Chapter 22
Nathalie and Gabriel planned outings over time to work on their relationship. They went together for the first time to buy an ice cream from Andre. They both asked for one for each. He gave Gabriel one of blackberry and red berries. She received the almond and red velvet one again. They both shared their ice cream with each other.
Gabriel was still getting used to getting out of the house more. They even went out at night to the nearest park to make Gabriel feel more comfortable, being a time when there were not so many people around him. They ate together in the dining room with Adrien every day without fail and at all three meals, except for the days when Adrien was invited by his classmates to eat at their homes.
At night when they were getting ready to sleep, Nathalie mentioned to Gabriel an idea that had been going through her head for several days.
"You know, I think you should go to therapy. Long ago I wanted you to do it, I know it would do you well. I don't know if you agree."
Gabriel took her hand and kissed it.
"I would do everything for you, my dear."
They made an appointment with the best therapist of the city. He invited them to his office to fully assess the situation.
"Mr. Agreste, it is very important that you are not alone in this process." Under the table Gabriel took Nathalie's hand and squeezed it lightly. "Your family is an important part of it, go to them. I look forward to see you next week."
As the weeks passed, everyone went back to their normal life. Adrien used to go out to patrol at night, so Nathalie and Gabriel would sometimes wait for him to come back. They knew that in the future there would be another Hawkmoth, something they did not hesitate to tell Adrien and Marinette, who began to take matters into their hands. That way they would be prepared.
In spite of everything, in those moments Gabriel was happy. Therapy was a good idea so that he and Adrien too could finally talk about their father and son problems. Nathalie also attended some of the sessions at Gabriel's insistence.
But Gabriel was sure of something at that point, and it was that he was already getting used to the idea that he wanted Nathalie to stay with him, as his wife. Although he believed it was better to ask his son first before making the decision. For him what his son thinks was very important.
"Son, I need to talk to you" Gabriel said to Adrien after he returned from school and Nathalie met him at the entrance.
"Come to my office" then he turned to his assistant "Nathalie, close the door before you go."
She nodded and gave them privacy. Nathalie's heels echoed through the main room until they were heard in the distance.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Adrien asked.
"You see, I've been thinking about an idea for a while. And I didn't know if I needed your forgiveness first" Gabriel who was looking at one of the study windows with his hands behind his back, turned to see his son to his eyes.
"About what? To be able to spend time together again? You know I don't feel ready" Adrien looked visibly uncomfortable.
Gabriel denied.
"I know, but that was not what I wanted to talk about. I've been thinking I want Nathalie to stay with us forever. I want to propose to Nathalie."
The atmosphere was quiet, Gabriel thought that perhaps it was too early for such an important decision. He just continued.
"But I would like to have your permission first."
Adrien held his gaze.
"I was hoping you would ask me. And yes, I want her to be officially part of the family, if that's what makes you happy."
Gabriel smiled at him.
"I'm glad to hear that, son." Gabriel looked at the clock. "I only ask you to keep this a secret."
"I will, father."
As Adrien left the place, Gabriel picked up his phone and looked up the number of the jewelry store associated with Gabriel's and dialed the number.
"Miss, how long will an engagement ring order take? I need it as soon as possible with one of my designs. I will send it as soon as possible. And I look forward to have as much confidentiality with the order as possible."
The woman who attended him took note of everything.
"I'll be up to date on everything. Thank you very much" Gabriel put his phone in his pocket. And he set out to make various ring designs that reminded him of Nathalie. He chose the one that most represented her. He wrote down the materials: 24-carat gold. One night he measured the fingers of his beloved while she was sleeping so he wrote down the measurements on the side of the design, as well as the jewelry he wanted to use on it. When he was satisfied, he sent the designs to the jewelry store to be manufactured.
He even found it convenient to let Adrien know when he would do it.
"I plan to propose to her next month" Gabriel said as he and his son had dinner in the dining room alone, at Nathalie's request for them to spend some time together, and apparently Adrien wasn't as angry as before, because he seemed less uncomfortable. "I am planning where to take her."
"Maybe you don't need to take her elsewhere, Father," Adrien said as he left the dining room.
The idea of his son got him thinking, he could do something in the mansion, because he knew Nathalie wouldn't care where they went, as long as they were together.
They organized everything for that day. Adrien offered to be a waiter at the dinner where Gabriel would propose to Nathalie and enlisted the help of Marinette who had some experience in table service to guide Adrien a bit in the task. She showed him how to carry the tray and some etiquette. Adrien really wanted Nathalie to stay with them; and for his father and Nathalie to have a good evening.
Marinette arrived dressed in Maid's outfit at the mansion on the indicated date. They let her in and Adrien came out to greet her and help her with her things, as well as the box she was carrying in her hands.
"Be careful, it's a very delicate dessert."
They both brought the dessert into the kitchen where the chef was preparing all the other dishes. Then they went to Adrien's room to change. Marinette pulled out a suit.
"This is what are you going to wear, Adrien."
Adrien took the suit in his hands examining it.
"What's this?"
"It's your work suit. Do you have your shoes from the suit you wore when I gave you the derby hat?" Asked Marinette.
"Yes, of course" he showed her, taking the shoes from the place where he kept them.
"Then get changed and I'll see if I there any adjustments to make" Marinette said as she pulled out some of her work tools.
When Adrien came out of the bathroom, he was almost ready. His hair was slicked back giving it a more elegant touch. Marinette had to make some adjustments, but it wasn't something that a needle and thread couldn't fix. She helped him put on the apron and when she finished, Adrien admired her work.
"I look a little weird. But the suit is perfect Marinette, thank you" he turned around to see the whole suit from different angles.
"You look very elegant. Now I need you to do a test with the tray" the girl took the tray to demonstrate how to use it "Hold it like this" She couldn't begin to demonstrate when she tripped over her own feet and almost fell to the ground, if it weren't for Adrien holding her around her waist on time. Although they couldn't say the same about the tray that crashed on the ground.
Gabriel was getting ready in front of the dresser in his bedroom. For the occasion he wore a silver suit. He adjusted his tie and was combing his hair when he heard the noise in Adrien's room. He walked quickly to the place of the origin of the sound finding a couple of teenagers who looked rather embarrassed.
"What happened?" Gabriel looked a bit alarmed.
"I'm sorry Mr. Agreste, I'm so clumsy" Marinette apologized, picking up the tray from the floor.
"What are you doing?" Gabriel was a bit surprised.
"Marinette was teaching me how to hold a tray full of food at a romantic dinner" Adrien replied.
"Are you going to be a waiter perhaps?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"Well, that's the plan."
Gabriel saw the clock in his son's room. It was almost time for Nathalie to arrive.
"I have to go; I must finish preparing myself for when Nathalie arrives."
Before leaving he addressed Adrien.
"I appreciate everything you do for me and Nathalie, Adrien" Gabriel said in the sincerest way.
"I only do it because I want you both to be happy."
Gabriel left the room and Adrien went down to the entrance when he heard the car pull up. Nathalie arrived just in those moments. She was driven by the Gorilla, at Gabriel's request. She was only told that she had dress up quite elegant for that day. She wasn't quite sure why. Nathalie got out of the car. She wore a very elegant garment uncovered on her shoulders, black and of a cocktail type. A very fine cloth covered her shoulders and she was covered by a fur coat. She had a long gold earrings and a small chain hung around her neck. She wore makeup a little darker than normal for the occasion.
Soon Adrien got to the car and opened the door.
"You look good Adrien" she mentioned, seeing how the boy was dressed.
He reached out his hand and helped her out of the car.
"Good night, Nathalie. I'll be one of your servers tonight. You look very pretty too."
Adrien winked at her. She took him by the arm and allowed herself to be guided to the entrance of the mansion. He opened the door and let her through first.
She was in awe of how they decorated everything. The entrance was filled with all kinds of roses and colorful flowers. There were also a couple of candles, some aromatic, that enhanced the atmosphere with a fine scent of vanilla. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in the scent.
"Your coat, madame" Adrien held out his hand.
She took off the furry coat that she had brought and Adrien took it to put on a hanger.
"If you allow me, I will guide you to your table."
Nathalie was surprised by all this, because this was the first time that Adrien's politeness shone so brightly. He pulled the chair out of its place and let Nathalie sit down.
"My father will be here shortly. Meanwhile I offer you some wine."
She noticed that in Adrien's hands was one of the wines that the Agrestes had kept for several years. A fairly old vintage, but a very good one if she remembered it correctly. Adrien poured her a drink, and then retreated to the main entrance. She guessed that he went looking for Gabriel.
Gabriel had seen Nathalie had arrived. He took out the ring box out of the dresser drawer and put it in the inside pocket of his jacket. He felt the weight of it on his chest, close to his heart. It was as if it wanted to remind him that he was about to make a very important decision. He heard the door opening and Adrien entered through it.
"Nathalie is here, father. I took her to the dining room and she is waiting for you."
"Thanks for letting me know, son."
He put his hands on his shoulders, giving him a firm squeeze and Gabriel walked ahead of him. When he got to the dining room, he saw her and walked over to where she was.
Gabriel took her hand gently and gave it a kiss. He came around the table and sat across from her on the other side. Soon Marinette arrived holding some plates on the tray she had brought earlier.
"Here I bring you the food entrance." She set the plates in their places and went back to the kitchen.
Nathalie looked at the contents of the plate and then across the room. It was just as decorated as the entrance. She put her hand on top of Gabriel's.
"It's beautiful, Gabe. Thank you."
They spent a some time of the evening chatting while the main dish arrived, which this time was a lobster and at the end they brought them dessert. An exquisite souffle, courtesy of the Dupain-Cheng bakery which made it for the occasion.
Just when they were done and Nathalie got up from her seat, Gabriel got up and walked around the table. He knelt in front of her, pulling her box out of his pocket.
"Nathalie you've been in this family for years, I know I couldn't live without you. And I want to make this official, would you marry me?"
Gabriel opened the box. On it was a ring with small ruby on its center, along with a perfectly drawn pattern around the ring. Simply beautiful and exquisite.
Nathalie watched Gabriel in love. Her lip trembled a little processing what she had just said. And she already knew her answer.
"Yes, I want to marry you."
He put the ring on Nathalie's trembling hand and hugged her fiercely. They both gave a fiery but tender kiss.
Adrien recorded everything from his cell phone. It was a moment he wanted to treasure forever.
The next day they began with the wedding preparations as well as all the paperwork this involved. As they wanted something private, they would only make the invitations for some members of the family. They would invite Adrien's cousin and aunt, if they could attend, at Adrien's request. They even allowed Adrien to invite some of his friends. They only asked him to be as discreet as possible, because he didn't want the paparazzi to bother them on such a special day for them.
Then with the subject of the dress Gabriel already knew what he wanted to do.
"I'll design your wedding dress" Gabriel said as Nathalie looked through some fashion magazines.
"I'm happy with whatever you decide, even if it breaks the tradition" Nathalie kissed him on the cheek.
Gabriel's plan was simple he would design the dress and enlist Marinette's help to work on it. Besides, he would take the opportunity to apologize for all the problems he caused.
Marinette was surprised when Mr. Agreste's car arrived at the bakery and Gabriel himself entered it to look for her. With the permission of her parents Marinette went with Gabriel and he explained everything while they arrived.
"Miss Dupain-Cheng, I know you're wondering why all this, but I brought you to assist me in Nathalie's wedding dress. It's a good chance to see what you're made of."
When I arrived, Gabriel called Nathalie to come into the atelier and he gave Marinette the meter for fabric and a small notebook of measurements.
"I need you to help me with the measurements while I design the dress, do you agree?"
Marinette nodded and walked over to Nathalie. The girl began to take measurements for the dress, while Gabriel designed on his digital tablet with his stylus. As Gabriel drew and glanced at the two women, he noticed that Marinette was a bit nervous. When she finished taking the measurements, she went to Gabriel and handed him the notebook.
"Thank you. Now miss, I need your opinion on the dress. But first I need you, Nathalie, to retire from the room because I would like your dress to be a surprise to you."
The woman nodded and left the atelier, closing the door. She looked at her hands and the ring that glowed on one of them. She rubbed it a bit with a smile. She didn't notice that Adrien was already waiting for her at the exit.
"Father asked me to take you somewhere else while he and Marinette work on the dress and I was thinking on going to the Louvre museum. What do you think?"
"I'd love to Adrien, but let me change first."
She put on more casual clothes to go out. Adrien was already ready and when they left, he offered his arm to Nathalie and she took it. They walked to the museum. She had never bothered to go to the museum, but she had no regrets. He found some very good works. They both sat on one of the museum benches for a while.
Since they still had some time to go back, they both went to the closest cafeteria for a drink. Nathalie bought a strong coffee and Adrien a milkshake. They would stay for a while before they had to return.
Meanwhile Marinette and Gabriel finished with some of the corrections to the dress design. Gabriel listened to all the suggestions the girl gave him, showing him all the talent she had, he took some of her suggestions for improving the dress, along with the colors of the fabric. She kind of reminded him of when he was a young aspiring designer.
"You know, you remind me of the time when I started designing as an inexperienced young man. But Emilie was always there by my side supporting me" Gabriel seeing the similarities in Marinette with his first wife. Both were great friends and many years later they decided to formalize their relationship.
Now that they were in that conversation, Gabriel wanted to take the opportunity to apologize to Marinette.
"Before we continue, I just want you to know that everything that happened with Lila Rossi after Heroes Day is largely my responsibility" he gulped "I want to apologize Miss Dupain-Cheng for everything that happened and everything I caused. I'll make sure Lila will get her punishment. I know I can't erase the mistakes I made, but at least I want to make it up to you."
"I know Mr. Agreste," Marinette said with all the security in the world "and I'll make sure a situation like this doesn't happen again."
That lifted a weight off Gabriel. And there was still one last thing he wanted to ask her a long time ago.
"This will haunt me for the rest of my life, Miss Dupain-Cheng, but why do it? Why not turn me or Nathalie over to the authorities?"
"I don't want you to think badly of me, Mr. Agreste, but I didn't do it for you. I did it for Adrien. I don't know what fate he would have had, without anyone else taking care of him or his aunt taking him to England. Besides, I didn't feel capable of leaving Nathalie in the state she was— Marinette got a chill down her spine —So sick… so vulnerable.
Memories of it came back to Gabriel. He wished something like that would never happen again. Before they resumed their work, Gabriel addressed Marinette once more.
"Miss Marinette, I also want to ask you for a favor."
The girl paid attention to him again.
"I want you to take care of my son when me or Nathalie can no longer do it." Gabriel reached out to shake her hand. After looking at his hand with a bit of doubt, Marinette took it smoothly.
"I promise Mr. Agreste, to care and love Adrien as he deserves."
They both put away the things they were using. Just then Nathalie and Adrien had returned. Marinette came out to greet them.
"Hi Adrien" She gave him a kiss on the cheek, then he saw Nathalie and greeted her "Hi Nathalie. Mr. Agreste has already finished what he had to do."
Marinette left a couple of hours after hanging out with Adrien in his room.
The therapy worked wonders for Gabriel. He went back to being the man he was before Emilie fell ill. Nathalie would continue working for him, but their work time changed completely. With the changes, a new era began in the company. The employees were treated in a better way, but that did not take away from how strict Mr. Agreste was. Luckily, he was no longer in a bad mood all the time, on the contrary, he was quite happy.
At that time Gabriel brought out the Nathalie-inspired collection on the market, except for some pieces that were exclusively for her. That collection was quite successful. It was his way of telling the world that he was engaged. The media exploded with the news. They were in the mouth of the city for a few weeks. Although Nathalie was a bit overwhelmed by all the attention she was receiving, Gabriel took it upon himself to placate that news by threatening them with his best lawyers.
Everything was beginning to return to normal. Also, the preparations for the wedding were in progress.
The Dupain-Cheng's heard the bell at the bakery door. Sabine came out to attend, being pleasantly surprised.
"Mr. Agreste, Ms. Sancoeur, nice to see you here. Is there anything we can offer you?"
"We came because we want to have our wedding cake bought from here" Mr. Agreste said, holding Nathalie's hand.
"Oh, that's wonderful. We have several options; we can also made what the client wants. I'll call Tom to discuss it."
Sabine went back to her husband and put up the closed sign at the store.
"Nobody would bother us like this, let's go inside."
They went into the bakery and served them both some coffee.
"Now what you would like?, Would you like to see a suggestion, or do you already have an idea?" Asked Tom.
"We'd like a traditional cake from the south of France" Nathalie said.
"Oh, the one with the white cover" Tom took out one of the photos he had of the cakes they had made before.
"Yes, and we would like it to be decorated with red and white flowers" Gabriel mentioned.
"Roses would be a good option" Tom took a piece of paper and began to draw a picture of the possible idea.
"How many floors would it be?"
The couple looked at each other.
"About three floors. We will have several guests."
Sabine began to take notes in a notebook.
"Do you have an estimated date for the wedding?"
"Yes, within two months. We try to be as discreet about this" Nathalie recommended.
"We understand. Is there a flavor that interests you? We have several options" Sabine showed them the menu with the list of flavors they handled.
They both chose the flavors they wanted on the cake from those that were possible. Sabine closed the notebook, they already had everything they needed.
"Now with everything understood, I think we can now work with the information you gave us."
While Gabriel and Nathalie went for the flower arrangements, Adrien was planning his own actions. He was in his room writing on a blank page.
He heard a knock on his window and opened it. Ladybug fell gracefully into the room.
"Hi" she gave the boy a kiss on the lips "What are you doing?"
"I was thinking of writing a letter to Nathalie for her wedding day. Something like a speech."
She walked alongside him to her desk, de-transforming in the process.
"I have an idea, but I don't know if it's good enough."
"You could come to my house to help you, while I work on what your father asked me to do." Marinette winked at him when she said this.
"Didn't he tell you it had to be a secret?" Adrien asked amused.
"Well, you're his son, and he doesn't have to know. You are not the one who's getting married anyway."
Adrien grabbed his chin.
"Wow, you are quite a rebel."
We're almost at the end of this story. At least now everyone is more happy.