"Are Adrien and Marinette here?" Juleka asked.
"Yes they are working on Marinette's project." Alya replied. "Everyone is excited about the project. Well everyone except for Lila who isn't happy that she needs to take orders from Marinette because Luka put her in charge of the project and you know how they can't stand each other."
"I know and I can kinda understand Marinette. Even though I'm always nice to Lila she always gives me a bad vibe for some reason." Juleka stated.
Alya nodded. "Yea I feel it too and Marinette says that she feels it too but maybe it's just us. It could be just how her attitude is but she might be a good person anyway."
Juleka nodded. "Maybe you're right it could just be the way she represents herself. Well I'm going to go see Luka now, see you later." Juleka replied. Alya waved goodbye to her. Juleka waved bye back as she went to the elevator and then pressed the button to the second floor. Alya was curious about what the surprise could be as she saw the elevator doors closed. Though she knew that she was going to find out sooner or later.
A little bit later the elevator doors opened again and Marinette walked out. "Hey Juleka just went to the second floor." Alya told her.
"I know I bumped into her as she got out of the elevator. I talked to her and it seems like she has a surprise for us. I wonder what it is." Marinette replied.
"Me too but I'm sure that we'll find out soon. Are you ready for lunch?" Alya asked.
"Yea but I'm sorry Alya, I'm not eating with you today. Adrien asked me to have lunch with just the two of us. It seems like he has a surprise for me." Marinette replied with a smile.
"Awe that's so romantic you guys have been working a lot and you'll have a lot of work ahead of you with your project so you two do deserve some time alone. Alright you can go but I expect a lot of details when you get back." Alya said with a smirk.
Marinette giggled. "Don't worry Alya, you'll be the first one to know about our lunch date. Funny this reminds me of when we were in high school."
"Yes I know what you mean." Alya replied.
The elevator doors opened and Adrien walked out with a smile. "Ready to go honey?"
"Yes I am." Marinette replied, smiling back.
"Great, let's go see you later Alya." Adrien said as he wrapped an arm around Marinette's waist and started to lead her out the front door.
"Bye, have fun." Alya replied as she watched them walk out of the building
Juleka knocked on Luka's office door. "C-come in." A stuttering voice came from inside. She walked in and saw Luka and Kagami sitting next to each other on the couch in the office and by their flushed faces Juleka knew what was probably going on before she entered.
"Did I interrupt something?" Juleka asked teasingly with a smirk.
"No, of course not." Kagami mumbled.
"Like I said before you never interrupt." Luka said as he stood up to hug Juleka. "What brings you here today?"
"I came to talk to you and the rest of the family about an important decision that I made." Juleka replied.
"In that case Philip should be here too." Luka said as he went to his office phone and called the line to his secretary. "Alix tell Philip to come to my office… thank you." Luka puts the phone back down.
"Can you give us a heads up of what your decision is?" Kagami asked.
Juleka shook her head no with a smile. "Nope, not until Philip arrives."
Soon Philip walked in. "You called for me Luka? - Honey, I didn't expect to see you here today." Philip said while walking over to Juleka and taking her hand.
"Philip as you can see this is a little family reunion because Juleka has something important to tell us." Luka replied.
Juleka nodded. "I talked to Philip a while ago and he agreed to support me with the decision that I just made."
"Of course honey you know that your wishes are my orders." Philip said with a smile while kissing the back of her hand.
"Well then let me inform you all that I have decided to work in Couffaine Group again after the long absence that I took because of my health problems." Juleka stated with a smile.
"Here?" Philip asked with a big fake smile and Juleka nodded.
"Juleka, that's great news, finally the two owners are working in the company again after so many years." Luka said happily hugging Juleka.
"It's going to be great to have you here." Kagami hugged Juleka too.
"Thanks, I can't wait to work here again." Juleka replied with a bright smile.
Adrien set up a picnic at the park with Marinette's favorite foods. "Adrien this is beautiful and amazing but what's the occasion?"
"The occasion is that I love you." Adrien replied with a smile. "Plue the fact that we have been working so hard lately that I thought it would be nice that we had a peaceful moment just the two of us. Not that I don't like spending time with Hugo because I absolutely do but some time between us is nice too."
Marinette giggled. "Well you did a great job setting up the picnic and I love you too."
"I know also I have a strange feeling that we won't have the chance to spend time together anytime soon. It could be because we will be working hard on your project." Adrien added.
Marinette nodded as she started to eat the food. "True but I'm sure that we'll find time for ourselves and time with Hugo if we try hard enough."
"You're right after all you and Hugo are the most important things for me more so than work." Adrien stated as he started eating too.
"Look honey it's not like I don't agree with you because I do but what will you do all day in the company?" Philip asked Juleka. They were now in his office and he was trying to convince Juleka to not work at the company but not in an obvious way that shows that he doesn't want her there. There were so many reasons why he didn't want Juleka there but the main reason was that he couldn't stand her at home and he would lose his mind if he had to deal with her at work too.
"What do you mean what I would do? I will do the same thing as Luka since I am the co-owner of this company. Plus don't forget that I worked here before my health got bad. I was working here when Lila brought you to work here, remember?" Juleka replied.
"Exactly you haven't worked here for years, you'll just get bored." Philip stated.
"Of course not. I loved working here and I have a lot of ideas for the company." Juleka replied with a smile. "Plus this way we'll have more time to be together."
Philip faked a smile. "Alright Juleka I respect your decisions especially this one but don't get any funny ideas. Here at the office we need to be professional."
Juleka giggled. "I think that you are the one getting the funny ideas if you're suggesting it since I wasn't referring to that. You'll see working together again will be fun."
"I bet, now I have to talk to your brother about something important. I'll see you later." Philip said before walking out from the office and leaving Juleka there alone.
"Thanks for the picnic Adrien, it was great." Marinette stated as they walked back to their car.
"Of course you deserve everything great in the world." Adrien replied with a smile.
Marinette giggled. "I don't know what I did to be so lucky to have you in my life and I can't imagine how my life would be without you."
Adrien smiled as he stopped walking and stood in front of Marinette holding both of her hands. "I'm the one who's lucky to have you Marinette and you have nothing to worry about. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
Marinette smiled before leaning closer to him and kissed him softly. "I know."
"Hey it's almost time for Hugo to come out from school. How about we pick him up and take him to the bakery?" Adrien suggested with a smile.
Marinette nodded. "That's a great idea, let me just call mom so she doesn't pick him up." Adrien nodded as Marinette grabbed her phone and called her mom. "Hi mom."
"Hi dear. Shouldn't you be working right now? Is something wrong?" Sabine asked concern.
"No, nothing is wrong mom. I'm calling you because Adrien and I just finished our lunch break but since it's almost time for Hugo to come out from school we decided to pick him up then take him to the bakery." Marinette replied.
"Alright thanks for letting me know I bet Hugo will be so happy about seeing you two." Sabine stated with a smile.
"I'm sure he will, see you soon." Marinette said before she hangs up. "Okay let's go."
Adrien nodded as they continued walking to the car and they got in before Adrien started the car and drove to Hugo's school. When they arrived at the school the kids were just getting out.
"Daddy! Mommy!" Hugo said happily as he saw them and he ran to Marinette and Adrien.
"Hey sweetie." Marinette said with a smile as she picked him up in her arms.
"What are you doing here, don't you work today?" Hugo asked curiously.
"Yes but we decided to surprise you by picking you up." Adrien said as he ruffled Hugo's hair. "Did you like the surprise?"
"Yes!" Hugo exclaimed happily.
"I'm glad though we do have to go back to work so we'll take you to the bakery." Adrien stated and Hugo nodded.
They took Hugo to the bakery before going back to the company.
After talking to Luka, Philip went back to his office and he saw that Juleka wasn't there. Philip sighed in relief before he took out the folder that had the picture of Emilie with her signature before grabbing his office phone and dialed a number. "Hi, am I talking to the manager of the bank?... Thank you, you see. I would like to know the requirements to be able to create an account under my mother's name…Her name is Emilie Agreste."
Marinette and Adrien walked into the company. "I'll go to the office in a minute. I'm going to talk to Alya for a bit." Marinette told Adrien.
Adrien nodded. "Okay I'll see you soon. Bye Alya." Adrien said as he got in the elevator.
"Bye Adrien." Alya stated as the elevator doors closed and Marinette walked over to her. "Okay girl give me all the details."
"There's not much to say, Adrien set up a picnic for us at the park with my favorite foods." Marinette replied with a smile.
"Awe that is so romantic, what was the occasion?" Alya asked.
"He said that it was because he loved me and the fact that we haven't had much time for ourselves because of work lately and he has a feeling that we won't have time to ourselves anytime soon most likely because of work." Marinette replied. "I have the same feeling but I don't think it's going to be because of work. I feel like something bad is going to happen."
"I'm sure it's just going to be because of work like Adrien said after all you two are working on one of the biggest projects that CG ever had." Alya stated. "I think that you're just being paranoid like how you tend to get."
Marinette nodded. "I hope you're right, Alya."
"Let's take advantage of the time so I can tell you the ideas that I have for the company. I think they're great." Juleka told Philip. She was back in his office sitting across from him as Philip sat at his desk. "It's about filming locations -"
"Dear it's not that I don't appreciate them but we're already packed with projects right now." Philip said not wanting to hear Juleka talking anymore. She wasn't officially working in the company yet and he was already getting fed up with her.
"But they are good Philip and I'm not saying that you have to add them in the current projects, they're just ideas you can use later on." Juleka stated.
"Well since you're going to work here you should keep your ideas for the future projects and wait until we're doing them." Philip replied.
"Yes you're right." Juleka said with a smile. "It's just that my mind can't stop thinking of different ideas."
"We'll see later on where to put all of your great ideas." Philip replied with a fake smile.
Adrien was in his office when Luka called for him so Adrien went to Luka's office. "You called me Luka?"
"Yes I think that it is time for me to keep my promise. If you remember correctly I promised that I would give you 30% of my ownership of this company if I liked and agreed to do the project that you represented. Since I did like it and we are doing the project I think that it's time to make you a co-owner of this company." Luka replied.
Adrien smiled. "Thanks Luka but I really don't need that. Thanks for the offer though."
"You might not need it but you deserve it and you're getting it." Luka replied. "Tomorrow we will start with the paperwork."
"He's not going to take no for an answer so you better accept it, agree and appreciate it." Kagami said playfully from next to Luka.
Adrien nodded. "Okay thanks for everything Luka."
"Of course it's my pleasure. After all, you're my best friend." Luka replied.
The next day Adrien stepped out from the elevator on the second floor looking tired and out of energy. "Adrien, is that you? I barely recognized you, you look terrible." Philip said in a mockery tone as he walked by Adrien's side. "What happened, your assistant wife and annoying brat did not let you sleep last night?"
Adrien glared at him. "Having a wife as an assistant is not bad and my son is not a brat. If you ever talk about my family like that again then you'll regret it." Adrien said harshly. "And I'm like this because Hugo got sick last night and both Marinette and I kept waking up to check on him every hour because we wanted to. Marinette stayed with him today and I came to work so I look like this because I barely got any sleep last night."
"Wow you really like making your life more difficult by not getting sleep for no reason at all and you come to work without an assistant. You should learn to work smarter and not harder." Philip said with a smirk before walking in his office.
Adrien clenched his fists. He really wanted to punch that jerk but he knew that he couldn't because in the eyes of everyone else Philip was a saint. Adrien took a deep breath to calm down before heading to his office.
When Adrien walked in he saw Nino and Edward working at his office table and once they saw the state that Adrien was in they raised an eyebrow. "Dude what happened to you?" Edward asked.
"Hugo got sick last night so Marinette and I barely had any sleep." Adrien replied, going to his desk and the two men stood up to stand across from him.
"Is he okay? Alya did mention to me that Marinette wasn't coming to work because Hugo wasn't feeling good." Nino stated.
"Yea it's not anything serious, he only has a cold but Marinette said she would feel better if she stayed with him instead of having one of our parents taking care of him and I agreed with her." Adrien replied. "Though Philip just mocked me about it a moment ago and I really wanted to punch him but I knew that wasn't going to be a good idea."
"You did the right thing even though I wouldn't blame you if you did punch him. I would if he mocked me about my kids' health." Nino stated.
"Same if I had kids." Edward replied.
"By the way Edward, how are your wedding preparations going?" Adrien asked. Edward was engaged to a woman named Roxie and they were about to get married in a couple of days the whole company was invited to go.
"It's going well, the last preparations are being done and everything should be ready by our wedding day." Edward replied with a smile.
Adrien smiled. "I'm glad to hear that I remember how excited I was and nervous during my wedding day with Marinette. I feared something would go wrong but nothing did and it was great."
Nino chuckles. "Yea I felt the same way during my wedding day with Alya."
"I'm nervous about my wedding too but I know that in the end it will turn out great." Edward replied with a bright smile.
Juleka walked in the company and over to Alya. "Hey Alya."
"Hey Juleka, Luka just told me earlier today when he came in with Kagami that you will be working here again. I'm so happy for you." Alya said with a smile. "Finally the whole girl group will be back working together. Kagami you Marinette, me rose Alix and Mylene."
Juleka smiled back. "I know. Is everyone in the CG community group already here?"
"Luka is here, Kagami is here, Adrien, Nino, Edward, obviously Philip is here, and all the head directors are here. The ones that are not here are Marinette who became part of the community after Luka made her head of her project even though she's still just Adrien's assistant, and Lila. Marinette is not coming today though because Hugo got sick and she's going to stay with him and Lila is- coming right now." Alya said as she saw Lila walking in with her chauffeur Francisco.
Lila walked over to them with a fake smile. "Juleka, it's a pleasure to see you today. If you're here to see Philip he must be in his office. Do you want me to walk with you?"
"No Lila it's fine you probably don't know yet because it was decided barely yesterday but starting today I'll be working in Couffaine Group again." Juleka replied with a smile.
To say that Lila wasn't happy with the news would be an understatement but she hid it and kept her fake smile. "Wow what great news. Well welcome back to your company we are all happy to have you back."
"Thanks Lila." Juleka replied. "Oh and Alya if you talk to Marinette today let her know that I hope Hugo gets better."
Alya nodded. "Of course I'll let her know."
The elevator doors opened and Luka walked out and headed to Alya. "Alya I already told Alix this but if anyone needs me I'll be in editing."
Alya nodded. "Yes Luka."
Luka looked over at Juleka and smiled. "Juleka, you're finally here. Lila, did you hear the great news that Juleka will be working here again?"
"Yes she just told me and I'm happy that Juleka will be here again after going through so many health issues." Lila replied.
"Though Luka we haven't talked about where my office will be since my old office was made into a combined office for Nino and Edward." Juleka stated.
"Don't worry about it, I'm actually glad to see you both. There's an office that is being remodeled right now for you Juleka." Luka replied.
"If it's the office I'm thinking about then It's going to end up amazing with a great view." Lila stated.
"Well until it's ready I wanted to ask both of you a favor." Luka replied. "Is it possible that both of you share the office of head of marketing, Lila's office?"
"Mine?" Lila asked with a smile hiding her irritation.
"Of course if you're okay with it the last thing I want is to make you feel obligated to do it or interfere with your personal space." Juleka replied.
"It doesn't bother me at all, on the contrary, it would be an honor for me to have the female co-owner of the company working by my side." Lila stated lying through her teeth. "I never imagined this honor."
"Thank you so much." Juleka replied.
"Thanks Lila I knew that I could count on you." Luka added.
"Of course it's my pleasure." Lila replied.
"What Juleka is going to work at the company again? That's great!" Marinette told Alya through the phone later that day.
"Yea and she's going to get the office that's being remodeled but in the meantime she has to share Lila's office with Lila." Alya stated. "Lila acted like she was okay with it but who knows Lila doesn't like sharing."
"That's going to be interesting." Marinette replied.
"By the way Juleka wanted me to tell you that she hopes that Hugo gets better soon." Alya stated.
"Tell her thanks for me. He's getting better and hopefully I should be back to work by tomorrow." Marinette replied.
"That's great and I'll tell her." Alya replied.
"So not only will you have your mistress here but your wife too? That's priceless." Francisco told Philip while laughing. "Will you be able to deal with them at the same time?"
"Francisco, here you can't be well like you. I'm your boss and you have to respect me." Philip said sternly.
"Well pardon me, your highness." Francisco said playfully. "I preferred when we were just friends and I just did favors for you instead of you being my boss."
"Well now you have to deal with it." Philip said sternly again. "Do you have what I asked you for?"
"Yes, here's the names of all of Adrien's past girlfriends including Marinette." Francisco stated before handing Philip a paper.
Philip took it and read all the names. "These are all of them? Considering Adrien's status, I expected more than just three."
"Well he wasn't and isn't a playboy like you. He actually took his relationships seriously and they only ended because of differences or circumstances but not because he ever cheated since he never did. Though there's one specific relationship that you should look at." Francisco stated.
Lila suddenly walked into the office in a bad mood. "Francisco, I was looking for you all over the company like crazy go wash my carpets right now." She said while snapping her fingers.
"Yes Miss. Rossi." Francisco replied before leaving the office.
"I don't know what you'll do Philip but you better find a way to get that goth out from my office immediately. I can't stand her." Lila said irritatedly.
"It was the order of my brother-in-law Lila. What do you expect me to do?" Philip asked, irritated.
"Well find a way because I'm fed up with the goth and the street rat chauffeur that you got me." Lila stated sternly before leaving his office.
Adrien was walking through the hallways when he bumped into Juleka. "Juleka, I'm glad that I see you. I heard that we will be having the pleasure of having you working with us again."
Juleka smiled. "Yes, that's right. I am doing better with my health and I did miss working here. Plus it's only right that I'm back since I'm a co-owner of the company. By the way, I heard the process of your becoming a co-owner is being made. Congratulations, you deserve it."
"Thanks, it really is an honor." Adrien replied, smiling back. "Well I need to go to work, see you soon." Adrien walked away.
At that moment Lila was walking past Juleka. "Lila wait."
Lila turned around to face her with the fakest smile she could muster. "Yes?"
"I know that over the years the employees have changed, some left some came and some stayed but can you introduce me to all the staff so I can greet the employees I know and meet the employees that I don't know?" Juleka asked.
"Of course it would be my pleasure." Lila stated, obviously lying as she walked with Juleka.
Adrien was working in his office when his phone rang so he grabbed it and when he saw who it was he smiled and answered. "Hey honey, how is Hugo doing?"
"He's doing better and I'm actually calling you because Hugo, and I obviously, would like to know if you could come to the house for lunch." Marinette stated.
"Sure, I don't have any lunch meetings today. I'm on my way." Adrien replied.
"Great, see you soon love you." Marinette stated.
"Love you too." Adrien said before hanging up and he finished the paperwork he was working on before standing up putting his suit coat on and leaving his office.
"Wow so 98 employees had to be fired because of the Lindo Sparks fiasco? That's a shame." Juleka stated as she walked with Lila though the editing section of the company.
"Yes well at least your brother found them a new job by the time they left." Lila replied, hiding her irritation at that fact.
"That's good. Does that company still do the monthly trip for all the employees and their families?" Juleka asked.
"Yes, this month trip is actually next week and the trip will be in Miami. Are you coming this year?" Lila asked back.
"Yes I used to love going on those trips and this will be a chance for me to spend time with Philip and my friends." Juleka replied.
"Yes it is fun, you'll enjoy it." Lila stated.
Adrien walked into the house and Hugo ran to him. "Daddy!"
Adrien smiled as he picked him up. "Hey there buddy, how are you feeling?"
"Better I'm glad that you came to have lunch with me and mommy." Hugo replied.
"Of course I wouldn't miss the chance to have lunch with my two favorite people for anything in the world." Adrien stated.
"That's good to hear because lunch is ready." Marinette said coming over to them.
"That's good because I'm hungry." Adrien said before kissing Marinette on her cheek.
"Well Mr. Hungry, come and sit down." Marinette said playfully and Adrien chuckled as he walked with Marinette to the dining room while still holding Hugo in his arms.
"Thanks for inviting me for lunch Alya. It was fun spending time with you and Nino. It is a shame that Philip couldn't join us but he's very busy with work." Juleka told Alya as they were talking in the reception after lunch.
"It was our pleasure, we missed spending time with you but don't think this is the last time we'll do it many times, maybe even with the whole group." Alya replied.
"That would be great." Juleka stated with a smile.
Lila suddenly walked over to them holding a plate of cookies as she was eating one. "Hey Juleka, did you have a good lunch?"
"Yes I did, how about you?" Juleka replied.
"I had a great lunch and the best way to finish a great lunch is to eat amazing cookies. Want one?" Lila offered a cookie to Juleka. Philip and Lila thought if they got Juleka's blood and sugar pressure up she would be so ill that she'll have to quit working again or even better she could die.
Juleka shook her head no. "I would love to, but I shouldn't."
"Are you sure? They are really good." Lila stated.
"Yes I'm sure." Juleka replied.
"If you say so." Lila said as she continued eating the cookies in front of Juleka hoping to tempt her to eat them but nothing.
That night Philip made Juleka believe that he had to stay in the company after hours because he had a lot of work to do but in reality he went to a restaurant to meet up with Adrien's first girlfriend Stella Lighting, a supermodel.
"Thank you for coming Stella and for accepting to help me with my plan." Philip told her as they were eating dinner.
"It's my pleasure after all he played with my emotions." Stella said bitterly.
"I understand that he broke your heart so tell me how far are you willing to go to get your revenge on Adrien Agreste and to ruin him once and for all?" Philip asked with a smirk.
"Absolutely anything." Stella said with determination.
The next day Juleka sat on the couch of Lila's office where she was working using her laptop when Lila walked in holding a box of chocolates while eating one. "Hi Juleka, do you want chocolate? They are delicious."
Juleka looked at her with a soft smile. "I'm sure they are but I already have candy that is low sugar or no sugar at all though thanks for the offer."
"Are you sure I'm sure one won't hurt?" Lila stated.
"I'm allowed to break my diet once a month and I already did break it this month when Philip took me out to dinner with Luka and Kagami so eating one could harm me so no thanks." Juleka replied.
"If you say so. So what are you doing?" Lila asked, hiding her irritation that she couldn't get Juleka to eat the chocolate.
"I'm looking at the smaller projects that we have and monitoring their process." Juleka replied.
"Wow, very interesting. I'm glad you're taking your job seriously." Lila said with a fake smile.
"I always have. I love doing this." Juleka replied with a bright smile.
"Here they are your new ID and passport." Francisco told Philip while handing him the two items.
Philip looked at them and they had his picture but instead of having the name Philip Gain they had the name Adrien Agreste. "With these, my plane ticket and with some cash I'm all ready to go. Remember from this very moment everyone needs to think that I went on a business trip."
"Where exactly?" Francisco asked.
"Adrien and Marinette are going to a small beach a few hours away from Paris because they would like to start their project there. As the financial vice president Luka asked me to join them and I agreed. I'm not going to be there though since I'm going to take the trip that I really need to take." Philip replied.
"What is going to be your excuse for not being with Adrien and Marinette though?" Francisco asked.
"I'll make something up when the time comes. I got lost or my car broke down. You know that Juleka and Luka always believe whatever I tell them." Philip replied.
"So where are you really going?" Francisco asked.
"I'm going to the United States to deal with a bank account situation." Philip replied.
"You already have everything ready?" Francisco asked in surprise.
"Yes this time Adrien won't be able to save himself." Philip said with a smirk. "He'll spend a good amount of time behind bars."
"Does Philip have to come with us?" Adrien asked Marinette, annoyed at the fact that Philip was going to join them to look at the beach for the first commercial in their project. They were in their car as Adrien was driving to the location and Marinette was sitting next to him in the passenger seat.
"I would say so since Luka told him to come remember? Plus it makes sense that the head vice president, the head of the project and the financial vice president all go together to look at a prosable location that we can use and to talk to the owner of the beach to get permission to film there." Marinette replied.
"Yes we need to do that but we don't need Philip to do that. You Hugo and I have gone to that beach for years. This is why we even thought about the beach being a passable location in the first place." Adrien stated. "The people that live there know us as if we were part of their family. Mathew the owner and leader of the community not to mention the one who is against working with any business because he doesn't trust them to respect the beach and the culture of the people there even said that the only business he would work with would be with the Couffaine Group and only because we work there and only if we're ahead of the business."
"True but Philip could be a big help. He could explain how the financial aspect of the business will be done. Plus I'm the head of the project so there shouldn't be a problem anyway." Marinette replied. "Really Adrien what do you have against Philip?"
"He's arrogant and cocky and likes to cut corners." Adrien stated. "Oh and he likes to show off his power and money."
"What do you mean by that?" Marinette asked.
"Oh c'mon Marinette we both know how he even became the financial vice president in the first place." Adrien replied. "He has the ability to deal with the financial aspects I admit that but he only got that position because he married Juleka. Oh and he married Juleka for the money and power because if something happens to her and Luka or if they give up their positions for any reason Philip would have the power in the company."
"You're being too hard on him, he's a nice guy." Marinette replied. "Plus you're going to be a co-owner too."
"Yes but only 30% if he gets Juleka and Luka's ownership he'll have 70% of ownership and more power than me. Oh and really a nice guy? You know yesterday he mocked me for having my wife as an assistant and having a son? He called Hugo a brat." Adrien stated.
"I'm sure that didn't happen, I'm sure that you just misunderstood him." Marinette replied.
"Fine, think whatever you want but mark my word one day the truth of Philip Gain will be revealed for the whole world to see." Adrien stated with determination.
"Here's your passport sir and you pass to get on the plane." The receptionist said as she handed the passport and pass to Philip.
"Is that it?" Philip asked as he took the two things.
"That's right, have a good flight Mr. Agreste." The receptionist replied with a polite smile.
Philip smiled. "Thank you." He walked away with his suitcase.
"He's not even here yet and he left before us." Adrien said bitterly, once they arrived at the hotel by the beach and they found out that Philip wasn't there yet.
"He's not answering his phone either." Marinette said as she hung up her phone a bit concern. "Hopefully nothing bad happened to him."
"Yea sure I wouldn't want anything bad happening to him but I'm sure nothing did." Adrien replied. "I bet he used this trip of ours as an excuse to go on vacation or something."
"Don't say that Adrien, we don't know what could have happened to him." Marinette stated with worry. "Maybe he got a flat tire or got lost… or worse."
"If the first two happened then he'll be here in a couple of hours or back to Paris by tomorrow and if the latter happened then I'm sure we'll be contacted about him by the police." Adrien replied. "I'm actually relieved that he's not here. C'mon the owner of this place is waiting for us, we can do the meeting without Philip." Marinette slowly nodded as she followed him.
"But Adrien, what if something bad did happen to him?" Marinette continued.
"I doubt it and even if it did its not like we can do anything about it right now he's probably just late." Adrien stated
They met up with the owner of the area and leader of the community Mathew Roperts. "Adrien, Marinette, it's a pleasure seeing you again. How are you doing, and little Hugo?"
"Hi Mathew it's great seeing you too and we're doing good so is Hugo." Adrien replied as he shook Matthew's hand. "How are you and this beautiful community doing?"
"I'm doing good and so is the community." Mathew replied. "I was surprised when you guys called me yesterday and told me that you would like to come talk to me about the possibility of your company being able to film commercials and music videos in this area, especially the beach."
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us." Marinette said with a smile.
"Of course as you know I'm against working with businesses that could harm the area or disrespect our culture. However if you two are who will be involved I'm sure that won't be a problem." Mathew stated.
"Of course not if you agree to work with us we will make sure that CG and anyone involved doesn't harm or disrespect the community." Adrien replied.
"Plus we hope that the people of the community get involved with every commercial or music video that we do here since we will be using your property and we want this community to be represented and respected correctly." Marinette added with a bright smile. "Plus that's the point of the project."
"You will also not have to worry about anyone on our side going against the terms that we agree on because Marinette is ahead of the project and nothing can be done without her permission." Adrien stated.
"I like the sound of that." Mathew replied. "How about we go to my office and talk more about the agreements?"
"Yea sounds good to me, we have a lot to talk about." Adrien stated as he and Marinette smiled and started following Mathew to his office while talking to him.
After hours of talking it was getting late so the three agreed to continue the next day as Adrien and Marinette would stay at one of the penthouses in the hotel for free since they were Matthew's guests.
It wasn't that they couldn't agree on anything since they were actually agreeing on everything that would be beneficial for both CG and the community, however there were a lot of things that they had to agree on and also find alternatives when something wouldn't be allowed in the community.
Since it was almost sunset Marinette and Adrien decided to go to the beach to watch the sunset. "This place has been a very important place for us hasn't it, Adrien?"
Adrien nodded with a smile. "Yea I asked you to be my girlfriend and my wife here."
"And I told you that I was pregnant with Hugo here." Marinette stated with a smile.
As they watched the sunset they thought about all the good moments that they had on that beach.
It was in the summer before their senior year. The main friend group Marinette Alya Nino Luka Kagami and Juleka decided to go on a trip so they went to a beach that was a few hours away from Paris and owned by a small cultural community.
Marinette and Adrien were best friends though they were secretly in love with each other but no one dared to take the first step. Though one sunny bright day Adrien decided to change that. He took Marinette to the beach near a cove.
"Adrien, why did you bring me here?" Marinette asked curiously.
"I brought you here because I have something very important to tell you." Adrien said as he stood in front of her and grabbed both of her hands. "Marinette, this might sound crazy and it might be but I can't live without you."
Marinette blushed hard and she avoided eye contact with him. "W-why are you saying that Adrien?"
"Because I love you Marinette I have loved you for years but I was too afraid to tell you." Adrien replied. "Now I'm hoping that you'll give me the chance to make you happy by accepting to be my girlfriend."
Marinette smiled brightly before hugging Adrien tightly. "I love you too Adrien and of course I'll be your girlfriend." Adrien smiled before he hugged her back.
Two years later they were back at that same cove. They were dating for two years now and at age 20 they were still in college while they were helping Luka and Juleka build and form an entertainment production company which was called Couffaine Group and Adrien was working there as a director while Marinette was his assistant. They were currently at the beach on vacation and Adrien had set up a picnic and a walk around the beach for the two of them.
Adrien suddenly stopped walking and faced Marinette with a bright smile. "Marinette you have been the best thing that has ever happened to me and I don't know what I would do without you so-" Adrien bent down on one knee and took out a red small box before opening it and revealing a ring with Marinette's favorite gem in the middle. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng, will you make me the happiest guy on earth by marrying me? I want to spend the rest of my life with you and the best part of our lives is just about to start."
Marinette looked at him in disbelief as she started to tear up and she hugged him. "YES! Of course I want to marry you Adrien. I want to spend the rest of my life together with you."
Adrien smiled, hugging her back before standing up and putting the ring on her finger. "This ring has your favorite gem but I actually didn't plan that. This ring actually belongs to my mother. After finding out that I was going to propose to you she gave it to me and said that it was the ring she wore during her first ever movie which was a memorable moment for her and it would be an honor for her if you had it. She didn't have the chance to have a daughter but she sees you as her daughter."
Marinette smiled softly. "Well I'm honored to have it. I'm a big fan of your mother and I do see her as my second mother too. I promise to always keep it safe and treasure it with all of my heart."
"I know you will princess." Adrien replied as he kisses the back of her hand. "That's a promise that you don't even have to make."
"I did anyway." Marinette replied while giggling.
Adrien chuckled. "You know both of our parents knew that I was going to propose to you but I want to officially ask your dad for your hand."
"How about tomorrow when we go back to Paris?" Marinette suggested and Adrien nodded.
The next day after they got back to Paris Adrien went to Marinette's house to officially ask for her hand to her dad, his parents were going to go but they weren't able to because of work.
Adrien stood in front of Tom politely as Marinette stood next to Adrien nervously. "Good afternoon Mr. Tom, I came here today to ask you officially for Marinette's hand in marriage."
Tom walked over to him and patted Adrien's shoulder with a smile. "It would be an honor for me to give you my daughter's hand in marriage. Since I met you I could tell that you were a great person and I can't imagine anyone else better to be by my little girl's side."
Adrien smiled. "Thank you sir I promise to always make her happy and to protect her."
"You better because if you ever hurt Marinette I'll go hunt you and hurt you." Tom stated.
"Dad!" Marinette whined playfully.
Tom laughed. "I'm kidding, I know that he won't hurt you dear. Oh and Adrien nothing of sir or Mr Tom or Mr. Dupain just call me Tom, we're family now."
Adrien nodded with a smile. "Alright sir-Tom."
A year later the whole friend group went to that beach to celebrate CG's first big national project. A couple days before the trip Marinette found out that she was pregnant and she decided to surprise Adrien with the news at the trip.
On a bright sunny day Marinette took Adrien to the cove and she was excited and nervous to tell Adrien the big news and Adrien noticed. "Marinette, are you okay? You seem to be nervous about something."
"Yea I'm okay… I'm just nervous because I have something important to tell you." Marinette replied.
"Whatever it is you can tell me you know that you can tell me anything." Adrien stated.
"I know that's why I'm going to blurt it out without rambling… I'm pregnant." Marinette blurted out.
Adrien's eyes widened as he looked at her surprised. "What did you say?"
"I'm pregnant… we're going to be parents." Marinette added.
Adrien suddenly hugged Marinette tightly and lifted her up before spinning her around. "Marinette, this is the best news that you could ever give me."
Marinette giggled. "I'm glad that you liked it."
"No I didn't like it, I loved it." Adrien said as he put Marinette back down. "Just as much as I love you." Adrien kissed Marinette and she kissed him back.
The next day a little bit after noon Adrien and Marinette arrived at the company with all the agreements that they had settled with Mathew. It wasn't official though since contacts had to be made with the arranged agreements for both parties to sign.
Marinette went to turn in the agreements to Luka while Adrien headed to his office but he bumped into Philip on the way. "Philip I'm glad to see you safe and sound since you didn't arrive at the meeting that we had yesterday with Mathew Roperts. Though I was relieved and happy that you didn't go."
"Glad to see that you worry about me Adrien and sorry that I didn't make it but I got lost and by the time I found my way it was already dark so I decided to just come back to Paris." Philip replied. "I'm sure that you were able to handle it though after all you're the head vice president and Marinette is the head of the project."
"Yes you're right we were able to handle it without you because we have known Mathew for years and you would just slow us down." Adrien replied while crossing his arms. "Though I don't believe your story that you got lost."
"Well you have the right to think anything you want Adrien after all I have nothing to hide. Unlike you who does." Philip said with a smirk.
Adrien raised an eyebrow confused. "What do you mean by that, Philip? That I know of I have nothing to hide but according to you what am I hiding?"
"Oh nothing, have a good rest of your day." Philip started walking away before mumbling. "It's going to be one of your last days as a free man."
Adrien didn't hear the last part Philip said but he was still confused by what Philip said as he walked to his office. "That man is becoming more insane by the second."
"Yes Mr. Agreste the transfor for 3 million euros will be seen in your account in 24 hours." A woman told Philip over the phone. He was talking to the Bank of America, the bank where he created Adrien's fake account.
Philip smirked in victory. "In 24 hours, perfect thank you Miss." Philip hangs up satisfied. "You won't escape from this one Adrien."