Chapter 8

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After several difficult days for Klaus, Caroline finally woke up and slowly started to recover.

With each passing day, she felt better and gradually moved away from strict bed rest.

There was a slight awkwardness between her and Klaus in conversation—they hadn't discussed the events of the past week or the sweet night in the garden… The hybrid felt it wasn't the right time yet and didn't want to overwhelm her with difficult topics.

Instead, he took the opportunity to introduce her better to his family and his most precious treasure—Hope. Everyone treated Caroline warmly because they saw how much of a positive impact she had on Klaus, and they couldn't help but feel glad about it. Even with Hayley, with whom Caroline once had tensions, they found common ground and spent evenings chatting pleasantly.

One sunny morning, as Caroline opened her eyes, she saw a tray with a glass of orange juice, a serving of pancakes with berries and honey, and a note:

"Good morning, love. I'll be back by noon, I have a few matters to take care of.

P.S. There's a surprise waiting for you in the bathroom."

She couldn't help but smile. Klaus had been making her smile constantly these past few days.

After enjoying the delicious breakfast, Caroline headed straight to the bathroom. The floor was covered in white rose petals, a luxurious bubble bath was ready, and on the table, there were bath bombs, face masks, fresh strawberries, a glass, and a bottle of Moët.

"This morning is way too perfect… Did I forget it's my birthday?"—she thought with a chuckle.

After fully indulging in the relaxing bath, she suddenly heard voices downstairs—someone was arguing. Caroline focused her vampire hearing. And… God, was that Stefan?

Throwing on the lavender silk robe Klaus had gifted her the day before, she hurried downstairs to the main hall. And there he was. They hadn't seen each other in over six months.

Stefan smiled softly at her and quickly stepped forward to embrace her.

— Caroline, I was so worried about you! Why did you stop answering? I heard about the curse from Klaus! How are you? — His voice was filled with concern. He cupped her face in his hands, searching her eyes with tenderness and worry.

He was about to kiss her, but Caroline gently slipped from his grasp and sat down on the couch.

— Stefan, I'm sorry, God… I haven't seen you in so long. This is all too unexpected… I'm fine, really… — She rubbed her temples, struggling to gather her thoughts.

Klaus had been silently watching them from a distance, his posture tense. He always felt the urge to protect her. Caroline's life had been so fragile these past weeks that he couldn't help but feel paranoid again.

— Caroline still needs a lot of rest. I think it's best if you talk later, Stefan. — The hybrid's voice was cold, with perhaps even a hint of threat.

— No, no. Klaus, it's okay. I slept really well today, don't worry. — Caroline walked up to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. — I truly appreciate everything you're doing for me right now, but I think it's better if I talk to Stefan now. Alone.

Klaus darkened but didn't argue. He shot Stefan a warning look as if to say that if she got worse, it would be his fault.

Once the hybrid left the room, Caroline asked Stefan to sit next to her and filled him in on everything that had happened over the past few weeks.

— And you and Klaus? Are you… together now? — Stefan dreaded the answer.

— I don't know. I really don't know anything right now… — Caroline's nerves were on edge, and she even blushed slightly. Denying her feelings for the Original was pointless, but she had no idea what the right choice was. She was exhausted and deeply confused. And now Stefan was here—Stefan, for whom she also had feelings. She had tried to suppress them, but he would always hold a special place in her heart. He was her best friend, her mentor, and… when she had turned off her humanity, they had spent such passionate nights together…

— Caroline, look at me… Caroline… — Stefan crouched in front of her, taking her knees in his hands. — I truly love you, Caroline. I'm asking you to come with me… There hasn't been a single day that I haven't thought about you. I tried to deny my feelings, but I can't anymore. I don't want to.

— Stefan… I don't know what to say. There's just too much happening in my life right now… — Caroline was overwhelmed. She had been prepared for anything, but not this.

He was right in front of her, and he wanted her. Everything she had once dreamed of, but… there was that one "Original but".

— I won't rush you. I understand… — Stefan sighed. — Damon needs me now, I have to return to Mystic Falls. But I'll be waiting for your call. And the doors of our mansion are always open for you.

— I'm really glad I saw you and that you're okay.

Caroline couldn't find the right words and simply said:

— Okay. Say hi to everyone for me.

— I hope to see you soon. — Stefan gave her a soft smile.

After everything that had just happened, Caroline rushed to her room. She needed time to process it all. The flood of emotions made her head spin, and she practically collapsed onto her bed.

Meanwhile, Klaus was waiting for Stefan by the exit.

— Leaving already, friend? — The hybrid asked mockingly.

— Yeah, I have to head back. Damon needs my help…

— Go save your bad brother. Good luck. — Klaus patted his shoulder and was about to leave, but Stefan suddenly grabbed his arm.

— Thank you for taking care of her. It means a lot. — Stefan's voice was firm. — I don't know what's going on between you two, but I want you to know—I want her. I asked Caroline to come with me.

Klaus felt a sting of pain at those words. He knew Caroline wasn't indifferent to Stefan either. But he didn't let it show and simply smirked arrogantly.

— See you around, Stefan.