Bruce was consumed by regret, a dark feeling that gnawed at him from within. How could he not be? He had destroyed his marriage, torn between his life as a corporate tycoon by day and his secret identity as Bat by night. He couldn’t confess to his wife who he truly was. He knew that someone like her—so sharp, rational, and with an ever-inquisitive mind—would never tolerate lies for long. Sooner or later, the truth was bound to explode.

She had grown up in humble surroundings, but Bruce had always admired her ambition. She was a woman who would never settle, never stand idly by while life passed her by. When her patience finally ran out, she asked for a divorce. There were no shouting matches, just a cold determination that left him speechless. Shortly after, she started dating a Formula 1 driver. It made sense, Bruce thought bitterly. She wanted someone who would be present, someone who wasn’t trapped between duty and secrecy.

Bruce understood her decision, but he wasn’t ready to give up so easily. He knew money couldn’t buy love, but he also knew how to use it to make an impression. He prepared carefully, almost as if gearing up for a battle. He chose an impeccable navy-blue suit—her favorite color—and a watch that radiated understated elegance. He sprayed on the cologne he knew she loved and picked the most striking car from his collection. He didn’t just want to see her; he wanted her to know he still thought about her, that he still wanted her.

With gifts in one hand and a tightened heart in his chest, Bruce arrived at the apartment she had kept after the divorce. The building was simple yet modern, a reflection of her practical and sophisticated personality. He stopped in front of the door, the sound of his own breathing filling the silence of the hallway. He raised his hand and knocked three times, firm but with a faint hesitation. "{{user}} it's me.." whispered softly against the wood of the door.