Summary: In a twist of fate, Adrien, known for his aloof demeanour, enters a reckless bet to win over Marinette, a classmate he dislikes intensely, with plans to break her heart afterward. Little does he anticipate that as their tumultuous journey unfolds, Marinette might just be the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Disclaimer about Ownership: I do not own any characters from Miraculous Ladybug except for those created solely for the purpose of this fanfiction.
Content Warning: This chapter includes themes of grief, loss, and emotional withdrawal. Reader discretion is advised for those sensitive to these topics.
HATE TO HEART
Chapter 1: Grief & Hope
Adrien Agreste's childhood was marred by loneliness and sorrow. At the tender age of eight, his world was shattered when his beloved mother succumbed to epilepsy, leaving an insurmountable void in his heart. The loss was devastating, made even worse by his father's deepening strictness and emotional withdrawal. Gabriel Agreste, renowned as the best fashion designer in Paris, cloaked himself in cold authority, leaving Nathalie and the Gorilla to oversee Adrien's upbringing with an iron hand.
Isolated and homeschooled, Adrien's world became a silent realm of grief and despair. His days were filled with solitude, and his nights echoed with the silence of his empty mansion. Without peers to interact with, his life was a monotonous cycle of lessons and silence. The walls of his home felt like a prison, confining his youthful spirit and casting a shadow over his once-bright demeanour. He would often find himself remembering the days of warmth and sunshine that he had spent with his mother when she was alive.
When Adrien turned 14, his father decided to establish him as a model. For a brief moment, Adrien experienced a taste of fame and the adoration of supportive and encouraging fans. However, this respite was short-lived. Rumours began to circulate that Adrien only got his modeling gigs due to his father's influence in the industry. This malicious gossip cast a shadow over his achievements, making Adrien feel even more isolated and misunderstood. Gabriel, ever mindful of the brand's reputation, decided to remove Adrien from his brand to avoid any negative implications of nepotism. Adrien didn't mind stepping away from modeling; in fact, he couldn't care less about it. What truly affected him was the hatred he received on social media and in the news, which deeply saddened him and reinforced his sense of loneliness.
Despite being surrounded by the glittering world of fashion, Adrien felt a profound emptiness. His father, consumed by his work, never had time for him. Adrien's only semblance of a friend was Chloé Bourgeois, the daughter of the Mayor of Paris. However, even in her presence, he often felt lonely. Chloé's conversations were always centred around herself, her incessant self-absorption, and her clinginess made Adrien uncomfortable. Their friendship felt one-sided, a mere formality rather than a genuine connection. More than a year ago, on his 15th birthday, Chloé asked him to be her boyfriend. Adrien, yearning for something good in his life, agreed, despite not harbouring any romantic feelings for her. He thought it might be the beginning of a positive change, a chance to experience genuine companionship.
But he was gravely mistaken.
Just three months into their relationship, Adrien walked into Chloé's room one day to find her half-naked and embraced in the arms of another model named Ethan, whom Adrien knew from his modeling days. The sight was a brutal betrayal, leaving Adrien hurt, angry, and shell-shocked. Chloé's infidelity shattered his already fragile trust in people, reinforcing his belief that he would never be able to trust anyone again. It was in that moment that Adrien decided to close his heart to love and detach himself emotionally from those around him. The pain of betrayal and the constant feeling of being misunderstood were too much to bear. He chose to focus on his duties and his studies, resolving to keep people at arm's length to avoid further heartbreak. The young boy, once filled with dreams and hope, now navigated a world of shadows, keeping his true feelings hidden behind a mask of stoicism.
It was the summer after his 16th birthday that Adrien decided to ask his father to allow him to go to school. While Adrien had no intention of mingling with people, he thought it was better than being cooped up in his room all the time. Gabriel agreed on the condition that Adrien would only focus on his studies, fencing, piano, and Chinese.
Soon, it was the start of a new school year, and Adrien found himself walking up the stairs of Collège Françoise Dupont. His father had chosen this school for its proximity and because it had an after-school fencing club, 'Armand D'Argencourt's fencing school', on alternate days. Adrien dreaded the fact that Chloé was a student at the school but decided to agree with his father's choice, fearful that his father might change his mind about letting him go to school.
As soon as Adrien walked into the school courtyard, a timid boy wearing spectacles accidentally bumped into him.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where you were going...OMG! You're Adrien Agreste!"
"Yes, I am, and maybe you should get yourself an eye check-up so that you don't bump into people next time. Now, get lost," Adrien replied coldly. With that, he ascended the green staircase to class, leaving the poor boy shivering behind.
Alya, Nino, and Marinette had just entered the courtyard in time to see the spectacle.
"What an egohead!" Alya exclaimed.
Nino added, "That's Adrien Agreste, right? The famous guy from two years ago who had to stop modelling. No wonder he's bitter..."
"But despite Adrien's reputation or him being Chloé's boyfriend, we should give him a chance since he's new at this school," Marinette interjected, her voice firm yet compassionate. "Everyone deserves a fresh start."
"Whatever, Marinette, you're too nice for your own good. Now, let's go before we're late," Alya replied, rolling her eyes slightly as they headed towards their classroom.
As they entered the classroom, Alya, Marinette, Nino and the other students noticed their names written on the desks which were assigned to them.
As the girls settled into their seats, Alya leaned towards Marinette and whispered, "It's so unlucky that Adrien's in our class, and even worse that he sits right in front of you, girl..."
"Shh, he might hear you, Alya," Marinette replied, glancing nervously at Adrien. Alya shook her head nonchalantly, unconcerned by the potential of being overheard.
Nino, grumbling under his breath, took his seat in front of Alya, his desk placed next to Adrien's. He sat down with a thud, echoing Alya's sentiment with his discontent clearly evident. Meanwhile, Adrien remained silent, seemingly indifferent to the whispers circulating among the other students about a certain former model being in their class.
Ms. Bustier entered the classroom, her presence commanding attention as she began to take attendance. She then paused at Adrien's name so that she could introduce him as the new student. Adrien stood up with a dismissive air, his tone clipped and curt. "I'm Adrien Agreste. I'm here to study, not to socialize," he stated firmly, his words cutting through the classroom like a chill wind.
As soon as he sat down, the classmates began whispering about him, marvelling at his good looks despite his aloof attitude.
"He's so rude," Mylene muttered.
"But he's so handsome," Rose replied in a hushed tone.
The voices died down as Ms. Bustier called for everyone's attention to finish the attendance. Just as the last name was called, the door swung open with a flourish. Chloe Bourgeois, fashionably late as always, swept in with an air of grandeur.
"Hey everyone!" she announced dramatically, her voice cutting through the whispers and murmurs. "Just so you know, Adrien Agreste is my boyfriend, so keep your hands to yourself, especially the girls of this class!"
Eyebrows raised, the class exchanged knowing glances. "No wonder he's was so rude," Alix whispered to her neighbor.
"Told you so, M. Couldn't expect anything from Chloe's boyfriend," Alya remarked with a knowing nod as she looked at Marinette.
Across the room, Max chimed in, "I heard he used to be a model. Apparently, he quit because he couldn't handle the truth that he had an unfair advantage in the fashion world."
Kim vigorously added, "Really? No wonder he's always so arrogant. He and Chloe are definitely a match made in heaven."
The gossip spread quietly through the classroom, each statement adding to the narrative surrounding Adrien Agreste, the enigmatic newcomer. Unbeknownst to them, Adrien and Chloe had actually broken up a year ago. Adrien remained silent, his indifference a shield against their gossip. He had long since learned not to let others' opinions affect him. Meanwhile, Ms. Bustier smoothly transitioned into the day's literature lesson, her warm demeanour contrasting with the tension that lingered in the air.
Since it was the first day of school, the students were let out early before lunchtime, making for a short and pleasant day. As the bell rang, signalling the end of classes, the classroom buzzed with activity as students began packing their things and preparing to head home. Chloe, always in a hurry, dashed out first.
Marinette was eager to return home and resume work on her latest creation—a traditional Chinese gown for her mother, she hurried down the bustling aisle stairs, her mind already focused on the intricate details of the gown. In her haste and owing to her clumsiness, she accidentally bumped into Adrien just as he rose to leave. The collision sent her books scattering to the floor, as she fell down. Marinette quickly looked up, flustered, to see Adrien staring down at her with a stern expression.
"I'm so sorry about that," Marinette stammered, quickly gathering her books and stuffing them into her bag as she stood up. "I'm actually very clumsy—it's something I'm known for. Anyways, nice to meet you. My name is Marinette," she said, offering her hand with a friendly smile.
"Listen, Maria, Marine...or whatever your name is," Adrien replied curtly, his tone cutting. "I don't have time to chat with girls who throw themselves at me, so don't even try." With that, he briskly pushed past her and left the classroom, leaving Marinette bewildered and hurt.
"Geez, what's his problem?" Nino exclaimed as he and Alya rushed to Marinette's side, helping her adjust her backpack.
"I told you he was bad news, but you were all about giving him a chance," Alya remarked, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Well, maybe he misunderstood me," Marinette mused optimistically, trying to make sense of Adrien's harsh reaction. "Maybe it's from his experience as a model. I know some people sort of like to throw themselves at models...or maybe it was something else. I should try and clear up the misunderstanding tomorrow," she resolved with a hopeful smile.
"Whatever am I going to do with you, girl," Alya sighed affectionately as the three friends walked down the stairs together.
Deciding to change the topic, Alya asked Marinette, "So, any plans for today, Marinette?"
"Yeah, working on my mom's dress. What about you two?" Marinette replied.
"We're going on a date!" Nino exclaimed, squeezing Alya's hand. They had been dating for almost five months now, and Marinette couldn't help but feel happy for them.
"Well then, enjoy! See you tomorrow," Marinette waved goodbye as Nino and Alya walked off hand in hand, leaving her to head home alone, her thoughts still lingering on the puzzling encounter with Adrien Agreste.
Marinette stepped into the warm embrace of her family's bakery, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. She walked over to the counter where her mother, Sabine, was diligently attending to customers at the cashier. With a soft smile, Marinette leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on Sabine's cheek.
"Bonjour, ma chérie," Sabine greeted Marinette with a loving smile, her eyes reflecting both warmth and weariness. Despite the bakery's bustling atmosphere, Sabine always found a moment to share with her daughter, even amidst the demands of running the business alone since Marinette's father had passed away from cancer two and a half years ago. Marinette glanced around the bakery, her heart swelling with gratitude and admiration for her mother's resilience. Sabine had been her rock through the difficult days after her father's death, balancing the responsibilities of the bakery while nurturing Marinette through her grief. There were days when Marinette would come home from school, burdened with sorrow, and find solace in her mother's comforting embrace and a warm slice of her favourite cake.
As Marinette retreated to her room upstairs, she entered a space adorned with sketches, fabrics, and the tools of her craft. This was her sanctuary, where creativity flourished and emotions found expression in the garments she created. Today, she was inspired by a deep-seated desire to show her mother just how much her love and sacrifice meant. Sitting at her desk, Marinette carefully selected the fabric—a delicate silk with intricate patterns reminiscent of Chinese artistry. With each stitch, she poured her gratitude into the creation, imagining how Sabine's face would light up when she saw the dress. It wasn't just a garment; it was a token of appreciation, a testament to the unspoken bond between mother and daughter.
As Marinette sewed, memories of her father flickered through her mind—his kind smile, his gentle encouragement of her artistic pursuits. She missed him dearly, but his spirit lived on in the love and strength Sabine imparted to their family. Marinette was determined to honor his memory by bringing joy to Sabine's heart, just as he had done in life.
Hours passed like moments as Marinette immersed herself in the creative process, each stitch a labor of love. Outside her window, the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the rooftops of Paris. Downstairs, the bakery hummed with evening customers, a testament to Sabine's dedication and the community's support.
Finally, as dusk settled, Marinette put the finishing touches on the dress—a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sentiment. She held it up, admiring the way the fabric flowed and shimmered in the soft light. With a contented sigh, Marinette laid the dress aside, climbed up to her bed and closed her eyes. In her mother's unwavering strength and nurturing spirit, Marinette found the courage to face life's challenges and pursue her dreams. Together, they were a testament to the enduring power of love and family in the heart of Paris.
Thanks for reading : )
Chapter 1 published on: 15th July, 2024
Personal Opinion:
This chapter includes themes of grief, loss, and emotional withdrawal. If you find yourself sensitive to these topics, please take care of yourself and seek support if needed. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and it's important to give yourself time and space to heal. If you've experienced similar situations, reaching out to friends, family, or a mental health professional can make a significant difference. Your mental health matters, and it's okay to seek help and take the time you need to process your emotions.