Chapter 5: Capucine

It had been five months since the Agrestes had arrived in Paris. At that moment, all seemed to be going well for them. Emma had been sent to the same school as Mike Lahiffe (though they were in different classes), and Adrien now had a job as the systems analyst at a car showroom.

One night, Emma was in bed and Adrien was finishing off some work for the day. Just then, there was a knock at the door. He stood up to answer it - and let's just say it wasn't anyone he'd expected.

"Capucine?"

Indeed, it was Capucine Le Marx, his ex-wife.

"Ah, Adrien, there you are," she said crisply. "Nino Lahiffe told me that you were staying here."

"What are you doing in Paris? Aren't you supposed to be at the penthouse?" demanded Adrien. The atmosphere between him and his wife was frosty.

"I want a word with you," said Capucine. "I want Emma back."

"No," said Adrien sternly, "it's already been agreed. Emma is with me and that's final."

"Then I will do whatever it takes to get my daughter back," hissed Capucine.

"Not if I can help it, Capucine," said Adrien severely. "You're not good enough for our girl."

"I don't want her growing up in a dump like this!"" snapped Capucine.

"Well, at least I can take care of her and be there for her!"

Capucine grabbed her bag and stalked out.

"This isn't the last you will see of me, Adrien Agreste!" she stormed. "I'll be back!"

Adrien shut the door behind her. Instinctively, he went to Emma's room, and sat with her while she slept. He didn't want to go against the court orders.

The next day, Marinette made a stop at the delicatessen to buy something for dinner, when she bumped into a woman with short red hair and reading glasses.

"Capucine?" she said, recognising her. The woman glanced at her, before breaking into a smile.

"Marinette!" she exclaimed, and the women hugged. "It's so good to see you again! How long has it been?"

"Five years," said Marinette, "you haven't changed much!"

"Well, neither have you," said Capucine. "But I'm on business right now."

"Oh yeah?"

"Did Adrien come back with my Emma?" asked Capucine.

"Yeah, he did," said Marinette. "I thought you'd divorced him?"

"I want to work things out with him," explained Capucine. "I want to sort everything out with him."

"I see," said Marinette. "I'm not sure I can help with that, but you're welcome to stay with me while you're here."

"Thanks," said Capucine gratefully. "But I've got a hotel room down. You don't need to worry."

"Well, let me know if you need anything," said Marinette, and the women parted ways.

Marinette called Adrien that evening to ask after him.

"I'm alright, Marinette," he said. "The job's going well, we're making more than enough money."

"That's good to know," said Marinette, "and Emma?"

"She's also doing good - she actually became part of the school's Literature Club. She's enjoying it," he explained.

"That's nice," said Marinette. "Guess who I ran into earlier?"

"Who?" said Adrien curiously.

"Capucine," said Marinette. There was a pause.

"You met her?" asked Adrien, and he sounded nervous. "Where?"

"At the deli," explained Marinette. "Said she wanted to sort things out with you and Emma."

"Really?" said Adrien, and he sounded a little agitated. "Well, I'm not ready to sort anything out, and I doubt Emma is either."

"I'm not saying anything," said Marinette. "Just thought you ought to know."

"That's alright," said Adrien, sounding normal again. "Well, how are you doing?"

The rest of the call was very pleasant, but Marinette couldn't help but wonder. Sure, divorce was a wound that took time to heal, but some salt had clearly been rubbed in.

Well, she'd let it slide for now.

What's the deal with Capucine? Stay tuned for Chapter 6. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome!