Chapter 1 - Lies

François Dûpont was full of gossip about new designer M. Nobody knew who they were, and everyone was trying to figure it out. Truth be told, Marinette was actually the infamous M, but nobody had to know that. So long she stayed oblivious and kept her sketchbook hidden, nobody would know. And Marinette really wanted to keep it that way.

"Hey Alya!" the bluenette exclaimed cheerfully, greeting her best friend. "Have you seen M's new designs? They are so cool!" Alya gushed. Marinette felt a blush on her cheeks. it was so weird, hearing people unknowingly compliment her designs. She was creating them all at home, and then selling and sending through a website and a P.O. box. "Yeah! i just saw them right now. My mom told me she got me something! I'm so excited!" marinette squealed, stifling a fit of laughter. A sleek black car pulled up to the school.

"Who's that?" Nino asked, walking over to the girls, Adrien following him.

"No idea, why?"

"LILA'S BACK!" someone cheered.

Marinette groaned. Lila was the last person she wanted to see, and knowing the girls personality, she would lie about knowing M or something. Which was an easily shot down lie, but sweet Marinette feared of being rejected by her friends, or worse, her brand failing when they found out M was some lame high schooler.

"Hey everyone!" Lila said happily, stepping from her car. "Lila! it's so good to see you!! How was your time in Hollywood?" Alya exclaimed, running to the girl and wrapping her in a hug. "I'm great Alya! I missed you so much." Lila said happy, returning the hug.

"Marinette."

"Lila."

The brunette had an evil smirk plastered on her face as she stared Marinette down.

"How was your trip in Hollywood?" Marinette asked, voice tight.

"It was wonderful, Marinette. I met so many people, including Jagged Stone!" Lila gushed, bringing her hands to her face in an evil manner.

"Ha! Jagged wasn't in Hollywood. At all." The bluenette exclaimed, smirking. Lila's eyes widened, before she quickly responded with, "Um-I never said he was there with me! I met his wax statue!" Marinette rolled her eyes and let out a short groan.

"Come on guys." She said bitterly, grabbing Alya's arm and dragging her inside of the school. The reporter let out a short protest, but Marinette ignored it. They arrived to class, taking their usual seats.

"I hope someone gets akumatised soon." Marinette muttered. Almost on cue, the teacher walked in, passing out the assignments.

"Good morning everyone! Unfortunately, Mrs. Mendeleiev is out sick, so I will be your substitute. My name is Mrs. Lefebre."

She was a pretty woman. Her hair fell just below her shoulders, colored in a soft caramel brown. Her face was accentuated with soft makeup, mascara, and a pretty cat eye. Her eyes were a mix of grey and dark blue, and she was wearing a black blazer, complimented by some blue jeans and a white office shirt.

"Mrs. Lefebre, can I go to the bathroom?" Marinette asked sheepishly. "Of course."

"Oh I'm so sorry Mrs. Mendeleiev, You see, Marinette held me up!" Lila whimpered as she barged through the door. "Mrs. Mendeleiev is out sick. Now, which one of you is Marinette?" Mrs. Lefebre asked.

"No, she's not here, she-she ran off!" Lila said.

"Oh."

Marinette walked in the classroom, and everyone glared at her. "Um.."

"There she is! She's so mean to me!" Lila cried, covering her eyes in a fake sob. "What? I was in the bathroom this whole time!" Marinette said. "This girl over here-" "Rossi, Lila." She interrupted, before continuing to cry.

"Miss Rossi told me you were bullying her in the hallway." Mrs. Lefebre said, crossing her arms. "She's a liar! I was in the bathroom, I swear.." Marinette seethed.

"Well, that's not what I heard, and I won't tolerate you talking back like this! Go to the principal Marinette." Mrs Lefebre demanded. Lila let out a snicker, and Marinette growled before quickly walking out of the room.

"Ugh!" Marinette walked down the hall, sitting on a bench. "It's so not fair, Tikki!" She said, hanging her head.

"Marinette? Is everything okay?"

Her head shot up.

"Yeah, e-everything's okay."

Adrien looked at her quizzically, before sighing softly and sitting next to the girl.

"It's Lila, isn't it?"