I still love this art so much <3 It's so... mwah! *chef kiss*

Thanks for 400 votes guys! I'm glad you guys enjoy the chapters ^^. Okay, let's just jump right into the chapter! Enjoy :)

"M-Maman?" Marinette stammered, her mother flashing her a weak smile. "You came," she breathed. 

"Of course," Marinette replied quickly. Her mother turned to face her daughter, reclining her bed to an upright position.

"H-How are you?" Marinette asked as Sabine smiled. "That is none of your concern," her Maman breathed steadily. 

Marinette paused for a moment, clenching her left fist. "Why didn't you tell me?" 

"Hm?" Sabine replied. "You never told me about your disease," Marinette choked, feeling tears brim her eyes. "I could have helped."

"But, you couldn't," Her mother replied. "Even with the surgery, a high possible chance of me dying isn't worth it. Would I rather die then," she paused, "or now, where I could at least see you."

Marinette stiffened. 

"I was going to inform you," her mother went on as Marinette looked up. "When I visited you during the dance, but Adrien walked in, so I thought it wasn't a good time."

Marinette's hand was still entwined with her mother's, her daughter still looking at her with desperation engraved into her features.

"And it never was," Sabine finalize, coughing. 

"Should I call a nurse?" Marinette stood up, looking at her slow heartbeat.

"No, no," Sabine replied quickly. 

"I have a question, Maman," Marinette staggered as her mother's eyes widened.

"What, if you're stuck between a hard decision. And, both of them seem so perfect, you can't decide. What do you do then?" Marinette felt her breath shake. 

"Ah," her mother started, smiling. "It seems you are at a crossroad between Luka and Adrien.

"I..." Marinette breathed quietly, "yes."

 "When making a decision, the person usually knows what they want, but they have a hard time doing it," Sabine paused. "Since, for you, you are in love with Adrien and since you are too scared to let go of your first love, you can't think straight."

Her mother stopped. 

"And?" Marinette asked impatiently, ushering for an answer to her problem. 

"If it were up to me Marinette, you would have never dated Luka, and you would only go to Adrien," Maman whispered, her tone almost inaudible.

"But, this is your life."

Marinette felt her eyes and breath burn. "B-But what do I do?" Marinette's breath hitched. "Why is it that you hate Luka? Why do you love Adrien?" 

"Because..." her mother trailed off, coughing. "Adrien's mother was my dear friend," she admit as Marinette gasped.

"W-What?" Marinette's breath hitched. 

"I promised her before she passed away that I would find a girl for her son, that would make her happy," Maman said. "I raised you the best I could, thinking you could be that girl."

"But I was selfish."

"I never considered your thoughts. I was trying to make you a perfect queen, but I forgot to consider your feelings." Sabine coughed, Marinette's grip tightening on her hand.

"T-That's why, you don't like Luka," Marinette stammered. 

"But, if he truly makes you happy, then I don't mind. I am done metalling in your life," Sabine almost laughed. 

"H-How did you know the queen?" Marinette stammered.

Maman sighed. "I was entered into the selection, just like she was. I had always loved the king, but off-camera, he seemed...off." Sabine. paused. "I saw how Emilie made him smile and laugh, and I made a mistake."

"I met your father, and I found the love of my life. And, I had you," Maman said as Marinette gave her a confused look. 

"W-Why is that a mistake?" Marinette asked quickly. 

"I never said it was a bad mistake," Maman said as Marinette smiled sadly.

"But, I realize that my story isn't yours. Just because I found my true love by breaking the rules, doesn't mean that will happen to you."

"But, if it does, then tell the sewer..." Maman took a breath. "Luka, that he better keep you happy for the rest of your life. The same thing to Adrien," Maman added.

Marinette listened to the sound of the monitor slow down. "Nurse!" Marinette exclaimed into the hall, her eyes leaking warm tears. The nurse told Maman to breathe, but her vision was focused on Marinette. 

"You are my greatest accomplishment, Marinette," she breathed as Marinette burst out in tears.

"Maman, no don't," she saw her mother smile. 

"I love you so much, even if I never showed that side of myself." she added as Marinette nodded.

"I love you too." Marinette closed her eyes, resting on her stomach as the monitor hit one monotone note.

She still grasped her mother's hand, as her grip loosened. Her mother had died.

***

Marinette stumbled out of the hospital, her mascara dripping like ink had been poured on her two cheeks. 

She walked through the town, a frown implanted on her face. She didn't glance up, her face settling with her depressed mood.

Her dad had already left home, and she promised she would stay for a couple of days.

Marinette paced towards the bakery, tossing a quick wave to the mailman. "Oh, Marinette, you're back," he smiled. 

"This is for you," he handed her a letter. "Ah..thank you," Marinette mumbled.

Marinette opened the envelope, pulling out the long letter. She read it in her head.

Dear Marinette,

Hey, princess. I know that we haven't been the same the past few days. After the incident involving Luka, I don't think I could think straight. I just realized how much I needed you in my life.

Using Lila was very petty and shallow of me. I was very angry at the stunts you had pulled, but now that I had calmed down, I feel we can handle this a proper way. So, I decided to take the first step.

Firstly, I want to apologize about your mother. I know that this may be the last thing that you need right now, but I feel it is appropriate. I understand if you would be staying a bit with your father for the next few days, to soak up as much time with her.

Second, I am ready to forgive you for the incident, but I still need to build up some trust with you again. Luka still has his job, since I know that he needs the money to send to his family back at home. Even though Luka screwed up, he is still one of my closest friends. Even though I know so many people, I never really had any true friends. I'm ready to forgive, forgetting is the hardest part.

I hope this message finds you well, and I apologize for what I had done. I love you, Marinette.

Love, always and forever,

Adrien Agreste

Marinette felt a bit uneasy. It may have been the fact that he was apologizing or that her mother had died. But, something didn't make sense in her mind.

Why was he apologizing, when she was the one who messed up? She shook her head, wiped her tears, and ran back to the bakery. She hugged her Papa and apologized for what she was about to do.

"I need to go back to the palace, Papa."

Marinette looked down. "I-" 

"No need for an explanation," Her Papa smiled through the pain. "Go, I'll be waiting for you here."

"Thanks, you are the best Dad!" Marinette smiled as tears flowed down her face, running out of the bakery.

She went to the train station, leaving a quick note at the tiny store he was at to send to him. She saw that he was chatting with Alya, but her urge to make things right made her go forward.

She ran and caught the train that went straight to the palace.

She was getting back her man.

OOH! Some spicy action in this chapter. (Edit: Spicy action? Really Clippy -_-?) Anyway, I know that it was sad that Sabine had died, and Marinette didn't get to see Alya. This chapter is nothing but depressing ;n;

Though, see you all for the next one! And, don't forget to vote if you enjoyed this collage of sad words. Stay tuned for the next chapter!!

Also, will Marinette choose Luka or Adrien after what her mother said? Comment about it :3

See you guys ^^