Marinette whined the moment she wrapped her arms around her parents.
The party was drawing to a close, most guests had their dinner and the servers were scurrying to pick up their plates and clean off the tables.
Marinette knew that she was to return to Adrien's gifted home with him for the night. Had Marinette known she wasn't going to return to her apartment for the night she would have played sick and postponed attending the event for as long as she could.
She missed her bed, she missed her pillows and even though she couldn't sleep lately, she was comfortable in it.
The female wanted to crumble into the ground, she wanted to protest and scream like a little child but instead decided to consolidate herself by reminding herself that it was for one night...for now simply to just indulge herself.
"It's going to be okay..." her mother cooed, running her hand through her daughter's hair. "The house might be beautiful. Just think of it as a vacation..."
Marinette's expression fell flacid and she pulled away from her mom to get a better look at her face.
"Yeah...a permanent vacation." She muttered under her breath with slumped shoulders.
"Heyyy-" Her father cut in, placing his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to stand up straight. "If you want, ask if you can bring some of your stuff in. If it's going to be for a few days." He suggested, his hand lifting up Marinette's face.
"I guess..." Marinette pouted. She glanced up, watching the building empty little by little. Marinette noticed the limo pull up. Her heart immediately sank. She knew this was it, she was leaving her family and friends behind so that she could leave with Adrien.
"You looked so beautiful tonight..." Sabine commented, reaching to give Marinette a hug. "Call us the minute you get home. You'll have to invite us over sometime."
"I don't even know what it looks like..."Marinette conceded. "For all I know it's not even liveable."
"Yeah like people who you claim are snobby because they're rich would definitely gift you a home that's not liveable." Alya interjected, showing up from behind Marinette with a light pat on her back.
The blunette sighed, rolling her eyes at her friend with a wry expression.
"Can't you just let me wallow in my own self pity?" She replied with a inscrutable voice.
Alya shook her head, giving her friend an apologetic smile. "Nope!" She replied. "Anyway. It's getting late, thanks for letting me ride in your limo. It was fun." Alya wrapped her arms around Marinette, giving her a soft squeeze.
Marinette reluctantly reciprocated. She pulled some of Alya's strands of hair from her mouth and subtly pulled away.
"Do you need a ride back home?"
Alya bit her lip and smiled weakly.
"Uh, actually I kinda already have one..." the brunette admitted bashfully.
Marinette furrowed her brow, before she could even question it Alya took off running out the front doors.
Rose hopped in front of Marinette, giving her a soft hug.
"You looked absolutely beautiful tonight." She piped, a wide smile on her face.
Marinette couldn't tell what it was about Rose that always ignited her with a ray of hope, whatever it was, Marinette was glad to have it.
"Thanks..." Marinette replied, placing a hand on her chest and glancing down at her outfit once more. "I'm really happy you were able to attend."
Rose pulled her into another hug, holding her once last time before she gave her a farewell cheek kiss and exited the building.
Marinette sighed, a pout on her lips as she was left in the building with her parents and the employees that stayed put to clean the area.
"So...do you think we can formally meet the fella before we see you off to your new home?" Tom asked, wrapping his arm around his daughter and tugged her close.
Marinette pressed her lips together, a deadpanned expression on her face. She shrugged, crossing her arms as she was beginning to feel smaller inside of herself.
"I...I don't know..." she murmured timidly. "Whenever he shows up? I think he's outback or something..."
"Can you go get him?" Sabine asked, her hand cupping her mouth to stifle a yawn.
Tom placed his hand on his wifes shoulder, tugging her close as well. Marinette chuckled, feeling almost guilty at how it was definitely past her mother's usual bedtime.
She sighed, reluctant to pull from her father's embrace.
Her parent's weren't going to leave unless they met him. They were just as stubborn as she was. It was clear where she got it from.
"I'll go get him..." Marinette murmured, glancing up at her parents with a weak smile. "Wait hereee-" the bluenette dragged on the last word, carefully turning on her heels and waltzing out the building sarcastically.
She smiled at the sound of her parents giggling behind her as she stepped outside and pursed her lips. She glanced around the outside of the building, the nightsky was beautiful as the warm breeze brushed against her skin. She twirled the fringe of her bangs, following the stone path to the back of the building. The blunette smiled, enjoying the fire flies and the sound of the crickets chirping. She glanced at the beautiful rose bushes that decorated the path.
From where she stood, she could hear the faint bubbling sounds of water. She gasped, her heart racing as she quite liked outside decors. She followed the sound, biting her lip until she felt a little tickle on her wrist.
She paused, bringing her wrist up to glance at it. She blinked, smiling as a little ladybug crawled against her pale skin before opening up its wings and taking flight.
Marinette watched the little bug fly away. She followed the stone path tactfully. She pursed her lip, glancing up. The smile on her face immediately fell flat, the moment her eyes landed on the fountain. The blunette watched as she spotted the couple on the fountain.
Kagami straddled Adrien's lap, her hands tangled in his hair as their lips pressed against one another feverishly.
His hands held her hips, keeping her close as the two locked lips passionately.
Marinette almost felt too embarrassed that she had stumbled in. Her parents wanted to meet him, but at the same time, she was invading his privacy.
The blunette glanced away, figuring that she'd make some lousy excuse, telling her parents that he was busy with something and suggest they'd meet another time.
She turned over, perhaps too quickly. Her left foot bumped into her right one. Marinette cursed her clumsiness, screaming as she face planted straight into the floor.
Adrien jumped, his head turning back to see Marinette on the ground.
The blunette blushed as one strap to her heel came off, and she struggled to stand up.
Adrien looked back at Kagami, a subtle blush on his face as he wondered just how much Marinette had seen.
"I have to help her. She may have hurt herself." Adrien whispered, his hands loosening around Kagami's waist.
Kagami grit her teeth, jealousy radiating throughout her entire body. Her hands instead tightened around him, refusing to let him leave.
Adrien sighed, his hands reaching up and prying them out of his hair.
"Kagami...I'll be right back..."
Kagami stumbled away from him, crossing her arms as Adrien climbed around the fountain and hopped on to the stone path.
"Are you okay, Marinette?" He asked, reaching for her hand. His hand gently wrapped around hers, helping her to her feet.
Marinette blushed, feeling incredibly embarassed. Her heart ached in her chest as she swore she scraped her knee.
"Y-Yeah..." she replied with a grimace. She almost wanted to cry. She absolutely hated this. "I just...I didn't mean to walk in on anything. My parents were leaving and wanted to meet you..." her blue eyes glanced up at Adrien who looked like he was thrown into a dryer. His clothes where completely messy and his hair was ruffled. He looked absolutely unpresentable. He couldn't meet her parent's looking like that.
Adrien blushed, noticing the way Marinette was looking at him.
She was looking at him like he was the biggest piece of shit known to man. It made him feel awful. He never wanted anyone to look at him like that.
"Oh. I didn't realize the party was over already." He breathed, fixing up his clothing and attempting to tidy up his hair. "I guess I lost track of time..." he admitted, glancing back at Kagami briefly who rolled her eyes.
Marinette nodded, tucking some hair behind her ear and looking down at her feet shamefully.
"It's fine. I can tell them you can meet with them another time. I'll let you two get back to...whatever it is you're doing." The blunette shrugged, turning around.
"No- Wait-" Adrien interjected, his hand lightly grabbing her wrist. "I'll be right there-" he then turned to Kagami
"Kagami... I have to go. Can I call you tonight?"
Kagami paused, her eyes glowering at the both of them with such a strong force it almost made them both want to hide.
Her lips pressed together before she sighed. Hesitating to leave the two alone, she sighed. She unraveled her arms and began to walk towards them.
"Alright..." she prompted, walking beside Adrien. She glared at Marinette briefly before she turned over and pressed a small kiss to Adrien's lips.
"I'll talk to you tonight..." she murmured, giving Marinette one last glare before departing.
Marinette blinked, watching Kagami leave with a grimace.
If looks could kill, Marinette would definitely had been stabbed with the daggers she was shooting.
Adrien stood in front of Marinette awkwardly, not entirely noticing the hard glares that Kagami shot to Marinette.
"S-So..." he stammered awkwardly.
"Should we go? I'm sure my dad is excited for us to spend the night in the house my uncle gifted us."
'Uncle'
The word swam around in Marinette's head.
Adrien really was her ex's cousin. His uncle was the father of the one she really loved. Why couldn't the contract be with him, instead?
Marinette nodded, her face continuing to remain impassive.
Adrien took the initiative and began to walk down the stone path that returned them to the front of the structure.
Marinette sighed, inwardly sobbing as it began to set in, her life was never going to be the same again.
"D-Do you mind if I go back to my old apartment to grab something to sleep in? I know he probably got us some clothing or honeymoon clothing but I think I'd be more comfortable sleeping in my pyjamas..."
Adrien paused, feeling almost relieved that she didn't think he was completely shit. That was the most he's ever heard her talk since the two of them met.
A small smile spread across his face as he nodded.
"Of course. Yeah! That's no problem at all!" He chimed, perhaps too enthusiastically.
Marinette gave him an awkward glance and she nodded, clearing her throat.
"T-Thanks..."
"Lonelyyyy, I'm still lonelyyyyy. I have nobodyyy! I'm on my ownnn!" Marinette sang, throwing her clothes into her suitcase.
"I'm so lonely..." she breathed, her heart sinking into her stomach. She sat on the edge of her bed, looking down at her suitcase.
She knew the limo was outside waiting for her, but she couldn't bring herself to move faster. She didn't want to leave her apartment. She just wanted to lay in her bed, hide under the blankets and cry for hours like she usually did.
The walls were really closing in on her. She was forced into a loveless marriage. She was in a loveless relationship with Felix and now marrying his cousin who didn't have a shred of concern or feeling for her.
She felt trapped.
Marinette felt like she was not worthy of love. She didn't deserve it, that's why this kind of thing always happened to her.
Marinette wanted to feel empty, at least the pain in her chest wouldn't be so overwhelming. Her fists clenched. She was going to be away from the only place that gave her comfort.
She breathed in, finally allowing herself to cry.
The female sniffled, kneeling down and wiping the tears from her face. She didn't want to make it blatantly obvious to her fiance what she had been up to while he waited for her.
She wiped the tears from her eyes, closing her suitcause and zipping it up. She stood up, rolling her bag with her as she began to fiddle with her keys.
She paused in the doorway, taking a long glance at her apartment, wondering if she'd ever see it again.
This was it.
It felt like it was the end.
"This is a gift?" Marinette asked as she stepped out of the car.
She couldn't believe the colossal house that stood before them.
In front of them was a pale brick based gate with black gated door that was possibly as big as the gated lot that Adrien had back at him. She could see the large modern mansion behind it. It was decorated in glass windows, a large fountain in the garden that decorated the front lawn.
Down the pathway a driveway that sloped down under the house was the garage. Marinette couldn't picture herself living in a place like this.
There was so much space. It was just the two of them. Why did they need so much space?!
A gift Marinette would have expected was a T shirt, or a pair of shoes, not a whole freaking house.
Adrien pulled Marinette's luggage from the trunk, his green eyes glancing up at his body guard who was on the phone, which he assumed was his father asking about the ceremony.
It was late and Adrien was tired. He tried not to be vexed at the fact of his father not even showing up for the event but made a huge spectacle about how significant it was that he wed Marinette.
He inwardly sobbed, dreading that he needed to be up for a photoshoot the next day, but he was looking forward to see Kagami.
The blonde glanced up at Marinette, reading the terrified expression on her face. He had a hunch that this was a bit too extravagant for her taste.
"Yeah, but aunt and uncles could be really over the top." He smiled, standing beside her.
Marinette slumped inside of herself.
Felix did always complain how over the top his parents were. She glanced over towards Adrien, frowning as it dawned upon her that he was carrying her bag. She immediately reached for her bag, taking it out of his hand.
Adrien frowned, stepping back as Marinette hastily snatched the bag from his hands.
The model attempted to brush it off, trying not to let it bother him. Perhaps she just had something in her bag that she didn't want him to see. He got the sense that she didn't feel up to warming up to being around him yet, and he couldn't blame her.
"T-there's not going to be any chefs or servants or assistants inside...is there?" Marinette asked with a tripidatious glance. She fiddled with her bag, fearful of the response. Marinette grew up with a household of just her family. She understood having help, but to have live in servants sort of felt like an invasion of privacy. Marinette had working legs and arms, if it can be done herself, then she'd be more than happy to do so.
Adrien apprehensively stood beside her. His green eyes peering up to the modern mansion in front of them. The pair both looked back at the car as it geared into drive and pulled away from the curb, leaving the two alone.
"U-Uh. I don't think there are any servants inside, but I'm sure my father might send a chef or something..."
Marinette shook her head, instantly disapproving the proposal.
"Please...tell him not to. I think we can handle the cooking and the baking." She concluded, her lips pressing together in distaste.
Adrien grimaced at his fiance's adamancy. Hoping that this wasn't going to be a trait he was gonna grow tired of.
"That's okay!" He piped, attempting to remain cheerful as he just assumed that Marinette wasn't used to being in an environment like this.
"I can't bake, but I can sure cook a meal or two. It might be the same thing everyday, but I'll try to switch the food placement on the plate to spice things up." He chuckled, digging into his pocket for the keys.
Marinette sighed, not entirely reacting to his attempt of enlightment. She just wanted to go home and sleep in her bed. She didn't quite fancy the idea of being in this home alone with him.
Adrien fell flacid, unlocking the gates and allowing her inside.
This wasn't anything new to him.
Marinette was just another person who didn't care for his existence or for his company.
The home was large and freshly painted. Marinette was actually surprised to learn that most of the mansion was not furnished. The blunette roamed around the area as Adrien opened the windows and tied the curtains.
Marinette admired the master bedroom. Decorated with white satin curtains, Marinette loved how serene the balcony in the bedroom was. She loved how it faced the front garden.
The blunette placed her bag on the ground, opening up the glass doors to let in some fresh air.
Marinette closed her eyes with a small smile, as she could almost picture how she wanted to decorate the living space and the dining area.
The beautiful white sofa she had at home would have looked perfect by the fireplace on the first level.
She couldn't help it. It was the designer in her.
She opened her eyes, glancing over to the colossal bed in the center of the room. The bed was made with white sheets. The duvet was a deep bed, and the pillows were brand new.
She wanted to throw herself into the bed, and curl into the blankets.
"Oh. At least there's some furniture in the bedroom." Adrien murmured as he stepped into the room, glancing around.
Marinette had a sour taste in her mouth.
She had forgotten she was supposed to share this with him. For a brief moment Marinette had this set thought that she was simply staying in a hotel just to comfort herself.
"I'm assuming this is where we are supposed to consummate the marriage." Marinette shrugged awkwardly, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Adrien blinked, a deep blush on his face as he vehemently shook his head. He casually leaned in the door way with ease. He pursed his lips, his hands stuffing into his pockets.
"No. We don't have to do any of that. The house is full of rooms, I can just pick one and you can sleep in this room..." Adrien murmured, compromising so that Marinette wasn't uncomfortable in any way.
"Appreicate it." Marinette deadpanned, reaching over to pull off her heels. She climbed into the bed and she lay flat on her back. She glanced up at the ceiling, her heart sinking into her stomach once more.
Adrien looked down, sighing as he concluded that he'd leave her alone. It was clear that she was uncomfortable with him around, and he didn't want to push any buttons. The blonde turned around. He wandered into a closet to grab some blankets and pillows.
Adrien helped himself to the empty bedroom down the hall. He placed the blankets on to the hardwood floor, creating a makeshift bed he had from the pillows and blankets he gathered in the closet
He couldn't complain, at least the blankets softened the floor somewhat. The room had huge windows with a nice view, and Adrien was just grateful to get some sleep.
He shrugged off his blazer and kicked off his shoes. He crouched down on to the blankets and pillows on the floor. He sighed, sinking into them as he glanced out the window. He was just tired, and needed to have some shut eye for work the next day.
The blonde phished out his phone from his pocket, swiping the screen to pull up Kagami's contact.
At least he got to speak to his love before he got some sleep.
Marinette hummed as she finally dressed into her comfortable pyjamas. She had off the next day, and Marinette had every intention to go home the next day and spend her entire day there. Perhaps she would grab some brunch with Alya if she felt up to it, and if Adrien wanted, he could return here on his own.
She climbed into the bed, sighing at how comfortable the bedsheets were. She slid underneath the duvet, and she sunk into the pillows. She'd text Alya tomorrow morning. All she cared about right now was sleep. It was a long night, and Marinette just needed it to be over.
The female yawned, relaxing as she closed her eyes. She cleared her mind, finally allowing sleep to overcome her.
"Do you think if I tell him I stripped at the bar, he'd want to divorce me?" Marinette pondered, picking at the ice cream inside of her cup.
Marinette glanced up at her friend with an inquisitive expression.
Alya sunk more into her seat, hiding behind the shades she sported, the cup of ice cream sat in her hand, pooling into a cold liquid inside as it sat underneath the heated sun.
Marinette only half expected Alya to show up when she asked her to meet her at their favorite ice cream shop.
Judging from Alya's appearance, Marinette had a hunch that her friend was hungover.
"I don't think it matters. It's not like he's marrying you because you two share a common interest. It's more like a contract. A sham..." She sighed, picking at her ice cream with her spoon.
Marinette nodded, groaning slightly as she just wanted to curl into herself and die.
"I think I can come up with something to get out of this..."
Alya slid her glasses down the bridge of her nose, peering over to Marinette with a look of utter distain.
It almost made Marinette feel incredibly guilty.
"I think you're being too hard on him..." she murmured, sliding her shades back on to her face once more.
Marinette blinked, a small blush rising to her cheeks.
"W-What? Whose side are you on?!" She asked, her hand rising to her chest.
Alya shook her head.
"Listen, do you remember that freak who kept looking at me last night? Your fiance's friend?"
Marinette pressed her lips together, not too keen on the term "fiance"
"Y-Yeah I think so...what about him?"
Alya placed her cup of melted ice cream on to the table top.
"Well, we got to talking. It really seems like Adrien has it hard too."
Marinette furrowed her brow, sitting up more so into her chair.
"His friend told me that his father doesn't even acknowledge his existence. He sits at a table by himself and eats a cold meal, and returns to his room. His father didn't even let him go to school, and he lost his mom when he was younger..." Alya further explained.
Marinette's eyes widened, her heart immediately sank as guilt began to eat away at her.
She had jumped to conclusions about him due to preconceived notions that were implanted from the horrible things Felix ranted about his family and because he was wealthy.
Marinette recalled him attempting to be chipper and gave her the space she needed.
"H-His mom died?" Marinette asked, mostly in disbelief to herself as Felix failed to mention that detail.
Alya shook her head, fiddling with the cup. "He didn't really specify. As far as they know she just dissapeared..." her voice trailed off as she looked down into the cup.
"Since then he's been doing things on his own. He's got his girlfriend, but I hear that she can be really pushy and rude. Adriens completely oblivious to that. But that's his only company when his friend isn't around. Of course that observation could be completely biased, but...I have a hunch there's some truth to it."
Marinette was dissapointed in herself, she looked away.
"I know...but...its hard. I don't know him..." she murmured, looking down shamefully.
Alya shrugged.
"Maybe give yourself the chance to know him. I was in your shoes once, but...you'd be surprised that you'll like some of their traits."
Marinette chuckled, shaking her head.
"Is that what you did with that so called freak?" Marinette asked, perking a brow. "Is he the one that took you home last night? Did you guys go out drinking?" The blunette questioned.
Alya groaned, reaching up to rub her temples as the blood began to rush to her cheeks.
"Don't try to change the subject-" Alya interjected. "This is about the advice I'm giving to you..."
Marinette pressed her lips together, looking down.
"Look- I'm not saying to be a housewife if that's not your cup of tea. But the least you can do is smile. You're doing this to save your parents' bakery, he's doing this because his father is forcing him to." Alya removed her shades, glancing down at Marinette.
"The point is you guys need to be friends. You're a team now with something in common. You aren't the only one forced into this marriage."
Marinette nodded, putting some thought into it. She hated it when Alya was right.
Perhaps she was being a bit too harsh on it. Marinette pushed her ice cream cup to the center of the table, suddenly not feeling in the mood to have it anymore.
The blunette glanced up at her friend with a faint smile.
"Since when were you a wise old man?" Marinette teased, reaching up to tuck some hair behind her ear.
Alya rolled her eyes, digging her palms into her eyes.
"Ugh, I know- he's starting to rub off on me-" she groaned, her body slumping slightly.
Marinette giggled at her friends crumbling composure.
"He? Whose he? Your new friend?" Marinette inquired with a teasing tilt. A small smile spread across her face as Alya tugged on her hair slightly.
"Moving on-" Alya deadpanned, finally bringing her eyes too look over to Marinette.
"You should stop by the bar tonight." Alya hummed, her fingers dancing on to the table top.
Marinette furrowed her brow, her heart racing with uncertainty.
"W-Why? I'm not on tonight. Is there something happening?"
Alya bit her lip, a small smile growing upon her flush lips.
"Its a surprise, and make sure to bring your fiance with."
Marinette groaned.
She wasnt sure what kind of trick was up Alya's sleeve, but she had a hunch that it was gonna be something she wouldn't expect.
Marinette remained hopeful to her change of heart. She had a new perspective on this marriage. She had forgotten to take into account that Adrien was just as much as a victim in this as she was.
They were going to be a team from now on, and Marinette pondered that it would be a better idea if they got along and work together.
In order to do that, she'd have to be nicer to him from now on.
