Outside the hotel, the evening air was cool and fragrant with the faint scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. Rosalyn smiled warmly at Elijah, her gratitude evident.

"Thank you, Elijah, for everything today," Rosalyn said sincerely. "For saving us, for your company—it made the day so much better. I'll leave you two to say your goodnights." She gave Jenna a knowing smile before retreating into the hotel lobby.

From a distance, Klaus observed the scene, his expression unreadable. When he saw Rosalyn enter the hotel safely, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the night. The city held its secrets for now, and the upcoming Masquerade Ball promised to bring them closer to the surface.

Jenna turned to Elijah, her cheeks slightly flushed, unsure how to express her gratitude adequately. "I second what Rosalyn said. Thank you for everything, Elijah. It's been... an unforgettable day."

Elijah's gaze softened as he looked at her. "The pleasure was entirely mine, Jenna. Your enthusiasm and joy have a way of making the simplest moments remarkable."

Jenna laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're too kind. I—" She paused, glancing down momentarily before looking back at him, her hazel eyes shimmering in the dim light. "Will I see you again before the ball?"

Elijah extended his arm with an inviting smile. "Would you care to accompany me for a walk instead, Jenna? I want to spend more time with you before the evening concludes."

Jenna felt her cheeks warm as she looked at his outstretched arm. His gentlemanly demeanor and calm confidence made it impossible to refuse. "I'd love to," she said softly, slipping her hand around his arm.

The two began strolling down the cobblestone streets, the faint glow of streetlights casting a warm atmosphere. Paris at night was magical, and the world seemed to quiet down, leaving just the sound of their footsteps and the occasional laughter from nearby cafes.

Jenna glanced at Elijah, curious but hesitant. "So, Elijah," she began, breaking the comfortable silence, "what brought you to Paris? It doesn't seem like you're just here for sightseeing."

Elijah chuckled lightly, his gaze forward but attentive. "You're quite perceptive. I came here searching for someone—though not in the way you might think. My family often scatters across the globe, and it seems one of my brothers decided Paris would be his temporary home. I thought it was time to visit."

Jenna tilted her head slightly. "That's... sweet. Are you close with your brother?"

A shadow flickered across Elijah's features, though his tone remained steady. "Close, yes, though our relationship has its complexities. Family often does."

Jenna nodded in understanding, sensing there was more to the story, but she chose not to press. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "Paris is such a romantic city. Do you travel often?"

Elijah smiled at her perceptiveness. "I've seen many places over the years, but Paris has a timeless charm that never fades. And you, Jenna? Is this your first time here?"

"Yes," Jenna admitted, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "Rosalyn and I have been planning to leave the States for ages to see what the world is like instead of pictures and videos. That's why I am grateful that Rosalyn's mysterious Benefactor provided the tickets to Paris for her hard work. It's like a true dream to be here, surrounded by all this history and beauty."

Elijah looked at her, his expression warm. "It's fitting that your presence graces such a city. Paris seems even more enchanting tonight."

Jenna felt her heart flutter at his words. "You have a way with words, Elijah Mikaelson," she said with a laugh, her shyness momentarily replaced by a playful tone.

They continued their walk, the streets quieting further as the night deepened. Elijah led her to a small bridge overlooking the Seine, the water shimmering under the moonlight. "I thought this might be a nice place to pause," he said, gesturing to the view.

Jenna leaned on the railing, her breath catching at the sight. "It's beautiful," she murmured.

Elijah stood beside her, his presence steady and reassuring. "As are you," he said softly, his voice earnest and sincere.

Jenna glanced up at him, her hazel eyes meeting his. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the gentle flow of the river below.

As Jenna gazed out over the Seine, Elijah's words lingered in her mind, filling a space that once held doubt and insecurity. Beautiful. It was a simple word but one she rarely associated with herself. Memories of her past relationship with Logan Fell resurfaced—how his compliments often felt empty, laced with ulterior motives. She thought of the countless times Rosalyn and Mason tried to warn her, their protectiveness clear even then. At the time, she had dismissed them, thinking they didn't understand. But catching Logan with someone else had been the wake-up call she needed.

After the breakup during her senior year in high school, she threw herself into her studies at Whitmore College, particularly in her psychology courses. There, she learned the language of emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and unhealthy attachments. Reflecting on how much she had endured was sobering, but it was also empowering to realize how far she had come. She'd grown, and for the first time, she knew her worth.

Standing beside Elijah, she saw the stark contrast between him and her past. Logan's flattery always felt rehearsed, meant to control or placate. But Elijah's every word felt intentional, his gaze steady and genuine. There was no artifice, no hidden agenda. When he called her beautiful, it wasn't to gain something from her but simply because he meant it.

Jenna turned to look at him, studying his profile as he admired the view. Elijah's poise and confidence were unlike anything she had encountered before. He exuded maturity and intelligence, carrying himself gracefully yet with an undeniable strength beneath the surface.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice carrying a vulnerability she hadn't expected. Elijah turned his attention to her, his expression warm and curious.

"For what?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"For saying I'm beautiful," Jenna admitted, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I... I haven't always believed that about myself. And I think I've been carrying that doubt for a long time."

Elijah's brow furrowed slightly as if the thought of her doubting her beauty pained him. "Jenna," he began, his voice steady yet tender, "true beauty lies not only in what the eye perceives but in the essence of a person—their kindness, strength, and light. And you, Jenna, possess all of these in abundance. Anyone who failed to see that was blind to the treasure before them."

Jenna felt her heart swell, tears threatening to form in her eyes. No one, not even her closest friends, had ever spoken to her like this before. "You really mean that, don't you?" she whispered.

Elijah smiled softly, his gaze unwavering. "I do."

For the first time in years, Jenna felt a sense of peace. This could be the start of something real, she thought.

John wasted no time after hearing from Grayson that Rosalyn was in Paris. The idea of surprising his sister filled him with excitement. It had been years since they'd spent quality time together in person, and what better occasion than to celebrate her graduation and Jenna's 22nd birthday?

He booked a ticket from Germany to France, his mind racing about how Rosalyn might react. Despite the two bickering in their childhood, John had always been the protective older brother. Though Rosalyn often teased him for being overbearing, he knew she appreciated his gestures of care. This trip was more than just a celebration; it was a chance to reconnect and show his support for everything she had achieved.

As the train sped through the European countryside, John thought about Rosalyn and her best friend, Jenna. He has known Jenna since she was young due to Grayson and Miranda being a couple and remembered her as lively and spirited. She always had a way of bringing out the fun side of Rosalyn, something he greatly appreciated. He made a mental note to get a small gift for Jenna, something to mark her birthday and show her she was part of their extended family in every way.

When the train pulled into Gare de l'Est station in Paris, John stepped out purposefully. The city's vibrant energy surrounded him, but his focus was singular—finding Rosalyn and surprising her. With a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and a smile tugging at his lips, he set off toward the hotel Grayson had mentioned, eager to see the look on Rosalyn's face when he arrived unannounced.

John arrived at the hotel and approached the lobby, requesting they call Rosalyn and stating that 'someone' wanted to meet with her.

Rosalyn was in her pjs when she received the call. She changed into something comfortable and left her room.

When Rosalyn stepped into the lobby and saw John standing there, she froze in disbelief. His familiar smile and warm presence filled her with a flood of emotions.

"Roza," John greeted her affectionately, his voice filled with the warmth of an older brother who had deeply missed his little sister.

Rosalyn blinked back tears as a smile broke across her face. "John!" she cried, her voice trembling with surprise and overwhelming joy. She rushed toward him and threw her arms around him, clutching him tightly as if afraid he might disappear.

John chuckled softly, hugging her back just as tightly. "Hey, little sis," he said, his tone teasing but filled with genuine affection. "It's been too long."

Rosalyn pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. "Years, John! Letters, calls, and video chats are not enough. What are you doing here?"

John wiped a tear from her cheek with a finger, his smile softening. "Grayson told me you were in Paris, and I couldn't miss the chance to celebrate your graduation. And, of course, Jenna's birthday too. Thought I'd surprise you."

Rosalyn laughed through her tears, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable. But I'm so happy you're here."

John placed a protective arm around her shoulders and guided her to one of the seating areas in the lobby. "Tell me everything, Roza. How's the trip been so far? And don't leave out a single detail."

Rosalyn beamed, her heart full, as she recounted their adventures in Paris. For the first time in years, she felt complete. Having John with her made the trip all the more special.

As Rosalyn animatedly described her Paris adventures with Jenna, John listened intently, his expression a blend of amusement and curiosity. He noted the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke about how her mysterious Benefactor had made this trip possible, paved the way for her success in the Psychology BA Program, and helped her get into the Counseling Psychology Master's Program. Rosalyn's gratitude for this unknown individual was evident, and she spoke with genuine warmth and admiration.

But beneath John's composed exterior, unease simmered. Who was this person who seemed to have such a vested interest in his sister's life? Their generosity was undeniable, but their anonymity left too many unanswered questions. He didn't like the idea of someone so involved in Rosalyn's life without any transparency.

Still, seeing how much the support had meant to her and how happy she was at this moment, John decided to hold his tongue. The last thing he wanted was to cast a shadow over her joyous trip or dampen her spirits.

"Well," John said with a warm smile, steering the conversation away from his concerns, "it's clear this trip has been everything you hoped for and more. You deserve every bit of it, Roza. And whoever this Benefactor is, they certainly see the amazing person you are—just like I do."

Rosalyn blushed and laughed softly. "You're too much, John. But thank you. Honestly, I feel so blessed. I just wish I could thank them in person someday."

John nodded, his protective instincts kicking in. "And when you do, I'll make sure I'm there too—just to make sure this person knows they've got to live up to the big brother standards."

Rosalyn laughed again, lightly punching his arm. "Oh, please, John. Don't scare them off!"

He chuckled but made a mental note to monitor this situation closely. For now, though, he would focus on making his sister's time in Paris as memorable as possible.

John follows Rosalyn to her hotel room, who is getting a sweater since he will take her out for a late-night snack. He couldn't help but smile at the mention of Elijah Mikaelson. He'd been observing his sister's body language throughout their conversation, and she was clearly excited about the turn of events, especially regarding Jenna's budding connection with Elijah.

"A mysterious gentleman, huh?" John teased, leaning against Rosalyn's hotel room door as she grabbed her sweater. "Sounds like someone has caught Jenna's attention."

Rosalyn nodded with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, it was unexpected. Jenna's always been a little guarded after... well, you know. But this Elijah guy is different. I can tell she's really taken by him. And he seems like a genuinely good guy. He helped us out earlier when we were cornered by some French men who wouldn't take no for an answer. Honestly, I think it was the first time I saw Jenna so relaxed and happy in a while."

John raised an eyebrow, his protective instincts kicking in. "So, this Elijah guy swoops in and rescues you both, and now Jenna's on some date with him? Seems a little too convenient."

"Well," Rosalyn shrugged, pulling the sweater over her head as she turned back to her brother, "sometimes things just... happen. We've been in Paris for a while, and she deserves a little fun. Plus, Elijah doesn't seem like the type to be shady or anything. He's genuinely charming and respectful. I think she's finally found someone who makes her feel special after that disaster with Logan."

John paused, processing the information. Jenna had been emotionally affected, especially by her past relationship with Logan. The idea that she might have found someone who treated her differently—who could offer her the kind of gentleness and attentiveness she deserved—was a relief, even if it came in the form of a stranger.

"Alright," he said with a small smile, stepping forward to follow Rosalyn as she headed out. "If he's treating her well, I won't have to worry... too much."

Rosalyn laughed softly. "You're such a big brother, John. But seriously, I think Jenna's in good hands. Maybe one day, you'll get to meet him too."

"I'm sure I will," John replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And when I do, I'll give him the full brotherly interrogation."

Rosalyn rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a warmth in her voice when she said, "Don't scare him off. He's already charming enough to handle us."

The two siblings smiled knowingly as they left the room, ready to enjoy a late-night snack and quality time together. Meanwhile, John's mind lingered on this Elijah Mikaelson fellow—he couldn't help but wonder what kind of man could capture Jenna's attention so quickly.

Elijah had always been a man of deep reflection, and as he watched Jenna interact with her surroundings, he couldn't help but notice the quiet beauty that radiated from her. Through their conversations, he'd learned about her past, about Logan Fell, and how his actions had caused Jenna to doubt her worth and beauty. Elijah felt a surge of protectiveness and admiration for her, knowing that no one should ever make her feel less than incredible.

He decided, then, that he would make her 22nd birthday truly memorable—something special to show her just how remarkable she was, not just for the world but for him, too. He didn't want her to carry the weight of the past anymore. It was time for her to feel cherished, desired, and, above all, beautiful.

After dropping Jenna off at her hotel, Elijah left to arrange a private dinner for just the two of them at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sparkling lights of Paris. He knew that a grand gesture might overwhelm her, but a quiet, intimate evening would allow them to connect on a deeper level. He ordered her favorite dishes—something familiar but elegant—and arranged for soft music to set the tone.

The next day, Elijah woke early, quietly slipping out to ensure the day would unfold perfectly. He picked out a small, delicate necklace—something understated but elegant—that he could give her later. He had chosen it carefully, knowing it would complement her perfectly. The gift wasn't extravagant, but it was meaningful, a symbol of how much he had come to admire her resilience and grace.

Jenna was still getting ready when Elijah returned to the hotel to meet her. She wore a casual yet stunning outfit, her natural beauty shining through even without effort. Elijah's heart swelled a little when he saw her; she had no idea how much she deserved to be celebrated.

"Good morning, Jenna," he greeted her warmly. "Are you ready for a special day?"

Jenna looked up from adjusting her shoes and smiled back, the excitement in her eyes betraying her calm exterior. "I'm always ready for an adventure. What do you have planned for me?"

Elijah's eyes softened as he stepped closer. "Today, I want you to feel celebrated, Jenna. You deserve it. It will be a day just for you, full of memories that will remind you how much you mean to those around you."

Her heart fluttered at his words. "You're making me blush," she said, her smile even more radiant.

"Well, you deserve to blush," Elijah replied, his tone sincere. "You deserve everything wonderful this world has to offer."

He handed her the small box containing the necklace. "A small gift, but one that I hope will serve as a reminder of how beautiful you truly are, inside and out."

Jenna's fingers trembled slightly as she took the gift, opening the box to reveal the delicate jewelry. It was a simple silver chain with a small star-shaped pendant. "It's beautiful," she said softly, her voice catching. "Thank you, Elijah. This is... perfect."

Elijah smiled and reached out to gently place the necklace around her neck. As he did, his fingers brushed against her skin, and the touch was soft and intimate, making them pause momentarily.

"Anything to make you feel special," he said, his voice low but genuine.

They stood silently, with only their breathing filling the space between them. Jenna felt a warmth spread through her chest, and she knew, at that moment, that she had found something truly remarkable in Elijah—someone who saw her for who she really was and appreciated her flaws and all.

"Let's go," Elijah said, gently guiding her toward the door. "I've planned a day that I hope will make you feel like you're the only person in the world."

Jenna followed him, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. She would remember this day—not just because of the birthday celebration, but because of the man who made her feel truly seen and valued.

Rosalyn stood by the window, watching Jenna and Elijah walk out of the hotel, their figures slowly disappearing down the street. A sense of warmth settled in her chest, a mixture of happiness for her best friend and quiet relief. Jenna deserved someone like Elijah—someone who saw her not just on the surface but for who she truly was, with all her depth, beauty, and intelligence. It was clear that Elijah cared deeply for her, and Rosalyn was grateful for that.

When she'd helped Jenna prepare for the day, Rosalyn noticed the soft glow of excitement in her friend's eyes. Jenna had been nervous but also thrilled. It wasn't just the special day ahead—it was the way Elijah had made her feel, the way he'd already shown that he cared about her, and Rosalyn could see that Jenna was starting to open up to the possibility of something real with him.

As she stood there, a small smile tugged at Rosalyn's lips. She trusted Elijah. He wasn't like Logan from Jenna's past. He wasn't careless and certainly wasn't someone who would make her feel small. It seemed like Elijah was actively working to heal the parts of Jenna that had been scarred by someone who didn't deserve her.

Rosalyn knew that, with time, Jenna would see what everyone else had seen—that she was worthy of love, happiness, and all the wonderful things life had to offer. But more than that, she knew Jenna would begin to believe it herself. Elijah would help her do that, just as he was doing now, creating the kind of day Jenna would never forget.

She turned away from the window, feeling a soft weight settle in her heart. It wasn't just the trust she felt for Elijah that made her feel at peace. She also felt at peace knowing that Jenna and she would always have each other, no matter where they went in life.

With a deep breath, Rosalyn let the moment's warmth linger before preparing for the evening. She was looking forward to spending time with her brother, John, again and catching up on everything they had missed over the years. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but think of Jenna's smile when she talked about Elijah and how special it was to see her friend so happy.

Things were starting to look up for Jenna, which filled Rosalyn's heart with hope.