The soft glow of the moonlight bathed the rose garden in a silvery hue as Klaus gazed at Rosalyn. Though he had seen her countless times from the shadows, this moment was different. She was here with him, close enough to touch, her warmth radiating like a beacon. He couldn't resist the desire to see her unmasked and take in the beauty he had admired from afar.
"My Beautiful Rose," Klaus began softly, his voice almost a whisper, "may I... take off your mask?"
Rosalyn's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, her warm brown eyes widening in surprise. She hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling shy under his intense gaze, but the sincerity in his voice eased her nerves. With a slight, flustered nod, she gave her consent.
Klaus reached out with deliberate care, his fingers brushing lightly against the edges of her mask. He removed it gently, revealing the face beneath. Rosalyn's light complexion, warm brown eyes, and the faint dusting of freckles across her nose were unveiled as the mask disappeared. Those freckles, which she often dismissed as insignificant, were now clearly visible under the moon's soft glow, adding a unique charm to her features. Her long, curly brown hair, styled elegantly like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, framed her face, enhancing her natural beauty.
For a moment, Klaus stared, his breath caught in his chest. Rosalyn rarely thought about her appearance, hiding her potential beauty beneath a carefree hairstyle and her love for academics. But tonight, she was breathtaking with her carefully styled hair and radiant smile.
"You're..." Klaus trailed off, struggling to find the words. "You're exquisite."
Rosalyn's blush deepened, and she looked away shyly, her fingers clutching the rose he had given her. "I-I don't usually look like this," she admitted softly. "I'm more comfortable hitting the books and... well, not this."
Klaus smiled a rare and genuine expression that softened his otherwise intense features. "My Beautiful Rose, you don't need a mask or a gown to be beautiful. Your light comes from within—in how you smile, speak, and care."
What Rosalyn didn't realize was that she had done the impossible—she had captivated the most powerful supernatural creature in existence. Klaus Mikaelson, the Original Hybrid, who commanded fear and respect wherever he went, was wholly and utterly mesmerized by her. She had unknowingly wrapped him around her finger, and he would willingly remain there.
At that moment, Klaus made a silent vow. He would protect her smile at all costs. Anyone who dared to harm her or bring tears to her eyes would face his unrelenting wrath. She was his light, his anchor, and he would worship the ground she walked on for the rest of his days.
"Rosalyn Gilbert," Klaus said, his voice tinged with emotion, "you're more extraordinary than you'll ever know."
Rosalyn saw a vulnerability in him that mirrored her own for the first time—a glimpse of the man beneath the beastly mask.
The night air was cool and crisp as the grand Masquerade Ball began to wind down. Though thoroughly delighted by the magical evening, Rosalyn and Jenna couldn't ignore the weariness creeping into their limbs. They danced, laughed, and shared unforgettable moments with their companions, Klaus and Elijah.
In the rose garden, Rosalyn and Klaus spent hours lost in conversation. Rosalyn learned so much about the mysterious man who had secretly supported her dreams, while Klaus found himself opening up to her in ways he never had with anyone else. Meanwhile, in the ballroom, Elijah and Jenna shared a different kind of evening, filled with dancing, champagne, and deep, meaningful conversation that left them both feeling connected in a way neither expected.
When it came time to leave, Klaus draped his coat over Rosalyn's shoulders, who still wore her shawl. The oversized garment enveloped her frame, comforting her with its warmth and Klaus's scent. Nearby, Elijah did the same for Jenna, gently wrapping his coat around her as she leaned on him for support, her eyelids drooping with exhaustion.
Reunited, Klaus and Elijah escorted Rosalyn and Jenna to the waiting limo. Rosalyn walked beside Klaus, her fingers brushing his arm as they softly conversed. Klaus couldn't help but smile at her, his gaze lingering as she spoke about her plans and excitement for the future. Feeling bolder after their heartfelt exchange in the rose garden, Rosalyn asked him, "Would you like to spend more time with me during the rest of my trip? Before I head back to the States?"
Klaus's smile deepened, a rare warmth lighting his blue-green eyes. "It would be an honor, My Beautiful Rose," he replied, his voice low and sincere.
Jenna had already succumbed to sleep in the limo, her head resting against Elijah's shoulder as he watched her with quiet fondness. Rosalyn glanced at her best friend, then back at Klaus, her cheeks tinged pink as he caught her staring. He reached out, gently tucking a loose curl behind her ear, his touch as tender as his gaze.
The drive to the hotel was serene, the city lights of Paris casting a golden glow through the windows. Rosalyn felt a sense of calm she hadn't experienced in years, a deep contentment that made her wish the night would never end. Beside her, Klaus silently marveled at how this unassuming and kind woman had managed to captivate his immortal heart.
As the limo arrived at the hotel, Klaus and Elijah stepped out, offering their hands to the ladies. Rosalyn and Jenna, now awake, accepted the gestures with smiles. The men escorted them to the grand entrance, ensuring they were safely inside before taking their leave.
But not before Klaus leaned close to Rosalyn, his voice a soft murmur in her ear. "I'll see you tomorrow, My Beautiful Rose."
She nodded, her heart fluttering as she whispered, "Goodnight, Klaus."
As the doors closed behind her, Klaus stood momentarily, watching the light from the lobby fade. He turned to Elijah, who met his brother's gaze with an amused smirk. The two walked back to the limo without a word, knowing that this night was only the beginning of something extraordinary.
As the limo glided smoothly through the quiet streets of Paris, Klaus gazed out the window, his thoughts consumed by Rosalyn. The faint scent of roses lingered on his coat, a bittersweet reminder of their shared night. He leaned back in his seat, a rare softness in his expression.
Elijah, seated across from him, sipped his champagne thoughtfully. Noticing Klaus's faraway look, he let his younger brother speak first.
"I told her," Klaus finally admitted, breaking the comfortable silence. His voice was quieter than usual, almost introspective.
Elijah's brows lifted slightly in surprise. "Told her?" he echoed, though he already suspected what Klaus meant. "You finally revealed yourself as her mysterious benefactor?"
Klaus nodded, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his glass. "I did. She deserved to know," he said, though his tone carried the weight of years of secrecy. "I told her about New York... how she first caught my attention in the museum. I explained how I wanted to help her achieve her dreams."
Elijah leaned forward, intrigued. "And how did she take it?"
Klaus allowed a small, wistful smile to tug at his lips. "She cried," he admitted, the memory of her tear-filled eyes softening his typically hardened demeanor. "Not from anger or disbelief. She was... grateful, overwhelmed even. She told me it had always been her dream to meet the one who helped her. And now that she knows, she's thankful."
Elijah studied his brother for a long moment, then nodded. "I must say, Niklaus, I'm impressed. It's not often you allow yourself to be so open with someone."
Klaus let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "I didn't plan on telling her, Elijah. But when we were in the rose garden, she looked at me... I couldn't keep it from her anymore. She can draw out the truth whether she realizes it or not."
Elijah smiled faintly, leaning back in his seat. "It sounds like this young woman has made quite the impression on you."
Klaus turned back to the window, the city lights reflecting in his blue-green eyes. "She has," he admitted quietly. "More than I ever thought possible."
The limo pulled into Klaus's Parisian manor's grand driveway, its elegant façade glowing softly in the moonlight. As the brothers stepped out, Klaus paused, glancing at Elijah.
"Do you think I made the right choice, brother? Telling her?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain.
Elijah placed a reassuring hand on Klaus's shoulder. "The right choice is rarely the easiest, Niklaus. But in this case, I believe you did what was best. Rosalyn seems to bring out the best in you—something few can claim."
Klaus nodded, his expression thoughtful as they entered the manor. As the doors closed behind them, Klaus couldn't help but feel a newfound hope that hadn't graced him in centuries. Rosalyn's presence had stirred something deep within him, and for the first time in a long while, Klaus felt as though his immortal existence had taken on a new purpose.
The hotel room was cozy, softly lit by a bedside lamp. Rosalyn sat cross-legged on the bed, her face freshly cleaned of makeup and glowing from the excitement of the evening. She was wearing a soft, oversized sweatshirt and pajama pants, her hair still slightly damp from her shower. Jenna stepped out of the bathroom in her comfortable pajamas, towel-drying her hair as she perched on the edge of her bed.
"So," Jenna began, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she folded the towel over a chair. "Are you finally going to spill? You've had this dreamy look in your eyes all night."
Rosalyn hesitated momentarily, a blush creeping up her cheeks before she broke into a radiant smile. "Okay, you have to promise not to freak out," she said, leaning forward with an excited whisper.
Jenna raised an eyebrow, already intrigued. "No promises, but go on."
Taking a deep breath, Rosalyn confessed, "Klaus... Elijah's younger brother... he's my mysterious benefactor."
Jenna froze mid-motion, her eyes widening. "Wait. What?" she said, dropping her towel onto the chair and turning fully toward Rosalyn.
Rosalyn nodded quickly, her voice spilling over with excitement. "We talked in the rose garden, and he told me. Jenna, he's the one who's been helping me all these years—through my college life, this trip, everything! And it all started when he saw me at an art museum in New York. He said he was captivated by what I said about the paintings." She paused, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I still can't believe it."
Jenna gaped at her momentarily, then let out a delighted squeal, jumping onto Rosalyn's bed. "Oh my gosh! Rosie! This is huge! The mysterious benefactor is an actual real-life Prince Charming! And he's totally smitten with you—don't even try to deny it!"
Rosalyn laughed, her blush deepening. "It's still so surreal, Jenna. I asked him if we could spend more time together before I head back to the States. And he said spending time with me would be an honor."
That sent Jenna into another excitement, pulling Rosalyn into a hug. "Of course you did! Oh, this is like something out of a fairy tale. You're living the dream, girl!"
The two friends giggled and squealed, their excitement filling the room. Jenna plopped back onto her bed, hugging a pillow. "So, what will you wear for your date with him? Because you have to look stunning."
Rosalyn smiled, her heart full as she glanced at her suitcase. "It's not a date, Jenna. We just physically met and got to know each other. And I have no idea yet, but I'll figure it out. This is all happening so fast."
Jenna grinned. "Fast? Rosie, this has been years in the making. He has watched you grow beautifully and academically since seeing you at that New York art museum. You deserve every single second of it."
Rosalyn smiled softly, hugging a pillow to her chest. Deep down, she couldn't help but agree. For once, everything felt exactly right.
The morning sunlight bathed Paris in a golden glow, the Eiffel Tower gleaming in the distance as the city hummed to life. Klaus stepped out of his manor, the soft hum of the fancy car he had rented for the day breaking the serene quiet of the early hours. His attire perfectly blended casual and refined—a fitted navy-blue sweater highlighting his muscular frame and a pair of tailored jeans. His dirty blond hair was artfully tousled, and his sharp features radiated a boyish charm that complemented his mysterious aura.
Elijah stood by a large window, sipping his morning tea inside the manor. His keen eyes followed his younger brother as Klaus adjusted the lapel of his coat and climbed into the car. Elijah's usual stoic expression softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He set his tea down, folding his arms as he watched Klaus drive off.
"Perhaps she truly is the one," Elijah murmured, a glimmer of hope flickering in his heart. Rosalyn's influence was already undeniable. He imagined her gentle words and unwavering kindness being the force that might finally break through Klaus's walls, perhaps even leading to the reunion of their fractured family. For too long, their siblings had been trapped in a state of stasis—daggered and hidden away for their safety. Rosalyn could heal Klaus's heart and their family's fractured bonds.
Meanwhile, Klaus navigated the cobblestone streets of Paris with a clear purpose. He pulled up to a charming flower shop nestled in a quiet corner. Its exterior was painted in soft pastels, and window boxes overflowed with vibrant blooms. The bell above the door chimed softly as he entered, his sharp blue-green eyes scanning the rows of flowers.
"Bonjour, monsieur," the shopkeeper greeted with a warm smile. "How can I assist you today?"
Klaus's gaze landed on a stunning arrangement of roses in shades of pink and red, symbolizing admiration and love. "I'll take those," he said, his accent adding a smooth charm to his words. As the shopkeeper wrapped the bouquet in delicate paper tied with a satin ribbon, Klaus's mind drifted to Rosalyn. He could already picture her warm smile and the sparkle in her eyes when he presented the flowers.
Klaus returned to his car with the bouquet, carefully placing the flowers on the passenger seat. As he drove toward Rosalyn's hotel, the corners of his lips curled into a rare, genuine smile. Today wasn't just any day—it was meant to be etched into their memories forever. For the first time in centuries, Klaus felt that he wasn't just a monster; he was a man who could love and be loved in return.
Rosalyn stood before the full-length mirror, her reflection radiant in the morning sunlight streaming through the hotel room window. Her natural curls cascaded down her shoulders in all their wild, beautiful glory, framing her face perfectly. Jenna had worked her magic with makeup, enhancing Rosalyn's natural features—a soft blush on her cheeks, a hint of mascara to make her warm brown eyes pop, and a touch of gloss on her lips that shimmered softly.
The summer dress they'd chosen was a light pastel shade with delicate floral patterns. Its flowy fabric brushed just above her knees, complementing Rosalyn's warm complexion and giving her an effortlessly elegant look. Her strappy sandals added a touch of charm while keeping her comfortable. Her cute handbag, slung over her shoulder, was a subtle accessory that tied the whole look together.
Jenna stepped back, admiring her best friend with a grin. "Rosie, you look absolutely stunning," she said, clasping her hands together. "Klaus won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Rosalyn turned from the mirror to face Jenna, a mix of excitement and nervousness sparkling in her warm brown eyes. "You really think so?" she asked, fidgeting slightly with the strap of her handbag. "I mean, this is Klaus we're talking about. He's so...mysterious and confident. What if I mess something up?"
Jenna stepped forward, placing her hands gently on Rosalyn's shoulders. "Listen to me, Rosie. Klaus has been watching over you, caring for you, and protecting you for years during your college days. He sees something in you that's special, something that's worth everything to him. Just be yourself—that's the person he's fallen for."
Rosalyn took a deep breath, Jenna's words easing some of her nerves. A small, genuine smile spread across her lips. "You're right," she said softly. "I'll just be me."
"That's the spirit!" Jenna said with a playful wink. "Now go out there and have the best day of your life."
A car horn outside caught their attention, signaling Klaus's arrival. Rosalyn hugged Jenna and made her way to the door. Before she stepped out, she turned back one last time. "Thank you, Jenna. For everything."
Jenna waved her off with a grin. "Go get your prince, Rosie."
With her heart racing and a smile lighting up her face, Rosalyn stepped out of the hotel, ready to embark on a day she knew she'd never forget.
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