A/N: Thanks to all who read and review, keep it up! Thanks to "DazzledInDarkness" for her help.

Chapter 13: Regret

The next few days were chaos, but everything that happened the other night with Batman was still fresh in my mind. It had tormented me day and night. It became worse because I had not called Bruce or seen him in the past few days. Yes, I was still a bit angry but I was hoping to see him; he was probably as busy as I was. Planning this and fixing details here and there was becoming a good diversion for my peace of mind.

As I fixed the black silk chair cover that was slippng off, my mind kept going back to that night. I had kissed him. Our lips touched, we both became one in a moment of bliss. To my surprise I enjoyed it, but I cannot enjoy it, he was not Bruce. I was only devoted to one man, and in a way I had betrayed him. How could I have done such a thing? The most odd thing was that he responded with so much passion, tenderness that reminded me of Bruce. But no one could compare to my love, no one. Not even him, something within, something behind the mask drew me to him. A part of me needed to know what it is.

I shook my head and moved on to the next chair. I took the black silk cover and draped it over the chair. My priority was this at the moment, making sure everything was perfect for tonight. I tried to keep myself busy because I can't and will not put myself at risk anymore. I didn't want to encounter Batman ever again. I might do something that I will regret later.

As mad as I was with Bruce, I still loved him. But I was not going to call him or visit him at the moment. I think after what happened we both need our space.

"Mrs. Chandlor, I have a list of people who won't be coming but have sent donations". My assistant, Lauren said to me, taking me out of my trance.

"Is it a lot of people?" I asked as I took the list and scanned it. I stopped on the last name at the bottom of the list...Bruce Wayne. I wanted to tear up but thought it was best if he didn't come, and yet I wouldn't know what to say.

"No, only eight people. Well, maybe seven. Mr. Wayne has yet to confirm." Lauren replied.

"Thank you Lauren, could you send someone to pick up my dress and shoes from the boutique." I gave her back the list.

"Yes, of course." Lauren turned to leave but spun back around. "Oh, before I forget, someone from Wayne Enterprises just dropped off this envelope. It's a donation".

I took the envelope from Lauren and opened it. It was a check for five million dollars and it was from Bruce.

The amount on the check had unnerved me, but I had to remain calm. I stood at the top of the stairs, greeting Gotham City's elite, the people I had been raised with and their glittering world of the rich and famous. One could say this group was as vicious as a royal court. One would have to watch what they say and how they acted or they would be ruined for the rest of their existence. My flawless smile was set upon my porcelain face. But was more content that everything turned out the way I had planned. The ballroom sparkled with all of the decadence I had wanted, classic yet modern at the same time. Glass tables illuminated with white roses and candles as centerpieces. Champagne fountains gushed the sparkling cider. Small tables were filled with delicious small cakes, strawberries dipped in white chocolate and milk chocolate just waiting to be ravaged. The jazz band was already in full swing entertaining all the guests that had arrived. This was the place to be in Gotham City tonight.

I caught a glimpse at myself in one of the far distant mirrors. My black beaded lace gown, shined with the chandeliers above me. I felt the breezy air kiss my exposed back, in a way I regretted the backless dress. But I liked it. My black tresses swept up into an elegant bun, my ears were dripping in diamonds. People smiled at me as they passed by. At this point I really doubted that Bruce would show up. My hope was lost.

"Oh Violet, this is beautiful. It was a great idea." Commented Mrs. Delane. She was a nosy woman who always spreads the dirty news. But I always seemed to charm her, god help her if she ever revealed my dirty laundry.

"Thank you Mrs. Delane, I am glad it is to your liking." I smiled at her, it was not a loving smile, it was a poisonous.

"Yes, Mrs. Chandlor really pulled this out, exquisite as she is." I heard an unfamiliar voice but it seemed warm. I turned around and came face to face with a handsome man. He looked impeccable in the black classic tux, his hair blonde almost reflecting the sun. He smiled a charming smile.

"Ah, Violet, this is Harvey Dent. He is running for the position of district attorney for Gotham City." Mrs. Delane introduced us, she seemed curious to see my reaction as to meeting Harvey Dent. Probably searching for more gossip to spread.

Harvey took my hand and kissed it. "Finally I get to meet the famous Miss. Violet Chandlor". He eyed me up and down, thanking his lucky stars that he finally got the chance to meet the most talked about woman in Gotham.

"The pleasure is all mine to meet the soon to be DA." I smiled politely at him for he was a handsome man and very charming.

"Well let's hope so." He replied. The band began to play a new song and Harvey looked toward the stage then to me. "Would you honor with this next dance?"

"I would love to." Why not? After all this was a ball and Bruce was not here, much to my dismay. But I will not let that ruin my evening.

Harvey laughed and led me over to the center of the ballroom. We spun around here and there, with pure grace not bumping into other people. Something about him made me feel alright, calm, collective. I know I just met him, but he seemed like a good man. I have heard of him, but only a little. He was determined to get rid of the bad in the city. He was planning on wiping out all the crime lords, hopefully he can put Jasper behind bars.

"So what is a beautiful woman like yourself doing here alone without her husband?" He questioned as curiosity crossed his chiseled features. I looked away from his intense gaze, trying to come up with a good answer.

"Well he is out on business." I lied, but I was not going to tell everyone that I was in the process of a divorce. They would find out later and it will probably ruin me with the group of the elite.

"Aha, I see. What a fool." He continued to flirt and I rather found it amusing. He was a good one at that.

"Why?" I furrowed my brows, continued along with his little game.

"Because he left a gorgeous woman, such as yourself, at the mercy of me." His smirk grew devious, but I knew he was only kidding.

I laughed at this, quite the charmer. "You are too kind."

"You are the only person."

"Really?" I gasped at this reply.

"Yes." Harvey replied with charm, as if I was the only woman in Gotham City to be lucky to win his favor.

"How fortunate of me." This time he laughed. Through out the entire dance we laughed. I turned to set my eyes at the top of the stairs where the main entrance was. Just when I turned to glance up there, Bruce came through the door. My god! He looked even more desirable in a tux. I had completely forgotten about Harvey when Bruce and I locked eyes. His eyes became dark. Harvey took notice of who I was gazing at.

"Of course no woman can resist the charming prince of Gotham City." He let go of me. "I release you." Harvey smiled at me and left my side to speak with a few colleagues. I noticed the sudden disappointment in his voice but he hid it well with his sum warming smile,

I moved to one of the open windows to get some fresh air.I tried to hide from Bruce. When I had locked eyes with him, I noticed sadness in them. They were not bright like the other night. He needed me.

I was startled when I felt a hand grab mine discreetly. My heart fluttered at his gentle touch that I had missed in the past few days. It was Bruce.

"Meet me on the balcony in five minutes." His voice was that of a mixture of a growl and a hiss. As upset as we were at eachother, I knew it would not last long, somehow we would give into our passion and forgive eachother. I hope it would bring us to that.