Adrien's POV:

   Today has been three weeks since I got back from the hospital. I still find my strength is not as great as it used to be. I sigh. I know it is because of the stroke which is what the doctors determined caused my fever to spike and all. I want to be the one to take care of  Marinette.

    I sighed. She had done a lot for me these past few weeks.  She signed me out of the hospital and took me back to my place. She insisted on staying in the shed. This way, she could help and hopefully no tails would go around that she was doing anything wicked because I did not want anyone saying bad things about my fiance.

      I smiled when she handed me a tray with my lunch on it. "Chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans," I said. "Yes, I hope you like it, Rachel told me it is some of your favorite foods," Marinette said. "Thank you, Marinette." "You are welcome, Adrien," She said.

     I  saw her frown as she opened the mail. I wondered what it was that made her so upset. 

     "Adrien, who is Kate?"  She asked me. She held up the envelope with the words "Kate Overhill" on it. I could tell she was disturbed by the fact another girl had sent me something. I laughed. "What is so funny?" Marinette glared at me. "Is it just that I have not heard that name in years," Adrien said. "And, who is she?" Marinette asked. "She is my ex-girlfriend," I told her. "We broke up years before I met Lilac, I wonder what she could want," I stated.

     I ripped open the envelope and gasped. Rose petals. What on earth? I read the note and frowned. No way. I could not believe this. I was furious. 

     "What is it?" Marinette asked. "The note says, I am to go to her grandfather's ranch in three days to marry her, but surely it must be a mistake. I am already engaged to the woman  I love," I tried to reassure her.

          I saw tears drip down her cheeks. "I knew it was too good to be true, you are to marry someone else and I will not stand in your way, Adrien Agreste," Marinette blurted out. 

       "Marinette, wait!" I stood up, grabbed my cane, and hobbled along after her. I couldn't let her leave, not like this. "Marinette, I have no intention of giving you up, do you hear me?" "But Kate said," Marinette began. "I couldn't care less about what she said. I am not leaving you. Marinette, after all we have been through, I can't lose you to another man, and I'm not marrying another woman. Do you hear me?" I reached up with my good hand and cupped her chin with it. I hated to see her cry. I loved her. I was not about to lose the one good person left in my life who made me happy. I kissed her. 

    The cat yawned and laid on her bed. She had been a lazy animal for a few days. I suspected she was pregnant but was not about to tell Marinette about possible kittens. I knew she had enough on her mind already.

       Marinette kissed me and then pulled away. "I don't understand," Marinette said. "Understand what?" I asked. "why do you love me so much?" She asked. "Oh, Marinette, I will never stop loving you as you never stopped loving me. I am sure my father is behind this mess. I will never stoop so low as to do something that would make me miserable to please him," I said.

        Two days later, the bell rang. I opened it to find three people standing there. One was Kate, the other her grandfather, and the last person was my father. "Now, see here, Adrien, you have had your fun, but it is time to be reasonable and give up this shard of yours and marry Kate. She is much more suitable to you than that slut, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the alley gutter trash," My father said. "How dare you!" I slapped my father with my right hand. "Marinette is not a slut, or gutter trash, you have no right to barge in here to insult my fiance like this let alone to bring her here with you!" I shouted at my father.

         "But she will be good for the family," My father argued. "Not with me, I will never leave Marinette for anyone," I scoffed.  Marinette smiled but I could tell she was shocked about the whole thing.  

              "She is more of your standards son, thank of the children,"  My father said. "Father that is it!  I have tried to reason with you but clearly, you only came here to insult my fiance and try to drag me down as well. Now, there is the door, show yourself out, " I said.

         Kate's grandfather laughed. "Kate let's go, it is clear we made a mistake coming here," Her grandfather said. Kate rolled her eyes. "I see you are a worthy opponent, Marinette. I feel Adrien is happy so that is all that matters. I am sorry if my presence here troubles you. Let's go, grandfather," Kate said.

        With that, Kate and her grandfather left with my father behind them. Once they were gone, Marinette closed the door and locked it. She sat beside me and smiled. "Well, that was a relief," she said. "What was?" I asked. "Well, my rival was kinder than I expected and seemed to understand how important I am to you," Marinette said. "Yes, she has changed for the better, and I am sure she will find someone soon enough. I  wish my father had not tried to ruin things for us," I replied.  I held Marinette close in my arms.

      The story  continues in Chapter 26

     Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!

  Author's note: Let me know, what you think in the comments section, but be polite.

 Thanks, and have a great day!