Whistling happily, Marinette Dupain-Cheng walked down the sidewalk. Her destination was her boyfriend of six month's house. Well, technically one month if you didn't count their alter ego's relationship.

     The girl's fondest memory was her and Adrien's first official date. He had taken her to the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. They had strolled the area for hours, just holding hands and talking. And maybe sneaking in a couple of kisses now and then.

     Her second favorite memory was the frequent visits from Chat Noir, and the endless hours they had star gazed on her balcony. She now kept a chest up there with their usual gear; blankets, pillows, and electric candles.

Her third favorite was Christmas. Since Adrien's father was out of town that week, Adrien came and slept at Marinette's house, under the strict supervision of her parents, of course.

     Their friends took their relationship well and didn't suspect the two were secretly heroes. Chloe and Alya were especially supportive, and often offered to go on double dates. A few months ago, Alya and Nino started dating. And Chloe had found a genuinely nice guy named Harris who went to a nearby private school. They made a cute couple.

     Nino and Marinette had grown tight, often hanging out and playing video games with Adrien. Of course, it was platonic, but the friendship was nice.

     Tikki and Plagg were always together whenever Adrien and Marinette were, enjoying getting to spend time together again.

     Marinette snapped back from her thoughts. The air was crisp, refreshing. She breathed it in, filling her lungs with the precious air. She had been in a good mood all day, looking forward to hanging out with Adrien this evening.

     Marinette started skipping, the soft pink flowy dress bouncing with her leaps. She giggled slightly as she approached the large gate that stood in front of Adrien's house.

     Entering the code, the gate buzzed and she walked in. She was a little early, so she didn't rush her pace. Instead, leisurely strolling up the stairs and into the house.

     She started towards Adrien's room, she had gotten lost dozens of times before finally mesmerizing the layout of the house, when she heard a shattering noise.

     Curious, Marinette followed it. It sounded like it came from Nathalie's office.

     The bluenette peeked around the partly-opened door, and saw something she never expected to see. Adrien's father, Mr. Gabriel Agreste, stood with his back to the door. The girl quietly pushed the door, but froze. He was mumbling, seemingly to himself, but Marinette saw a slight flash and zeroed in on the thing floating in the air.

     "Please, Gabriel! Be reasonable..." the floating creature spoke, but was interrupted by Mr. Agreste's raised fist.

     Marinette noticed the broken vase on the ground. She wondered if he had shoved it off of Nathalie's desk.

     "Shut up, Nooroo! And I told you not to call me Gabriel. I am Hawkmoth to you. I swear, once I get Chat Noir and Ladybug's Miraculouses I will destroy you." Gabriel snapped. Marinette's head reeled. Gabriel Agreste, father of her boyfriend, famous fashion designer of Paris, was also the villain she and Chat had been fighting? The one bent on destroying them?

     "I'm sorry!" Nooroo apologized, his head bowed in submission. When the Kwami's head popped up, his eyes widened as he caught sight of Marinette standing in the doorway. Quickly eyeing Gabriel, he made shooing motions to the girl.

     Marinette nodded as she removed her hand, but cringed as a creaking sounded at the release of pressure on the door.

     Gabriel's head snapped in her direction, and Marinette froze at the look on his face. It was a contorted expression, but hardened. It was terrifying.

      In a quick leap, Gabriel latched onto Marinette's wrist and pulled her into the office, closing the office door behind him and pinning her to the door, a hand covering her mouth.

     Marinette jerked, trying to get loose as the panic set in. Gabriel's eyes held no sympathy.

     "Now. What to do with you." He growled viciously as his right fist, the one that was covering her mouth, snapped back and then connected with her temple. Everything went black.

The end

     A/N: I KNOW! It's a short chapter. I apologize. But to be fair, the other chapters are practically five times the length of this one. And I know, a cliffhanger! I'm a horrible person😈😈😈. But don't worry, the second book is now out.

The song for this chapter is Believer by Imagine Dragons. (Coincidence? I THINK NOT!)

Word Count; 771 (I know, its short. I'm sorry. (Not really))