TOO LATE...
- Five.
Bonnie had managed to reschedule her session.
She was waiting in the consulting room. Looking at the clock on the wall, five minutes... five minutes ago she was must have started her session. Bonnie was anxious and impatient.
Now, sitting trying to put all her attention to a magazine. She could not control the movement of her foot against the wooden floor.
Apparently, the latest fashion scream was not all that interesting after all, she thought with boredom.
All the events of the past few days had affected her in some way.
Bonnie had been unable to fall asleep for several nights, and she had said nothing to anyone. She simply did not want to be forced to use sleep medications, or worse, antidepressants. The last thing she wanted was to become dependent on those medicaments, again…. Bonnie did her best to maintain a state of control. The trainings with Emily and Lucy had helped her.
The fact of knowing that the marriage would be done with total discretion was a big relief for her... There would be no engagement party, no bachelorette parties, much less a honeymoon... Thank God...
But something was troubling her, something she had not considered. And for the expression on her fiancé's face at dinner. He had not deduced it either. And that was precisely the reason for her sleeplessness.
She... would have to live under the same roof of the family Mikaelson. How was it possible that Niklaus and she have not thought about it...? Bonnie snorted bitterly.
She would have to share not only with a stranger, but she would also have to coexist with a whole family of strangers... Damn... Bonnie placed her face in her hands, she was sleepy, but she couldn't conciliate it.
She knew that she was going to need a medical order to buy sleeping medication.
In the past year, Bonnie had stopped using such medications with the help of her grandmother's potions, but those potions no longer had the same effect on her. Bonnie hated to admit it, but would have to turn to medications again...
Focused on her thoughts, she remembered each member of the Mikaelson family. She met all of them except Elijah, Finn, and his wife, who for some reason were unable to attend.
During dinner, Bonnie participated only when strictly necessary. Her responses were short and direct... yes... no...
She listened distracted about all the wedding preparations. Everything had been planned, even her own dress had already been chosen. Which she did not dislike because she did not want to be a part of it.
Silently, Bonnie remained aloof, judging everyone with her own judgment. She made her own assessment very discreetly, based on the subtle gestures of each Mikaelson. Bonnie realized many things, the most relevant was knowing that her fiancé had a daughter... A daughter... a little girl who apparently had a certain problem, but none of them gave more information about that. And that was something Bonnie wouldn't get involved in.
Saying that the whole meeting was to her liking, was a lie. Above all, feeling Klaus's intense gaze throughout the dinner was totally uncomfortable and irritating. She realized that she herself was also being judged by the hostile gaze of her fiancé.
The sound of a click caught her attention, drawing her out of her thoughts, thank goodness...
Bonnie was eager to speak to Camille.
Camille had become an important person for her personal development. Both women managed to connect very well. Camille had accomplished what other psychiatrists failed to do. Gaining Bonnie's trust to speak openly about her nightmares without any shyness.
"Miss Bennett, you can come in." the secretary informed her after a few minutes. Bonnie smiled politely and entered the place where she found calm.
"Camille, I hope you're okay!" Bonnie addressed her therapist fondly.
Camille did not return the greeting, "Sit down, Bonnie..."
Bonnie, however, did as she asked. Noticing the lack of emotion, Camille was angry?, Bonnie thought, assuming that the sudden reason for bringing her session forward had been the cause of her anger, Bonnie immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, if I interfered in your time, I know that It's not easy to reschedule the sessions, but I really needed..."
Bonnie tried to explain herself, but Camille's voice made her stop.
"Don't apologize, I also needed to see you as soon as possible." This time Camille looked up, she was distant, and Bonnie did not understand why...?
"Really... why? Is something wrong...?" Bonnie asked innocently.
Camille sat up straighter in her desk chair, completely ignoring Bonnie's questions. She began to search through the papers for the medical report she had written with great dedication in recent days. Smiling when she found it. "Here it is..." Camille said out loud, this time giving Bonnie a look.
"How long has it been since our first session?" Camille asked.
"Exactly fifteen months and twenty-one days have passed, that is the time that has passed since we met for the first time."
Camille never stopped looking at Bonnie as she spoke, until she leafed through the report in her hands. "I'm sure we have some confidence to talk beyond our medical relationship, don't you think Bonnie?"
This time her gaze was more serious. Camille doubted how to refer to the whole situation, but she didn't care anymore.
Bonnie was waiting for an explanation, frowning.
"Is something wrong? Because I don't understand what you're trying to tell me Camille."
Camille looked at her with a last touch of kindness.
"Okay, I'll stop talking in circles", Camille stood up. "Like I said, I think we know each other well enough to be honest with each other. In all this time, Bonnie, I've come to realize a lot of things. One of them is your way of dealing with situations. You are too loyal and compassionate. Virtues that for some would be adorable. But honestly, I think that is what makes you manipulable." Camille leaned against the table and kept looking at Bonnie.
Bonnie simply replied with a hesitant look, without interrupting.
"Your trauma has undoubtedly been the main cause of your irrational fear of facing complex situations. You prefer to accept the facts than to deal with them. It refrains you from exposing your decisions. You only let others interfere with your moral basis, because you have afraid of a confrontation, and the most absurd thing is for you to let everyone take advantage of that. That, Bonnie, is stupidly funny, because no matter what you think, you always agree to put everyone else above you and if You continue like this, at some point it will be dangerous for you." Camille raised her voice, she was angry.
Camille no longer saw Bonnie as a patient, she saw her as her rival.
Shaking her head, not understanding where Camille wanted to go with all this. Bonnie stood up, "I don't understand, why are you saying this?" Camille didn't let her end.
Camille used Bonnie's disbelief for her own benefit.
"I once told you that I rejected the man I love. Do you remember him? I told you that love could overcome any obstacle. The love between that man and me overcame our differences." Camille started talking as she walked through the office.
Bonnie tried to recall that moment in her memory, but turned to Camille.
"I don't understand, excuse me, Camille, but what does that have to do with-" Bonnie stopped. "Is this a bad time for our session? Because if that's the case, then I'd rather leave."
Camille couldn't take it anymore. As soon as she saw Bonnie enter her office, all feelings of esteem disappeared completely.
"The man who loves me Bonnie, will marry another woman."
The look in Camille's eyes was cold and full of hatred.
Bonnie gasped, the information puzzled her. Now she understood Camille's behavior.
With a tense calm Camille explained.
"He came to my apartment one night and told me that his family was forcing him to marry another woman. Of course, it was difficult to listen. That the man, who is completely in love with me, will marry another woman. How was that possible? I immediately began to hate that usurper. But Nick assured me that he had nothing to fear because he loves me unconditionally." Camille breathed harder.
Bonnie listened without interruption, understood the reasons why her therapist was being so hostile.
"Sorry, I don't know what to tell you, Camille."
"Still, my jealousy was frustrating, but Nick assured me that this woman was insignificant to him, he even told me that he despised her. Can you believe it? And he didn't even know her name. But Nick swore to me that we would always be together no matter what!"
Bonnie dared to give her opinion. She looked at Camille again surprised.
"How can he do something like that to you? It's selfish of him, if he really loves you, as he assures you. Then he can't allow his family to force him to do something like that. Are you willing to Accept this? Forgive me. But are you sure he really loves you?"
Bonnie walked over to Camille and put a hand on her shoulder.
Bonnie looked at her thoughtfully. She was just being objective and sincere in giving her point of view on the situation. Bonnie forgot her ordeal and worried about her therapist.
Camille did not deserve this. Bonnie thought.
Camille observed the look of pity in Bonnie's eyes, which made her angry... she did not want to accept it, but Bonnie's words felt like a slap to her.
Without thinking twice, she confessed to her.
"Niklaus... Niklaus Mikaelson will marry you even though he loves me!" her voice low and strained, came out as an agonized whisper.
Bonnie stopped breathing, she did not walk away, processing the information Camille had just given her.
When Bonnie entered the consulting room, she never imagined that this would be her last session.
Esther Mikaelson was an intelligent woman. Every step she took, she took with caution.
From a young age, she always yearns for wealth and power, no matter how she got it. She always intended to meet her goals. This was how she became part of the Mikaelson family. Obviously, her first choice was not her now husband, Mikael Mikaelson. But she did not care, she easily won his heart and seduced him in such a way that Mikael made sure to give her everything she wanted. And even more after she accepted a bastard into the family.
Esther got used to living like a queen, but now with everything that was happening, her way of life was reeling, and she could not allow her empire to fall apart due to the ineptitude of her husband, who became old and soft .
If her husband was just going to stay there, waiting that a useless peace agreement will fix things. Esther as the ambitious woman she was would take matters into her own hands.
With a triumphant smile, Esther walked to Klaus's office, carrying with her a wealth of information, which until then no one else knew about.
Being in control of her son's wife was finally was paying off. Esther thought with joy.
In the comfort of his office, contemplating the imposing view of the city, Niklaus listened to his brother.
"You must be grateful Niklaus..., Kol informed me that she is a beautiful woman. Is a shame not to have been at dinner, I would have liked to meet her...", he confessed without shame. After listening to his brother and seeing some photos of Bonnie Bennett. He agreed with Kol. Which she lacked in stature, she made up for in beauty.
"I suppose you would be very happy if you were in my place, Elijah..." Klaus replied bitterly.
They both knew who had been first in line to forge this alliance. For to the disgrace of both brothers, Niklaus turned out to be the best option.
In the background Elijah's laughter was heard.
"I must admit that I would have liked to be in your place, but father did not see it convenient, for some reason you were the best choice Niklaus, even so, you must be grateful for that Miss Bennett has an extraordinary beauty, she may not be to your liking, but you cannot deny it. She is a beautiful little thing."
Klaus was not going to affirm or deny his brother's statement. For some reason, Klaus could not stop thinking about her since the presentation dinner.
"The third and last of my lineage, my granddaughter, Bonnie Bennett, Lucy's cousin, and Emily's younger sister", Sheila introduced Bonnie with pride.
Bonnie raised her face and focused on Niklaus for a moment, before looking at the others.
Bonnie did not smile, she just looked at each person with seriously, "Nice to meet you all… it's a pleasure…"
Her style was much more serious than her sister's and her cousin's. Dressed in a light gray tailor suit, with the lace top of the same color, being the only delicate piece that could be dazzled under the jacket. The outfit made her look a little more serious, giving the impression of being a few years older. Bonnie's elegant taste was simpler, but accurate. Her hair was tied up in a high braided tail, and the subtle makeup that enhanced her gaze. She was not trying to get attention. However, her great beauty overshadowed that of her sister and her cousin.
Niklaus managed to make out the color of his fiancée's eyes, with the light focusing on her face, unimpeded as it had been the night the two of them first met.
Klaus was able to specify what the exact color of Bonnie's eyes was.
"Green... But what kind of green are exactly...?"
That question had been asked him in the past few days.
Klaus thought for a moment, until the Elijah's question brought him out of his reverie.
"Be honest with me brother. Have you really ended your relationship with Camille as our father assures?"
Klaus did not answer the question either.
"I suggest you do it Niklaus. Playing a double life can be dangerous. Believing you have the power to support two women is a terrible idea. Not to mention that you are lying to our father. It could be chaotic for everyone. If this is a farce or not for you, a marriage is a marriage worthy of respect... and more within our beliefs..."
Elijah finished giving his opinion. As much as he disliked it, Klaus knew that his brother might be right.
"The noble Elijah... Save your advices and your moral, we both know that you don't always profess such things."
Klaus did not mind lying to his family. He would keep Camille regardless of the consequences.
Before giving Elijah yet another reason to argue, Klaus promptly asked. "When will you be back?".
Elijah smiled at his brother's attitude.
"I hope I can arrive in time for your wedding, and have the great pleasure of dancing a piece with your future wife..."
Elijah knew well that, although Niklaus did not want this woman, his possessive side could betray him. They both knew that Elijah was only testing Klaus. And Niklaus with that knowledge was not going to fall into his brother's game.
"Don't worry about me-"
Klaus failed to give his derogatory comment. The sound of the opening door stopped him. Turning his chair to see his assistant who entered behind Esther Mikaelson trying to stop her.
"Sorry sir... I-" Klaus nodded to his assistant to leave his office.
"Son..." Esther referred to Niklaus sarcastically.
"I have to hang up..., we will talk on your arrival."
With that Klaus ended the call and addressed Esther in the same way that she did with him.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?, Mother!"
They both smiled without the slightest attachment.
It was not a secret to anyone that Esther hated Klaus and that Klaus hated Esther.
But, although they hated each other, they both shared something in common.
Greed.
Camille and Bonnie stood in complete silence.
What could I say? Bonnie thought. She laughed wryly..., it was a fucking joke... this was a fucking fucking joke..., Bonnie thought upset.
"What can I say? Camille... I didn't know... I...", Bonnie didn't want to cry, this was the last thing that could happen to her.
She would not only marry a stranger..., but she would marry a man in love with another woman..., and that woman was nothing more and nothing less than her therapist, the person who has been helping her control her nightmares. Can this be worse? Bonnie thought with a bitterness.
"Don't accept it, it's easy Bonnie."
Camille took her hands, her hostile behavior changed immediately.
With more kindness she referred to Bonnie.
"You are an intelligent and mature woman, Bonnie, we can agree that over time you have made great progress, but I must warn you, if you accept that commitment, your life will change dramatically. Although I know that you are a strong woman, you will not be able to bear this burden."
Camille tried to speak as a friend.
But what she was really doing was misrepresenting her words.
Bonnie did not say anything, Camille was sure she could manipulate Bonnie.
In the end she was not lying to her, Camille knew Bonnie was weak at heart.
She would use it for her own Benefit.
"You are being in solidarity with your family..., I understand that, but Bonnie..., you cannot put the interests of others in the first place, What about your life? With your dreams? How will you accept living with a man in the next few years knowing that he is in love with another woman? Nicky will never love you..." Camille spoke with a false sweetness.
Bonnie didn't even dare look at her. Hearing how she was referring to him made her feel uncomfortable. Camille realized her hesitation.
"All for whose sake. You can't accept this sacrifice. You more than anyone don't deserve this kind of responsibility. Bonnie, we both know that. I'm sure that's why you're here. You need to relieve all the pressure. But, Will this be enough for you? What will happen in a few weeks, in a few months, in a few years? How will you really feel? When all this is over, what will you have won?"
Camille released her hands.
"I will tell you... you will have broken, you will live in misery for being an intruder in our lives. But you can retract yourself, you are on time Bonnie, you have a choice. Do not waste this opportunity. Learn from your mistakes. Do not let others dictate your life for you!"
Camille used the wild card from Bonnie's tragic past against her.
"Niklaus sees you as an obstacle... I know him Bonnie, don't get confused, did he assure you of a good coexistence?" Camille asked with a smile.
Bonnie flinched at the truth in her words.
"Nick will not be good. He is impulsive and I can assure you that he is a little rough to do things. You are putting yourself between the two of us. He will tire of this charade and make you live a nightmare. And Nick and I, we will be together despite Everything. And you Bonnie will never be happy, never. As a friend and as your therapist I advise you to give up this madness. It's that simple, everything will end badly for you. Sooner or later you will regret all this!"
Camille didn't want to sound so threatening, but she needed to voice her point.
Through clenched teeth, Bonnie wanted to yell at Camille that she wasn't guilty, that she wasn't entirely responsible for that decision. Klaus was also responsible. Bonnie wanted to know if Camille had said the same to Niklaus.
If she was as hurtful to him as he was being to her. But Bonnie was not going to argue with Camille. It was not worth it.
Camille sighed with a bit of lamentation, maybe she had been tough, but she did not care.
"You know Bonnie... I also deeply regret everything that is happening. I know this is hard for you, but you cannot imagine what I am feeling. Of all the men in this city, Niklaus was chosen to marry you... It's crazy!" Camille scoffed.
"If you prefer to continue with all this farce, I know it will only be for a short time..."
Camille took enough time to pronounce the words. She swayed away from Bonnie and smirked.
"I mean. Nick showed me the terms of the prenup. If in three years, you guys can't have children, then one of you can dissolve the union. And while I hate to think of a slim chance that you and him-"
Camille narrowed her eyes angrily, she couldn't even imagine it.
Camille stopped and then looked at Bonnie with contempt. "Let's be honest Bonnie, we both know you could never have offspring..."
Camille's words echoed with a mocking tone.
Bonnie blinked several times looking away. Bonnie unconsciously placed a hand on her belly. She tried to control every emotion on her face.
Although Bonnie was going to specifically use that clause as well. Hearing Camille speak dismissively about something so delicate for her was a low blow. Bonnie had decided to erase that painful part of her life.
She couldn't deny that she felt totally exposed by everything Camille knew about her.
It was not fair... it was not fair. Bonnie thought to herself.
Camille knew her painful past. Bonnie had taken it upon herself to tell her every detail of her life, including the deepest secrets of her heart. And apparently Camille was using all that information to prove that she was superior to Bonnie in many ways.
Camille looked at it carefully, knowing she had hit a nerve, satisfied, Camille proceeded to take the final thrust. If she couldn't convince Bonnie to change her mind, then Camille would have a plan B.
Camille walked over to her desk to search her drawers.
"If you accept this marriage, despite all the reasons I have given you for not doing so. I cannot continue to be your therapist. You are the woman who will marry the man I love. And still. If this marriage does not happen. I couldn't work with you either",Camille sighed irritably. "We will do something, I can't end our sessions this way, it would be unprofessional of me, so take this."
Camille passed her a business card along with her medical report.
"She is a particularly good psychiatrist. If you wish, you can go with her. I know you will need a lot of help from now on, Bonnie."
Bonnie took the card and the report in her hands.
"Thank you. It's too bad you hate me. But this is not my fault, Camille. I appreciate all the help you've given me. And I'm really sorry about all this."
Was the only thing Bonnie managed to say.
Camille's words hammered in her head and in her heart, Bonnie felt guilty and vulnerable. She hated the feeling she was feeling.
Camille crossed her arms without taking her eyes off her.
"It is in your hands Bonnie, it is your decision, not the decision of your family, or anyone else. You are an adult, show that you are no longer a child. For your own good, reject this commitment."
Bonnie did not reply.
"This is the last time I will see you. You are no longer my patient. From now Bonnie, on you are alone..."
Camille walked to the door and opened it for her to understand the gesture. Bonnie came out without saying a word.
Camille without a hint of regret, smiled.
All she had to do was wait.
"How did you get these documents?" Klaus asked as he read carefully.
"That is not important, the important thing is that a large part of the Bennett Group shares will be transferred to you after the marriage. Isn't it interesting?"
Esther was more than happy for the information she had.
After all, Her husband was right... Knowledge is power.
Klaus read and read without understanding this whole matter. His father had not said anything about it.
"Are you really sure about this?".
"Of course, yes. But it is an unknown matter, no member of the organization knows about it, only Mikael and Finn, and now the two of us. Everything is being done with the utmost discretion. Obviously, they have not mentioned it to you. It is a species of treatment that Sheila, for some unknown reason, did with your father."
Esther finished with curiosity. But she knew that sooner or later she would discover the reason behind such a great deal.
Klaus was thoughtful for a moment, asking what the reasons were behind all this. He didn't trust Esther, he had no reason to, but if this were true. His father would be the winner in this whole situation. Which left him with a question.
What was Sheila getting out of all this? Niklaus wondered.
Esther cleared her throat.
"According to those documents, the administration will be transferred to your father through your name."
Esther looked at Klaus.
She narrowed her eyes.
Esther didn't trust Klaus. She was not as naive as the others. She was sure that Niklaus, despite all the predictions, was not going to give in so easily to ending his relationship with Camille. That woman was her Achilles heel. Esther knew it very well. And she would hold onto that knowledge to convince him to work together. Although she never got along with him.
She could never get along with the bastard. She thought disdainfully. But this time she would make an exception.
"The percentage of the shares that will pass to your father, through you, Niklaus, is a great opportunity to have access to a large part of the management of that company. Bennett Group is a highly relevant corporation. If you do a full investigation, you will realize yourself that it is worth taking a risk."
Esther explained carefully.
Klaus looked at her suspiciously.
"A risk? What kind of risk Esther? This is my father's business. And I imagine Finn is involved and I'm sure Sage helped you get this information. Right? Mother?"
Klaus put the papers aside and turned to Esther.
"You're right!" Esther wasn't going to deny Klaus' assumption, it wasn't necessary.
Klaus looked at her.
"So, I don't know what Esther is up to, but the affairs my father handles don't concern me!"
Klaus was very intrigued. If Sheila was involved with the Mikaelson clan, and if that was the reason for the agreement and their arranged marriage.
Why? What the hell did Sheila owe her father? Those were some of the questions Niklaus asked himself.
Esther stood up with an arrogant smile.
"Don't you understand? If you have the concession of these actions it is very possible that you own them completely. We both know that this mask of a dignified and merciful man that you profess to your father, is a lie. I know you are still as ruthless as before. You and I, Although we do not share a blood bond, we have a lot in common, like it or not, we share the same pleasure for money and power. We are ambitious, Niklaus, and We don't mind playing dirty to get what we want."
Esther compared herself to him without feeling offended.
Klaus agreed with her. But the document in his hands indicated limitations. The same limitations that the prenuptial agreement had.
"You are right, but access to those actions is only sustainable if the marriage is maintained."
"And for that reason, I will help you have full access to the entire administration without having to spend your entire life tied to the Bennett girl." Esther smiled.
"Your proposal is tentative Esther, but I'm not interested, I'm sorry, but I won't be part of it."
Klaus handed her the document. Of course he was tempted, But he wouldn't risk his relationship with Camille no more than he had.
Esther rolled her eyes, she knew the reason for his negativity.
"Please, you are not cheating on me. I know you have not ended your relationship with Camille. I know that you will use one of the clauses of the prenuptial agreement to get rid of this marriage. Will you have to wait three or five years?."
Esther paused, and looked at him with determination.
She did not care what Klaus did with his life, but if she could make a profit. Esther would unite with the devil himself if necessary.
Klaus narrowed his eyes. Everyone believed he was done with Camille. Realizing that Esther knew it, he made it clear, he needed to be more discreet if he wanted everything to end the way he wanted.
Esther noticed the annoyance in Klaus's eyes.
"Don't worry about me, I won't say anything. I only ask that you work with me for common interests. If you play your cards right during that time, you could not only annul the marriage. If you think all the better, Niklaus, you could easily own a large part of the Bennett group's shares. And all that without giving up the love of your life. You will have the ending you always wanted. I can help you achieve it in exchange for a small percentage of those actions."
They both looked at each other vehemently.
"Tell me, Son... would you be willing to form an alliance with your mother...?"
Esther looked at Klaus's expression and she smiled when she saw the sparkle in his eyes.
Klaus hesitated at first. Partnering with Esther could be risky.
But if he was going to be the sacrificed lamb, so...
Why not?