Marinette arrived home later that afternoon, practically glowing. Her heart was still racing from everything that had happened with Adrien. She couldn't believe it—after all the doubts, all the heartache, they were finally together. She practically floated up the stairs, not even noticing the concerned glances from Mike and the others. All that mattered was that she was living her dream.
She headed straight to her room, closed the door behind her, and let out a long, happy sigh. Finally, it felt like everything was falling into place.
As she turned to head toward the bathroom, her eyes caught something—or rather, someone—sitting on her bed, waiting for her. Tikki was perched on the edge of the mattress with a wide, knowing smile. Her long, red hair was tucked behind her ears, and her eyes twinkled with anticipation. It didn't take long for her to see that Marinette was different—there was a brightness to her that hadn't been there earlier.
"You're glowing," Tikki said, her voice light and full of joy. "I can tell something good happened. What's going on?"
Marinette's face lit up, her heart skipping a beat as she turned to face her. "Tikki," she said, her voice full of excitement, "Adrien and I are... we're together now. We kissed, and I told him my feelings! It's official. We're dating!"
Tikki's eyes widened, and she immediately jumped up from the bed, rushing over to Marinette and pulling her into an exuberant hug. "Oh my goodness! I knew it! I knew you two were meant to be together!"
Marinette laughed, her happiness bubbling over. "I can't believe it either. After everything, I finally admitted how I felt, and he feels the same. It feels like a dream."
Tikki stepped back slightly, a soft smile on her face as she gazed at Marinette. "You deserve this, Marinette. You've been through so much, and now you get to be with someone who truly cares for you. I'm so happy for you."
The sound of slamming the door shut echoed through the room, making Marinette's heart skip a beat. She turned, her smile faltering as she saw Lila standing in the doorway, a bitter sneer on her face. The energy in the room shifted instantly from joy to tension.
"You!" Lila's voice was sharp, laced with fury. "You think you can just steal Adrien from me, don't you?" She advanced into the room, her eyes blazing. "After everything I've done for him, after all the times I helped him, you just waltz in and—" Lila's voice cracked with anger as she pointed a shaking finger at Marinette, "—and you think you deserve him?!"
Marinette's pulse quickened, her happiness from earlier starting to fade into confusion and unease. She hadn't expected this reaction from Lila, but she tried to stay calm. "Lila, I didn't steal Adrien from you. He's made his own decision, just like I did," she said gently, taking a step forward. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
Lila's eyes narrowed, and she stepped forward as well, her voice turning venomous. "Don't lie! You've always been scheming, pretending to hate him when all you wanted was to take him away from me! I was the one who cared for him, I was the one who helped him, and now you—" Lila's voice trembled with resentment, "—you get to have him?"
Marinette's chest tightened, but she continued to speak calmly. "Lila, I never wanted to hurt you. I'm not trying to take Adrien from you. I just—"
Before Marinette could finish her sentence, Lila cut her off with a bitter laugh. "Oh, stop pretending to be the saint, Marinette. You're just as selfish as the rest of us. All you want is to get what you think you deserve, and now you've stolen the one thing that meant something to me."
The accusation stung, but Marinette, trying to stay composed, spoke softly. "I didn't want any of this. I only wanted to be honest with Adrien, and he felt the same way. This isn't about stealing, Lila. It's about two people who care about each other."
But Lila wasn't listening. Her face flushed with anger, and before Marinette could even react, she slapped her hard across the cheek. The sudden sting shocked Marinette, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stumbled back, nearly falling onto the bed. Tikki gasped and moved toward Lila to intervene.
Lila sneered. "You don't deserve him. You'll never be enough for Adrien."
Tikki, now frantic, stepped forward, trying to put herself between Marinette and Lila. "That's enough!" she shouted, grabbing Lila's wrist. "Stop it, Lila! You don't get to hurt Marinette like this!"
But Lila pushed Tikki away with a violent shove, and before anyone could stop her, she lunged at Marinette again, shoving her hard into the corner of the room. Marinette's breath hitched as the impact made her vision blur. Tikki scrambled to grab Lila's arm, but it was Mei, who had heard the commotion and arrived just in time, that managed to pull Lila away. Mei's grip was firm as she yanked Lila out of the room, while Manon, who had followed Mei, stood in the doorway, arms crossed and eyes burning with fury.
"Lila!" Mei snapped, pulling her down the hall. "Stop this, now. You're not solving anything by hurting her."
"Let go of me mom!" Lila snarled, struggling against Mei's hold. "She's going to break Adrien's heart, just wait. I hope their relationship fails, I hope she gets exactly what she deserves!"
Her words hung in the air, cold and biting, as Mei dragged her down the hall and out of earshot. Marinette stood in the center of her room, still reeling from the slap and the cruel things Lila had said. Tikki rushed to her side, her face full of concern, but Marinette's heart felt like it had shattered into a thousand pieces.
"I never wanted any of this to happen," Marinette whispered, wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I didn't—"
Tikki gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "You didn't do anything wrong, Marinette. Lila is the one who's acting out of hurt and jealousy. This isn't about you or Adrien; it's about her not being able to accept that things have changed."
"But she's right," Marinette murmured, her voice breaking. "What if she's right? What if Adrien gets hurt because of me?"
"No," Tikki said firmly, shaking her head. "You and Adrien both deserve happiness. What you have is real, Marinette. Don't let Lila's bitterness take that away from you. You deserve everything you've worked for."
Marinette sniffled and nodded, though the weight of Lila's words still stung deep inside her. It was hard to ignore the anger, the hatred that Lila had spewed at her. But she also knew Tikki was right. She couldn't let Lila's cruelty dictate how she felt about Adrien or herself.
In Lila's room, the tension was thick, and the atmosphere felt suffocating. Mei stood near the door, watching Lila pace back and forth, her fists clenched in anger. Her face was flushed with fury, her eyes wild, and her breaths shallow.
"Lila, please calm down," Mei said gently, though her tone was firm. She stepped forward, trying to make eye contact. "What happened back there wasn't okay. Hurting Marinette like that… It won't fix anything. It'll only make things worse for you."
Lila's eyes snapped to her, venom in them. "I don't care," she spat. "She took him from me! After everything I've done for Adrien, after all my efforts to be there for him, she just swoops in and—" She slammed her hand against the wall in frustration. "She doesn't deserve him! She never did!"
Mei took a deep breath, stepping closer but still giving Lila space. "You're angry. I get that. But hurting Marinette won't change anything. It's not going to make Adrien love you, and it certainly won't make him respect you more. This isn't about Marinette; it's about you and your feelings. You have to deal with that, or else you'll keep pushing people away."
Lila's eyes darkened, her jaw tightening. "I've always been there for him, and I've always been honest with him. I care about him," she snapped, her voice cracking with emotion. "She can't just come in and take him like that! I won't let her."
"Lila…" Mei's voice softened. "You need to accept that Adrien has feelings for Marinette. What you want doesn't change that. You can't force someone to love you, no matter how much you want it."
Lila's laugh was bitter, almost manic. "I don't care what you say. I'm not going to just let her get away with it." She turned her back to Mei, her eyes fixed on the wall, her hands shaking with barely contained rage.
Mei's expression darkened, her patience starting to thin. "Lila, this isn't healthy. You're too focused on revenge. You need to let go of that anger. It's eating you up from the inside."
Lila whipped back around to face Mei, her face twisted in defiance and resentment. "You think I can just forget all of this? Forget how she took the one thing I wanted? No! I won't just forget and let her win. I'll make sure it all falls apart. I won't let her have him."
Mei could see the pain and jealousy in Lila's eyes, but she also knew that no amount of comforting words would break through the walls Lila had built around herself. Lila wasn't ready to listen. The anger had consumed her completely, and she was too lost in it to hear the truth.
"I don't know how to help you if you won't let me in, Lila," Mei said, her voice a little softer now. "But know this—holding onto this hate won't give you what you want. It will only make you more miserable."
Lila scoffed, turning away again and walking toward her window, her hands gripping the ledge tightly as she stared outside. "I don't care about being miserable. At least I'll feel something."
With a soft sigh, Mei turned to leave, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room. "I hope one day you'll realize what you're doing to yourself," she said quietly, before the door clicked shut behind her.
Adrien sat across from Emilie, in their quiet, private study, the weight of his heart full of excitement and a hint of nervousness. He had been waiting for the right moment to tell her—after all, she had been so supportive of him, even when things had been difficult
"Mom," Adrien began, his voice a little softer than usual. Emilie looked up from the papers she was reviewing, giving him her full attention, her eyes soft with affection. "What is it, Adrien?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting, like she always made it whenever he needed to talk.
Taking a deep breath, Adrien smiled, his heart racing a little. "I… I wanted to tell you something important."
Emilie's brow arched in curiosity, her gentle expression never faltering. "Of course, sweetheart. What's going on?"
Adrien hesitated, but then he said it, his words spilling out like a quiet confession. "Marinette and I… we're together now. I'm really happy. I think we're finally figuring everything out."
A soft smile curved Emilie's lips. She leaned forward, clearly pleased, her eyes shining with maternal pride. "Oh, Adrien, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you. Marinette is such a kind girl, and I can see how much she cares for you. Eventhough she tried to hide it. I always thought you two were meant to be together." Her voice was filled with warmth, and she reached across the table to place a gentle hand on his. "I hope you both find happiness with each other."
Adrien smiled, a weight lifting from his chest at his mother's approval. It meant the world to him. But, at the same time, the reality of the situation quickly settled back into his mind. His father's reaction was a constant source of worry.
"I'm really glad you're happy for us," Adrien said, but his voice dropped slightly, the happiness tempered by a quiet concern. "But… I need to ask you something."
Emilie's smile faded into a more serious expression as she noticed the shift in his tone. "What is it, darling?"
Adrien hesitated before continuing. "Please don't tell dad… not yet. I know he won't be happy about it, and I'm not sure how he'll react." He bit his lip, looking down at the table for a moment. "I want to handle it on my own. I don't want him interfering."
Emilie's gaze softened with understanding, and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I understand, Adrien. You've been through so much, and I can see that this is important to you. I won't tell Gabriel… but you need to be careful. He's protective of you, and this isn't going to be an easy thing for him to accept. Just… promise me you'll be cautious, and make sure this is what you really want."
Adrien nodded solemnly. "I promise, Mom. I've been thinking about it a lot, and this feels right. I just need a little time before I tell him. He'll find out eventually, but I want to be sure I can stand up to him."
Emilie nodded, her expression both proud and concerned. "Of course, Adrien. I trust you to make the right decision. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Adrien smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for his mother's unwavering support. He knew things wouldn't be easy, especially when it came to his father, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he was on the right path.
The next morning, the sunlight streamed gently through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. The sound of clinking plates and the occasional murmur of conversation filled the room, but at the moment, Marinette and Mei were sitting side by side, the weight of the previous day's events still hanging over them.
Marinette picked at her food, pushing the toast around her plate, her mind clearly elsewhere. Mei, ever perceptive, took a deep breath before speaking, not wanting to push her niece too hard but knowing the conversation needed to happen.
"I know you're still upset about Lila," Mei began softly, her voice calm and gentle. "It's not easy for you. You never wanted to hurt her. I can see that."
Marinette's gaze remained downcast, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. "I didn't… I never wanted any of this. I just… I just wanted to be happy with Adrien. I never thought it would cause so much pain." Her voice cracked slightly, the guilt evident in her words. "I hate that Lila feels this way. I know she's hurting, but… I didn't steal Adrien from her. He made his choice."
Mei nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I know. You're not to blame for what happened. But you're also right about one thing—Lila does feel betrayed. Even if her actions aren't justified, her feelings of betrayal are real to her. It's hard for someone who thought they had a connection with Adrien to see him move on with someone else, especially when she believes she's been helping him all this time."
Marinette nodded quietly, taking in Mei's words. "I get it. I do. But that doesn't mean I can just stop being with Adrien. He's… he's the person I've wanted for so long, and I've always cared about him." She bit her lip, her eyes stinging slightly. "It just hurts that someone I thought was my friend would hate me for being happy."
"I think," Mei said slowly, her tone softer now, "Lila doesn't know how to handle her feelings. She doesn't know how to accept that things have changed, and that's why she's acting out." Mei paused, taking a sip of her tea before continuing, "But that doesn't mean you don't deserve happiness too, Marinette. You've been through so much, and you've worked hard to get where you are. You deserve to be happy with someone who cares about you, someone who makes you feel joy."
Marinette's eyes met Mei's, and for the first time that morning, she gave a small, grateful smile. It wasn't a wide smile, but it was enough to show she appreciated Mei's understanding. "Thank you aunt Mei. I know you're right. I just… I don't want to lose my family because of this. I didn't want it to be like this."
"I get it," Mei said gently, her hand briefly resting on Marinette's. "But you can't let Lila's anger make you question what you and Adrien have. You're not doing anything wrong. You both deserve to be happy, no matter what anyone else thinks."
Marinette felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had known deep down that Mei was right, but hearing it from someone she trusted made a difference. Lila's anger and resentment were painful to bear, but it wasn't her responsibility to fix everything, especially when her own happiness was on the line.
Lila stormed into Phillip's office, her anger bubbling over. She had spent all night stewing over what had happened between Marinette and Adrien. She couldn't stand it, couldn't accept it. Adrien was hers to control, not Marinette's. And now, her worst nightmare has come true. Lila had to confront Phillip about it.
Phillip was sitting at his desk, reviewing some documents, but when he heard the door slam open, his eyes immediately met Lila's, his brow furrowing at her furious expression.
"What is it, Lila?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of suspicion.
Lila didn't waste any time. "Marinette and Adrien are dating. They're together now," she spat, letting the words hang heavily in the air. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and her teeth were gritted in frustration.
Phillip's expression darkened instantly, his fingers tightening around the edge of his desk as his jaw tightened in fury. The papers in front of him seemed to blur as his gaze turned colder.
"What?" Phillip's voice was dangerously soft, almost too controlled. "They're together?"
Lila nodded, her own anger flaring. "Yes. Marinette chose him. She kissed him, and now they're officially dating. It's over, Phillip. You need to face it."
A tense silence filled the room, and Phillip stood up abruptly, his chair scraping across the floor. His eyes flickered with rage as he paced in front of his desk, clearly seething.
"This... this is unacceptable!" Phillip growled, his tone sharp with disgust. "How could she do this? After everything I've done for her, after everything I've given her—he doesn't deserve her!"
Lila crossed her arms, her voice dripping with contempt. "Oh, you don't get to say who deserves her, Phillip. What are you going to do, try to destroy their relationship? Because that's what it sounds like you're planning. Are you that desperate?"
Phillip's eyes snapped toward her, a mix of shock and fury in his gaze. "Desperate? You think I'm desperate? Marinette is mine. She always was. I've waited too long for her to pick someone like Adrien—someone who doesn't see her the way I do, someone who doesn't understand her true potential. She deserves better than him!"
Lila scoffed, her anger boiling over. "You're out of your mind if you think I'm going to sit here and watch you try to ruin their relationship. You're insane, Phillip! That's my job!"
Phillip's face twisted into an ugly sneer, and his voice grew colder. "I don't care what you think, Lila. If you really cared about Adrien, you'd help me make sure Adrien never gets the chance to be with her. I won't let that happen."
Lila took a step forward, glaring at him with unmasked fury. "No, you listen to me. You have no right to make decisions for him! You can't control Adrien like that. If you really cared for her, you'd change her choice, even if it doesn't fit your delusional plan. I'm not going to help you Adrien."
Phillip took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but it was clear that he was losing control. "You don't understand, Lila," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "I've been in love with her for so long. She belongs with me, not with him. If she can't see that, then I'll make her see it. And if Adrien stands in my way, he won't be a problem for much longer."
Lila's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising with outrage. "You want to kill him, don't you? You're seriously going to go that far? Because that's exactly what it sounds like. You'd rather kill him than let her be happy with someone else?"
Phillip narrowed his eyes, not backing down. "I didn't say that—"
"No, but you think it!" Lila interrupted, her anger boiling over. "I can't believe you, Phillip. You're willing to destroy everything just because she picked him over you? Are you really that pathetic? If you cared for her at all, you'd want her to be happy with you. You have to force her into your twisted vision of what you think her life should be."
Phillip's face twisted in frustration. "She's making a mistake. You're wrong, Lila. I know what's best for her. Not him. Not anyone else. I do. He has to die. It's the only way."
Lila shook her head, disgusted. "I'm done with this, Phillip. I'm not going to help you hurt Adrien. And I sure as hell won't help you try to control his life. You want to ruin everything you've ever worked for? Fine. But you'll do it alone."
As she slammed the door behind her, leaving Phillip seething in the middle of his office, her words hung in the air, a bitter reminder to him that even his control over Lila was slipping. His eyes flickered toward the window, and for the first time, doubt crept into his heart. But it was quickly replaced by an even stronger, more determined resolve.
Marinette would be his — no matter the cost.
Adrien was walking through the construction site, his mind buzzing with thoughts of Marinette. He hadn't seen her much this morning, and despite their conversation the day before, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His heart ached, wondering if the fallout from their new relationship was already starting to take place
As he rounded a corner, he spotted her. Marinette was standing alone near the edge of the site, looking at the skyline. Her shoulders were slumped, and her gaze seemed distant, lost in thought. His heart skipped a beat as he felt an overwhelming urge to be by her side, to make sure she was okay.
Without hesitation, he walked over to her, his footsteps steady but careful. "Hey," he said softly, his voice full of warmth. Marinette turned at the sound of his voice, a faint smile forming on her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Hey, Adrien," she replied, trying to sound more upbeat, though it was clear to him that something was bothering her.
He stepped closer, his concern deepening. "You don't look so good," he said gently, his gaze searching hers. "What happened? Is everything okay?"
Marinette sighed and looked down, a mix of guilt and frustration clouding her expression. "Lila," she muttered, her voice heavy with the weight of the conversation. "She came to my room last night, and... well, she wasn't happy hearing about us being together."
Adrien frowned, his heart tightening. "I figured she wouldn't be thrilled, but... what happened?"
Marinette shook her head, looking up at him with sadness in her eyes. "She was furious. She thought I stole you from her, and... I don't know, Adrien. She said some really hurtful things. I tried to explain that it wasn't like that, that we just... we're together because we care about each other, but she wouldn't listen. She slapped me, Adrien."
Adrien's heart dropped at her words. His fist clenched at the thought of Lila hurting her, physically and emotionally. "She slapped you?" he repeated, his voice low and filled with rage. "What the heck is wrong with her?"
Marinette quickly raised a hand, trying to calm him down. "It's not about that," she said softly. "I don't want you to get mad at her. I know she's upset, but... it's just, I feel terrible. I never wanted to hurt her, I never wanted any of this. I just... I just wanted to be with you."
Adrien stepped closer, his expression softening as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Marinette, you didn't do anything wrong," he said, his voice sincere and filled with affection. "You don't need to feel bad. I'm with you because I want to be with you. This is about us, not her."
"But—" Marinette started, but Adrien gently cupped her cheek, cutting her off.
"Lila's feelings don't define us, Marinette. What matters is that we're happy, and we deserve to be happy," he said, his thumb gently brushing against her skin. His gaze softened, his eyes filled with love. "I'm so sorry that she hurt you, but I'm not going anywhere. You've made me the happiest guy in the world. Don't let anyone take that away from you, especially not her."
Marinette's eyes welled with tears, the weight of everything that had happened weighing heavily on her heart. But Adrien's words, his touch, his presence—it was all so comforting. She didn't feel alone anymore, not with him by her side.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I just... I needed to hear that."
Adrien smiled softly, his gaze full of tenderness. "Anytime, Marinette. I've got you."
Without another word, he leaned in closer, his hand gently tilting her chin upward. Marinette's breath caught in her throat as their eyes locked, the connection between them undeniable.
Then, without hesitation, Adrien closed the gap between them, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. It was filled with everything they couldn't say—everything that had been building up between them. The kiss was tender at first, but as it deepened, it was full of the love, the joy, and the relief they both felt in each other's arms.
Lila stormed through the grand entrance of the Agreste mansion, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and desperation. She had to make Gabriel understand, to make him see her truth—everything that had gone wrong, everything that Marinette had taken from her. Adrien was hers, or at least, he was supposed to be. She had worked too hard to let someone like Marinette take him from her.
She found Gabriel sitting in his study, as usual, his back turned to her, focused on the myriad of papers sprawled out on his desk. The cold, sterile atmosphere of the room only intensified her frustration, making the tension simmer in her chest. She approached him quickly, slamming the door behind her, making sure she had his attention.
Gabriel turned, his eyebrows raising in mild surprise, though his expression quickly returned to its usual impassive state. "Lila, what is it?" he asked, his voice as detached as always, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
Lila clenched her fists, trying to maintain control, but the words spilled out before she could stop them. "Adrien and Marinette… they're together now," she spat, her voice heavy with fury and pain. "They're dating, Gabriel. After everything I've done for him, after all the time I spent helping him, he goes and betrays me like this. She stole him from me."
Gabriel's expression flickered, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What?" he asked, his voice low and incredulous. "Adrien and Marinette are… together?"
Lila nodded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. "Yes, they're officially dating. Now she has taken him from me. She's nothing but a manipulative liar, Gabriel. She made it seem like she hated him, but all along, she's been plotting behind our back, trying to steal Adrien away."
Gabriel stared at Lila for a moment, his mind clearly racing. He stood slowly, walking toward the window as he processed her words. His expression remained stoic, but a flicker of disbelief passed through his gaze. "I never would have imagined… Adrien and Marinette? This seems... impossible."
Lila quickly seized on his disbelief, her tone turning almost pleading, though it was still laced with venom. "I know! I couldn't believe it either. Marinette is nothing but trouble. She's always had her eyes on Adrien, and now she's using him to get what she wants. She's playing the victim, pretending to be so innocent, but I know the truth, Gabriel. I've seen how she manipulates people. You can't let this happen. You have to stop it."
Gabriel's expression darkened slightly, though his features remained controlled. "I… I can simply control who Adrien chooses to be with," he said, his voice heavy with an underlying warning. "He is making a big mistake. I'll handle this myself."
Marinette sat quietly in the living room, waiting for Lila to return. She had been thinking about their conversation the night before, how hurt Lila had seemed. Despite everything, Marinette couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for her. She knew Lila's feelings were complicated, and even though their connection had been fractured, Marinette wanted to help.
The door opened softly, and Lila stepped inside, looking exhausted. Her usual confident posture was slightly slumped, and her eyes were red as if she had been crying. The moment she saw Marinette, she froze for a brief second, and then quickly tried to mask her emotions behind a calm facade.
"Hey," Lila greeted, forcing a smile onto her face as she slipped her shoes off.
"Hey, Lila," Marinette said softly, standing up. "I was waiting for you. I… I just wanted to make sure you're okay."
Lila's eyes flickered with surprise, but she quickly recovered, smiling sweetly. "Oh, Marinette, I'm fine. Really. It's just… it's been a lot to take in, you know?"
Marinette stepped closer, concerned in her voice. "Lila, I know things have been tough. I know it wasn't easy hearing about Adrien and me. But you don't have to pretend like everything's fine if it's not. I don't want you to feel alone or upset."
Lila waved a hand dismissively, still smiling as if everything were fine. "No, really. I'm fine now. I've had some time to think about everything, and I realize I overreacted. Adrien and I… we're just friends. I know he's happy with you, and that's what matters." She took a deep breath, her smile becoming more genuine, though still a little forced. "I'm really sorry for how I acted before. I didn't mean to hurt you, Marinette. I just… I got carried away."
Marinette stepped forward, her heart aching. She could see right through the act, but she didn't want to push Lila too hard. "It's okay, Lila. I know how confusing feelings can be, and I understand if you're struggling. I just… I want to make sure you're okay. If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Marinette. Really. But I'm okay now. I just needed to sort things out in my own head. And I'm glad you two are happy together." She gave a small shrug, trying to sound nonchalant, though her voice wavered slightly. "Honestly, I think you're great for Adrien. He deserves someone like you."
Marinette gave Lila a small, reassuring smile, relieved to hear the sincerity in her words, even if she could tell there was more beneath the surface. "I just want everyone to be happy, Lila. And I know it's been hard for you. If you ever want to hang out or talk about things, I'd love to spend some time with you. No pressure, though."
Lila's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Thanks, Marinette. I really do appreciate that. And I'll be okay. I just need some time to adjust, that's all. I'll be fine."
The words didn't completely ease Marinette's concern, but she could see that Lila was trying—perhaps more for herself than anyone else. She gave Lila a gentle nod. "Take care of yourself, Lila."
Lila nodded, her smile once again stretching across her face, though there was something in her eyes that hinted at a more complicated truth. "I will, Marinette. And really, I hope you and Adrien have everything you want. You deserve it."
As Marinette left the room, her mind swirled with thoughts. She hoped Lila was truly okay, but deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't as resolved as Lila let on. Yet, for now, she had said the words Lila needed to hear, and maybe that was enough. At least for now.
The tension in the Agreste mansion was palpable as Gabriel stormed into Adrien's room. His face was twisted in fury, his usually composed demeanor shattered by a surge of emotion. Adrien was sitting at his desk, scrolling through his phone, when he heard the door slam open. He looked up and saw his father, his eyes burning with anger.
"Adrien, we need to talk," Gabriel growled, his voice sharp and cold.
Adrien stood up, already knowing what this was about. He had been expecting it. "I know what this is about, Father. Let's get it over with."
Gabriel's nostrils flared as he stepped closer to his son. "You think you can just *decide* to be with Marinette? After everything that's happened? After she—she shot you, Adrien! How can you be so blind to what's really going on? She's nothing but trouble!"
Adrien's chest tightened at the mention of that moment. His gaze hardened as he looked at his father. "It was an accident, Father. You know that. She never meant for it to happen. I've forgiven her, and I'm with her because I love her. She's not the problem here, you are."
Gabriel's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You're choosing her over everything I've done for you?" His voice was low, filled with venom. "I raised you to be a successor to the Agreste legacy, not to throw it all away for a girl who isn't even worthy of your attention."
Adrien's heart clenched at his father's words, but his determination flared stronger. "I'm not throwing anything away. You may think you control my life, but I'm my own person, Father. Marinette is important to me, and I'm not going to let you tear us apart just because you don't approve."
Gabriel's face twisted in disbelief. "I am your father! I've given you everything, and this is how you repay me? By throwing it all away for someone like her?"
Adrien's fists clenched, his eyes flashing with a new fire. "No, Father. I'm choosing to live my own life. You've always expected me to follow your rules, to fit into your world. But this is different. I'm not going to let you dictate my relationships, especially not with Marinette." His voice grew stronger, more resolute. "If you continue to interfere, I swear, I will forget that I'm an Agreste. I won't stand by and let you ruin my happiness."
Gabriel's eyes widened for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line. "You'd go that far?" he hissed, his anger reaching a boiling point.
Adrien didn't flinch. "Yes, I would. This isn't just about you or the Agreste legacy. This is about me—my choices, my happiness. And I won't let you control it any longer." His voice was steady but fierce. "If you keep trying to come between me and Marinette, I won't hesitate to walk away from everything. No matter what it costs me."
The silence between them was thick, the weight of Adrien's words hanging heavily in the air. Gabriel stood there, speechless for a moment, before his fury returned. "You're making a huge mistake, Adrien. You'll regret this."
Adrien's gaze was unwavering as he met his father's eyes. "Maybe I will, but that's my choice. Just remember this, Father—don't interfere in my relationship with Marinette. If you do, don't expect me to be the son you want. Because I won't be."
Gabriel's expression darkened, but there was nothing he could say in response. Adrien had made his decision clear. And as much as Gabriel hated to admit it, he knew he couldn't change Adrien's mind. Not this time.
With a final glare, Gabriel turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Adrien standing there, his heart racing but his resolve stronger than ever. This was his life now. And no matter what his father said or did, he wasn't going to let anyone—least of all Gabriel—take away the happiness he had found with Marinette.
Gabriel marched up to Marinette's mansion, seething with anger. He wasn't going to let his son's relationship with the girl he saw as a threat to Adrien's future. As soon as the doors opened, Gabriel didn't waste a moment.
"Marinette," he said coldly, his voice as sharp as a blade, "I've come to speak plainly. You need to break up with my son and stay away from him."
Marinette stood tall in the entryway, her heart pounding, but her resolve unshaken. "Mr. Agreste, Adrien and I are in a relationship because we love each other. You can't just order me to walk away."
Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "I can and I will. Adrien's future is far more important than this childish romance. He has responsibilities that don't include you. You're nothing but a distraction, and I'll do whatever it takes to remove you from his life."
Marinette's eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm not going anywhere. Adrien and I are together because we want to be. It's not your decision."
"Do you think you can just ignore the consequences of this?!" Gabriel's voice rose, his frustration growing. "I'm offering you a way out—break up with him now, and I'll make sure you and your family are taken care of. Money, connections, a future you couldn't dream of. All you have to do is leave him."
Marinette stood her ground. "I don't want your money, Mr. Agreste. I want Adrien. I'm not going to let you buy me off or force me to leave him."
Gabriel's face reddened with fury. "You're making a grave mistake. You're too young and too naive to understand the stakes here. If you don't break up with him, I'll ensure that your life becomes difficult. Everything you've worked for could be taken away."
Marinette didn't flinch. "I'm not afraid of your threats. I won't back down. Adrien and I are in this together, and we don't need your approval to be happy."
Gabriel stepped closer, his words icy with menace. "You will regret this decision, Marinette. You're about to learn just how dangerous defying me can be."
Marinette didn't move, her expression unwavering. "I don't care what you try. You can't control my feelings, and you can't control Adrien's either. We're not backing down."
Gabriel glared at her, teeth gritted in pure rage. He knew he had lost this round, but the threat of power still lingered in his eyes.
With a final, seething look, he turned sharply and stormed out of the mansion, his steps heavy with unspoken fury. "This isn't over," he spat, his voice low, his threat lingering in the air as he disappeared into the night.
Marinette watched him leave, her heart still racing, but her resolve solid. Gabriel Agreste might have power and influence, but he didn't have control over her or her relationship with Adrien.
That night, Marinette and Adrien enjoyed a peaceful evening together, away from the tension of the day. They had decided to go to a cozy café that they both loved, a quiet spot where they could just relax and be themselves.
Marinette laughed as Adrien tried to balance a spoon on his nose, his usual charm making her smile brighter than she had in days. The soft glow of the café lights created a warm ambiance, and the hum of quiet conversations around them only added to the sense of comfort.
"You look ridiculous," Marinette teased, giggling as the spoon wobbled precariously on Adrien's nose.
Adrien grinned, unfazed. "That's the point! It's a serious art form, you know." He made a dramatic effort to balance it even longer, making her laugh even harder.
They ordered their favorite desserts, sharing a chocolate mousse and a strawberry tart. As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, from silly jokes to heartfelt moments. Adrien listened intently as Marinette talked about her latest designs for the project, his eyes lighting up every time she shared something she was proud of.
"I can't wait to see your new designs, Marinette," Adrien said, his voice soft but full of admiration. "You're so talented."
Marinette blushed, her heart swelling with warmth. "Thanks, Adrien. That means a lot coming from you." She looked down at her dessert, a small smile playing on her lips. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Adrien reached across the table, taking her hand gently. "You'll never have to find out," he said quietly, his gaze tender. "I'm always here."
They spent the rest of the evening talking about everything and nothing, losing track of time as they enjoyed each other's company. The worries of the outside world seemed far away, and in that moment, all that mattered was the connection they shared.
Later Adrien had gone to the stables to check on Noir, as he usually did. But this time, something was different. As he was near the barn, a figure approached him from behind, and before he could react, an attack was launched. Adrien struggled, fighting to defend himself, but the assailant managed to strike him while also getting hurt in the leg.
In the chaos, Adrien's vision blurred, and despite his efforts, he was eventually overwhelmed and knocked unconscious. The attacker fled lumping, leaving Adrien injured and lying motionless on the ground.
A short time later, Nathan arrived at the stables, only to find Adrien unconscious and covered in blood. Panic surged through him as he rushed to get help, knowing something terrible had happened.
Later Emilie arrived at Marinette's mansion, her expression serious as she shared the news about Adrien. She reassured Marinette that Adrien was fine, but the shock and concern in her eyes were undeniable. The moment the words left Emilie's mouth, Marinette sprang into action, rushing next door to the Agreste mansion without a second thought.
Bursting into Adrien's room, Marinette was relieved to see him sitting up in bed, though her anxiety was still evident. She quickly knelt beside him, her voice trembling as she asked if he was really okay. Adrien, noticing her distress, did his best to reassure her.
"I'm fine, Marinette," he said softly, a faint smile attempting to calm her. "It was just a scare." As the tension in the room slowly eased, Adrien explained what had happened. "They found the knife. It was dropped on the ground. And... it looks like it belongs to Phillip," he added, his voice low. "The police records match."
Marinette's face shifted as she processed the new information, the gravity of it all settling between them. The words felt heavy, but for now, she was just thankful that Adrien was okay.
The next day, Adrien and the police arrived at Phillip's house, tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud. They hoped to get answers about the knife found at the scene of the attack. However, as they approached the front door, they learned that Phillip was already at work, leaving only Francisco at the house.
"Is Phillip here?" Adrien asked, his voice steady despite the unease in his chest.
Francisco shook his head. "No, he left early this morning. What can I help you with?"
"We need to discuss a knife that was found," one of the officers stated, eyeing Francisco closely.
Adrien's gaze was drawn to Francisco's leg, where a bandage was wrapped tightly around a noticeable injury. "What happened to your leg?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"Oh, this?" Francisco shrugged, attempting to appear nonchalant. "Just a little accident. I fell on some spiked wood while cleaning up the yard."
Adrien's brow furrowed. "A spiked piece of wood? That sounds… painful." He exchanged a glance with the officer, who seemed equally unconvinced. "You should get that checked out by a doctor."
"No, it was nothing major," Francisco replied, a hint of nervousness creeping into his tone. "Just a scratch, really."
The officer pressed further, "Can you describe what happened? How did you fall?"
Francisco hesitated, glancing around as if searching for the right words. "I was just moving some debris when I tripped. It happens."
The police exchanged looks, their instincts telling them there was more to this story. Adrien felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "We need to find Phillip. If he knows anything about that knife, it's crucial."
"Of course," Francisco replied, a little too quickly. "I'll make sure he gets the message."
As they left the house, Adrien's mind raced with thoughts. Francisco's injury could be more than just a coincidence. He glanced back at the building, determination settling in his gut. He had to dig deeper—there was a connection, and he was going to find it.
Later that day, Lila stormed into Phillip's office, her anger barely contained. She had heard about the attack on Adrien and was determined to confront Phillip about his involvement.
"How could you do this to Adrien?" Lila demanded, her voice sharp.
Phillip looked up from his desk, feigning innocence. "What are you talking about, Lila? I haven't done anything."
Her frustration boiled over. "You can't honestly expect me to believe that!"
Phillip leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a smirk. "I assure you, I had nothing to do with it. It's all just rumors."
"Rumors?" Lila snapped. "You think this is just gossip? Adrien was attacked, and the knife belonged to you! How can you stand there and pretend you're innocent?"
Phillip's expression hardened. "I didn't attack anyone. If someone's trying to frame me, that's not my problem. You should be careful who you accuse."
Lila felt her blood boil. "You think you can manipulate everyone with your lies? I won't let you get away with this!"
Phillip shrugged, unfazed. "Believe what you want, but I'm not responsible for other people's actions. If you want to blame someone, try looking elsewhere."
Lila glared at him, her heart racing with frustration. "I will find out the truth, Phillip. You can count on that."
With one last defiant look, she turned on her heel and stormed out, determined to uncover what he was really hiding.
Later that day, Adrien was working at the construction site, trying to focus on the tasks at hand despite the lingering tension from the previous night. The sound of tools clanging and machines whirring filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere.
Just then, Nino approached, concern etched on his face. "Hey, man! I heard about what happened last night. Are you okay?"
Adrien wiped his brow and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a scare, really." He took a deep breath and recounted the events—the attack, the knife, and his suspicion that Phillip might be involved, especially since he was upset about Marinette and him dating.
Nino's eyes widened. "Wait, you and Marinette are dating? That's amazing! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Adrien smiled sheepishly. "I wanted to keep it under wraps for a bit. But now… with everything going on, it's hard to ignore."
Nino clapped Adrien on the back, a broad grin on his face. "Dude, congratulations! You two are great together."
At the county club, whispers circulated among the guests, and the atmosphere was thick with speculation. "Did you hear? Adrien's been hurt again, and people are saying it's all because of Marinette. They're calling her Lady Misfortune," one woman remarked, her voice dripping with disdain.
Kagami, sitting nearby, couldn't believe her ears. She turned sharply, her expression fierce. "That's ridiculous! Marinette isn't to blame for what happened to Adrien. Accidents happen, and you can't just scapegoat her for it."
The group fell silent, surprised by Kagami's outburst. She stood her ground, her loyalty to Marinette evident.
Marinette, having overheard the conversation, approached Kagami with gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Kagami," she said earnestly. "You really are a true friend."
Kagami smiled, a warmth spreading across her face. "Of course, Marinette. I'd defend you anytime. You deserve better than this."
Marinette felt a swell of appreciation for Kagami's support. In a world filled with judgment, having someone who stood by her side meant everything. "Let's ignore the rumors and focus on what matters."
Adrien arrived at Marinette's house, eager to see her, but when he knocked, there was no answer. He felt a pang of disappointment. Just as he turned to leave, Lila approached, a bright smile on her face.
"Hey, Adrien! I heard about your recovery. Wishing you all the best in your relationship with Marinette," she said, her tone overly sweet.
Adrien raised an eyebrow, recalling how Lila had spoken to Marinette just days earlier. "Thanks, but that's not exactly what you told Marinette, is it?"
Lila shrugged, feigning innocence. "I was upset at the time. Emotions can cloud judgment, you know?"
He studied her, sensing something off. "Is that all?"
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just so you know, Jay has been calling Marinette. I don't think she's forgotten him."
Adrien's heart tightened, but he shook his head. "Marinette and I are together now. She's made her choice."
Lila pressed, "But what if she's still thinking about him? It's worth considering."
Adrien straightened, confidence returning. "I trust Marinette. She's not the kind to play games. I know where her heart is."
With that, he turned on his heel, determined to find Marinette and reaffirm their bond, leaving Lila standing there, her expression shifting from sweet to frustrated.
Marinette strode into Phillip's office, determination in her step. She approached his desk, a check clutched in her hand. "Phillip, we need to talk," she said firmly.
He looked up, a cocky grin on his face. "Ah, madame Marinette! What brings you here? You're not firing me because of the attack on Adrien, are you?" he said playfully.
Marinette crossed her arms. "No, this isn't about that. I've discovered that you've been stealing money from me."
Phillip raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Stealing? That's a serious accusation. Do you have proof?"
Marinette hesitated, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "Not yet, but I know what's been happening."
He leaned back in his chair, a smug expression on his face. "Well, until you can present evidence, you can't fire me. I'll continue working, no matter what you think."
Marinette clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling up inside her. "I'm giving you this check for your severance and some extra for your years of service. Consider this your last paycheck."
Phillip waved the check dismissively. "I won't accept that. You need to have proof to let me go. Until then, I'm still your employee."
Marinette's resolve hardened. "I won't let you continue this deception. I'll find the evidence, Phillip. You may think you're safe now, but I'll make sure you face the consequences."
Phillip chuckled, leaning forward. "Good luck with that. I'll be waiting."
Marinette turned on her heel, determination coursing through her. She wouldn't back down; she would expose him for the fraud he was.