way. If you want to experience Paris as a peasant and pauper, let it be."

Caroline smacked Klaus' chest, "hey, I want to have the tourist experience. After all that's what I am, just an ordinary tourist experiencing Paris."

Klaus shook his head, "there is nothing ordinary about you."

"Long time no see, mate!" Enzo patted Damon on the shoulder.

At seeing Enzo for the first time in years, Damon stood up to give him an enthusiastic bro-hug, "I missed my drinking buddy," signaling the bartender for a round of bourbon. They had earlier agreed to meet at a bar Damon hangs out regularly.

"Little brother joining us?" Enzo asked.

Damon shook his head, "not your greatest fan, that brother of mine. Besides, we need our time alone, much to discuss," as the bartender handed them their drinks, Damon proceeded to lead Enzo to a booth near the back of the bar.

After settling down Enzo inquired, "so what have you gotten yourself into this time."

Damon smirked, "you know me too well, I'm in a bit of a bind. I may need your expertise on a matter."

Enzo quirked an eyebrow, "so you call me, from the other side of the world to come here, be at your beck and call, so I can be your wingman," pointing at Damon, "just like old times."

"Don't you have anything better to do than just sit here, don't you have a business to run?" Bonnie asked pointedly.

"Ah Bonnie love, I have been neck-deep in running the business in my brothers absence, for the first time my brother had deemed it his priority to be tour-guide to your friend. Your friend has made my brother quite sappy," Kol said smiling.

"Well I for one find it quite romantic to be whisked away and shown the world. It's every girls dream. I'm happy for Caroline, she deserves it." Bonnie rejoined.

Kol tilted his head, looking at her deeply, "so Bonnie love, is that a hint, because it's not subtle at all. Tell me, where would you want me to take you?"

Bonnie scoffed rolling her eyes, "there really isn't any romantic bone in you, is there?"

Kol frowned, "I'm trying here, give me a break!"

Bonnie once again rolled her eyes before marching away muttering, "unbelievable."

Elijah had been busy with in his office, reviewing the documents of his late wife, Haley. It took three rings before answering his phone, he stoically accepted the information relayed to him and agreed to meet with the person on the other line for lunch the next day.

After putting the phone down, Elijah allowed himself to ponder for a moment, he had concluded all pending matters in relation to Haley's estate the day before making him officially the owner of her assets, trust fund and stake in the Marshall-Salvatore partnership, 20% of the partnership pending no legal contests, is now officially owned by him. Just a few minutes ago, Silas Marshall's legal counsel had informed him of Silas' passing, having not recovered from his coma. As the official next of kin, Silas' legal team was now to coordinate with him regarding Silas' will which was to be the subject tomorrow.

Elijah had also gotten wind of a quiet negotiation going on between Salvatore and Markos, another competitor, although a lesser one, of the Mikaelsons. Salvatore according to the whispers was looking to liquidate majority of his assets to Markos as a way of cutting his ties with Silas. It was being done while Silas was still in ICU.

He opened three folders which he had pushed to the side of his table, this time taking time out to read through the details of the files, Damon Salvatore, Markos and Enzo. He rubbed the back of his neck knowing it was going to be a long night for him, he was sure to have a long battle ahead, but the light at the end of the tunnel for him was the possibility of gaining majority foothold on the empire that was the second largest after the Mikaelsons. He pinched the tip of his nose and straightened his shoulders, it was going to be a very long night indeed.

Klaus has sitting on the open air hop-on, hop-off tour bus with Caroline having a surprising good time. Not only was he elated by the developments that Elijah had updated him on, tempted for a split second to cut his European vacation and immediately fly back home, but only for a split-second. How could he even entertain the thought, to say that his 'peasant' experience viewing Paris was not as awful as he had thought it would be. Of course, this was 100% only because of the company he had with him, if an award were to be given out for the most enthusiastic tourist ever, Ms. Caroline Forbes would have won it hands done. Her infectious excitement had him going along with everything she wanted. So far he had spent a hour in the bus being all 'touristy' armed with her I-Phone he played the dutiful 'boyfriend' taking pictures of her, with her, even learning what a 'selfie' was, the things she made him do. But he was sufficiently rewarded with her smiles, and her hugs, and her kisses, who was he to complain. Caroline Forbes really was going to be the death of him.

They had been in Paris for all of three days and two nights, and today was the visit to the Eiffel Tower, an adventure she was looking forward to. So excited she was that she had allowed him to finally use some of his money and influence to get them in front of the massive line of tourists. As they reached the viewing deck, he couldn't help but watch her face as it lit up taking in everything. When she threw her arms around his neck suddenly to kiss him, he had frozen for a moment before he returned her kisses with fervor. As Caroline stepped back from him she looked into his eyes and said, "Niklaus Mikaelson, I love you as I have never loved anyone else. Thank you for bringing me here, I love it!"

Klaus smiled widely, "it's my pleasure, Ms. Forbes. This won't be our last trip, this is the first of many more."

Caroline's eyes started to water as she once again embraced Klaus. "I'm almost sad that we have to go back home tomorrow. I will never forget this."

He reached into his coat pocket and took out a small velvet box handing it to her. Caroline took it looking at Klaus and down at the box, "what's this for?"

Klaus smiled, "for you, to remind you of our first adventure together."

Caroline opened the box slowly and saw a bracelet chain. As she lifted it, she noticed it had but one dangling ornament. It was the Eiffel Tower. Looking up back at Klaus she saw him shrug before saying, "to remind you of the places we will visit together. This is just the first one. Everytime we visit a new place, I will add an ornament into the bracelet."

Caroline jumped into Klaus arms, "I love you!"

Klaus kissed her temple, "I love you too sweetheart."

"Someone must love me down there," Damon had muttered to Enzo. "Seems that Silas has died on us," reading the text on his phone.

"So what's the plan now, mate?" Enzo asked.

Damon shook his head before gulping his drink straight up, "apparently my new partner and majority owner is Elijah Mikaelson. I have to sitdown with him to discuss the investors concerns," scoffing, "I've accomplished what my father never wanted to happen ever, I'm in bed with the Mikaelsons and I can't do anything about it," throwing his glass into the fireplace. "Well, at least I still have the publishing group, my brother will be so proud of me."

Enzo tried to cheer his friend up, "come on mate, I think we need a distraction."

Damon exhaled frustrated, "I really wish I could, but I have to get ready, business dinner with Mikaelson," pointing at Enzo, you are coming with me."

Enzo laughed, "I don't think so mate, I have better things to do with my time."

"I think you forget that I hired you as my right hand man, therefore where I go, you go. This is your first official assignment. Oh and by the way," glancing at Enzo's casual outfit, "wear something businessy, we'd want them to take you seriously."

Enzo rolled his eyes, "the things I do for you. You used to be more fun."

Damon placed his arm on his friends' shoulder, "come on, we can have all the fun you want after the meeting."

Elijah, Kol and Klaus were all in Klaus' study in the Mansion where they had been discussing the events of the last few days. Elijah sat down nursing a drink on his hand, "you should go with me brother, the better for us to show some force."

Klaus was pouring himself a drink, "I think Kol should go with you, it would send a better message. After all, we have already agreed that we should take our time aligning the new acquisitions. Me being there with you contradicts this. I will remain running the main Mikaelson Empire, you brother," pointing at Elijah, "shall be running our new acquisitions and supervising the mergers. Kol's presence would be ideal as he is known as our enforcer, to protect our family interests."

Elijah stood up and Klaus approached him to stretching one arm out as a handshake while the other grabbed his brothers' shoulder, "I bid you good luck brother, know that I am always with you." Turning to Kol, "Kol, I trust your part has been taken cared off?" Klaus got a nod from Kol to signify that indeed it has.

A knock on the door brought Klaus' attention to his watch, "I on the other hand have dinner with Mother and Caroline. I guess I get the better end of dinner companions tonight."

"Elijah," Damon laconically stated.

"Mr. Salvatore," Elijah countered, "have you met my brother Kol."

Damon smirked, "how could I not when we constantly end up in the same tussles so many times, women, can't live with them, can't live without them. I trust you've been getting into the same old, same old entanglements," asking Kol.

"Ah Damon, I didn't miss you at all. And who might this one be," referring to Enzo.

Damon glanced at Enzo, "this is my friend Enzo, Enzo meet Elijah and Kol Mikaelson."

Elijah eyed Enzo, "this is a private matter between us Mr. Salvatore, I had hoped you had understood that."

Damon leered at Elijah, "Enzo here is my business adviser and partner, since my brother couldn't make it, I brought the next best thing, someone I trusted explicitly with my business interests. Shall we proceed then, I don't want to waste the night away with you both as company," referring to the Mikaelson brothers.

Klaus had entered the dining hall a few minutes after his brothers had departed. The welcome sight that greeted him had Caroline comfortably seated across from his Mother both of them smiling as Caroline had obviously been detailing her Paris experience to his Mother maybe sharing unnecessary information as to how she had convinced Klaus to do the things she had made him do. Sometimes he wanted to roll his eyes at the way he would let her get away way a lot of things. He never really wanted his Mother to think he was softening up when her whole impression of him was so different from what he had now become when Caroline had entered his life. But he also noticed his Mother's not so subtle approval of Caroline.

As he stepped deeper into the room, he was finally noticed by Caroline who gave him a very loving smile. He went to his Mother first to give her a peck on the cheek before proceeding to Caroline to give her a lingering kiss on the lips finally letting go to take a seat at the head of the table.

"So I take it my reputation as a dangerous and scary businessman has been tattered to shreds? You made me out as some sappy dog following after you're every whim?" Klaus asked smiling at her to let her know it was fine with him.

Caroline clasped Klaus hand that rested on top of the table, "I had the best time ever in Paris. I was telling your Mother how I loved it there and how loved you made me feel."

Klaus smirked, "I aim to please Ms. Forbes, just say the word and we will be back in Paris in no time," lifting her hand to kiss.

Esther had been gazing lovingly at her son then back to Caroline although out dinner, she almost wanted to shed a tear as she witness the obvious love shared between them. She had hoped her sons would find love someday, especially her Niklaus. Out of all her sons he was the one who was the most unlikely to find love because he never truly believed in it. This was a very different Niklaus in front of her, but a better one. She hoped that they would progress to the next level of their relationship very soon, Caroline was perfect not only for her Niklaus, but also for the family. She was the anchor that they all needed, the heart that they had all lacked previously. So she thought she would create a little mischief, she was after all his Mother, he would forgive her, thank her even one day for the push.

As Esther took a last sip from her wine before she uttered, "so son, I am not getting any younger. My arms are more than ready for a little one."

Caroline who had also drank a sip choked on her drink and started to cough uncontrollably. Klaus glared at his Mother before standing up to sooth her and rub her back.

Esther was unfaced as she continued, "it's nice to have little ones while you are nice enough to enjoy them. This house use to have so much laughter, it's time it's filled with a child's laughter once again." She stood up to kiss the cheek of her son then do the same with Caroline, "I am sorry my dear, I had no intention to make you choke on your drink. I just think my son couldn't do any better than you. Truth be told your presence here in this house has been very welcome, and I already look to you as my daughter. I just wanted my son to know that I approve," squeezing her sons hand before excusing herself.

Klaus helped Caroline up from her chair before saying, "excuse my Mother, I've honestly never seen her be so…," lost for words, he just smiled sheepishly at her.

They had retired into their bedroom soon after, but the words of his Mother never left him. If he were really honest with himself, he had thought about proposing to her at least twice already. His Mother was right, he could do any better than his Caroline. He was blessed that she had sincerely loved him back, no matter that he wasn't the ideal man she deserved.

Although he had never seriously thought about it before Caroline had entered his life, marriage was always an eventuality for him and his siblings if only to make sure the next generation was there to take over the empire they have built for generations. But whereas before he thought of it was a business arrangement or even a chore, he now had visions of a happy family life, one that had Caroline as if wife by his side and children, lots of them, as many as Caroline was willing to give him. The symbol of their love for one another.

Maybe she may think it was too soon, she was after all a bit younger than him. But she was it for him, the sooner he put a ring on in and placed a child in her, the better his life was to be. So as Caroline lay in his arms that night after being sated again and again, his thoughts focused on how he was to propose. He was after all Niklaus Mikaelson, nothing simple for her although she would always argue simple was always best for her. And he had the perfect moment for when he would propose, her birthday was coming up in three weeks. He had three weeks to plan for the perfect proposal. He had to take care of everything personally, he knew she appreciated it more if he did it himself rather than have the preparations taken-cared of by his minions. So he closed it eyes to finally succumb to sleep with a smile on his face.

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