Marinette woke up at noon. She was a little surprised her parents had let her sleep in, but it was a slow period. Her arms stretched above her head and she yawned. When she sat up, she smiled, as there was a plate of cucumber cream cheese croissants sitting out on her desk for her. Her mother knew it was one of her favorite breakfast foods.
"I love you, mama," she sighed as she sat in front of the plate.
As she bounded down the stairs there were a few customers sitting at the tables in the front. Marinette gulped when she saw who was sitting there. Nino and Adrien were sitting there having a sandwich. Adrien.
Marinette was completely oblivious to her mother staring over at her, trying to get her attention, until there was a firm hand grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the kitchen. Adrien's head snapped up and their eyes connected; his in confusion, hers in surprise.
"What?!" she hissed at her mother.
"Marinette," she whispered, "I have some news."
Marinette could tell in the way her body was slumped over and her eyes were red rimmed that she had some bad news. Marinette hated bad news.
"Oh, no, what is it?"
Sabine sighed and gave her the telegram, "This came yesterday."
Marinette stared at it, "Okay...you know I don't read Chinese." She heard her dad ringing up customers just behind her, aware of the buzzing of the lights, the sound of the bell at the door, the ovens whirring behind her-all her senses on high alert.
Sabine thought just giving it to her straight, like ripping off a bandaid, would be best. "You are betrothed to Li Xaio's son, Jao."
Marinette just stared at her. She didn't have anything to say to it. Surely, this was all a joke. This was a mistake.
She smiled nervously, "Very funny, mama. Arranged marriage? You'll have to find something better than that."
Sabine frowned, she looked down as she fiddled with her fingers, and a tear dripped down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Marinette."
"WHAT!?" she shrieked.
"It's explained," Sabine gestured to the telegram.
Marinette laughed coldly, "I CAN'T READCHINESE!"
Sabine sighed, "I know, honey."
"NO! This can't be...I won't! It's not fair!"
"Marinette..." she sobbed, "Papa and I are looking for ways-" But when she looked up Marinette was gone.
She bolted through the shop; past the cash register, past the diners, and out the front door. Nino and Adrien were just heading out when she stormed past.
"What's up with Marinette?" Nino asked. "I don't think I've ever seen her cry before." Nino turned to look at his lunch companion, but just caught Adrien running out the front door. He chased after him, "Dude!" By the time Nino got outside they were nowhere to be seen. "Great, just great." Nino found a bench, sat down, and pulled out his phone. It looked like he just found some time to catch up with Alya.