~Y/n's POV~
"Drive,"
"Yes, Master." And the chauffeur drove without question.
The drive was silent with me whipping out my phone and air pods to go through Gotham's news. My head rested on the palm of my hand while the other was for using the phone.
"-and another robbery has successfully been failed by two vigilantes - Spoiler & Nightwing." The lady news reporter spoke.
"Moving on to Gotham's architecture! The new bridge at the Bay of Gotham has finally been built. Its sleek, modern design allows drivers and pedestrians to admire the scenery and has a safe up-walk to allow pedestrians to cross the busy high-road smoothly. Along with its stable layered construction, the new bridge will not break as compared to the previous year's incident with the Joker's bombing."
"Next would be the Wayne Enterprises' charity event-"
Wayne Enterprises, also known as WayneCorp or Wayne Industries, is a powerful, wealthy, and diversified multinational conglomerate with a diverse range of holdings across various industries, including aerospace, technology, and healthcare.
Founded centuries ago, the company has grown into a global leader in various sectors, influencing everything from food production to alternative energy solutions.
Despite facing occasional challenges, Wayne Enterprises remains a significant force for good, leveraging its resources to improve the world through various philanthropic endeavors.
"Coming to the investigation of Case 201. Police have found very few leads to guide them. Police suspect personal family members. However, evidence has been found that the victim had been stabbed before being shot. After proper examination by medical professionals, she has been found to have 76 stabs and 32 gunshot-"
"Brutal," I muttered, the weight of Gotham's darkness pressing down. With a flick of a finger, I switched to the brighter news of Metropolis. Gotham's headlines had filled their quota of despair for one day.
Switching to Metropolis news offered little respite; their struggles mirrored our own. With a sigh, I closed my phone, the drone of familiar names – likely paparazzi – reaching my ears.
"Back entrance," I instructed, irritation lacing my voice. "The front is a lost cause. Increase security and sweep for any lingering pests."
"Certainly, Master," the chauffeur replied.
Taking the longer route added five minutes to the journey, but it was a small price to avoid the paparazzi swarm. Tinted windows shielded me from their intrusive cameras, but I couldn't resist a silent middle finger as we turned into the driveway.
The car entered the expansive, modern garage, a sleek kingdom of luxury vehicles. Black dominated the collection: Porsches, BMWs, Ferraris, all lined up alongside Land Rovers and imposing limousines. Above, helicopters gleamed under spotlights. Every mode of transport a heart could desire awaited my command.
Stepping out, I tossed my bag onto the back seat. As usual, a brigade of maids lined the entrance, their faces breaking into wide grins. "Welcome back, Master!" they chirped in unison.
A simple nod completed the daily ritual, a silent understanding passing between us.
They maids returned to their respective positions of work as I strode away.
The vastness of the mansion swallowed the whisper of the closing garage doors. Seeking solace, I made my way to my room, discarding my uniform in favor of comfort. Stepping into the bathroom, a haven awaited.
A steaming bath, infused with the invigorating scent of lemon and the delicate sweetness of white roses, promised to melt away the day's stresses. Sinking into the warm embrace, I let out a long breath.
Tension eased & muscles loosened. The lemon's clean scent cleared my mind, while the soft fragrance of roses lulled away the clinging stress. With eyes closed, the only sound was the gentle sigh of escaping steam.
Letting my mind drift, it went over the day's events. School festival... Metropolis... Gotham... and... then my gaze fell on the glass-emerald jade incense vase with the faint scent of jasmine.
A blush crept up my cheeks as a memory surfaced – Damian's eyes. They were bright emerald, a shade that mirrored the hidden depths of his personality.
Often guarded and intense, they could flicker with a surprising warmth when he wasn't trying to project an aura of stoicism. Those emerald eyes held a fierce determination and loyalty that was both unwavering and slightly terrifying to others (although it was just him being socially awkward).
It was a stark contrast to the way I was used to being treated. When I first came to class, it wasn't surprising that every boy turned their head my way. The attention was boring. But when I looked at Damian, he was the only one that didn't have the same reaction. He barely spared me a glance, his expression a stoic mask.
'Finally,' I thought with a surge of relief, 'someone normal.' I was overjoyed when there was a seat next to him. 'I can now get a normal friend,' I thought with a sigh, finally feeling like I could breathe.
As time flew by, the initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by a surprising bond. I discovered a depth to Damian that went beyond his stoic facade. He was talented in all aspects, a natural leader with a sharp mind and a dry wit that made me laugh, a sound I rarely shared in public. Of course, I did laugh. But it wasn't really that genuine.
We would bicker often but it would end up in laughter.
Over time, something shifted.
Whatever it was, it made my heart skip a beat and filled me with a newfound attachment for him.
Before I knew it, the line between friendship and something more had blurred.
I was falling for Damian Wayne and didn't realize it.
End of Chapter V
WC: 942