~Diana's POV~
It's been about a week now since that dreadful night in the library and it's still all I can think of; all I can see when I close my eyes and all I can hear when the manor goes silent, which has been more and more common recently.
Bruce is like a ghost haunting the halls. He patrols at night with his location on at all times, he comes home to sleep, or more like stare at the ceiling, in the library on the couch before rising insanely early, sneaking into the bedroom to grab a suit before sneaking back out to change, assuming I'm asleep, though I never am. He then goes to work, keeps the tracker sewn into the pocket of his slacks turned on, before coming home at dinner. Alfred, Bruce, and I all sit through a painfully awkward dinner where Bruce merely pushes the food around his plate and stares at an empty spot on the table. He tolerates the silence for roughly twenty minutes before excusing himself and locking himself in the library or down in the cave where the slams of his fists echo off the walls.
I haven't heard a word from him since that night, haven't met his eyes once or felt the heat of his stare on my back. The first couple days, I kept seeing the same envelope left out for me to read, knowing Bruce hoped I would open it but I've fought the curiosity. It has now sat, collecting dust on top of our dresser for the last five days. Alfred dusts around it, not moving it in the slightest. The story dies down in the news but occasionally it'll pop up on the nightly news stories or in the newspaper. I know Alfred has tried to keep the papers out of sight, but I'll see one in the trash can when throwing something away or catch a glimpse of one when it's tucked under the butler's arm on his way to bed.
The longer this goes on, the less and less sense it makes. Bruce and I have been together just over a year now, and I have never felt ignored or like I was the second choice substitute. I've never caught his eye wandering or a lack of lust. Bruce has never given me a reason to doubt his affections or his love, has only ever proven that he loves me. He has proven that his past is mostly overly exaggerated, that most women he would have on his arms for events hardly ever made it further than the limousine.
So, if I doubt him less and less and believe him more and more, why is there still a part of me that wholeheartedly believes, no matter the facts, that he has been sleeping with Selina? That he has been making love to and creating children with another woman?
While I've always known myself to be a passionate person and have become quite familiar with my emotions, I also am juggling too many emotions at the moment to make any sense of them. Staring into the cup of tea that has long gone cold in front of me, I pick up on the sound of someone walking into the room.
"Good evening, Mistress Diana," the elderly man greets as he begins to make his own cup of tea.
"Evening, Alfred," I reply, relieved to no longer be alone with my thoughts. I watch as he quietly sets the kettle to boil before preparing his mug and tea bag for when the water is ready. "Alfred?"
"Mm, yes?" he looks at me, clearly not expecting me to speak up.
"I-I'm so confused, Alfred." his whole expression softens at my confession. "I know in my heart that Bruce would never be unfaithful to me, that he would never get back together with Selina, much less give her a child. But there's something in my head that insists he was sneaking around behind my back! Why is this? What am I to do about it?"
"Oh, Mistress Diana," Alfred moves around the island to sit beside me and pull one of my hands between both of his. "Have you talked to him yet?"
"No, we haven't said a word to each other since that night." I admit.
"I see. Maybe your heart feels this way because of his past."
"But I know he wasn't really with all those women."
"That may be true, but for a good part of your relationship, you didn't know this. Maybe, somewhere in the back of your mind, you painted Master Bruce to be the spitting image of the billionaire playboy he portrayed himself to be. As you got to know him better, you made a new version of Master Bruce in your mind, one that loved you and would die before he allowed anything to harm you.
"Despite growing to return these ideals for this new version of Master Bruce, the old version, the serial romancer, never fully vanished. While you may love Master Bruce, perhaps a part of you was waiting to find an ounce of truth in what he was portrayed to be in order to save you from falling for the seemingly all too perfect man you have married." Alfred pauses to watch me for a reaction. What he says makes sense but I still feel like it's not what is bothering me and Alfred somehow seems to know.
"Is it that she is pregnant and has spread the lie that the child belongs to Master Bruce? Have you spoken to each other about children?"
"We mentioned it once or twice, but normally in passing or in vague reference to the future. I don't think we've ever sat down to discuss it."
"Do you want children, Mistress Diana?"
I stop to consider my answer. "I guess. Growing up on Themyscira, there were no other children around. Once coming to man's world, I've never considered myself bad with children, just unsure."
"So, Mistress Diana, I'll ask again. Do you want children?"
"I think so, yes."
"With Master Bruce?"
My immediate 'yes' gets stuck in my throat. It's not that I pause out of uncertainty, but as images suddenly assault my mind of what it'd be like to have children with Bruce. Miniature replicas of him and I running through the manor, riding atop Bruce's powerful shoulders or snuggled against his large frame, causing the child to look too small or Bruce to look too big. A small smile creeps across Alfred's face, pulling me from my reverie.
"My answer to you, for this dilemma, would be to talk to Master Bruce. Only then will you fully be able to work out what you are feeling. In my opinion, however, I believe it is your heart crying out in jealousy while your mind tries to place the blame on something you find more reasonable." We're cut off by the kettle's shrill whistle. With a final squeeze to my hand, Alfred rises, pushes his chair back against the counter, pours his water for his tea, and bids me goodnight.
I guess I need to find my husband.
I take a deep breath as Alfred pulls the car to a stop in front of Wayne Enterprises, the few paparazzi that still hang around in hopes of catching another juicy story immediately spotting and recognizing me, rushing to swarm around me and snap a picture. I duck my head and push through them, regretting wearing a skirt. It may go down to above my knees but I don't need any photographers taking pictures up my skirt should I choose to fly over their heads.
"Wonder Woman! What are your thoughts on Selina Kyle?"
"Diana, are you here to deliver divorce papers?"
"Are you going to help raise Bruce's child?"
I only pick up my pace in desperation to get away from the questions and flashing cameras. The security guard in the front of the building straightens and sticks his chest out, whether it's to look more important or to impress me, I'm not sure but I pay him no mind as he offered no assistance in helping me push through the throngs of photographers.
The lady at the front desk does a double take upon seeing me before quickly standing and smiling nervously. "Uh, uh, hello, Mrs. Wayne!" I smile at the title, heart racing a little faster at the verbal reminder of the man I'm married to. "How can I help you this afternoon?"
"I'm here to see my husband," I glance at the nameplate on the desk. "Tiffany."
"Oh, uh, he's, um, busy at the moment."
"Oh? With who?"
"Uh, I'm not sure I'm really supposed to-"
"Tiffany, who is my husband with at the moment?"
"She asked that they not be disturbed."
"I see." I clasp my hands in front of me, purposely reflecting my ring off the skylight above and into Tiffany's eyes. "Is this woman a coworker?"
"Well, no-"
"Is it a life-altering meeting? Something important and detrimental to the company?"
"N-no, ma'am,"
"Then she doesn't have the right to request they remain undisturbed. Unless my husband requested this?"
Tiffany drops her shoulders in defeat and looks down at her desk, fidgeting with the pens and papers there. "No, Mrs. Wayne,"
"Then I'll be seeing my husband. No need to call ahead," I smile at her and walk around the desk, straight to the elevator. I hesitate for a second before hitting the button for the top floor. Maybe he told Selina to tell Tiffany not to let anyone disturb him. Before I can second guess myself anymore, the elevator doors slide open and it's a short walk down the hall.
As I approach the double doors leading to Bruce's office, I can hear two people arguing and I'm relieved to hear it's an argument. I notice the desk outside Bruce's door is empty, chair turned away and computer light glowing softly onto the few papers and planners on the desk. I remember Bruce mentioning he was supposed to be getting another new secretary, a young girl fresh out of college, Abby? Abigail? Something like that. She must be away grabbing more coffee or talking to another employee.
I step closer to the door, listening to a little more of the argument.
"You are violating the restraining order, Selina."
"Oh, please, like you actually care about that useless piece of paper. If you didn't want me here, there would be more measures in place to keep me out. Besides, Bruce," Selina purrs. "I thought you'd want to know how the latest doctor's appointment went?"
"Selina, I would never wish ill on an unborn child, but that is not my baby and I do not care to know the details of anything you are doing anymore. We had something, years ago for a very brief moment but that has ended. I have moved on and so should you. You have caused more disturbance and destruction then I ever thought you would be possible of and for what? What are you hoping to accomplish from this?"
"You're the great detective, you tell me."
"I have plenty of suspicions as to why you're doing this but to actually investigate it would mean I actually cared and wanted to cover my ass but I am one hundred percent confident that this baby you claim is mine, isn't. It physically isn't possible unless you've secretly been hiding my sperm somewhere for the last nearly four years?"
My nose wrinkles up and I hear Selina make a similarly disgusted noise.
"You have already been forced to comply with a paternal DNA test and I have the results, so you no longer have any reason to intrude on my wife and I's life. When she and I are ready to have kids, I hope that she will be the one carrying my baby. Not you or anyone else."
My heart races at the confirmation that Bruce also longs to have children with me. I finally decide to make myself known, believing I'm surprising both of them. However, I should've known my husband better since as I reach down to open the door handle, he announces my presence and claims we have a date to be attending.
I should've known he'd know I was here, whether Tiffany downstairs told him or possibly secret cameras in the hallway, it shouldn't be surprising that my husband was aware I was coming his way or that I've been eavesdropping outside the door.
Grabbing hold of the handle, I put on a big smile and straighten my shoulders, swaying my hips as I walk into the room. Bruce's eyes immediately shift to me, a small grin coming across his face, though I notice it falter as Bruce's tries to determine how much of this is an act.
Selina is fuming but attempts to cover it up, her hands immediately moving to the baby bump that is once again concealed, barely, by a tight dress to show it off. I quickly glance away from her, knowing that she's doing it to anger me. And it would've worked if I hadn't locked eyes back with Bruce, the first time in a week, and yearn to dive head first into the cerulean gaze that looks at me like I'm the only thing that could possibly sustain him. Guilt settles in my chest at the obvious bags under his eyes and his sunken features. He clearly hasn't been taking care of himself.
Bruce steps out from behind his desk, coming to meet me halfway. I can see how he holds himself that he is trying to act that everything is fine but as his hands encircle my waist and his lips ghost a kiss across my cheek, I wish everything truly was, that this past week hadn't happened, that this awful woman hasn't been successfully weaseling her way between us.
"Good afternoon, darling," I greet, my hands moving of their own volition to smooth the few strands of stray hair off of his forehead, fingers moving to trace his sharper cheekbones. "Are you feeling alright? Do we need to cancel our lunch plans?" I brush the back of my hand over his forehead once more, before realizing that Bruce's gaze is sweeping over my face, as if trying to memorize it.
"I'm fine, Princess," he pulls my hands away from his face, pressing a kiss to my knuckles before turning to Selina who has been standing to the side, growing more and more angry the longer we ignore her and embrace each other. Her hands have fallen from her swollen stomach and are clenched tightly at her sides. Her jaw is locked and if looks could kill, Bruce and I would be six feet under.
"Oh, my bad, forgot you had someone in here bothering you. Should I leave?"
"No," Bruce says at the same time Selina says, "yes."
Bruce guides me to the edge of his desk, allowing me a seat on the corner of it as he steps behind me, heat radiating against the left side of my back as a hand lands on my shoulder. I look up at him over my shoulder and see him leveling Selina with a harsh bat glare, one she isn't immune to as she unclenches her fists and her jaw, looking away briefly.
"Selina, how far along are you exactly?"
"Twelve weeks,"
"Oh! Well then all of this has been pointless drama!" I exclaim, reaching reaching behind me to touch Bruce's arm. "We weren't back from our honeymoon yet!"
"Twelve weeks is more of a rough estimate. I could be closer to ten." Selina tries to butt in.
"I really doubt that is the case, Bruce and I were attached at the hip for the first couple days we were back but I'm sure you know how he is. Can't keep him from his city for long! He's been running himself ragged." I grab his hand from my shoulder, holding it tightly in mine as I look up to him once more, hoping my eyes portray my guilt and my adoration. His eyes meet mine, and the same amount of guilt and love permeate the cerulean irises I love.
"You are keeping my wife and I from our lunch date, Selina, so it's time you leave. The court and my lawyer will be made aware that you have violated the terms of the restraining order and I will also have one filed against you for my wife to be sure you stay away from both of us. I do not wish to see you anywhere near us again, Miss Kyle." Bruce drops my hand, stepping around me, but as he steps closer to Selina, she begins to back away, the intimidating Batman taking over the charismatic billionaire.
"You are not to show up at my office." Step.
"You are not to approach Diana in any way, shape, or form." Step.
"You are not to ever show your face at the manor." Step.
"I never wish to have anything to do with you again, Selina, or I will ruin you and I will enjoy doing so." I stand as I notice Selina is now trapped up against the door, Bruce mere feet from her. I hear Selina's breath hitch and see how her hand shakes as she raises it in an attempt to touch Bruce's shoulder.
"Y-you used to enjoy doing just that, handsome," Bruce snatches her wrist before she makes contact with him, retrieving his phone from his pocket. He speed dials a number and holds the device to his ear, never breaking his glare at Selina, never releasing her wrist even as she tries to pull it back.
"I need security, now."
Selina's eyes widen. "You called security on me?!" She screeches. "On the mother of your unborn-"
"Get over yourself." Bruce snaps as the door Selina is standing against is opened, knocking her forward. Bruce releases her and gracefully steps out of the way. "Remove this woman at once. She is never to be allowed back into Wayne Enterprises under any circumstances." The two security guards step forward, attempting to usher Selina out of the room but she refuses to budge.
"Yes, Mr. Wayne. Anything else, Mr. Wayne?"
"That is all. Remove her." As Selina continues to refuse to move, the guards finally grab her by her upper arms and pull her out of the room, Selina yelling and complaining the whole way out, screaming expletives at Bruce.
Bruce remains in the doorway, one hand on the door, the other in his pocket with a smirk on his face as she is led down the hall. He closes the door before turning to look at me.
I watch as the smirk falls from his face and his other hand enters his pocket, staring warily at me, the confident CEO and vigilante from moments before gone and in his place, a scared little boy, afraid of being hurt. "Hey."
8/22/22: A/N: I came back through and edited the chapter a little bit as I plan to start writing the next chapter and changed the outcome of how I originally planned something. Does that make sense? No big changes, just a few things to help the next chapter make more sense and line up better.
Thx!
AMM
