Soft music reached her ears upon opening the door. It was an old jazz tune.

Stefan had always been a rock kind of guy. Wrinkling her eyebrows at the strange sound, Caroline quietly rested her bag on the glass hallway table. The gesture led to her eyes stopping on the golden band adorning her ring finger.

Two months and three weeks.

That was all that separated her from her wedding with the man of her dreams, Stefan Salvatore.

A dreamy sigh escaped her lips as she was reminded on his romantic, over-the-top proposal: renting an entire restaurant, preparing a candlelit dinner, taking her to dance in the patio, only to go down on one knee while they were gazing at the stars. Such perfection had even given off the impression that the full moon had turned into the protector of their love and that, as long as it shone in the sky, it would never end.

Always the hopeless romantic, she chastised herself, but the truth was that her feelings for Stefan were the reason why she was home early from work. He'd said he wasn't feeling well and that he would probably try to sleep it off until she returned. So, of course, Caroline Forbes had to go and buy some chicken soup along with cold medicine and bring them to Stefan immediately.

Careful, as to not wake him up, she put on the kettle to make some chamomile tea and, steaming cup in hand, headed for the bedroom. The raspy woman voice that crooned gently only got louder. How could Stefan be sleeping through all that commotion? He must be feeling worse than Caroline had initially believed.

Cracking open the door, at first all Caroline could see was a mess of pristine, white sheets which she'd washed and pressed this morning, moving around in bed. Then, seconds later, a mop of dirty-blonde hair emerged, tipping backwards, eyes tightly shut, mouth wide open and moaning aloud.

The cup dropped to the floor, scalding liquid soaking the plush carpet and the woman gasped, shock and disbelief written all over her face. "Stefan?" was all she could whisper.

Apparently, it was enough because two sets of disbelieving, widening orbs turned in her direction. Immediately, her fiancée tried to disentangle his limbs from the other woman, a task made harder by the silk linens over which he kept tripping.

Meanwhile, Caroline wasted no time. Feeling the sharp sting of tears burning, she determinedly turned on her heels, making big strides and hoping she was out of the door before the dam broke. She refused to give them the satisfaction to see her break down.

That was reserved for when she was alone in her apartment, with ice-cream and Netflix to soothe her broken heart, if they could. A loud thud announced Stefan tumbling to the ground and it sent hope that her wish might come true and a confrontation was avoidable. For now, at least.

Unfortunately, her life had never been easy and just as she could see the exit, a sweaty palm clamped down on her wrist. She shuddered at the thought of why he was this worked up, the foul taste of bile brought on by the images her mind conjured incessantly.

"Caroline, wait," Stefan began. "I can explain this."

Caroline couldn't help but roll her eyes at the absurdity of that overused line. Did it ever work? If it did, the woman must be really stupid, she concluded. Trying to wrestle free proved to no avail. Begging her voice wouldn't falter she resorted to biting words. "Seriously, Stefan? Do you honestly think me that idiotic to actually fall for any of your explanations? I saw plenty and I can draw my own conclusions, thank you very much."

"Caroline, please," he begged." Please, just hear me out."

"Stefan, let go of my hand, right now." The coldness laced in her voice must have astonished Stefan because he did as asked. Like minutes ago, the engagement ring drew her in. Only this time elation was replaced by contempt. "Oh, by the way, the wedding," she struggled to keep the same indifferent tone. "It's off."

It was safe to say that Stefan looked like a puppy that had been kicked by its owner. "Care," he mumbled brokenly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"Stefan," interrupted a purring female voice. "What's going on?"

Her fiancée's mistress was standing in her hallway, only wearing her bedcovers to hide her nudity while a music she didn't recognize resonated over the deafening silence that extended between the three adults. If it didn't hurt this much she would be laughing right now. They appeared to have come out of a cheap romantic movie.

One more look at the diamond shining brightly even in her dimly lit apartment. It was everything she'd ever wanted: her future with Stefan Salvatore.

All ruined. Burning right before her eyes.

A tear rolled down her face and there was no stopping the ones that followed in her steps. After all, this was probably the hardest thing she'd done in her life so far. But there was no going back. Pride and dignity guided her next move. Slowly taking off the gold jewelry, it weighed next to nothing, but held her entire heart; she started walking towards the other woman.

"He's all yours now," she placed it in her palm. "I hope he makes you happy."

"Caroline," Stefan's comforting voice interrupted. It was like soothing velvet; it made her want to melt down in his arms and never leave that cocoon of safety. But that was impossible. He'd made it crystal clear.

"Don't, Stefan," her plea was honest. She couldn't take his lies if that was the way he chose to go on, but pity was not a desirable emotion either. "Just tell me one thing. Do you love her?"

A pregnant pause extended Caroline's nerves. She was preparing to climb the walls or pull out her hair, whichever her distraught mind deemed more relaxing, when he finally responded. "I'm so sorry, Caroline." And she knew. "It was never my intention to hurt you, but yes, I do love her."

A knife pierced her heart. She was clearly the antagonist in this love story. "Then it was worth it."

After that heavy statement, neither Stefan nor naked, busty blonde appeared capable of forming any words. Using the moment to her advantage, Caroline slipped out of her and Stefan's apartment for the last time. Through blurred vision, she managed to reach her red Hyundai and climb into the driver's seat before sobs engulfed her body entirely.

Her future- it was all gone now. The perfect wedding, the one she'd been planning since being a toddler was called off. Worst of all, the man she loved with all of her heart, didn't reciprocate anymore and instead of being a man and telling it to her face, he'd gone and lied and cheated on her for who knows how long.

No, this was too much. Why did these things only happen to her? Had God slapped a magnet to her forehead that repelled all the joy from her life? Why was she always second choice to the men in her life?

"The curse of Caroline Forbes," she laughed bitterly, banging her head against the window when it hit her: her friends. They were all Stefan's friends too. Would they blame her for the monumental failure of the engagement? Caroline: the neurotic, control-freak blonde who always ruins everything.

Anyhow, even if they didn't, she didn't jump at the possibility of them offering comfort. Imagining Damon bringing her a cup of tea and offering a shoulder to cry on at Elena's orders made her laugh out loud. As a result, to anyone watching, Caroline Forbes appeared positively unhinged and insane. And wouldn't in this situation?

Well, crazy or not, there was only one thing clear in her mind at the moment: she needed some time away. And no, she wasn't running, just taking an unplanned vacation and her heart only deemed fit for such endeavor one place.

Her father's house. Wiping the salty liquid off her cheeks, she grabbed her phone and dialed a number she'd learned by heart after their reconciliation.

"Hello," warm honey greeted her.

"Daddy," she hated the way her voice croaked. Like when she was 12 and had broken her foot in PE class and had called her dad for help. To be honest, having your heart shattered hurt a billion times more than that.

"Caroline, sweetheart," worry took over. "What happened? Are you okay?" His fatherly instincts must have told him that something was clearly wrong.

No, she wanted to scream, but couldn't. "Can I come over for a few days?"

A few days turned into a couple of months spent avoiding personal questions and ignoring the few dozen missed calls from Elena, Bonnie, Matt and, believe it or not, Stefan. She'd just sent a text to the former three that assured them that she was all right and would return shortly. However, the task was hardened by the princess treatment she received in her dad's residence.

Her father's boyfriend was amazing and, along with Bill Forbes, they'd helped raise her spirits by taking her shopping, cooking and even agreeing to lounge in front of the TV watching gruesome horror movies with zero critical value and substance. But she loved them because there was no time for silly things like love in them. Who fell in love while being hunted by a maleficent ghost? Or while running from a pack of zombies?

But, the dream was over, the illusion fractured and tomorrow she'd abandon this safe haven and head back home, to Mystic Falls. As a general surgeon, she'd been offered countless jobs in bigger cities, but she'd never been fully ready to move on. Her friends, even her mother had held her back, but maybe now, when her future didn't look that bright anymore, when the foundation of her so-called perfect life crumbled, she could attempt to start over someplace else.

Maybe courage would come back and Caroline Forbes could find her old spirit of adventure; the one that had abandoned her since high-school. Yes, it was decided, come tomorrow, she would start browsing for open positions in cities she'd dreamed of visiting: New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles or New Orleans. She could even plan a holiday out of the country like she'd always wanted.

Not France, though. That was where she was supposed to have her honeymoon with Stefan. The newlyweds, enjoying macaroons and watching the sunset, cuddled, with the Eiffel Tower enveloping them in a soft shadow, sheltering them from prying eyes.

That was gone. All that remained were memories and a gaping hole in her heart. A wound that bled profoundly and which had refused to stitch back.

"Honey, this came for you," her father extended an elegant, peach envelope tied together by a silver ribbon.

Elegant was the first word that came to mind when she saw it. Refined followed suit.

Nobody had any business sending something like this to her.

"It must be a mistake, Dad. I'm not expecting anything."

Bill Forbes shook his head and insisted that she take it. After she finally acquiesced, he excused himself giving her privacy. Her father really had changed, she realized instantly. From the man desperate to control every aspect of her life, he'd grown into an understanding and supportive parent. Despite leaving her mother for another man, a feat she'd despised deeply, she could now say with all honesty that he was forgiven.

Swiftly opening the envelope, the satin ribbon sliding off effortlessly, her good mood plummeted. Taking another look at the paper and willing the words to disappear, she was brought back to reality. Apparently a lot had changed while she'd been away. And like it or not, her holiday had, in fact, been what some might call running away from your problems, sticking your head in the sand and waiting for them to disappear, which hadn't happened.

Lives had run their courses while she'd been away, obviously. The piece of paper clenched in her fist made that abundantly clear.

"Valerie Tulle and Stefan Salvatore request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage, Saturday, the 17th of June 2016 in Malibu California at the Sheraton Hotel. The rehearsal dinner will take place on the 15th of June. All guests are required to confirm their presence as soon as possible so that adequate hotel rooms can be booked."

This was the same day as her own wedding. The one she'd taken 6 months to prepare. Nothing had changed but color of the invitations and the location. Valerie must have wanted something more posh. The pit in her heart grew even bigger. Soon it would engulf all of her heart. For the hundredth time in the last 2 months she was crying. Stefan and Valerie had really done a number on the sweet, carefree Caroline everyone liked.

This invitation was just the final piece of the domino that sent her tumbling to the floor. A mess of pieces that would take an eternity to assemble back together.

How could he invite her to his wedding? After all he'd done? How had he even learned where she was staying? The final question was answered immediately: her mother.

She took another glance at the polished piece of paper. Her eyes hadn't deceived her- the wedding ceremony would take place in 3 weeks. She wouldn't go. She couldn't.

Somehow, though, that decision felt like the coward's way out. And mere minutes ago, she'd sworn to herself that she would take the reins of her complicated life and drag herself into the light. Become strong once again. Stand tall and be proud of all she'd achieved.

And what way to start such a daunting quest than by conquering her biggest demon: being face to face with the man whom she still madly loved, but who'd preferred somebody else. Like they all did.

In order to do that, she had to appear confident, like she hadn't been sitting on the couch, moping all day. Self-assured and happy. Those were the two feats she had to convey to everyone around her.

What could she do for that to become true? At least an hour was spent pondering on a solution for afore-mentioned questioned. Regardless the effort, her mind remained a blank page.

Dinner was calling at her empty stomach and she was on the verge of giving up the fight and choosing to remain in hiding at her father's 5 star residence when brilliance returned to its master.

It had been so easy. How could she not have seen it?

All she had to do was come accompanied. Make everyone believe that she was madly in love with someone else so that they would forget about Stefan breaking her heart and save all of their misguided and sympathetic looks and words.

It had to be someone good looking, someone whose presence was easily remarkable and who instilled respect in those around them. It would be great for him to be someone Stefan and Caroline knew before their breakup so it would seem legit for them to hook up. It was important for it not to look like a fake relationship or she would never live down the embarrassment.

As she was putting down the list of requirements for her future fake boyfriend, she came to the astonishing conclusion that she knew just the man for the job. He was everything she'd written down, but most importantly, he and Stefan despised each other for reasons unknown to Caroline.

The downside was that he was quite intimidating and would never give such a ridiculous plan even a second thought. The good part was that she had two weeks to convince him. Calling the hotel, instead of Stefan or any of her friends, she confirmed her attendance along with her boyfriend and started packing her things. Booking a flight, first thing in the morning, Caroline Forbes concentrated on concocting the best way to convince him to be her date at the wedding. When no obvious solution came to mind, she chose to improvise, as she rarely did. Perhaps it was time for that to change as well, if it was possible to modify something so deeply ingrained in someone's behavior.

"Better prepare yourself, Klaus Mikaelson, I'm coming for you. I don't care how tough you are, in the end you will give in to me. Nobody says no to Caroline Forbes and you certainly won't be the first to deny me."