Chapter 81: Chapter 80
It's difficult to say whether Bruce is affectionate, detached, or simply misguided in love.
He harbors a deep love for Rachel, just as Jennifer has secretly loved him for the past decade. Bruce's feelings for Rachel may have emerged as soon as he grasped the idea of love. But Kara isn't about to criticize Bruce for loving Rachel over Jennifer; his feelings are his own. As for Jennifer's choices, they are her freedom to make, and Kara won't pressure Bruce to take responsibility for that.
Jennifer had even planned to use this moment to move on—until an unexpected pregnancy altered everything.
However, it was Bruce's actions afterward that Kara found unacceptable.
Bruce's unwavering support for Harvey might even be part of some ulterior motive. Bruce claimed that Rachel had promised they could be together if he ceased being Batman. But let's not ignore that Rachel is now Harvey's girlfriend. Supporting Harvey while pining for his girlfriend—doesn't that contradict everything he stands for?
It's like befriending someone just because you find his girlfriend attractive. Where are his morals?
Kara realized that Bruce's concern was less about Jennifer herself and more about the child. Her frustration boiled over. "Then why not just have Rachel give you a child?" she fumed. "I can't believe I even spoke on your behalf. I must have been out of my mind." With a wave of her hand, she turned to leave, saying, "Goodbye. Please don't involve us in your mess."
Bruce watched as Kara stormed off, wanting to say something but finding himself speechless. After a moment, Alfred entered, glancing at Bruce with a look of disappointment. "If Miss Jennifer were my daughter, I might be even harsher than Miss Kara," he muttered. Nonetheless, he handed Bruce a towel.
Bruce shrugged, taking it to clean himself up. "Did they leave angrily?" he asked, half-expecting Kara and Jennifer to have stormed out in his car, like the last time.
Alfred shook his head. "No, sir. They're upstairs. But Miss Kara requested that you give them space. She mentioned that if you attempt to interfere, they will leave. She's also asked to be in charge of the room arrangements for the time being."
Kara saw it as Bruce's house, of course, but as long as he needed her assistance, she felt free to set conditions. This way, she could help without feeling indebted.
Bruce had no choice but to let them be.
Upstairs, Kara found Jennifer on the phone.
Jennifer raised a hand, gesturing for Kara to wait. She continued on the line: "Harvey, we're prepared, and the court can reopen any time. Those criminals must be brought to justice."
When Harvey asked if she was alright, Jennifer brushed off his concerns. "It's just a few scratches," she said. "As long as our witness, Liu, is willing to testify, they won't escape."
"Alright," she continued, "you can pick me up whenever. Where am I? At Wayne Manor, discussing a few things. I'll wait for your call."
Hanging up, Jennifer turned to Kara and shrugged. "Just work details—and I had to let Harvey know I'm safe. The guards he sent didn't do much to protect me, so he feels guilty."
Without a word, Kara stepped forward and pulled Jennifer into a hug.
Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you?"
Kara shook her head, muttering, "I think it's time to let go of the pregnancy. It's only been a month, and the impact on you wouldn't be too severe. After that, you can find a real boyfriend—maybe I'll even introduce you to Clark."
Jennifer chuckled. "Clark? I've always seen him as a kid brother. We used to watch over him when he was younger. Me and Clark? Don't joke about that." She hesitated, then added, "But don't you still want to be the child's godmother?"
Kara glanced at Jennifer, feeling deeply for her friend. "Bruce is still pining for Rachel," she said, frustrated. "How can he make empty promises like that?"
Jennifer listened patiently, then reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Kara's ear. "Kara, I'm the one who came in late. If anyone's in the wrong here, it's me. I saw from the beginning that Bruce's heart belonged to Rachel, and I made my peace with that."
She continued, her tone calm and mature. "That's why I've told Bruce time and time again that he shouldn't feel obligated to me. This was my choice. You're right; I did throw myself into this relationship, but it's no one's fault but my own."
Jennifer's smile was free from any resentment, and Kara suddenly realized she'd been the one having trouble letting go.
"It seems the Wayne family won't be gaining an heir after all," Alfred's voice chimed in behind them. Kara and Jennifer hadn't noticed him enter, carrying a tray with tea and pastries. His eyes were red. He'd been with the Waynes for so long and treated Bruce like his own son. Imagining the loss of a grandchild was clearly weighing on him.
Still, he understood Jennifer's decision. He knew Bruce's actions had been flawed, but there was no right or wrong here. They were all adults making difficult choices.
"Miss Jennifer," Alfred said softly, "I'm sorry for everything." He continued, "For a while, I thought Miss Kara would make a wonderful mistress of the Wayne family. Now, though, I realize that you might be even more suited to the role."
Jennifer offered a gentle smile. "I don't think that's in the cards."
There was no sadness in her expression. She was once again the Jennifer Kara had always known.
Kara raised her teacup, giving Jennifer a knowing look. "Here's to single life."
Jennifer smirked, clinking her cup with Kara's. "Single? Haven't I always been?"
Alfred watched the two women, sighing to himself. Both were remarkable, one-of-a-kind people. Yet Bruce hadn't managed to keep either.
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