Because of You

Chapter 3 - A Life worth Living

Five o' clock sharp. The Waynes were famous for their punctuality. The whole family, including Selena had gathered in the foyer to welcome their newest Company Head to their work family.

To say Damian was irritated, was an understatement. He hated being called out for slacking. He never slacked! "TT. Are you sure, we need another hand in my branch?" he asked.

Bruce nodded at his son, "Son, our Fashion Sector has faced severe losses in the past six months. People complain about our clothing choices to be boring."

"Then why did you assign me this role? I would have fared way better if weaponry and martial arts were involved. But no! You had to give that to Todd," he countered.

"You know how to handle finance way better than the rest. The business side of your branch has been most successful. Only the Clothing Industry has suffered. This is why we need her. None of you imbeciles know fashion at all. I can't believe I didn't teach you the art of style and poise," Bruce justified, shaking his head in mockery.

Most of the family protested.

"Hey! I wasn't voted Most Eligible Bachelor in Gotham for nothing!" Jason argued.

"And look at what you're wearing now?" Bruce asked, "White Shirt, green tie and Red High-tops? Really? Does my office look like a ground for fashion disaster?"

Jason opened his mouth to protest, when the frantic click of heels were heard. Everyone looked towards the entrance to see a woman, in her early twenties, walking in with a file clutched to her chest and a black purse resting at her waist. She was clad in a professional attire. A pair of black boots, complimenting her style. 

"You sure know how to pick them," Dick sighed, "Dark hair, blue eyes. A coincidence? I think NOT."

"I've never even seen her, I promise," Bruce replied.

The girl walked to the crowd and smiled slightly. "Evening, Mr. Wayne," her meek voice called, extending her hand, "Marinette Dupain-Cheng," she introduced.

"Call me Bruce," he said, shaking her hand.

"This is my resume," she said handing the folder to him, "I know I already got the job, but I thought you would like to see a sample of my work, before you finalize."

Huh? That is new. Damian thought. No one had tried to prove their worth before.

Bruce handed the file over to him, as the rest of the family looked at the girl in admiration. She looked timid, but her meekness seemed to mask her courage.

"Anyways," Bruce started, "Meet the family. This is Selena Kyle, my wife, she is our Company Representative for conferences and International Affairs."

The women exchanged greetings with a smile. 

"This is Iris Pennyworth-Wayne, Tim's wife and In-charge of Wayne Technologies; BioTech and Foods," he pointed to a blonde woman in a Pleated Sweater Dress.

"I like your dress," the bluenette complimented, "Sweater Dress is the new 'in thing', especially with the professional vibe."

The blonde beamed, "Thank you," she replied back, "It is hard to make oneself presentable when you're in a hurry."

"Oh I can relate," Marinette spoke, "I hardly made it here in time. I'm a serial klutz and an even bigger sleeper," she rambled. It was refreshing to see someone address Iris so informally. She was a quiet person. No one even bothered to address her directly before.