Give Me Love Like Never Before

A/N: Hey guys. Sorry again for the delay. It was the end of the semester. I was just more into exams. Also the fact that my Windows crashed again didn't help the cause. I know this sound like excuses but this is the truth. The good news is that the holidays have started. And hopefully I will get to updating regularly.

I read the reviews for previous chapter and many have expressed that they don't want Caroline fall for Klaus first and she is not that weak. I believe everyone misunderstood her happiness on being complimented as crush. Let me make it clear that neither Klaus nor Caroline is going to fall for each other any soon and that Caroline will never be portrayed weak in my story. Both myself and Klaus like her only when she is strong ;) the reason she was overjoyed was that she always want to be perfect in whatever she does and she was just happy that even Klaus couldn't find any fault. Hope you all get it. Without further delay here is the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own TVD

Chapter 8

Damon and Katherine, who were otherwise, always sarcastic and witty didn't dare to open their mouth or even move an inch. It was because Stefan had just returned and now stood in front of Elena who was really in a bad mood after Stefan failed to appear for the date. "I am sorry, Elena. Let me explain what…" started Stefan when he was rudely interrupted by Elena. "What are you going to say this time, Stefan? That you got your tires punctured. I am fed up with your lame excuses."

"I understand, Elena. But please let me explain. I actually started early from work for the dinner. An accident occurred when I was about to reach the restaurant. The guy was severely injured. I had to take him to the hospital. If not he may have died" explained Stefan. Elena considered him for a moment before asking, "So you couldn't make it to the dinner because you just couldn't get out of the hospital after admitting him, I assume?"

"I couldn't just leave him there. I had to make sure he was okay and that his family was informed of his condition. It took a while" said Stefan. "And you were so busy that you couldn't even get your mobile out and inform me about it?" countered Elena. "The battery was dead" argued Stefan. Elena just laughed humorlessly and retorted, "And of course you didn't even see one public telephone booth in a hospital".

Stefan started to get frustrated and told, "See, I am sorry I couldn't even inform you. But I was so panicked and just wanted the guy to be safe that I forgot everything else. I admit that telling my girlfriend who was waiting for me in a fancy restaurant that I would be late for the date appeared less significant when compared to saving a man's life." "That is right I was just the girlfriend without any work waiting for you stupidly in a restaurant thinking that her boyfriend would never let her down. You know how everyone looked at me sympathetically there? And the reason you don't take me seriously is that because I am jobless. I am just a stupid girl with nothing to do but go around her boyfriend, isn't it?" shouted Elena.

"No I never thought so. It is you who have really changed a lot recently. You have started to feel insecure whenever I talk to a girl. You want me to be around you always. But you have to understand that I won't be able to please you always" argued Stefan. "Right. I am feeling insecure because I am free. You know what? You made sure that I remain jobless for the rest of my life" said Elena. Seeing Stefan's confused look she continued, "Yes, the publishers had called me to talk about my novel. But since I was 'unavailable', they decided to not waste the time on some wannabe writer and left" completed Elena with tears in her eyes.

Stefan appeared shocked and said, "I am so sorry, Elena. I never knew…" "You never ever know anything. That is the problem. You have completely forgotten about me. Do you remember the last time we spent a day together? You have distanced yourself from me a lot in the past few weeks. I am tired of you taking me for granted" burst out Elena. "I never took you for granted. I just thought you would understand. I thought you loved me for what I am" said Stefan still surprised by the outburst.

"I don't know, Stefan. Something has changed. I feel like we are slowly drifting apart from each other" concluded Elena. "No, Elena. It is just your illusion. We can work on it" tried Stefan desperately to stop her from taking any stupid decisions. "I think we have to take a break from our relationship, Stefan. I think that is what best for both of us. And I didn't take this decision in haste. I have thought this through. I want to be alone till I do something about my novel" said Elena looking directly at his eyes. Stefan couldn't reply for a few minutes but then finally told, "If that is what you want, fine. But never forget I love you always." He moved forward to kiss her on her head and left the place without a second glance.

Caroline was still feeling a bit sleepy as she made her way to the entrance of the Mikaelson motors office. She was really concerned about the split up between Stefan and Elena last night. She couldn't believe that this was the couple who had decided to move in together a few months ago. Maybe it would have been smoother if she hadn't decided to live under Stefan's roof. 'No, Elena was just upset about the publishing house fiasco. She will come around' thought Caroline to convince herself.

She was so consumed by her thoughts that she didn't notice Matt who was waving at her. "Hello! Good morning! Still not out of your own world?" questioned Matt as he neared her. "What? No I was just you know thinking about today's work!" said Caroline. Matt laughed on hearing that and teased, "That sincere, huh? Klaus would be very happy if he hears about this". "Yeah, he would be delighted" told Caroline sarcastically thinking to herself, 'If only you know'.

"So you are from New York?" enquired Matt clearly in the mood of extending the conversation. "No, I am from a small town called Mystic Falls" replied Caroline. "Oh so you are new to New York! So your family is here?" asked Matt. "No my mother is back in the town. I came here for a change of scenery. What about you?" enquired Caroline. "Well I live here with my sister Vicki. I have been in New York from god knows when. So are you new here? You know we could hang out sometime in the weekend?" asked Matt.

Now that she thought of it, Caroline had never been anywhere in New York except for her friends' house. "Yea sure. Why not? I could definitely use a guide" replied Caroline. "Okay then. See you at lunch" left Matt smiling. Matt appeared sweet and friendly enough to Caroline, that she was excited at the prospect of a weekend with him. What she was not looking forward to was another taxing day with Klaus.

Kol pulled out a chair so that Bonnie could make herself comfortable. Bonnie looked around nervously as she debated whether she has done the right thing or a horrible mistake by coming here. Kol settled in the one opposite to her and said giving his winning smile, "Thanks for coming. I thought you would never come. You look great, by the way."

Bonnie didn't smile back at him. She knew he was a player and that she was just another woman for him. She told to herself that she would never fall for his tricks. "Why are you so uptight? It is just a friendly gesture. Why can't you take anything lightly?" asked Kol curiously.

"Maybe because I don't have the luxury of taking anything lightly. I am not a multimillionaire who could just waste away his time with girls" retorted Bonnie. "Jeez, calm down. It is just a lunch. I am not going to eat you alive or something" said Kol laughing while Bonnie just ignored him. "Anyway, why do you insist on spending time with me? You know it is just a waste of time" told Bonnie making her point clear.

"Yeah, that is true. But I can't help but get intrigued by you. You are way more interesting than most of the girls I meet" shrugged Kol. "Well. That is a good pick up line. But it is sad that it doesn't work on me" said Bonnie. "Oh really? Tell me about a better pick up line. I am sure you could just do great in that department" egged Kol. "Oh I don't know. It has been a while since I used them. I have not used one since I started dating Jeremy. But I know one line that would never fail" said Bonnie confidently.

Kol was curious to know which one it was that he pestered her about it. "Fine fine. I will tell you. But I have to warn you it works only if you deliver it properly" teased Bonnie. "Yea, okay. Whatever! Just tell the line" said Kol impatiently. Bonnie tried hard not to laugh and moved forward, lifted her chin up and said raising her eyebrow suggestively, "How you doing?" Kol who was listening intently burst out laughing on hearing it. Watching him, Bonnie too joined him in the laughter.

"You really are still stuck in the 90s, eh? You have to grow up, darling!" smirked Kol. "Whatever! We both know who the matured one among us is" said Bonnie as she stuck her tongue out. "Yeah, the one with a Mickey mouse sticker on her bag is the matured one" said Kol pointing to her handbag which had the sticker of her favorite cartoon character. Bonnie had a secret obsession of cartoons which she was a bit embarrassed to talk about.

Bonnie bit her lip as Kol continued to tease, "So where is his pal, Mr. Donald duck? Is he hiding inside the bag? Oh wait, I am sure he is on the purse" He got up from his place and tried to snatch her bag. She hid it out of reach for him and threw the water from her glass impulsively. Kol stood frozen in his place while Bonnie realized what she had done and held her breath waiting for him to yell at her. To her surprise, he burst out laughing causing her to relax and join him in the laughter.

Klaus dreaded tomorrow. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving Day and it has been a while since he had seen or even spoken to any of his family members. He had of course not talked with Elijah and refused to talk to him when he had tried to contact him. He did meet Rebekah a few weeks ago but things were really not going well between them too. Kol of course didn't even bother to contact him as he must be busy with god knows what.

He was sure at least one of his siblings would try to make him come for the family dinner. But he was still not prepared to attend such a family thing. Their betrayal was still fresh in his mind and it was hard for him to just put that aside and mingle with them. Anyway they can't force him to come to London and he definitely would not ruin his day by spending it with Mikael. That was why he had instructed Caroline to not forward any personal calls to him that day. Also he has to seal the deal for the place for his manufacturing unit. Hopefully this day passes without any drama.

Caroline observed that Klaus was a bit tensed about something. She knew he said that today was an important day and that she would have lot of work to do but she didn't know that it was that important to him that he instructed her not to forward any personal calls for him. So she just assumed that today was going to be a long day but took solace from the fact that tomorrow was thanksgiving and she could finally get a breather. This week was indeed a hectic one.

As she returned to her work, she heard someone clear their throat. She looked up to find a man in suit with an intimidating demeanor staring down at her. "Excuse me, Ms….?" trailed the man expecting her to fill it. "Forbes" heard Caroline herself saying it. She still couldn't place him but she was sure he had seen him. "So you are Niklaus' new assistant?" enquired the guy giving a look around. That was when Caroline realized that he was none other than Elijah Mikaelson, the CEO of the whole Mikaelson motors.

Caroline stood up and said, "Yes, Mr. Mikaelson". Elijah smiled slightly seeing her realization and asked, "So is Niklaus in his room?" Caroline just nodded not knowing what else to do. There was something about this elder Mikaelson that made her feel like he was someone not to be messed with. He just nodded and strode in the direction of Klaus' room.

Klaus sensed someone open his door without asking his permission. He whirled around to find Elijah standing there smiling. "Hello, brother" greeted Elijah. Klaus was surprised to see him in New York. Wasn't he supposed to be at London? "Elijah. What an entirely unwelcome surprise?" said Klaus glaring at him. "And what an entirely unsurprising welcome" replied Elijah coolly.

Klaus rolled his eyes and asked, "What are you doing here?" Elijah settled in one of the chairs and looked at him straight in the eye before replying, "Well, tomorrow happens to be the Thanksgiving Day. I want to spend it with my family. And since three fourth of my family is here and none would make it to London this year, I thought why not celebrate it in New York this time".

Klaus hated the fact that he didn't consider this. He was so bent on not going to London that he did not consider this alternative. "I am sorry, Elijah. But I can't make it this year. I have work" lied Klaus confidently. "Well, that is unfortunate. But as the CEO I could make sure you don't have work on a holiday" retorted Elijah. "We both know that I don't want to be there tomorrow. Save your breath, Elijah" said Klaus harshly.

"I know what you are doing, Niklaus. You are pushing away the people you love so that they can't hurt you. You have to get over it. We care about you. Whether you admit it or not, we love you. Don't distance yourself from us. Whatever you do, we would never give up on you. I would never stop trying" said Elijah looking straight at him. When Klaus' resolve was melting, he added, "You have to come tomorrow. We will spend the day as a family. Isn't that what you always wanted? To live as a family without Mikael"

Klaus looked uncertain and told, "I don't know if this is the right idea, Elijah". He nailed it by telling, "If not for us, you have to come at least for Bekah. You know that she loves you and she misses you a lot these days. It is up to you, Niklaus." Saying so Elijah rose from his seat and prepared to leave. Before closing the door he said, "Your family will be waiting for you tomorrow" leaving Klaus confused more than ever before.

Caroline watched Mr. Mikaelson walk out of Klaus' room with a feeling of accomplishment. She thought it must be a real important deal today for the CEO to come here from London. She hoped that everything would work out today. Klaus as such was difficult to handle, but if his mood was spoiled then it would be a nightmare. She continued with her work when Klaus entered her room with a big file. "I would like you to go through this file tomorrow and give a condensed version. It is really important so make it happen by tomorrow" informed Klaus.

Caroline looked confused. She wondered whether he knew what tomorrow was or was he just playing dumb. She hesitated and prompted, "Sure, Mr. Mikaelson. But, isn't tomorrow thanksgiving? I thought tomorrow was a holiday." "Oh" said Klaus realizing his mistake and was immediately reminded of Elijah's offer or rather ultimatum. "Right. Tomorrow is a holiday. Try to complete this by today. It is really important" told Klaus.

Caroline appeared overjoyed as for a moment she thought she would have to work on a holiday too. She loved holidays and celebrating them. She cherished every moment she spent with her loved ones and she always felt holidays provided the best opportunities. In her childhood, with her father gone, her mom had become a workaholic and never spent time with her. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year were the only times in which she got to be with her mother and hence she loved them.

"Yeah, sure. I would submit it to you by evening" promised Caroline. Klaus noticed how worried she was when he had told her there may be work tomorrow and how happy she was when she was told otherwise. "So you like thanksgiving, huh? Are you going to visit your mom this year?" enquired Klaus. Caroline looked surprised and wondered when she had mentioned about her mom to him.

He seemed to read her mind and clarified by saying, "No need to look so suspicious. Remember you told all about you in the party?" Caroline flushed on hearing it. She had indeed poured her heart out that night. She looked sheepishly at him and answered, "No, I am spending this year's thanksgiving with Stefan. Though I wish to fly back, my mom had informed that she would be working that day."

Klaus could understand how it was to spend the holiday without your parents. Back when they were kids, both Mikael and Esther would leave him and his siblings alone to celebrate the holiday. Even if they were present it would never be a pleasant day as somehow a fight would start leaving everyone bitter at the end of the day. So Klaus had always preferred to spend his holidays with his brothers and sister. They may be annoying but when he looked back they were the ones who always kept him distracted whenever Mikael spoiled the mood. He always loved the time he spent with them.

"I believe you are going to spend it with your family too. Not to sound intrusive, but I thought now that Mr. Elijah too is here you guys would spend the thanksgiving together" said Caroline. Klaus suddenly realized that was all he ever wanted. For his family to be together without Mikael and that was what Elijah had been offering. How stupid should he be not to see it? "Yeah, we are going to spend the day as a family" replied Klaus. 'Just as I have always wanted' he added to himself. "So if you want to get your work done by today you may have to refer some files. Here is the store room key. Help yourself" told Klaus as he threw the keychain. "Sure, Mr. Mikaelson" said Caroline as she caught them.

Dean looked nervous as he knocked on the door of Klaus. He had come bearing some really bad news and wondered how his boss was going to react. He knew this project was Klaus' dream and he would do anything to make it a success. That was the reason he was a bit unsure about the upcoming conversation.

On seeing Dean, Klaus brightened and said, "Here you are. I thought you would never make it. So is everything ready? It is very important that we get the place today, Dean. Let's go, shall we? Where is Stefan, by the way?" Dean looked a bit agitated and Klaus didn't fail to notice it. He got suspicious and asked, "Is everything okay? You look a bit off! Any problem, Dean?" Dean stuttered a little and finally said, "Mr. Mikaelson, the auction has been cancelled for some reason and postponed for next month.

"What? What do you mean by it is postponed by a month? We need it now to start our production. We can't wait that long" panicked Klaus. Dean still looked nervous which made Klaus realize that this was just the start of bad news. "This isn't it. There is more to it. Isn't there? Come on, spill it, Dean" demanded Klaus.

"'The Five' have also introduced a hybrid vehicle called, 'Hunter' which has the same specifications we have planned sir" confessed Dean looking down the ground. He too couldn't understand how their rival company too had decided to introduce the same model with the same specifications. Surely this was not a coincidence. Klaus just growled and flung the files on his tables causing it to crash to the ground.

The car came to a halt as Kol rushed to open the door on Bonnie's side. She rolled her eyes at his gentleman gesture. According to her, Kol tried a bit too hard to impress her. Throughout the day he made her laugh by cracking jokes, treated her like a queen and kept her happy. If she had not known too well about him, she may even go on to describe this as a perfect date. But somehow Bonnie felt that this was not an act.

She rubbed her hands to keep her warm. It was too cold out here and she was stupid to leave her jacket back at home. Realizing her discomfort Kol took off his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. Bonnie refused it but he insisted. "Don't want you entering your house as an ice sculpture, do we? Also the kids will miss their favorite teacher if she couldn't go to class due to fever" winked Kol.

Bonnie shook her head and said, "I don't know. It is just that everything you do have an intention that I cannot help but be suspicious." Kol looked into her eyes, "Do you really think me offering my coat is also a signal to get you into my bed? I agree that I am a bit of a player." Bonnie raised her eyebrows that he amended, "Fine I am completely a player but still I am a brother too. I know that you feel cold and that was why I gave you the coat. I have seen my sister shiver at night outside. So I would have given my coat even if you were a five year old girl or a fifty year old grandma."

Bonnie smiled at him and said, "So this is it. A day with you as I promised. So I hope this clears my debt" Kol looked at her with an unreadable expression. It even looked like disappointment. He cleared his throat and told, "Well, yeah. You have cleared your debt. You owe me nothing. You are free. I am sorry if I troubled you. But I enjoyed the day. Thank you for the great day." Bonnie just smiled and bid him good night.

He returned it and started walking off. She walked towards her house as she thought back on the day. It was the happiest day she had in a long time. His smile, laughter, corny lines and even his flirting made the day enjoyable. Thinking about him brought a small smile to her face. She opened the door still smiling that she was shocked to find Jeremy with a bouquet. She looked around the room to see it lit with candles. "Happy six month anniversary, Bonnie" greeted Jeremy as he kissed her.

"Are you happy? I wanted this to be a surprise. That is why I didn't inform you. You are late. Did you have work back in school?" enquired Jeremy. Bonnie just nodded. She couldn't believe that she spent her six month anniversary day on a date with another guy. She felt ashamed and vowed never to meet Kol again. "Thanks a lot, Jeremy. That is so sweet of you. I love you" said Bonnie more to herself. Jeremy smiled and replied kissing, "I love you too."

Caroline pulled on the lock forcefully as she tried to open that century old cupboard. She huffed as she applied her full strength but still she was unsuccessful. She glared at those cupboards which looked to her as if they were mocking at her for her incapability. When Klaus had told her to fetch the files and report about it by evening, she thought getting the files would be the easier part. God, had she been more wrong?

These cupboards were nightmare and she was exhausted at the end of it. She had to find only one more file and then she would be free. She would make sure that she wouldn't be coming here again in the near or far future. She pulled again forcefully on one of the stubborn locks that she stumbled backwards and hit the floor. On standing up she noticed that she had broken the lock and to her surprise the shelves were filled with rolled up charts instead of big files.

She approached it intrigued and opened the first chart. To her amazement she saw a breathtaking painting of a meadow which appeared so true. The painting brought out the beautiful greenery and she couldn't help but be in awe. She placed it and reached for another chart and found that it was too filled with an amazing painting. She stood their admiring the work when a voice brought her out of the reverie.

"What the hell are you doing here?" shouted Klaus from behind her. She jerked on hearing the voice and dropped the chart out of shock. She fumbled to collect it and put it back in its place and strutted to answer. He looked murderous and that scared her even more. "What the bloody hell are you doing in there? I asked you to bring me the files and not to look through what was in there. Don't you know your limits? Who do you think you are to just open others' cupboards without permission?" shouted Klaus as he shut the cupboard with a thunderous bang.

Caroline flinched from its sound and tried to explain but she was interrupted again. "So what did you think you could find here, huh? Maybe some documents that you could sell off to other companies or maybe some valuables that could fetch you quite an amount?" continued Klaus. Caroline lost her last straw of patience and yelled, "Would you just stop it there? What do you think of those who work below you? They too are human, okay? Just because you employ me, it doesn't give you any right to take me for granted. You are so full of yourself. You think all this success you achieved is only because of you? It was because of the thousands of workers who stood behind you. You may have the money but that doesn't allow you to treat people poorly."

"God, you are so full of yourself. I tried different cupboards to get a file. I chanced upon these paintings and took time to admire it. But you! You and your cheap brain will never trust anyone. Let me tell you one thing. You will gain the genuine respect of someone only when you respect them. I thought I could make it through your horrible personality. I guess I was wrong. I can't stand one more minute of you. And before I go, I just want to tell one thing. You are a big asshole. Good bye" signed off with a wave of her hand and stormed out of the room leaving behind a stunned Klaus.

A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter. Next chapter is the interesting Thanksgiving Day of the Mikaelsons, Gilberts and Salvatores. Please don't hate me for the Stelena break up.

As for the pick up line, "How you doing?" only 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' fans could get it. If you haven't seen it yet I strongly recommend it. From 10th chapter it is fully going to be about Klaroline. Is everyone okay with it? Thanks for reviewing, following and favoriting. Please review your thoughts on this chapter. I will be really happy.

Mystery Girl3: Did you like this chapter? Nothing will ever happen to Stefan. Don't for your review :)

Kacomu: I will never portray Caroline to be weak. Hope this chapter made it clear.

MyloveforKlaroline: Thank you for your sweet review. As for who falls in love first, lets wait and watch ;)

Chetopat: Sorry for the late updates. Glad to know you loved it. This is only the beginning of their cat and mouse game. My bet is also on carebear only :)

KRISTINE.W: Hi! I am happy that you found the story again and even more glad that you loved it. I was also excited that people from around the world are into the same show and it is very true that we all drool over Klaroline ;) come on, who can resist Klaus and Caroline? I am so happy you created a new account. Keep reading and continue reviewing :)