Third Person POV

One Year Later

Sun peeked through the blinds, shining on Vlad's face. He slowly opened his eyes and sat up in bed, stretching and yawning. He swung his legs over the side of his bed, slipping on his slippers and heading downstairs.

He walked into the dining hall, passing one of his many ghost maids employed at his castle. "Good morning Master Vlad, you have visitors in the dining hall," she said, giving him a small bow and a smile. Vlad returned the gesture as he walked into the dining room and took a seat at the large table where his guests were already waiting.

"I never thought I would see the day where Vlad Masters sleeps in," Maddie chuckled, flipping through her newspaper as she took a bite of toast.

Vlad raised his eyebrow at her. He straightened his house coat and took a bite out of the scrambled eggs in front of him. "I'll have you know that even superheroes need a proper eight hours rest," he retorted.

Maddie closed her paper and placed it on the table, "Well then, I suppose that a certain superhero should start planning his time better. You are one of the lucky ones that has a secretary after all."

Vlad sighed, "I already work Tiffany hard enough. I leave matters like that to my physician."

"Rachel is not your substitute for a secretary, Vlad," Jazz spoke up from the other side of the table as she ate her waffles.

Vlad smiled at the seven-year-old. "I guess I can't argue with that. I've already gotten scolded by Stephanie enough for all the late nights Rachel has spent patching me up."

Maddie finished her toast and rose from her seat, "Speaking of which, let me check your stitches. Rachel sent me a reminder to check to make sure they're healing okay." Vlad groaned, but listened to Maddie and removed his house coat. He pulled down the left sleeve of his pajama shirt to expose his left shoulder as Maddie checked his injury.

It had been only one year since Maddie and Jazz had become a part of Vlad's life but he felt like he had been with them forever. After their emotional reunion in a McDonald's play place Maddie and Vlad decided to take things slow and just start off as friends once again. He had offered them a place at his castle, and Maddie a job at his company as his head scientist in the research department. Maddie had denied both offers, saying that she already had rented an apartment and could get the job herself without his help, though she did appreciate it. Sure enough, Maddie got an interview and was appointed as head researcher in the lab. Shortly after that, Maddie quickly discovered Vlad's secret when she visited him one night and he was covered in injuries. She was accepting of Vlad's other half after feeling guilty about it for a while.

Maddie was soon a part of Vlad's ghost hunting team and together they worked to rid the city of its ghost problem, as well as get closer to each other. Jazz, despite being only six-and-a-half, also quickly understood the situation and demanded she be a part of the ghost hunting crew as well. Both Maddie and Vlad were against it at first but the small girl would not be discouraged. The two adults had no choice but to give in to the girl's demands and she now assisted where she could. 

Now they were here, one year later. Jazz was growing into a smart headed and mouthed young girl, Maddie was greatly improving his business and overall personal life and Vlad himself felt himself grow happier every day.

"Oh Vlad, don't forget we have that press conference later today," Maddie said, her head still buried in her morning paper.

"Is that why you're here so early?" Vlad asked. A simple shake of the paper in Maddie's hands was all he got in reply. Vlad sighed and finished his breakfast. As Maddie and Jazz finished their meals and the maids got to work cleaning up, Vlad headed back upstairs to get dressed. "So much for a peaceful day off," Vlad muttered to himself, though he couldn't stop a smile from gracing his face. He had big plans for today and, if everything went well, he would finally be able to make everyone happy.

I AM THE ALL MIGHTY LINE BREAK! MY LOYAL FOLLOWERS, GIVE TO ME YOUR PRAISE AND  OFFERINGS! NOW YOU MAY CONTINUE ON WITH THE CHAPTER!

Maddie and Vlad stood behind a podium covered in mics in the main hall of DALV Co. while reporters from almost every news station in the city swarming the room and hanging on to his every word. The flash of cameras was practically blinding as Vlad continued his speech to the awaiting crowd.

"And that is why DALV Co. is proud to announce its proud cooperation to help control the abundance of ghost attacks happening throughout our fair city," Vlad said loudly.

"Mr. Masters, are you at all involved with the hero known as Phantom?" a reporter among the crowd asked.

Vlad smiled and shook his head. "Sadly we have had no connection with our ghostly friend but he has left messages of his approval on our research. Though I would love to have a chat with him, it would certainly make our job a lot easier."

The crowd chuckled softly as questions continued to pour in but Vlad raised his hand to silence the crowd. "I know you have many questions, but I have one more announcement." Vlad looked behind him at Maddie and waved at her to come forward. Maddie nodded and stepped to the podium beside Vlad. "As many of you may know, this is my trusted head scientist and researcher, Maddie Haynes." The crowd clapped in recognition and Maddie gave a small bow and wave. Vlad smiled softly and resumed his speech. "Without her, much of what DALV Co. has accomplished wouldn't be possible. She is truly an important, valued and loved member of this company," the billionaire complimented. 

Maddie fought off a blush as the crowd applauded her. Vlad straightened his tie and stepped to the side of the podium close to Maddie, reaching into his pocket. "That is why, I can't imagine anyone else better to be by my side for the rest of my life." The crowd fell immediately silent as Vlad got down on one knee and pulled a small black box out of his pocket. "Madison Haynes," he began, opening the box as Maddie clasped a hand over her mouth, "will you do me the greatest honor of spending the rest of your life with me. I have gotten permission from your daughter to ask you this important question."

Maddie's eyes went her young daughter sitting in the audience. Jazz gave a small wave and a nod of encouragement. The brunette's eyes welled with tears as she turned back to Vlad and nodded. "Yes," she cried, "I'll marry you!"

The crowd cheered as Vlad removed the ring from the box and placed it on Maddie's finger. He rose to his feet and kissed her tears away before sharing a gentle kiss on the lips. Vlad hugged Maddie tightly, sobbing happily into her shoulder.

The newly engaged couple quickly rushed offstage and shared another kiss out of view of the press. Jazz soon appeared next to them and leaped into Maddie's arms, giving her mom a kiss on the cheek. She held her hand out to Vlad, who shook it respectably. Maddie set Jazz down as she wiped away the last of her tears. She stared at the glittering ring on her finger. 

It wasn't anything too extravagant. A simple thin gold band with three diamonds, two small ones on either side of a slightly larger diamond. It obviously wasn't very fancy, but Vlad knew that Maddie didn't like anything too fancy. The ring was perfect for her and she loved it. 

Vlad reached for his now fiancee's hands and held them comfortingly. "I love you, Maddie. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Jazz."

"I love you too, Vlad. Both halves of you," she replied, leaning forward and giving him a peck on the cheek. Jazz reached up and held onto their hands. Both adults smiled and leaned down to give the seven-year-old a kiss on each cheek, much to her embarrassment.

Looking at the two women who would soon forever become a part of his life filled Vlad with unimaginable joy. Vlad felt his phone buzz in his pocket and released one of Maddie's hands to answer it. He immediately had to pull the phone away from his hear as he heard the excited screams of Rachel on the other end. Even the scolding from Rachel on how she wasn't informed of this important event couldn't ruin Vlad's mood.

But little did Vlad know, an unknown enemy was busily scheming in the shadows. Vlad had wronged him, as he was going to make everyone around the billionaire pay. While Vlad pranced around in the light with his happy family and friends, his enemy was busy creating his revenge plan in the dark.

Vlad Masters happy life would soon come crumbling down around him.

A/N: I know this chapter is out waaaay later than I promised and it is also quite short and I apologize for that. I have been having major motivation issues and my health has been in and out of the toilet. I'll try to do better but I can't make promises. I hate to continue making these excuses to you all but I have to thank you for staying with me and being patient. The next chapter will be out within the month this I can guarantee. See you all in the next one!