Chapter 18

Epilogue - A Week Later

It was a peaceful evening in the field behind Mr. Croix's estate.

"So how are you feeling Marinette? The Gala is tomorrow night and I wish I could be going there instead of a photoshoot in Lyon." -Adrien asked her.

Marinette blushed while her heart was racing from her nerves.

"I...I don't know how I feel. I am so excited for the opportunity but also afraid they will not like my designs. That and I won't have any of my friends there with me."

Marinette let out a sigh and leaned forward to hug her horse Mystic. Adrien nudged his horse over to get alongside Marinette, resting his hand on her shoulder as she leaned up to look at him.

"Marinette, I cannot think of the countless times you were there for all of us when we needed support. Now it is our turn to be there for you!"

Marinette sat up in the saddle and looked back into Adrien's eyes, tilting her head with a smile.

"Adrien...there is something I have been meaning to tell you."

As Marinette leaned over to tell Adrian, her heel dug into Mystic's side and her horse began to lope forward. Marinette let out a yelf as she rebalanced herself on the saddle as Mystic rode on. Adrien chuckled and urged his own horse after her. After a few minutes he caught up with Marinette, getting her horse to stop next to his.

"So what was it you wanted to tell me?" He asked, laughing from the ride

Marinette smiled as she took a deep breath.

That Next Evening

Marinette was still in disbelief at where she was. She was standing backstage at the Caen Gala as dozens of people rushed around making sure everything was gone. Dozens of dresses, models, and other designers making sure everything was good to go. Marinette was by far the youngest person there.

But this was her moment. She was here to make sure her designs were shown off. Even though she was scared, she had to be strong and show her determination. So far everything that day had gone uncharacteristically well. Her clothing for the event was in perfect condition, she arrived on time, and so far she had not stumbled her way into disaster.

"I am looking for Ms. Dupain-Cheng!" a voice called out from an event organizer.

"Right here." -Marinette replied, waving her hand to signal the organizer.

"Right so we had one of our models not show up and we are short staffed, so we have no one to model your outfits. Do you have anyone that could do it?" -the organizer asked

Marinette felt like her entire day came crashing down. She had no one near enough that could wear her designs. All of her friends were back in Paris and the gala was set to begin in 30 minutes.

"Ms I need to know who will wear your designs otherwise you will not go on stage." -the organizer began to hound her but before she could continue…

"I will wear them." -Marinette said softly.

"What?" -the organizer replied.

"I WILL WEAR THEM" -Marinette said again with confidence.

"Okay then. I will mark you down. Get changed." -The organizer walked away, leaving Marinette to stand there wondering about what she was about to do.

Marinette walked over to where her outfits were hanging, holding them in her hand. She was terrified, but was not about to give up her chance.

The gala was being shown on television around France with many people tuning in to watch. Marinette's parents watched from their living room at home. Nino and Alya were together with Alya's family. Mr. Croix was watching from the medical transport jet sending him to Japan. Adrien was watching from his hotel room in Lyon after his photoshoot.

The announcer came on to thank people for coming and to explain the history and significance of the event. After a few minutes, the curtains opened as the first model walked out on stage. Marinette's parents were in shock, Alya was screaming at the TV while shaking Nino, Mr. Croix choked on his drink, and Adrien's heart began to beat rapidly.

There, center stage, was Marinette wearing a beautiful blue qipao with a few accessories on it which were Parisian inspired. At first the crowd was quiet, before a near unanimous applause and cheer came. Marinette began to walk across the platform as the gala show began.

Adrien sat there watching, his eyes hooked on Marinette. He had never seen her so beautiful before, or realized it himself. He sat back wanting to text her, but was not sure what he should say. All he could do was think about what she told him the night before...