Marinette braced herself against the sink, trying to conceal the sobs that threatened to emerge from her throat at any moment.

Luka just broke up with her.

I have no choice but to try to fake it with Adrien. But what if he sees right through me? Or learns it's because Luka broke up with me and not the other way around?

The situation at hand was quite a complicated one indeed. Glancing at her watch, Marinette realized that she'd been in there for over ten minutes and Mr. Agreste wouldn't be pleased.

She quickly scrubbed the tears from her face with water before turning off the facet and taking one last look in the mirror.

You can do this.

Marinette hoped that she would be able to not make a fool of herself and slip into the boardroom with little attention on her.

Why couldn't that be the case?

"Marinette, are you alright?" Adrien asked, standing up to greet her.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine." She cleared her throat and looked at Gabriel. "I apologize for the wait. Shall we begin?"

Marinette ignored the odd looks from the board members as she walked to the front of the room where Adrien joined her.

Her eyes met the emerald ones she so often dreamed of and a smile spread across her lips at the unspoken words of comfort and strength that were there in his warm gaze.

You can do this. I can do this. We can do this. We've got this. Two minds are greater than one.

"Five years ago, the Bourgeois gave a classical red and green black-tie gala to commemorate the partnership between companies when new tax laws occurred," she began with a shaky breath. "While it was elegant and the designs were well done, it lacked a certain...style."

Adrien flipped the slide, revealing a collage made from some of the pictures Marinette had shown him. The winter wonderland theme they were going for.

"Snow is white. It symbolizes purity, thoughtfulness, and a light during dark times. During the time when the new law was being enacted, companies were scrambling to regain control and grasp the sudden change in the economy. On December 24th, fifteen years ago, the United Fashion Alliance was formed."

The slide flashed showing a document with a bunch of signatures, many of some of the richest people in Paris. "On that day, they witnessed the first snowfall of the year. True snow, that stuck to the ground and didn't immediately melt. It's this reason why not only would snow and ice be the perfect theme for the gala but also for the line as well."

Marinette took a deep breath. "It is this," pictures of her sketches were shown on the screen, "that will showcase not only what it means to shop from the Gabriel Agreste brand but will convey a unique style and feeling to the wearer during the winter season."

The next few slides had images of decorations, the revenue, a large white Christmas tree, and sparking blue icicle lights.

"What many people will tell you is that their favorite part of winter is its unearthly beauty. How the snow reflects the sunlight, sometimes creating rainbows. How icicles drip from the tree limbs in forests. Its this essence of winter we are going to show."

The final slides were shown with a budget and some mathematical calculations. Then the screen went dark.

"Thank you." They said simultaneously as Marinette felt her cheeks warm under Adrien's intense gaze.

"Good job," he whispered in her ear as she made her way back to her seat, causing her blush to deepen.

Gabriel leaned forward in his chair, trying to disguise the proud look in his eyes. Those two had worked together to create a truly magnificent plan, one that will not only upstage the Bourgeois, but will help bring them closer to each other!

"Well, I find that it's very unique," a brown-haired man stated, scratching his head. Marinette held her breath.

"I especially love how the snow is a symbol. And how true it is that beauty is what winter shows us, even though it can be harsh and cold!" A red-haired woman said, smiling.

Nathalie reappeared from the shadows. Sometimes Marinette forgot she was always there, always listening. "M. Agreste? Final thoughts?"

Gabriel cleared his throat and offered the two a smile. "Excellent ideas, and with perfect execution, this will most certainly be the event of the year. I'm sold." He leaned back in his chair once more. "All in favor of this Winter Wonderland Gala?"

Every single hand shot up in the room. Marinette sighed in relief, a large smile on her face. Maybe she'd be able to keep her job after all. So long as things work out with Adrien.

"Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, Adrien, it looks like you have a gala to build. My staff is at your disposal. Good work, everyone. You are dismissed."

As soon as everyone else left, Marinette took the chance to speak with Mr. Agreste. She most certainly needs her friends to bring her designs to life. And Donald will be there to help, too, of course.

"Mr. Agreste?" she asked, just as the last board member left. "Do you have a moment?"

He checked his watch. "Five minutes, then I have another meeting. What is it?" Gabriel casted an odd glance to his son over Marinette's shoulder.

"First, I am so sorry for walking out of here. I've been under a lot of pressure lately, and just broke up with my boyfriend, so..." She gave him a pointed look, making him smile.

"Ah, yes, that's understandable why you were so distraught. Of course, of course. It's quite alright." Could it be that his son will have a wife before he goes to London? "What do you need?"

Marinette mentally panicked for a split second before collecting herself. "Genevie and Camille. I greatly need their help with producing these designs on time. I've worked with them before, I know their strengths. I would appreciate it if you would allow them to be on the design team." She stared into his eyes, sending him another message. It's the least you could do since you're blackmailing me.

"I'll have Nathalie alert them right away to report to the sewing rooms on the top floor in one hour."

"Thank you, sir," Marinette said tersely. She moved to grab her bag and walked out the door. There was an hour to kill and she knew exactly how she'd spend it. After grabbing a coffee from the break room, she called in a cab.

"Hey, Marinette! Wait!" Adrien came jogging down the steps of the building to catch up with her. "Where're you heading for lunch?"

"Oh, I'm just making a stop at the bakery for a bit. My parents always need some extra help here and there. I figured I'd lend a hand since it's rush hour."

"I'd love to stop by and grab something to eat, but I have a meeting in ten minutes. Could you do me a favor and bring me back my usual?"

She raised an eyebrow. "It never changed?"

"How could it? Here." Adrien smiled and grabbed his wallet, handing her twenty-four euros. Marinette playfully rolled her eyes at him before pocketing the money and getting in the cab, hitting her head off the doorframe. She could've sworn she heard him chuckle at that as he walked back into the building.

********

Marinette balanced a box of six passionfruit macarons and three croissants in her arms as she opened the door to Adrien's office. The man still enjoyed his baked goods, it seemed.

Adrien looked up from his computer, hearing the door shut.

"You're back," he said, smiling. "And I see you brought the food! Thank goodness. I can't tell you how much I've been craving your dad's macarons." He stood up, walking around the desk to take the box from her.

"Yes, well, my parents said to tell you that you're welcome to some free treats anytime, which is very generous of them and not good for business."

Adrien rolled his eyes, taking the hint. "I don't usually have time to stop by anyways. There's always work. Speaking of which, before you say I'm like my father, I've cleared both my, and your, schedule the night before the gala for a day to just chill and release stress."

Marinette gaped at him. Yes, she was thinking about how he was being a workaholic in recent months, but for him to also put in the thought to give her a day off as well...Perhaps Adrien really isn't as bad as she thought he was.

And if I keep this positive thought process up, I'll end up giving my heart away to the heartbreaker. But do I want to lose my job? How hard can it be to pretend you love a man you used to date?

"That's...very thoughtful of you. Is there a catch?" Marinette eyed him almost cautiously. He's been nice to her recently. Too nice. "How come you're being so pleasant all of a sudden?"

Adrien stared into her bluebell eyes. "Can't a guy do something nice for his partner?" He internally groaned at using the term 'partner'. "Besides, you just broke up with your boyfriend, and I'm not sure why, but I feel like this whole project has been an extra load on you. You need a day off, so mark your calendar."

She pointed a finger at his chest. "How do you—"

"I was in the room when you told my father, if you recall," he hurried to say before she threw any accusations at him. "And I think we both forgot it's Christmastime. Surely we could go and do something together to remind us of the holidays? I haven't been getting the vibes."

"Me either," Marinette admitted. "But, still. The night before? Isn't that just about the worst day to take off work? We'd need that time to finalize everything and make sure things are perfect and in order and—"

"Marinette."

She looked up at him through her lashes, her breath catching in her throat when she heard Adrien use the tone, the mesmerizing way he said her name. Just like he used to.

"Yes?" she asked breathlessly. They had somehow grown closer, now only a few inches apart without either of them noticing.

"You're overthinking again." Adrien set the box down on his desk, not breaking eye contact, before firmly placing both hands on her shoulders. "Breathe. You and I are going to take a break and it will end better than our trip to the cafe did, okay?"

"You don't know that," she said seriously. "You could say something completely stupid and idiotic, reminding me how you're just a nincompoop with good looks."

This, he laughed at, causing her to smile. "So, you admit that I'm good-looking?" he teased, eliciting a profound blush from the bluenette.

"Perhaps. According to the magazines, you are, anyway. To me you're just some blond that really loves his passionfruit macarons."

"And the croissants." He reached for the chocolate one. "Don't forget the croissants."

She laughed, a sound that was music to Adrien's ears. "And croissants. A blond nincompoop with good looks that loves his passionfruit macarons and croissants."

"This guy sounds charming."

Play it cool Marinette. If you can joke like you used to, then surely he'll think he's fallen for you again and Gabriel will believe we're dating.

"I assure you, he is not." Suddenly aware of their closeness, she takes a step back, causing Adrien's bright smile to falter. "Now, I'd appreciate it if I could get back to work. Camille, Genevie, and Donald are waiting for me in the design room."

"Of course. Sorry for distracting you. I guess I'm the one that needs the distraction."

Marinette smiled. "I'll see you later? We have more details to go through before we start to set up."

"Definitely."

We are nearing the gala y'all! Just two or three chapters to go! What do you think? Are they in love? Does Adrien know what his father said? Leave all those wonderful thoughts in the comments!

And let me know if the Marinette in this book is too annoying. I watched a few episodes of Miraculous today and ugh I just can't. Thomas Astruc doesn't know how to write a good protagonist. But do I? THAT is the real question. 

Bug Out!

-Relreal