A/N :

Big hello to everyone! Well, I am finally back!

I honestly can't believe the response the first chapter got! I am stunned and eternally grateful! You are all amazing!

I feel really bad for delaying posting this chapter but real life got in the way and I was unable to write anything for a really long time. I am not planning on giving up on this story. Like ever. Well at least not until I finish it anyways ;)

I also realized that I haven't put a disclaimer. Well aside of my imagination I own nothing else.

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I would really like to also give a million thanks to my talented beta Anastasia Dreams.

Without her support and her unimaginable patience I wouldn't have dared to post this story.

Btw her stories are amazing! Like WOW amazing! Check them out!

Songs used as inspiration for this chapter :

Godfather love theme

Parla piu piano by Patrizio Buanne

Speak softly love by Andy Williams

Chapter 2 : Wedding songs were not made for us

Parla più piano e nessuno sentirà,
il nostro amore lo viviamo io e te,
nessuno sa la verità,
neppure il cielo che ci guarda da lassù.

Insieme a te io resterò, amore mio, sempre così.

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Caroline kept staring at her golden wedding band. It was done. She was the wife of Klaus Mikaelson. When the time came she had said, "I do". She was detached and until that moment she could have never imagined how easy it would be for someone to sign their death warrant just by saying two simple little words. "I do".

She managed to say those words though. She spelled them out like she was in a trance. Maybe somewhere deep in her mind she was naïve enough to believe that something would happen even then in last moment. A miracle, anything, but nothing happened. The golden shining band ended up on her finger. Ironically it was an exact fit.

The priest pronounced them man and wife and then he gave permission to the man of her nightmares to kiss his bride. To kiss her!

She was absolutely positive that she was going to faint, but it seemed that her body was more tolerant than she originally thought. When his lips touched hers, she froze. His warmth fought with her coldness. His hand wrapped around her waist in a possessive gesture and his mouth claimed hers while everyone applauded. His eyes locked with hers a moment later searching for something. She couldn't tell what it was, but her heart kept beating faster and faster under his gaze.

Of course everything was just a mask since the next thing he did was smile proudly and start talking to his guests. People that she had never seen before started congratulating her, giving her their best wishes. She remembered answering in a low voice or nodding.

Her heart was turning into ice. A thin layer that was about to break into million pieces. A long time ago her mother had told her that this world was slowly killing anyone that would dare have a heart. She didn't understand it back then, but now she knew exactly what she meant.

Her skin was freezing from the inside out. Next to her, her husband was smiling like he was the happiest man to have walked the earth. He was the perfect host. Of course, he would be. This was what this charade was all about after all. Alliances.

She heard people talking to him about his sweet blushing bride and him answering in some kind manner or implying things she couldn't even dare to think and all she wanted was for this dreaded night to end.

Her new family kept watching her. The way Klaus's brother kept staring at her was making her skin crawl. What was worse though was the way Klaus's father kept throwing glances at her. She could swear that she had never seen cold eyes like his before. Kol and Rebekah she could handle. But Mikael and Klaus were a whole other story.

Stefan kept staring at her from some meters away with sympathy, but for the first time all she felt for her brother was emptiness. Families should love, cherish and protect each other above all. This is what they kept telling her ever since she could remember. Only they had failed to keep their promises.

This was no family. A family would never make her feel like she was a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder.

She did follow the ritual step by step. She talked to strangers and she threw her bouquet and Rebekah caught it with a dazzling smile and smiled at Damon while he smirked at her. Then Klaus went near her and kissed her forehead while Rebekah went and held her fiancé's hand.

All those gestures seemed so fake to her eyes. It was all about keeping the appearances. In reality, nobody was happy and no one was content. After years of hatred they were now all playing at the happy family.

She always considered her self as a positive person and yet now she was all bitter, twisted and sad. Rebekah seemed so different from her. She seemed to have it all under control. She seemed determined and tough. She definitely belonged in this world. From what Elena had told her, Rebekah's wedding with Damon was arranged to happen in three weeks. Damon had to take over their father's responsibilities first.

It was she that they forced into marriage a few days after her father died. She didn't even have the time to mourn him. According to Elena, things had to go down fast because of the threats both families had been receiving especially after Giuseppe's death. They had to unite now, so she was the unlucky one.

She looked at the man next to her.

Klaus and Caroline.

Two names that should never coexist in the same sentence and yet there they were.

Happily married.

The only thing that she did know was that when she was dreaming about her happily ever after she never thought that this would be it.

"Most importantly I want to wish to my sister all the happiness she deserves in her new life. Congratulations!"

Damon had just finished his speech. He talked about family, he mentioned how their father would have been proud to give away his sister and how this was a new beginning for everyone. His manners and his posture were excellent. Usually he would have more than just one snarky comment to share, but tonight was a different occasion. Damon was serious and in total control. After all he was the successor of their family's legacy and he had to suit the part perfectly.

Stefan refrained from giving a speech. It was as if he knew that it would make Caroline feel even worse than she was already feeling, but he couldn't even comprehend that what his sister was feeling was far from what he imagined.

Right now Caroline wasn't feeling anything. She was frozen inside and she just didn't seem to care. Her attention was elsewhere.

She was absentmindedly looking around at the glorious gardens with the light up torches. She was barely paying any attention or hearing anything. If she was to stay calm she had to concentrate onto something and that was it. She shut the whole world out while her eyes kept watching the lights that glistened and burned all around her.

Caroline did know that more toasts and speeches were taking place. She pretended that they were happening to someone else and not her. She was numb. Avoiding her brothers and everyone else she continued to stare at the lights and the stars. She also kept trying to ignore the man sitting next to her at the wedding table.

However that was an impossible task. Every now and then, when a new person would start giving another speech Klaus would smirk and even look at her with amusement in his dark eyes. Those looks unfortunately where the only ones that would pierce the frozen haze of her mind. Other people would translate those looks as signs of affection, but she knew better. All she could do was nod from time to time, trying to compose herself. She wanted to wipe that irritating smirk from his face with her fist, but unfortunately she couldn't.

What was most unnerving was the fact that even though she was trying as hard as she could to stay in her little safe bubble there were moments that reality intruded. Her new family was keeping a close watch on her. Especially her father-in-law. His eyes were calculating and every time he looked at her she felt like someone was throwing ice water on her.

Then there was Kol, he kept looking her with the mischievousness of a teenager. He kept staring and smiling at her in a very disturbing way. Esther was unreadable and Rebekah seemed to hate her already. And this was supposed to be her new family.

In that moment Kol stood up ready to give his own speech.

He smiled at her and she immediately tensed.

"Good evening gentlemen and…ladies!" He said in a charming way that was probably making many female hearts beat faster.

"I'd like to propose a toast to the bride and groom! May their future be as bright as the love they are surely sharing."

His tone was ironic, his eyes gleaming mischievously now that he had everyone's undivided attention.

Caroline was starting to panic. It was at that moment that she understood that she had to come to terms that this was her new reality. She would have to deal with people that not only hated her, but also had the power to harm her.

It was true that Klaus was the one with the worse reputation of them all, but Kol also had the reputation of being sadistic and cruel and she was starting to realize why. She had never met him before. Her father had made sure to keep her far away from any kind of danger.

In any other case, she would have turned to her brothers to keep her safe, but now she would have to stand on her own. Tonight, was just the beginning and she knew for sure that she could not count on her husband to keep her safe.

If she knew something for sure it was that she was not going to give anyone the satisfaction of intimidating her. Yet, that determination didn't stop the sense of fear she had from washing over her.

"I almost cried when my big bother told me that he was going to propose to Miss Salvatore and we all know how much I love and care about the Salvatores." Kol kept the irony in his tone as he mockingly bowed, looking first at her and then straight at her brothers.

Stefan kept a discreet, but firm hold on Damon. A long time ago Kol has broken Damon's leg with a bat. In retaliation Damon months later had sent Kol to the hospital with fractured hands, dislocated shoulders and ribs. Neither Kol nor Damon wanted to kill each other at those ambushes. They wanted to send a message of superiority. The result was multiple attacks between the two families and many became collateral damage. For months later, no one was able to walk unguarded.

She remembered those times clearly. At first she was really scared for Damon and it was the first time that she had realized how much her brother meant to her and how much she couldn't bare to lose him. After that she was basically grounded. She wasn't even allowed to leave the house until the red alert was over. The thing was that it was never over. Not really.

"Mutual feelings, I am sure. But now that this beautiful woman is my …sister," he stopped for a moment looking straight at her.

"I wish her all luck and I promise to cherish and protect her as I would… any Salvatore." There was a menace in his voice that seemed fierce and calculating and the threat was apparent.

"Cheers!"

Kol sat at his chair looking more than pleased.

The message was loud and clear and Caroline shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

Klaus next to her remained impassive. What made her feel even worse was that she could not tell what his intentions were. He didn't move an inch and it was as if his face was carved from stone. He was an enigma.

Rebekah and Kol shared amused glances, while her brothers seemed to be trying to control their own anger. One single speech had got everyone on edge. She could hear whispers all around. Everyone knew the history between the two families and Kol's words were causing turmoil.

In the next moment all became silent. Mikael stood up and his deadly stare this time was not targeted at her but on Kol and Rebekah and instantly all amusement was gone from their faces.

He cleared his throat and started talking with an authority that only a few men could ever master.

"I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen." He spoke the words sternly with a booming voice while looking displeased with his younger son and his daughter.

"It is well known that the Salvatores and the Mikaelsons have not always seen eye to eye. Today is the day that we are leaving that past behind us." His smile was one of remembrance.

For a moment he looked like he was recollecting pleasant memories that included serenity and not blood and mayhem. Like he was remembering Giuseppe as a friend and not as an enemy.

"Giuseppe was a man of his word and when he promised his daughter to my son that was with the common understanding that from the moment that our children united their lives we would become a family and family is above all." Since everyone there lived by a code of honor, Mikael spoke in a language most of the guests could understand.

Family above all.

She was surrounded by people who believed themselves to be kings and queens among commoners. They imposed their laws and their dominance through violence and blood. And now as one family they would share the same throne and the same kingdom leaving bloody trails in their wake. This life and this mentality was everything she detested. She had tried so hard to run away from this world and she had failed. Miserably.

Aside from what her feelings were, this was a new era. They were connected through her and Klaus now. Soon one more bond would be forged through Damon and Rebekah.

And right now Mikael was making this clear to everyone. The political undertones in his speech were evident.

"Damon, Stefan, after tonight your sister is my daughter and she will be regarded with nothing but respect." He assured her brothers who knew that Mikael's authority surpassed Kol's games. It was a command no one would dare to contest.

"Caroline it is an honor to welcome you into our family and may you and my son find happiness in each other as I have with my loving wife." Her heart sank. Hearing those words from Mikael's mouth was like someone had stabbed her. Those words held a finality no one could ever revoke.

All the guests started clapping their hands, saluting and toasting.

Klaus took Caroline's hand and brought it in his lips. She still couldn't read his thoughts, but she felt like he could read hers. Suddenly everything around her seemed to stand still and to quiet down. She froze as he kissed the back of her hand looking only at her eyes. She held her breath. He smiled.

That smile seemed to her even more dangerous than everything Mikael had just said.

At that moment one of the guests decided to follow tradition and ask for the bride and groom to kiss. After that everybody kept dictating them to kiss. Impatiently tapping their champagne glasses with their flatware as an audible request.

Klaus's fingertips touched her lips to get her attention and she turned her head towards him. Her long eyelashes clouding him from her sight.

Bending his head to hers he gently kissed her while pulling her firmly to him. This time it was different than the one they shared at the church. This time it was more intimate and far more real. This time she had no other choice than to kiss him back.

People applauded, but she wasn't listening.

A mere touch was enough. His lips feathering over hers sent her world spiraling into chaos.

She didn't like this. She hated it. It seemed a dream, a nightmare she was locked in. And yet when the kiss ended somehow she didn't feel any kind of relief. Her heart was turning to ice once again ignoring the fact that her body seemed to be burning.

She bit her lip and looked at her wedding ring, instinctively touching the cold metal that immediately started heating up. She could feel his eyes following her movement too.

It was true. They were really married.

More minutes passed and time seemed to speed up. Klaus remained close to her. He was sitting so close to her that his scent was washing over her. Her lips were still burning, but she was certain that it was from disgust. Nothing else was acceptable. She was forced into this and she was not going to forget it.

She didn't want to compare him with Matt, but she couldn't help it. He was so different than her sweet boyfriend. When she was breathing Matt's cologne she felt at ease. Now the more she breathed, the more her heart kept racing.

Rebekah stood up and for a moment Caroline feared that whatever she was about to do was going to be as bad as Kol's speech.

She was wrong. It was worse.

Rebekah gracefully moved to the grassy dance floor that was set in the center of the gardens. The band stopped playing the soothing classic violin themes and Rebekah took the microphone. Everybody looked at the beautiful blond that seemed to be genuinely happy and comfortable.

"I would have never thought that my big brother would be the first to marry, or marry at all, but the day is finally here."

Everyone who knew Klaus's reputation laughed at Rebekah's words and at the way she smiled at her brother.

"Brother, I wish you all happiness from the bottom of my heart." Rebekah almost seemed honest and Caroline saw Klaus smirking at the antics of his sister who was now the center of attention.

"I do think though that it is time for the newlyweds to share their first dance as a married couple!" she said with a big smile and everybody agreed with her. Rebekah went to the orchestra and said something to the lead singer.

They were about to start their wedding song! Wedding songs were made for happy couples that were in love. Not for her and Klaus.

Klaus stood up and turned towards Caroline, smiling at her. He offered her his hand and waited for her.

"Will you give me this dance sweetheart?"

Damn! This night was turning out to be never-ending torture. And how could a person turn a simple question into such a sinful invitation? And why was he asking her anyway? Was it like she had a choice to begin with?

She shakily took his hand and their fingers intertwined. He took her to the dance floor and the band started playing the song Rebekah had ordered them to play. The singer's melodic voice filled the air as Klaus whirled her to him and their bodies touched.

He wrapped his hand around her waist and they started moving. They appeared to be a perfect match. Their dance moves perfectly in sync.

All night she had tried to block him and now she couldn't no matter how much she tried.

She couldn't ignore the way he was holding her. His hands possessively touching her. Such an intense touch that it seemed like he was branding her. Like his touch was burning her right through her gown.

They danced in silence and all she could feel was that he was trying to claim something that wasn't his to claim. Unfortunately, he didn't have to claim her since she was already his wife. At least legally.

She couldn't stop her self from rolling her eyes at the lyrics of the song.

Klaus smirked at that. If he had to be honest she was adorable. He had waited for her to speak to him all night and he was willing to wait as long it would take for her to feel comfortable to do so.

He didn't know why he was so patient with her but he was. All night she kept avoiding him. She seemed distracted and sad and he wasn't pushing her boundaries.

When Kol made that stupid speech he had to control himself to keep from lashing out. His idiotic brother had to try to ruin the night. What made him furious, though, was the fear that passed through Caroline's eyes.

He was surprised for a moment. He thrived on other people's fear. Hers shouldn't affect him that much, or at all. They were married, but they barely knew each other. She wasn't supposed to have any kind of affect on him at all.

He couldn't deny that the way her emerald eyes shined with helplessness made him want to tear his brother in pieces. She was fighting through her fear though and that surprised him even more. And now her ironic gestures and the way she pouted were making him smile at how cute she looked. She was a beautiful woman and he was always drawn to beautiful things.

"Parla piu piano? The Godfather? Seriously?" Her sarcastic voice interrupted his thoughts and he flashed his most charming smile at her. Only that seemed to make her look like she regretted saying anything at all. Somehow, that irritated him and only made him want to hold her closer.

He refrained himself from doing so. Speaking to him of her own accord was a huge step forward and he wasn't going to throw that away.

"Trust me, sweetheart, the irony isn't lost on me I assure you."

She scoffed at his words while the song kept playing. She really was a stubborn one wasn't she?

She was starting to realize that Klaus's full attention was on her now. His hands tightened around her body as everyone watched them dance to the song that spoke of an epic love. His frame was shadowing her and she was uncomfortably aware of their close proximity. It made her feel awkward and tense.

He twirled her and moved her closer to him.

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Rebekah and Kol silently studied them from their table. After the speech, Kol gave, they couldn't do much since their parents kept watching them ready to intervene at any time. So now it would seem that Caroline was now not only under Klaus's protection but also Mikael's. That was just great.

This night was important for many reasons, but Rebekah couldn't stand the beautiful princess her favorite brother married and she enjoyed seeing Caroline in discomfort. So since she enjoyed watching her new sister-in-law squirm she had thought it would be a good idea to force her to dance with Klaus in front of everybody. Caroline seemed to be in distress all night so one more nail in her coffin would be a great pleasure.

It was tradition after all, but she didn't like what she was witnessing now. Klaus had his full attention on his bride and he kept staring at Caroline in a way that she hadn't seen him look at anyone before. It seemed like…infatuation? No that was impossible; it couldn't be, could it?

No! This had to be an act. Keeping the appearances. Klaus could never be attracted to someone like her.

Rebekah didn't miss the way Kol kept watching Caroline like a hawk and the truth was that Caroline looked magnificent in her beautiful gown. Everyone tonight was admiring her and talking about how beautiful she looked.

Klaus had chosen the wedding dress when the coordinator came to him. She could still remember the orders he gave away. "A dress fit for a princess," he had said.

It was at that moment that she knew that she would never like Caroline. Ever.

She looked towards Damon. He was really attractive, but the last thing she wanted was to marry a Salvatore. She had three weeks to get herself out of this mess. She just didn't know how. She tried to ignore the way Damon's eyes lingered on her form. She had to admit that he was really sexy, but she had heard the rumors. He was crazy and impulsive, he treated women like they were disposable and most importantly he was in love with his brother's wife. Like hell she would marry a man like him. She wanted more for her life. She hadn't lived at all and she wasn't going to end up miserable like Caroline.

Even if right now Caroline looked like she was a fairytale princess that was dancing with her prince charming.

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Caroline was trying to ignore how her heart kept humming under his gaze. How was he doing that to her? The way he was possessively holding her and leading their steps made her think that this was just a prelude. The rest of her life was going to be like that. She would have to do what others expected from her and he would lead the way. She would have to follow. Like she was nothing more than just a possession.

"You look very beautiful Caroline, but a smile could get you a long way" Klaus told her like he really and genuinely wanted to see her smile for him. She knew that it was for the sake of appearances so instead of granting him his wish she pressed her lips together.

"Easy for you to say," she retorted.

Her behavior seemed to amuse him and she pondered how hard she could step on his feet.

"Indeed it is love, but considering the family you are coming from it shouldn't be that difficult to pretend. Should it?" he said quietly and his sarcastic smile was making his dimples appear.

He was making her feel alive for the first time tonight. Because now her blood was boiling with anger.

Stupid dimples and stupid accent!

Everything was a game to him.

She had to breathe or else she would start screaming at him and she doubted that this was the reaction he wanted when he asked her to smile.

"Sorry to disappoint you," she glared daggers at him.

"On the contrary..." he said like he was realizing something while he was gazing intently at her.

He started studying her. The way her cheeks finally lost the pale shade and how her eyes shone. She had spirit and for a moment there he couldn't resist messing with her temper. He wondered how loud she could yell at him. At least her expression wasn't vacant any more. Even if her anger was targeted at him that was better than her being an empty cell of a person.

He knew he had to break the ice somehow. To get to know her and make her feel comfortable with him.

"About your father…" he started with a serious expression, but the way she glared at him made him pause for a moment.

"Don't! Seriously! " She said in an icy tone. It was the first time she looked straight at his eyes without looking away.

"Very well," he said, without pressing the subject further while internally admiring how feisty she really was underneath the mask she has been wearing all night.

This dance was turning out to be quite enlightening.

"On to more mild mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress," Klaus said, looking appreciatively at her. He gave her a bright and charming smile and he couldn't resist from subtly checking her out.

His gaze once more focused on her eyes, but she kept her head turned away from him, pointedly ignoring him, while they kept turning and swaying around the dance floor.

"Well it's not like I had the choice not to wear it now, did I?" she said in a bitter tone.

"And what about the bracelet I gave you?" He calmly asked her pointing his gaze towards the bracelet on her hand.

She spared him a glance and then she looked at the bracelet, but she remained silent trying to ignore his smug expression and his contentment. Caroline seemed to be trying her best to show him that while she was obliged to keep dancing with him it was unwilling and she really didn't like him.

He felt himself more drawn to her now. She had a light that surrounded her, and a fire in her eyes that was calling to him.

"You know, you are quite the dancer," he complimented her in all honesty. His voice low, a drawling caress.

He was completely truthful with her. He had danced with many partners over the years, but none of them matched so perfectly with him. Her body suited his perfectly and their movements were graceful and elegant.

For a moment she seemed surprised and stole a quick glance at him. She then turned her head away from him again. All night long she had been looking at like him like his presence was beneath her, but now he felt her relaxing in his arms a little.

"Well, I had training," she informed him like she was talking about the weather. "I happened to be first in my dance class," she said with pride.

"I know."

His laconic answer both frightened and intrigued her.

She really didn't like what his answer was implying, but she shivered and she found couldn't take her eyes away from his. It was at that moment that her heart sped up under his gaze and she realized that she had lost track of time. The song ended and she didn't even notice it. They stood still while people kept applauding them; a new song was beginning and guests joined them on the dance floor.

She found herself unable to move and break their connection. The moment had swept her away and she was afraid that he knew that too.

Speak softly, love so no one hears us but the sky

The vows of love we make will live until we die

My life is yours and all because

You came into my world with love so softly love

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One of the guards distanced himself from his appointed position. He walked until he was hidden under the dark shadow of one of the big trees. He could still keep an eye on the celebration, but he knew that no one could see him. He had to be quick.

He took his cell phone from the pocket of his jacket, closed it and quickly changed his sim card with another and turned the phone on again. He started writing a message as fast as he could…

"They are married."

And he pressed send

Moments later he read the incoming message.

"Keep a close watch on the bride."

He stared at the beautiful bride dancing with her father- in- law now. He was about to become her shadow.

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So this was and chapter 2. Poor Caroline, she is in big trouble isn't she? And the night is faaar from over..oh boy!

Mmmm let's see what else is there...

1. There was also a quote from The Godfather. In Mikael's speech.

"I have a sentimental weakness for my children, and I spoil them as you can see; they talk when they should listen."

What a line! What a movie! Oh yes I am in love with that movie. It is my sentimental weakness!

2. I would like to thank again all the people that read, reviewed, followed and favorited the story so far. And all those that are guests and I can't reach them. You rock! Seriously! Your reviews are inspiring to say the least and there have been some really good points that I took into account while writing this chapter! Thank you sooo much!

3. The next chapter won't take that long to be posted. I promise! I am already working on it. Actually there was supposed to be one really big chapter but it got really like really big soooo I broke it in two parts. The one is the one that I posted now. The other one is coming up soon. The title will be..."Wedding Night"...what could that mean ha?

4. I also joined Tumblr. Well I am still trying to adjust actually, but I will be posting teasers and previews from my stories so feel free to join me there too. I am using the same username that I use here. The link if anyone cares is on my profile.

5. Well tell me what you think about the chapter, good, bad, liked it, hated it? Let me know...