Marinette hated herself for falling apart before Adrien, but she couldn't help it. There was too much going on at once. Between trying to finish the line for the gala and Lila's threats, she had reached her breaking point.

Especially after that phone call she got today. Not to mention her run in with Felix. Why didn't Adrien tell her that his cousin was in town? Oh who was she kidding? It's none of her business to know what Adrien Agreste was doing. But then, why did she care so much?

"Shh. It's okay, Mari. You're alright." Marinette tried to relax a little and slow her breaths to match the rhythm of Adrien's hand, which gently rubbed up and down her back soothingly.

"I'm sorry," she sniffled. "I'm just overwhelmed. It was cold outside, I ran into Felix, t-then Lila c—"Marinette broke off into another sob.

"Take a deep breath. No rush. It's alright." Adrien continued to comfort her, his gentleness reminding her of another moment. Marinette had been going through a hard time in lycée, continuously making mistakes which had cost her grades. Adrien had seen Marinette hanging back in the classroom after the bell rang, noticing she was near tears. The teacher had left for lunch and so it was just the two of them. He'd asked her what was wrong and she allowed herself to open up to him, lamenting over several mistakes which had lowered her grades. She'd managed to get them back up thanks to Adrien's help and it was this day that had brought them closer together.

"Okay..." Marinette took a shaky breath, her voice still trembling. "I'm sorry, there's just so much going on—" She pulled back.

Adrien stopped her. "Mari, it's fine. Alright? I get it. You've been under a lot of stress lately..." He paused, studying her. "Who did this to you?" Once again he ran his thumb over the red marks on her wrists.

Marinette looked down silently. Should she tell him what Lila said? She's dealt with the Italian's threats before but it's been years since Lila physically hurt her.

Surely it isn't important. The last thing he needs is more stress. We both have enough of it to last a lifetime.

Adrien seemed to piece some things together, by the way his eyes lit up in fury. "You mentioned you ran into Felix...I swear, Marinette, if he laid a hand on you I'll—"

"Adrien, stop. He never hurt me. We were just talking—"

"Then who did?" When Marinette looked down, she felt his hand touch her chin, lifting her head so he could meet her gaze. "Talk to me, Mari. We're friends, remember?"

Marinette squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn't look into those emerald eyes, the ones that gazed at her lovingly the other day, wanting her. He wanted something she wasn't ready to give her yet. Marinette knew that once she told Adrien about Lila's recent behavior the war between the three would escalate.

"I was trying to get here without anyone noticing me. I just needed to be alone and collect myself. But Lila found me in the elevator and she had some nasty things to say. I wasn't in the mood to fight back. Along with the threats, she kneed me in the stomach and dug her nails into my wrists...Please don't get all riled up. It's fine. I just have so much on my plate right now and need to recharge." She opened her eyes and saw Adrien's forehead was creased with worry.

"I'm sorry all this happened. But can't we at least take this to my father? There's no way she should get away with physical violence. It's not right." Marinette knew he wanted Lila fired as much as she did. But she also knew what Lila was capable of. This woman would find a way to ruin both their lives, one way or another.

"She already hates me. Don't give her another reason to want revenge. It's not worth it."

I'm not worth it, anyway. There are bigger problems. Like the designs...

Adrien opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it, instead nodding. There was a brief moment of silence before he spoke.

"You talked to Felix?"

Marinette sucked in a breath. "Yeah. I didn't know he was the reason you missed lunch today.

Adrien cringed. When Mari had asked about his meeting he'd been vague, telling her it was with a possible business partner. It wasn't a lie. Felix was his business partner. But could he have told her his cousin was in Paris? She knows how much he dislikes his cousin.

"Listen, I know I've been all over the place. We've both been very busy with only a week left before the gala. But I promise you, if I could've come to lunch with you and the others, I would've. Felix showed up unexpectedly with an offer I had to take. I know you don't trust him, neither do I, but he knows what he's talking about." 

"So it's true that your father is sick?" This caught him by surprise. "Why didn't you tell me? You know my dad hasn't been doing too well himself, you could've opened up about it a little."

"I know. And it's not like I don't trust you. I do, believe me. I'm just trying to process all of this."

Marinette took another deep breath. It wasn't that she was upset Adrien didn't tell her his father was sick. After all, her own father was currently in the Emergency Room unconscious.

"I got a call earlier..." Marinette started. "He relapsed and is in the ICU, barely breathing. It's his heart. I-I'm heading to the hospital as soon as I get the call that he's conscious. I know you won't mind, but your father might not like me—"

"Marinette, it's fine. I understand. As soon as you get news, let me know and I'll take care of things here." Adrien looked at her. "You've really had a bad day, huh?"

She laughed bitterly. "That's an understatement."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think Nathalie is going crazy after discovering that you drank the last cup of coffee in the break room this morning," Adrien said, a smile pulling at his features.

"How did you know that was me?" Marinette laughed. "And I think Nathalie's had a rough week because she has to deal with you," she teased.

Adrien feigned offense, dramatically placing his hand on his chest. "What do you mean? I'm an amazing boss! How could I not be, with such good hair?"

"Hmm. If you say so." Marinette looked at her watch. "Thank you, Adrien. Really. I needed a laugh."

"Of course. Don't feel bad for having a rough day. And I'll be having a little chat with Miss Rossi later." At her alarmed look he added, "Relax, I'm not confronting her or anything. She'll never know you told me what she did. There's another issue that needs to be resolved. That woman is the cause of half my stress." 

"You and me, both." She stood up, wiping at the tear streaks on her face, before heading towards the top floor. "I'll see you tomorrow."

********

After washing her face and reapplying her makeup, Marinette made her way to the top floor where Donald, Genevieve, Camille, and the rest of the team were working on the line for the gala. The fashion show would be spectacular on the lighting and stage front, as Adrien made sure to come up with a grand set up. The runway looked amazing, but it would be worth nothing if they didn't have a showstopping collection.

"Okay!" Marinette exclaimed, bursting through the door. "What's the status here?" Heads turned as the workers stopped what they were doing. Camille looked surprised, seeing that it was Marinette who had just hollered. Was it out of character for Marinette to be all demanding? Yes, but they were getting closer to the gala which meant she needed to ensure things were in order. They couldn't afford to make any mistakes now because there may not be enough time to fix them.

"Oh good! Marinette, I was wondering if—" Genevieve stopped talking when she saw Donald approaching. "What's up?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's something I'd like to discuss with her for a moment." He offered her a smile before turning his attention to Marinette. "Shall we?" Genevieve rolled her eyes.

Marinette took a deep breath before following Donald over to where he was working, away from the others. "I only have a few minutes, Donald."
He picked up the piece he was working on, its light blue to white ombre sequin catching in the light. "I know the design we decided on didn't have as much sparkle to it, but I felt like it was needed. Is this okay with you?"

He lifted it, handing it to her. Marinette ran her hands along the skirts of the dress, feeling for any error in the stitching of the sequin. There was none. Although she wasn't thrilled Donald strayed from the decided design without consulting her first, she had to admit that it was quite a stunning piece. Perhaps so much that it would be the grand finale. Not that it was likely, because Marinette herself had designed the show-stopping piece that would for sure elicit gasps from the crowds.
"Donald, you should've asked me first. What if I didn't like this?"

"So you do like it then?" he asked, a small smile on his face.

Marinette sighed. "That's besides the point. You're lucky I love this."

He beamed. "I know."

"Are we done here?" Genevieve asked, giving Marinette a look. "I still need to speak with the boss lady here to make sure I'm not screwing up her vision. Unlike you, who just went ahead and did something without asking."

"I have no regrets."

"I'm sure."

"Alright you two, come on. Back to work," Marinette said, smiling in amusement. Was it just her or is Donald digging Genevieve?
Genevieve glared at him before leading Marinette over to where she and Camille were working.

"He's so irritating, I swear," she grumbled.

"Who? Donald?" Camille asked. "I think he's nice."

"Stop it. Focus. How far along are you with these?" Marinette picked up the dress, examining the bodice. "What's this?"

"That," Genevieve said, taking it from her, "is what I wanted to ask you about. I was wondering if I could use this stitching pattern rather than the one shown. This way it's more visible. Is it okay?"

Marinette took another deep breath. Even though they were good changes, she didn't like how people kept wanting to alter the original design. "Yes. It's fine."

"You sure?" Genevieve pulled out her needle. "Because I can remove it and do the original design—"

"Yes, it's perfect. As always, you see something that I did not. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's finished!"

Marinette went from table to table, guiding the team of sewers in the right direction. If they kept this pace, they would surely be done within the next three business days.

Just as she finished checking on all of the team members, Marinette's phone rang. Her heart raced as she saw it was her mother. Sabine wouldn't be calling just to say hello. Well, she would, but not at a time like this. What was going on with her father?
Marinette left the room, heading for her own office to pack up her work bag.

"Maman! How's Papa doing?" she asked, holding her breath as she waited for a response. She didn't hear crying...

"He's awake." By her tone, Marinette could tell her mother was smiling. "Doctors still have him on oxygen, but he'll be okay as long as there isn't any further strain."

Marinette breathed out and laughed in relief. "Am I allowed to see him?"
"Only for a few minutes. You'll have to hurry. They aren't allowing any visitors after four."

"I'll see you in ten!"

Marinette hurriedly shoved all of her papers into her bag before taking the elevator down to the lobby. Adrien was there pacing, on the phone. "I see. Let me take a—" Upon seeing her, he smiled. "I'll call you back."

"I have to go," Marinette said. "Papa's awake and there isn't—"

"Don't worry. I've got your back. If my father gives you any trouble, I'll handle it. I doubt he will, though. Tell Tom I said hi!"

"Alright. Thanks again, Adrien! I owe you one!" Marinette heading out into the cold, winter air, small flurries still drifting down from the sky. She mumbled a quick prayer of thanks as she briskly walked toward the hospital a block away.

At least something went right that day.