Thank you for your feedback and I'm sorry if some of you feel that this has turned out too dark. I just don't want to make things too easy and sometimes I might take it too far. Please continue telling me your opinions and suggestions, it's always nice to hear what you think.

Chapter 37

Now and forever

"What do you think, darling?" Klaus asked.

I looked at the mansion and the big garden. There was also a small pond near to the house. This place was beautiful. And there was only an hour ride to Elijah's house. I signed to Klaus that I liked it. He smiled.

"Good, I am glad to hear that."

There was a group of men and women standing in front of the house. They were all smiling.

"Welcome home, mistress", they all said simultaneously when we reached them.

I tried to look as polite as I could and smile at them. Klaus introduced them all to me one by one. There were servants, maids, stable boys, gardeners and cooks. I concentrated on memorizing their names. I was surprised that Klaus remembered all of their names. He hadn't bothered to learn servant's names before. And he was being very polite to them.

That was a new thing as well but I certainly didn't complain. I wasn't stupid so I was very much aware that this could all be just an act but a part of me wanted to believe that he had really changed. Despite of everything, he was still my husband and I cared about him. And I knew that he needed me. He smiled and took my hand.

"Come, I want to show you something."

He led me inside to a nice hall. Elijah followed us. He hadn't said a word since we arrived.

"What ever you do not like, we can change", Klaus said.

I looked around when he led me through a long hallway. There were beautiful paintings on the walls. He stopped in front of a big mahogany door.

"This is just for you", he said before he opened the door.

I gasped when I saw the room. It was the most beautiful library I had ever seen. The shelves were full of books; there was a fireplace, an armchair, and a desk. There were some flowers in a crystal vase and a soft rug in front of the fireplace. Everything was so…perfect. I turned to Klaus and kissed his cheek. He smiled.

"I thought you might like it."

I nodded. I loved it.

"And there is something else. Just a moment", he said and walked out.

I looked at Elijah. There was a sad smile on his face. I asked him what was wrong.

"I want you to be happy, I hope you know that."

I nodded and took his hand. I saw that he was worried about me.

"I truly hope that…"

Before he could finish his sentence, Klaus came back. He was carrying something in his arms. It was a tiny black puppy. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was smiling.

"One of the maids found this little fellow. He needs a home so I thought that maybe you would want to keep him."

I couldn't take my eyes off that puppy. He was the cutest creature I had ever seen. I asked could I pet him.

"Of course", Klaus said and placed the puppy in my arms.

He looked at me with his dark eyes and licked my hand. I had never felt anything like it before. I was full of joy and happiness. I felt a tear falling down my cheek.

"Anna, what is wrong?" Klaus asked. He sounded worried.

I shook my head. For once, nothing was wrong. Absolutely nothing.

...

Klaus looked at his wife. She looked so beautiful and peaceful lying on her bed. The little dog had curled up next to her. He was sniffling in his sleep. Anna was smiling. Maybe she was having some nice dream. But she had told him once that she never had any dreams. Maybe she simply was happy. Klaus truly hoped so.

She had agreed to stay with him, at least for now, but she had wanted her own bedroom. She needed some time and he was willing to give it to her. What ever it would take to get her back. He touched her cheek and gave her a silent promise that he would be better. She would be happy. And she would be his. Now and forever.

...

Chicago 1921

I closed my eyes and listened to the music. I loved this music style, jazz. It was the only good thing in these places. I didn't really like these speakeasies but Klaus did and he often wanted me to come with him. He liked drinking so the whole prohibition didn't really suit him. But I must admit that he looked very handsome in his tuxedo.

I was wearing a burgundy dress with short sleeves, long pearl necklace, high heels and red lipstick. My hair was up in a bun and part of it was curled. I had seen many eras with different kind of fashion and I liked this one. No corsets. I enjoyed my non-alcoholic drink and pretended that I didn't notice my "invisible" bodyguards who didn't let me out of their sight. Fortunately they always kept their distance.

"Hi Anna", Rebekah said when she sat next to me. "Are you having a good time?"

I nodded. I did like the music. I asked had she seen Klaus. Rebekah snorted.

"Last time when I saw him, he was talking with some guy in the bar. He's quite drunk."

I sighed. That wasn't anything new. Rebekah touched my shoulder with her gloved hand.

"Never mind him, he's a jerk."

I smiled. It was true that Klaus knew how to be a jerk sometimes. But he also knew how to be sweet. I told Rebekah that she didn't have to keep me company. She liked these places as well and I was sure that I wasn't very fun company for her. I just didn't really feel comfortable here. Rebekah hesitated. I smiled and signed to her that I would be fine by myself. She was just about to leave when Klaus showed up with some young man. They were both laughing.

"Anna, Bekah, I want you to meet this guy, he is just hilarious", Klaus said. "What's your name again, mate?"

The guy grinned.

"Stefan Salvatore, at your service ladies."