A/N: Thanks to everyone who reads and reviews! Sorry for taking a while to update, school has gone crazy and I need to get work done. Summer is almost here and The Dark Knight is almost coming out too!! It seems long, but it will come!! Anywho continue reviewing because I love reading them, I look foward to reading more!
Chapter 14: A new friend and Jealous lover
I stood by the window for the remainder of the five minutes Bruce had given me. A part of me; the reasonable part, was holding me back. Because if I went, it meant I was forgiving him easily. But the daring part of me was telling me to go, to be in his arms, to do something that I longed for these past few days. I took a deep breath and let it go softly. I had to give him a second chance.
My heart raced as I walked out into the balcony that looked over the entire illuminated city that was Gotham. Bruce turned around as soon as he heard my detailed beaded dress swoosh with the chilly night breeze.
I joined him by the railing and looked at the tall buildings. But Wayne tower was the only one that stood out to me. I didn't know what to say. We stayed quiet for a few minutes and it was driving me mad. So I decided to break the ice.
"Thank you, for the huge donation. You didn't have to give so much." I turned to look fully into his eyes, to read them, and all I saw was longing and despair.
"You don't have to thank me. I know how much this means to you." He faced me, also trying to read me. But it was more difficult for him because I was debating on whether to hide it or show him.
"You really know, do you remember me Bruce, honestly?" I was bitter about this whole abandonment issue, who is to say he won't do it again?
Bruce took hold of my arms and brought me closer to him. "Of course I remember you Vi! I remember every curve on your body, every lock on your hair, every emotion you allow me to see."
"But yet, you still left." Droplets of tears began to roll down my rosy cheeks. It was impossible to hold back the tears. Tears that I always shed for Bruce.
"Vi, you of all people should know why I left." He replied with frustration in his voice. "But not a day has gone by that I don't regret leaving you that day. I left you to the mercy of that bastard you call a husband." His eyes were blazing rage as he mentioned Jasper.
"What was I supposed to do! I just wanted to rebuild my life, to continue onward without you. Because when you left that day, ten years ago, you ripped my heart out and threw it out in front of me!" Endless rain drops poured from my eyes. Bruce stared at me intently, waiting for me to slap him or scream.
"And I regret everything I did that day. But I left my heart there with you. You just didn't see it because you began to resent me." His voice was low and hurt. Hurt that I was finally telling what his abandoment and his obsession for revenge had done to me.
"No Bruce, I regretted everything! When you left I regretted meeting you. But I hated myself for that time because...because I still loved you. But I dusted myself off and decided to move on with my life. Before I saw you again, I had grown accustomed to the thought of not seeing you anymore. To the thought of never being in your arms again. Even though I hated Jasper, I created my own little happiness. I had Emily, my art gallery and other little things. My comfort things. And when I saw you at Wayne Enterprises I fell once again under your spell. And I am afraid to say that I have fallen deeper." I gripped onto the railing, I clung to it for dear life.
We stood in silence, not knowing what to do next. My eyes were stinging. It hurt me to see him like this. His lucious brown eyes had no twinkle in them, his handsomely chisled face was grave. But it was time for him to know how I felt, what he had done to me when he walked out of my life.
"I need some time, I need my freedom. That is why I am divorcing Jasper. I am not divorcing him just because of you. I want my freedom, to do as I please, and I don't want to keep being seen as the delicate little flower, because I am not that girl anymore." I said solemnly, my tears had stopped and I was waiting for his reaction.
"I understand. But I need to know one thing." He looked me straight in the eyes, hoping to see some hope in my sapphires.
"Which is?" I asked already knowing what he wanted to know, quite frankly I wanted to ask him the same thing.
Bruce hesitated for a moment, but decided to proceed. "Do you still love me? Believe me, I regret every hateful thing I said that day, I didn't want to hurt you."
I stepped closer to him and took his hand into mine. "I never said that I had stopped loving you Bruce. If I didn't love you I would not be standing in front of you or would have accepted that dinner invitation the other night. You are the only man I have truly loved." I placed a kiss on his hand and smiled. He had me wrapped around his finger and I was in deeper than I had thought I would be.
He caressed my rosy cheek while I closed my eyes and inhaled his irresistible cologne.
"I am glad to hear it." Bruce smirked and kissed my lips softly. "And I love you, to be honest, I never stopped." I could see the truth in his eyes and I decided to give him another chance.
"I know. How about we start fresh. A new beginning for both of us." I suggested. Maybe a new start would be best, it would be good for us.
"Done." Was all that Bruce said. The brightness returned to his eyes. Maybe we can be truly happy with this new start, maybe one day this will all end like a fairy tale, with my prince of Gotham in my arms.
I was locked in his embrace. He held tightly onto to me as if he might lose me. But our peaceful moment was ruined when his cell phone rang. He let go of my waist and dug into his pocket to take out his phone.
"Bruce Wayne." I watched as his face turned grim. I turned away and to my surprise the bat signal shined brightly.
A few moments later he hung up the phone. "Vi, I have to go, another emergency."
"I...um...I understand, don't worry." I had to accept this, if it was an emergency, it was an emergency. There was nothing I could do to stop him. "A new start, remember." I managed to smile, but it was a sad one.
Bruce smiled back sincerely, glad that I accepted it. "Thank you for understanding." He kissed me with more passion this time, as if it were the last. His lips still lingered on mine as he let go of me. With heavy hearts we pushed back and his eyes were on me, trying to get a good look at my china doll face, to remember it for his lonely night ahead.
He turned to leave, but I stopped him and grasped his arm, causing him to turn to me.
"I love you, Bruce." Those were the truest words I had ever said.
"I love you too. And no matter what happens, I will never stop."
Ten minutes after Bruce left, I stayed out on the balcony. To compose myself before I entered the snake pit again. I took a deep breath and wiped my tears away. I pulled out my compact from my clutch and fixed my make-up, adding a little more shine to my pink lips. I took one last look before closing it; the beauty that had left was still there, looking back at me.
Once I entered the ballroom, guests were still there, enjoying themselves. As I walked around the grand ballroom, people praised me as I went by. But I knew it was fake; at least from some.
I continued walking until I felt someone grab my arm gently.
"I finally found the belle of the ball." I turned to see Harvey Dent's handsome face.
"Was I missed?" I asked sarcastically.
"Of course you were, this ball is such a bore when the host goes missing." He laughed heartily
"Well I am back to claim my place." Something about this Harvey Dent made me feel secure, delighted to be in his warm company.
"Rightfully so." He replied and took my hand. "Would you allow me another dance?"
"Give me one good reason why I should." I said as I released my hand and crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for another charming witty reply.
"Well, one, the host should be the center of attention. Two, a woman as gorgeous as yourself should not be tucked away in the dark corner of the party. And, three, so you are not lonely." Harvey replied with triumph in his voice.
"Wow, I only asked for one Mr.Dent and you give me three. So in that case, you deserve a reward." I let him lead me into the center of the dance floor and we spun around with a flawless grace that would put a professional ballroom dancer to shame.
"Is everything well with the prince?" Harvey asked curiously, hoping to find out about my private conversation with Bruce.
"Yes, why do you ask?" I rose my brow, hoping that he wasn't getting to what I was thinking he was getting to.
"Oh, no particular reason, it's just that he seemed rather angry when he pulled you out onto the balcony."
"Mr. Dent I don't think that this is any of your concern." I began to explain but he interrupted me.
"Harvey." He stated sternly.
"Harvey, I am sorry but I cannot share any details of my private life while there are about 200 guests surrounding me with their ears extended, ready to ruin me." I replied as I looked around the room, most of the eyes on me.
"Oh very well. How about we discuss it over lunch tomorrow afternoon?" He asked hopefully
I gasped in horror . "Not to discuss intimate matters I hope!"
"No, of course not. In time, but I wish to discuss your art gallery here in Gotham."
I sighed in relief. "I don't know, maybe. I will have to see." The dance ended and I slipped away graciously.
"Tomorrow afternoon at The Vice restaurant." He said hopeful that change my mind.
"We'll see." I turned away and walked out with a smile of amusement set upon my face. This was my most eventful night yet.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror of my vanity. My sapphires were brighter than most days, my skin had a hint of a healthy glow. Finally things were going well. Bruce and I decided to start over; a new beginning that might be beneficial in the end.
I glanced back at the clock on my night stand; 2:30. Harvey Dent must be already sitting at the table waiting for me to show up. Against my better judgement, I decided to go. I had nothing to do and I enjoyed his company last night. Plus, Bruce had called and said that he will be in business meetings all day. Why not go to lunch with the soon to be DA of Gotham City? The lunch would be exquisite; in one of the best country clubs in the city.
Taking one last look, fixed my large black sun hat that complimented my black tresses. I smoothed out my white cocktail dress and grabbed my black sunglasses from the small glass table, along with my bag and car keys.
Once I arrived, I went up to the hostess to ask for Harvey.
"Harvey Dent is expecting me." I said as I skimmed the tables for a sight of him.
"Ah, yes right this way. His table is out on the terrace." The hostess led me to the table where Harvey waited patiently.
"Beautiful day for a nice lunch out here, isn't it?" He smirked as he stood and pulled out my chair.
"Are you always this confident?" I asked playfully, happy that I decided to come.
"Are you always this sarcastic?" He shot back, laughing.
I laughed this time. "No, only when it is necessary."
Harvey took a seat in front of me, handing me the menu. "The lamb is superb."
"I agree. So what did you want to discuss with me?" I took a sip from my glass of water, waiting for a reply.
"For one thing, your art gallery." Harvey leaned in closer placing his hand under his chin. "When will you be re-opening it, soon I hope."
"I have been thinking about it. I mean, I would like to. Gotham needs an urban chic side." I smiled contently, taking in the fresh air. It was, oddly, a beautiful day. After all the previous rain storms. I wish I was sitting with Bruce.
"You are absolutely right. Gotham has been rather gloomy, well things never changed here after the depression was over." replied Harvey with expression growing grim. Catching powerful crime lords is not an easy task, not to mention risky.
"But I am sure once you are DA, things will get better." I reassured him. He looked up at me; coming back from his melancholy state.
"Thank you, but I wouldn't be so sure." Harvey looked down at his glass of wine.
"Why not? I mean you are wiping this city clean. You deserve it." I didn't know him fully, but I knew he is a good man with a lot of potential for this corrupted city. I had come to terms that Harvey Dent might be a real friend to me than any other person in Gotham.
"Let's hope so." He said as took a sip of wine. We talked about many things while we waited for our food to be served. He seemed rather interesting, to my surprise I actually enjoyed his company.
A little while later, after our food was served, I had myself a little surprise. A few ladies, in the table right behind us were whispering endlessly and their gazes were at the entrance of the terrace. I turned to see what they were gawking at. Bruce Wayne had made his grand appearance with a couple of business associates. Among them was Lucius Fox.
I turned back to Harvey, who smirked as he noticed the blood rush to my cheeks.
"So what is the deal with you and Wayne?" He asked curiously looking over at Bruce's table
"Nothing, nothing. We just attended Princeton together, that's all." I put a piece of lamb into my mouth to prevent me into getting into further detail of my past with my beloved.
"Really, or was it more that just having a couple of classes together?" Harvey winked at me.
I rolled my eyes and let out my melodic laugh fill the warm air. I turned to Bruce's table and we both locked gazes. I turned away when I saw him stand and make his way over.
"Bruce, what are you doing here?" I asked innocently as I took off my Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses.
Bruce smirked his sexy smirk, making the women behind me swoon. "I could ask you the same thing."
"Oh, I was just here with Harvey Dent, soon to be DA. And you?" I directed my eyes toward the table with all the men in business attire.
"Meeting and lunch, Mr.Fox is demonstrating a few things to the board." He replied sternly. Bruce was not happy that I was having lunch with Harvey. One could say he was jealous.
"Well sounds good. Harvey this is Bruce Wayne. Bruce this is Harvey Dent." I introduced them both, hoping to ease the tension, but I think I made it worse.
"Really, Violet, who wouldn't know who Mr.Wayne is. It is almost requiered." said Harvey as he shook Bruce's hand.
"True." I replied and gave Bruce my charming smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, now if you will excuse me, I must get back. It was nice seeing you both." Bruce was stern and a bit angry. And I loved him every bit, he was so tempting when angry.
After we finished, Harvey had an urgent call and had to leave. I decided to leave as well. Bruce was still at his table with his little court. I gathered my things and headed toward the valet to get my car. As I waited, I heard my cell phone beep. I took it out and saw that I had a text message.
"Meet me at Wayne manor tonight at seven".
I smiled and sent no reply. It was going to be an eventful night for the both of us.