Hello readers,

The second chapter is here and so is a glimpse of our hero. This chapter is long and has new characters. So, read it, enjoy it, and do not forget to review it.

I do not own TVD or any of it's characters, but this story is my own.

The Mikaelson Publishing House was a big name in the publishing industry. The company was basically owned by the Mikaelson family, but everyone talked about the the wonder twins, Elijah and Niklaus Mikaelson, though the latter was younger by a few minutes, he was more domineering than his older twin. Elijah Mikaelson was known for his calm and calculative nature, whereas Niklaus was more shrewd and hot headed, but both of them handled the reigns of the company with such charisma that anyone, who would ever think of fooling them, would in turn become the biggest loser himself, both figuratively and literally.

Having heard so much about them, I was quite nervous as well as extremely eager to meet them. It took me almost half an hour to reach the company headquarters. I slowed down in front of the building and looked up at the architectural masterpiece that was ten floors high. It was captivating, how the glass structure reflected the blue skies with tufts of white clouds scattered all along it. Though Mystic Falls was a small town, standing in front of this building made me feel like I was walking around a city, where there are multi-storeyed buildings everywhere. As magnificent as it was, I kept thinking that if the building is this intimidating, how would the people who work inside it, be like?

Without much ado, I went ahead and parked my car in the basement and thanked the universe because this building was a wheelchair friendly zone. Then, I quickly made my way towards the elevator and pressed the button. The lift arrived, the man in-charge nodded at me courteously and asked, where was it that I wanted to go. So, I told him about my interview with Mr. Elijah Mikaelson and he led me to the fifth floor. After a few seconds, we reached the destination and I realized why the Mikaelson Publishing House was such a monumentally successful company. If I had thought that the exterior appearance of the building was enthralling, then the interior design was was not at all a regular office scene, with boring white walls, tiny cubicles and people walking around in hurry. Here the walls were abstractly colored, nothing too overwhelming, there were no cubicles but scattered tables with people hovering over them. Some working in groups, others by themselves, it was a very cordial and relaxed atmosphere. The people too looked very amiable and easygoing, this intrigued me more to meet the people behind it all.

Moving forward, I noticed a neatly organised reception desk and went closer, a girl looked at me from behind the desk, "Welcome to the Mikaelson Publishing House. How may I help you?" she asked with a genuine smile. I knew that she must say that same line fifty times every day, but she didn't look irritated or bored at all, instead I felt a little relaxed when I returned her smile, I quickly checked her name-tag and told her, "Thank you Sophie. Actually, I have an appointment with Mr. Elijah Mikaelson regarding an interview for the post of junior editor, scheduled at 10:00 a.m." Sophie nodded and made a call, then she told me to wait for a while because Mr. Mikaelson was not in his office.

I waited by the glass door which had Elijah Mikaelson's name on it. My accident, together with my disability, had made me learn quite a lot about patience, but today, I was too excited to wait. It had been very long since I had had a professional life and I was totally ready to dive headfirst into my new line of work. I repetitively checked my watch, but there was still a little more time to spare. So, I picked up the latest magazine from the nearby table and started to go through it. The familiar faces of the gorgeous cover girls did nothing for me today, because I knew, first hand, how fake these shoots were behind the lens and also because, I wanted to let go of my past and start a new chapter in my life, and holding grudges would prove to be, just the opposite of it.

Just then, I felt someone coming towards me, looking up I saw an a man smiling at me, he was tall and slender, with brownish hair that was back brushed and a charming face that surely attracted some attention. It seemed a bit weird, I mean, he was a total stranger to me, I didn't know how to react, so, I pursed my lips together and gave him a grim smile back. One thing that I was sure about was, this was not the man I was waiting for. Before I could say something he spoke, extending his hand, "Hi, I am Kai Parker. Sorry for interrupting, but I think I have seen you somewhere", he said with his finger pointed at me and eyebrows furrowed. That was a thing which I heard a lot. In Mystic Falls, all the people knew each other. Earlier it was okay, people who claimed to have seen me, got excited and looked at me with appreciation in their eyes, when they recalled why I seemed familiar. That used to make my day, seeing that I could make someone smile. But nowadays, whenever someone told me this, they looked at me with pitiful eyes and painful expressions and it was so disturbing.

I shrugged and shook his hand introducing myself. He continued speaking and I thought to myself, if this would pass time faster, then be it. "Are you waiting for Mr. Mikaelson? Oh, how silly of me, of course you are." He said out loud shaking his head and laughing. I couldn't help myself and told him that I was waiting to be interviewed and hoping it goes well. "Don't worry, Elena, you will be fine. I mean, who will ever say no to such a pretty girl like you." It was a compliment but it felt strange. I stopped myself from saying something sarcastic and forced a fake smile, after all I had not even had my interview yet, and I didn't want to sabotage my position in this company already, by doing something that I would regret later. When Kai left, I rebuked myself in my head, for letting such a harmless compliment get on my nerves.

My thoughts were halted when Sophie called my name and told me that it was time, she opened the door to Mr. Mikaelson's office and let me in. The room was very simplistic, furniture was minimal and decor had a very classic touch. I was looking around, when the man himself walked past me and stood behind the neatly kept wooden desk. If the office was casual, this man was just the opposite of it. He was dressed in an elegant suit and tie, that looked straight out of a designer's collection. With a hint of a smile, he extended his hand towards me and said, "Hello Miss Gilbert, welcome to Mikaelson Publishing House." I greeted him with a nod and smiled, "Thank you Mr. Mikaelson, it's a pleasure to meet you." He was truly enigmatic, his stance radiated confidence and expression oozed out poise and debonair.

So, tell me something about yourself, Miss. Gilbert." he said gazing at me, his hands folded on the table. It felt good, that some people did not have a preconceived prejudice for my physical limitations. Of course, I didn't know what they thought about me, but at least, I was not looked at with biased eyes. So I took a deep breath and said, "My name is Elena Gilbert, I am 25 years old. After graduating from Mystic Falls High School, I went to Whitmore College, where I studied journalism. During school and college, I participated in different competitions and pageants and secured a position in most. For the last three years, I worked hard and pursued a career in modelling, but last year I was in an accident and when I woke up I couldn't walk anymore. So, by the time I was ready to go back into my work, none of my previous employers wanted to work with a 'disabled' person like me. That was when I decided, that I didn't want to be a part of something that does not have any respect for me. Thus, here I am." I blew out a breath and waited for him to respond.

Then he leaned back on his chair and asked me, "So why did you decide to change your career completely? What makes you think you are ready for this job?" I had expected him to ask this question, and I wanted to be clear about my intentions, so without hesitating I told him that, "Actually, I always wanted to be a writer. But when I finished college, I got some modeling contracts because i had won the title of Miss Mystic Falls, 2012 and I accepted them, that led me into a completely different career. But now I want to give my life a second chance and want to fulfill my dream. As for why I am suitable for this job, it is because I love to write, it is my passion. From a very young age, I love to express myself through writing and to be honest, it has helped me so much throughout everything. Writing has been extremely therapeutic for me and I can see myself going somewhere with this job. I think, it will give me positive exposure and a proper guidance to enhance my writing skills. And of course, I will be lucky to learn from the best."

Saying all this out loud, made me feel at ease. I was satisfied with my answer but Mr. Elijah Mikaelson's face was inscrutable, it seemed as if he was trying to read me or get a hint of my inner thoughts. Then suddenly, he asked me a question that I would never have imagined him to ask, "Do you regret it?" I was unsure about what to say, so, I lifted my eyebrows and looked at him expectantly, to simplify the question. He sat up straight in his chair, then looking directly at me with unreadable yet somewhat earnest eyes, continued, "Do you regret your accident Miss. Gilbert? Do you regret your physical disability or losing your successful career or maybe something more personal?"

I was caught unguarded by his question, but tried my best to keep myself composed. I didn't want to delve into too many personal details, but I had to be honest, so I said, "No, I don't regret losing my career, neither my physical limitations nor my accident. But yes, I would have accepted the same fate a hundred more times if my parents were still with me. I lost them that day and would do anything to change that. No other hardship matters that much, as losing the people without whom you cannot imagine your life. So, I do not regret anything, but losing my parents." Talking about that day was always hard, but i didn't let my tears fall.

Were his eyes glistening or was it me who was assuming it? It was a while before he cleared his throat and blinked a few times. Then he got up from his chair and poured some water into a glass and offered it to me. I was sniffling a little, even my throat felt dry after the conversation, so I quickly accepted the glass and emptied it's contents. When I looked up, I saw Mr. Mikaelson staring outside a glass window with a faraway look on his face, the poised look had given away and was replaced by a somber expression that made me imagine about the kind of things he was recollecting or maybe experiencing himself. I suddenly felt an urge to console him, but he would be my boss if everything would go alright, and that made me forget everything else. Once again, I was becoming nervous and impatient.

Initially, I waited for him to speak, after sometime when he still didn't move, I called him, "Mr. Mikaelson?"(No response)"Excuse me, Sir?" (Not even a little movement) I was getting worried and desperate, so I shrugged off any sense and called him by his name, "Elijah?" Shit, he turned towards me, eyes wide and lips parted as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words. I looked down ashamed at my own stupidity, I mean who calls their interviewer by their first name? Ugh...Elena,you are such a blabbering idiot. I chided myself, biting my lip and clenching my hands on my lap. I was sure of having ruined any chance of getting the position at this company. That was when he walked towards me. I was still looking down and could see his shoes, they were hand-stitched, black leather, probably a thousand dollars worth dress shoes, it made me wonder how amazing it felt to always wear designer clothes and shoes, but now I would be lucky even if this man gave me a job. Ugh.. God I'm so dumb.

"So, when would you like to join Miss. Gilbert?" My line of thoughts were immediately broken off. I lifted my head and looked at him with a slightly shocked expression, "Really, do you mean I got the job?" He nodded, his lips pursed but curled at the ends and I understood that was what Elijah Mikaelson looked like when he smiled. I was so happy, "Thank you Mr. Mikaelson, I assure you, you will never find a reason to regret your decision". We shook hands on this, there were tears in my eyes and I was grinning like a fool. Then I turned my wheelchair back and was going to leave, but I looked back and asked him, when should I join, he told me to start from next week. I smiled and nodded and went out thanking him again.

Leaving Mr. Mikaelson's office, I headed towards the lift. I smiled at Sophie, who returned it and congratulated me on getting the job. Yes, I would work as a junior editor, it was not much but this was just the start, I was happy to have a job. This may sound silly, but one year of not having a job, somewhat breaks down one's confidence, moreover, it felt great because of the fact that I would be independent once more. Just then, the lift arrived and I entered it, telling the lift man to take us to the basement. On reaching, I thanked him and went out. I started towards my car but suddenly I heard someone call my name from the back, I turned and saw Kai Parker approaching towards me. Wondering what it was that he had to say to me, I gazed at him curiously, "Yes? Mr. Parker." He grinned at me, congratulating me. "I just heard that you were appointed as the new junior editor, so I thought about congratulating you personally."

"Thank you, but it was totally unnecessary, you could have done that next week, when I will start working here." I said. "No, it's not a big deal and must I say that, it will be my pleasure, that I will get to work with you, the face of Glam magazine, am i right?" I nodded slightly and said,"Yeah, but that was in the past. Now, I will work for the Mikaelson Publishing House." To that he gave me a lazy grin," Yes, we will work together, so see you on Monday and please call me Kai." He said giving me a flirty look. It was kind of bemusing, he had not done anything wrong, but also, he would be my colleague after a few days, so wasn't it better to maintain a formal relationship? Maybe I was over thinking, maybe it was just a way of him welcoming me and there was no harm in being friends, right? So I smiled and told him, " See you on Monday. Thanks and goodbye."

After this, I proceeded towards my car, unlocked it, the back door opened and I was just going to move inside that I heard some one speaking in a loud voice. I looked back, thinking it was Kai Parker again, but this time, there was someone else with him. From my position, it looked as if they were having a heated argument, Kai was looking almost afraid, and the other man, whose back was turned towards me, was speaking animatedly. I could see him pointing towards Kai, his finger almost touching the latter's chest, I couldn't make out what they were saying, just some words that didn't make a lot of sense, cause they were mostly swearing at each other. Suddenly, the other man caught Kai's collar and started saying something in a low voice. Kai's face looked completely drained of any color, he was holding the wrists of this man, trying to free himself and apologizing for something. I didn't know what to do. Should I go ahead and help Kai? I mean, I didn't even know what was happening? Who was this man and what did he want? Was he a goon or a mobster?

But, it was not like his head was covered or anything, I could see his black hair that was mostly ruffled and sticking out in a disheveled manner, he was almost as tall as Kai and was literally towering over him, clad in all black from head to toe. His arms looked muscular, the pale of his skin completely in contrast to the black clothes he was wearing. Yes, this man sure looked like a mobster from the back, most probably a vampire, I wouldn't be surprised if he had fangs when he turned around. I always fantasized about vampires when I was a teenager...Okay Elena, concentrate! I had to do something, wasn't being a passive onlooker in a crime scene, also considered a crime? Going there would take too much time, that's why I shouted, "Hey, leave him alone!"

Both of them looked alarmed, Kai looked in my direction, almost as if, he had completely forgotten about my existence and the other man had stiffened, he slightly turned his face, I still couldn't see him properly, just maybe an angular jawline? Then he said something in a hushed tone and left Kai's collar but didn't move away. Why wasn't he leaving? Should I go near them? What if he attacks me too? I gulped and started moving towards them, but no sooner had I started to move that he walked away, he was going in the other direction, towards the far end of the basement and that was completely dark. Now if he turned around, then also, I wouldn't be able to see him, so I didn't care to look for him anymore, I headed to where Kai was standing, "Are you okay? What happened? Who was that man? What did he want?" I asked on reaching him. "I am fine, and you should leave." He said and turning around, went into the elevator. I kept looking at the elevator for some time, I took me a few seconds to understand what had happened. Didn't I just save him from a vamp... a bad guy? What did he mean by I should leave? Didn't he think that I owed some explanation?

I pinched my eyebrows together and was thinking about all this, when I heard a car door closing in the far end of the basement. It sent chills down my back, Shit! the other man was still here, how did I forget that? Oh God, I needed to run, but of course that wasn't possible, so I quickly turned around and sped my wheelchair to the car. I didn't even look back, just went inside my car and locked the door. I adjusted my wheelchair into the driver's position, and as I was putting the key in, to start the car, when I heard the roar of another engine and felt it coming closer. So, I didn't move, neither did i turn on the ignition. I thought to myself, let him go then I will go out, I was sure he didn't know which car was mine. Within seconds, I could see a light blue car coming from the far end. Do mobsters use these kind of classic cars nowadays? Whatever, I just wanted him to leave, but when he slowed down in front of my car, I knew it wasn't going to happen. I felt cold sweat on my forehead and back, goose bumps on my skin and my throat felt dry. I couldn't see anything through the black glass of the fancy car, it was gorgeous, maybe that would be the last, beautiful thing I would see before I die.

Was he looking at me, was a gun pointed at me? Why couldn't this be over? All these questions kept popping up in my head, so, instead of sitting idle, I thought of something. If he was going to take help of the darkness, I was going to do the opposite. Placing my fingers on the key, I turned on the ignition, immediately the headlights of my car switched on, and in mere seconds the other car whooshed out of the basement. But, I didn't know whether to be happy or sad because those two or three seconds had changed my life forever, I had caught a glimpse of the most stunning man I had ever seen in my life, and that had etched the deepest mark on my heart.

I leaned back on my wheelchair, closed my eyes and breathed deeply. This was not a dream, cause those striking blue eyes were not one that I could imagine or ever forget. How could a man with such a good looking face be a mobster? If indeed he was one, then why did he stop to look at me or why did he spare me? Would I ever meet him again? I didn't know the answer to all these questions or what had happened between them, Kai and the mystery man, so I thought that it was useless to keep pondering over it. Clearing my head, I drove off. As I left the company premises, I had a smile plastered on my face. Neither could I forget 'him' nor could I wait to share the news, of me getting the job, with Jenna, Jeremy and Bonnie.

My family would be so happy, the last year was not only hard for me but them too. Finally, everything would be like before, I wish my parents could be with us, but wherever they were, they would be proud of me. Shaking my head, I concentrated on the drive, the day was still sunny, but the weather was cool. Sometimes, the wind was making me shiver, it made me think about the beautiful and dangerous man whom I may never see again, but nothing could curb the amount of excitement I was feeling. My therapist had always told me about taking one step at a time and getting the job was surely the first step towards a better future. So, I was eagerly waiting for what would follow next.

Did you like it? Go ahead and write a review. :)

Okay, so, I have decided to post a new chapter in every three or four days, but I am still writing, so, can't make any promises for later. Let's see where it goes.