Adrien's father shows up at the beach.  He arrives with no calls or anything. Adrien sees him and isn't sure what to make of this sudden, surprise visit!  He smiles just the same.

      "Hello, father," Adrien says.

    "Hello, Adrien,"  Gabriel Agreste says.

    "What brings you here?" Adrien says.

   "I came to see my only son. So, how have you been?"  Gabriel ask.

  "Great!" Adrien says.

  "I can certainly see that indeed," Gabriel says.

 "Oh, hi, sir!  I'm Luka!"  Luka shakes his hand.

  "Good to meet you I am sure," Gabriel says.

   "Adrien, how do you know this fellow?"  Gabriel ask.

  "Oh, he is a lifeguard and happens to work here," Adrien says.

  "Hmm, I see," Gabriel says.

  "Well, how are things with you and Lila?"  Gabriel ask.

  "Uh, you see the thing is..."Adrien begins.

   Just then, Lila shows up. She waves at Adrien and Gabriel Agreste.  She winks at Luka. 

 "Hi, Luka!"  Lila says.

 "Oh, hi, Lila!"  Luka says annoyed.

  "Is there an explanation, why your girlfriend is with this lifeguard fellow, Luka?"  Gabriel Agreste frowns.

   "Mr. Agreste, it is okay.  Adrien and I broke up weeks ago. We came to the knowledge we are all wrong for each other.  Besides, Luka is so strong and handsome."  Lila says.

   "Is what she says all true?"  Mr. Agreste asks.

  "Yes, father.  We did break up like she said, and as you can see she has a crush on Luka." Adrien says.

  "I am must say I am not happy you broke up, but since she likes Luka I suppose it is all for the best," Gabriel says.

 "Oh, thank you, father," Adrien says with a sigh of relief.

  " How about the suffering profession how does it go?" Gabriel ask.

  "It is busy as usual!" Adrien says.

 "I am glad to hear it!"  Gabriel says.

 "Oh, hi.  I'm Marinette!  You must be Adrien's father!  Glad to meet you!" Marinette says.

  "Adrien, who is this young lady?"  Gabriel ask.

  "She is another lifeguard and my friend," Adrien says.

   "Adrien is right. Oh, I might say that you have good taste in fashion!"  Marinette says.

   "Why thank you, Miss Marinette!"  Gabriel says.

  " Miss Marinette, don't tell me you are star crazy over this Luka fellow too!"  Gabriel says.

   "Haha, actually, my interest lies elsewhere at the moment," Marinette says.

   "Oh, in that case, good for you!"  Gabriel says.

   "Uh, thanks!"  Marinette says.

       Marinette walks off and gets back to work.  After she walks off, Gabriel continues to talk with his son.

  "Strange girl, this Marinette!  She does not seem as giggly as the girls you usually meet. How ever did you manage it?"  Gabriel says.

   "What?  Father, what do you mean?" Adrien says.

   "Oh, I think you know fully well what I mean.  I must say she is a pleasant young lady. I am not sure I want you to be with her though as she is not wealthy.  You need a woman, with lots of money who can help support herself, and who has a bit of a backbone to her!"  Gabriel says.

   "Father, how dare you say that about her!  I will have you know she means more to me than you think!"  Adrien says.

   "Don't tell me you fell in love with this lifeguard chick?  This Marinette with no fame to her name."  Gabriel scoffs.

   "I should not have to receive your approval to be happy for a change.  Well, ever since I met her I have been happier than I have been in a long time.  Now, I don't know if this means we will ever get together or not.  I know I will have you talk about her like she is trash. She is a fine young lady and I intend to remain her friend whether you approve or not,"  Adrien says.

   "Ugh, fine suit yourself!  You will regret it though in the long run!"  Gabriel says.  He gets aboard his private helicopter and leaves.

    Adrien sighs. He can't believe his father had the nerve to say such horrible things about Marinette.  He thinks, great now I will never stand a chance with her.

    What he does not know is that Marinette has such a great hearing range, she was able to hear all the stuff both his father said to him and his responses back to his father.  She began to blush after she heard Adrien stand up for her.  She continues to do so even now. She can't believe he said all those nice things about her.  Marinette thinks I  do not understand more than anything else, why did he say all those things?  I mean, it is not as if he loves me.  No way!  That can't be it not at all.  I mean it is not possible the old man is right is it?

     to be continued in Chapter 10  Sunset 

Edited August 5, 2024