BRUCE WAYNE'S VIEW
TWO DAYS AFTER.
I planned to visit her studio this morning. I had told Rick and had made sure he didn't tell her of my visit.
"So what exactly are you planning to do, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked as he drove.
"Just find out what a beautiful artist does with her free time." I replied as we turned around the corner.
"Very well, sir." He replied curtly as he drove. He parked once we reached our destination and I stepped out and stretched.
"Good day, Master Bruce." Alfred called out as I walked into the building. It was just as I remembered, there was no need to describe it all over again. Coffee, paint, space and artwork, same as always.
"Wayne!" A voice called out, drawing attention to me. People around stopped what they were doing and stared. Bruce Wayne was used to the attention. I waved casually and smiled while some of them returned my gestures.
"Rick." I said and shook his extended hand. A large smile was plastered on his face because he knew my arrival here would draw more attention and boost his business.
"Glad you could make it." He said and we began walking.
"How long exactly did it take her to organize that piece?" I asked. I was honestly curious.
"It took her about 5 hours to select a theme and present me her rough sketches. I haven't seen such speed and accuracy in a long time, Analise and Derick have come very close, but I certainly wasn't expecting it." He said honestly.
"Interesting. Is she busy now?"
"I'm not sure. She still seems upset about the exhibition, you know?" He said and sighed. "Lord knows we tried to cheer her up all morning."
"What's her floor number? I'll go speak with her." I offered.
"400, first room on the left." I replied and I nodded. I shook hands with him one more time before I headed to the elevator. As I walked, I saw Analise scribbling wildly on a piece of paper and I raised my eyebrow when I noticed she was wearing an engagement ring. Analise and Bruce Wayne had once crossed paths and seen each other briefly. Soon enough, she decided she wasn't prepared to get into a relationship and neither was Bruce Wayne so it ended there.
She looked up and once her eyes met mine. I waved and motioned at her ring; she sighed, and a small smile played on her lips before she shook her head and continued working.
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I finally arrived on Aphrodite's floor and stood in front of her door. I could have brought her a gift, though I wasn't entirely sure what she'd like so it was better to wait and find out. I wanted to get to know her more and not just because she might have some answers. I knocked once, there was no reply. I knocked again and something that sounded like a snarl replied. Loud footsteps stomped to the door but refused to unlock it.
"May I help you?" She asked tightly, as though I had interrupted her. I probably did.
"Yes, you may." I replied calmly. She swung the door open and once she saw me, her green eyes widened and she spun around and slammed the door shut. I could hear her breathing heavily from the other side of the door.
"Oh god, oh god." I heard her say through the door. "Please don't arrest me Mr.Wayne. I'm sorry." She begged. I swallowed a chuckle and cleared my throat.
"If you don't open the door, I might consider it." I replied and I heard her unlock the door immediately. It swung open lifelessly, revealing Aphrodite. She wore a green dress and had her long golden-blonde hair flowing down her back. Her eyes seemed dull today, like they were weighed down by worries. Her lips were pink and full, her skin, flawless but a bit pale. Her dress also showed off her curves in a very modest way. It seemed like I stared at her for so long without even knowing it. It was like her beauty compelled me and I had to bring myself back.
"Hello? Mr Wayne?" She called out and I blinked fast then looked at her.
"Yes. I came by to thank you for the wonderful piece you presented." I told her. I wouldn't tell her I wanted to buy it. Not yet.
"Really? It wasn't inappropriate?" She asked, looking slightly relieved.
"No, it wasn't. I truly appreciated it and so did everyone else." I told her and watched as her eyes seemed to brighten.
"Thank you very much, Mr Wayne." She said happily and smiled.
"You're welcome. And please call me Bruce." I said and extended my hands to shake hers.
"Back off, Wayne!" A voice yelled down the hallway. Derick came into view, looking angrier than normal. He loved preventing women at the studio from visiting or going out with me because of my reputation. And right now, Aphrodite was about to witness his protection program.
"What's your problem, Derick?" She asked with an annoyed expression and folded arms. I put my hands in my pockets, leaned against the wall and waited for him to speak. He marched in front of me, then pointed.
"Listen, and listen good, Wayne. She doesn't need people like you ruining her life. She's not another one of your sluts! If you want one, go buy one!" He exclaimed. I grinned while Derick continued to grow furious.
"Excuse me for the interruption, Aphrodite. Will you be available to have dinner at the manor with me this Friday?" I asked and her eyes widened in shock.
"Don't listen to him! He'll lure you in and leave you!" Derick whispered fiercely to Aphrodite, who grew irritated with his "accusations".
"I'll pick for myself what I think is right, Derick." She told him and frowned. He immediately became quiet then shook his head. I didn't miss it. There was an edge in her voice, almost commanding. It shut Derick up, and almost did the same for me.
"No thank you. I don't think I will Mr-I mean Bruce. I've got so much to get done." She said and offered an apologetic smile.
"Please honor me with your presence, Aphrodite." I said softly. At first she looked like she wanted to refuse again but then she seemed to consider it.
"Alright." She finally replied, giving in while still debating it silently. I offered her a reassuring smile.
"Great. I'll see you on Friday, but till then, take care of yourself." I told her and kissed the back of her hand. She blushed, and drew her hand back a little then thanked me calmly. I walked past Derick whose expression of shock was priceless.
"You bastard!" He growled as I passed him. Bruce Wayne smiled, putting up his cocky attitude as he stepped into the elevator, although he did make sure he caught one last glimpse of Aphrodite.
APHRODITE'S VIEW.
I stood there staring after the elevator, feeling stupid and charmed at the same time. Bruce Wayne had just showed up at my door! Well my office door, not my house but still!
"How could you, Aphrodite?" Derick asked me, with disappointment in his eyes.
"You don't get to make decisions for me Derick. I've only just met both of you." I said and narrowed my eyes at him. He sighed and dropped the foam board he was holding.
"I'm sure you forgot-"
"No, I didn't forget. We're still going to lunch together at 1:30." I said and his expression brightened. "So that was it? You thought I would blow you off for Bruce Wayne?"
"I uh...yes. I don't like that guy." He said.
"You don't say." I said and rolled my eyes. He laughed and picked up the foam board.
"Please watch your back around him." He warned.
"What did he do to you?" I asked curiously.
"Nevermind it. You look great and I can't wait till 1:30." He said then kissed my cheek and ran down the hallway.
"You can't just-thank you but-" I was saying but he disappeared down the hallway. I sighed and shook my head. I quietly closed the door and crashed on my sofa.I honestly didn't want a relationship. They never ended good once I denied the guy my virginity. Bruce Wayne, with his reputation, was definitely not good news. But damn, the man was sexy with his blue eyes, jet black hair, built body and charming voice. He had charisma, and class and at the same time, he was still able to be a player.
I didn't want to go to dinner with him because I didn't want to be another girl at his mansion or manor. I didn't just want to be on his list of "sluts", as Derick said. It was Tuesday by the way. But he begged and if I wasn't mistaken, I saw something sincere in his eyes. Or maybe it was just all an act. But it was too late to take it back, he was gone and I was still questioning myself. Now moving on to Derek. I wasn't sure who'd given him the permission to do all of that but it certainly wasn't me. It was only my second week here and all this couldn't begin to overpower me.
That tree....that thug.....the whisper....and the new shadows that turned up yesterday. Shadows that weren't mine seemed to walk alongside mine when no one else was around.Those still bothered me. There was nowhere to turn, no one to ask. I closed my eyes to rest. It was only 11am. As I slept, my mind wandered till it settled on a memory I hoped to permanently forget:
"Hey sis! I'm bouncing on your bed!" He laughed. I threw a pillow at him and he fell then we both laughed.Our parents standing at the door, watching us with smiles on their faces. We were only five.
"Don't fall." Dad warned us.
"We won't." He replied. I was laying down but I stood and bounced with him. He stopped then hugged me tightly, rubbing my face roughly into his shirt and messing up my hair. Our parents watched us with a proud smile on their faces.
"I love you sis." He whispered in my ear.
"I love you too." I replied and we began to bounce roughly again. Then the scene changed rapidly.Our parents were gone, nothing of our home remained. I called out everyone's name but received no reply. I was now 20. The shot rang through the room, echoing and bouncing off the walls.I screamed his name but only splatters of blood replied and dripped down the walls. I began to panic as the room closed around me. The blood on the walls formed letters, then a sentence:"He will return!"
I screamed again and cried. I begged and fought but he wouldn't return to me. He wouldn't be there for me, not now, not ever.He wasn't returning. He was gone and I was going to live with it for the rest of my life. I woke up sweating and feeling emotionally drained. And for the first time in four years, I cried severely for him. The wound that seemed to have begun the healing process was ripped open again, sore and painful as ever with beads of remorse, guilt and anger dripping from it. I would do anything to bring him back, I would give anything to say those words again. It was my fault...It had always been.
I loved him. I loved him so much.
My twin brother, Ares.
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-TheDarkKnight123