(Edit: If you're reading this, you're reading the edited version of this chapter. It was made so the sequel will make sense. Enjoy!)

After parting ways with Adrien, she rushed up to her room minutes before the dance. She burst into her room, the snow melting as Zoey's eyes widened at the piece of work standing in front of her.

"Oooh," Zoey smiled, lifting the diamond between her fingertips, "Where'd you get this?" Marinette giggled, "Where do you think?" she joked playfully.

Zoey put a smug smile on her face, tying up Marinette's hair. "There," -she zipped up her make-up bag- "beautiful as always," Zoey winked. "Now, go have fun out there!" Zoey's encouraging voice echoed as Marinette dashed down the stairs.

She spotted Alya, pivoting to run up to her. "How was your time with Adrien?" Alya commented, smugly smiling, "anything interesting happen?" "Great," Marinette smiled, "and no, not really." "Nice bracelet," Marinette pointed, noticing it. "Yeah, the prince gave it," she giggled, "it's my birthstone."

Marinette smiled, "it looks great!" The doors then opened, the sound of clicking heels on glass echoing in everyone's ears. "Time to go win your man," Alya reminded with a wink, Marinette laughing nervously.

Momentarily, the evening would bloom.

***

Marinette poured some water into her glass, even though most girls were drinking alcohol; legal or not. Alya was talking to some of the competition girls, the prince himself trying to not get touched by Lila or Chloe.

Lila spotted her staring at them, Marinette immediately whipping her head around. "Hey, Dupain-Cheng," Lila appeared behind her. "Hey, Lila," she whispered, shuffling her feet. "Come with me," -she pointed to the door- "we need to talk.

Marinette reluctantly left the ball. Lila shut the large door making a big enough noise so Marinette would jump. "So," Lila started smugly, "that's some nice jewelry," she smiled, admiring her necklace. Marinette grabbed it with her hand. "Thanks," she replied softly.

"Adrien gave me this," she pointed to her large diamond necklace. "I hope it doesn't blind you," she reflected some light as Marinette shielded her eyes.

"Cut the crap, Lila," Marinette snapped, "I know that you are here for something."

"Right," she grumbled. "As you know, me and Adrien are meant to be. The king also has approved of me, and doesn't...like you."

"I don't think so," Marinette responded. "Even if I'm not the one, it doesn't mean that you will be," she smiled smugly, "I don't think you'll even make it to the top three."

Lila laughed, "Sure, we'll see about that Marinette," she glided by her. She then grabbed her necklace and thrust her backward, making the silver chain snap. Marinette gasped as the diamond center slid off on the marbled floor.

"What have you done!?" Marinette exclaimed, looking around for the expensive jewelry. "I just put you in your place," Lila stepped on the remaining small diamonds with her heels. "Later," she purred at the door, shutting it.

Marinette scoured the floor, but it was impossible to find the small jewel in such a large room. Marinette faced the front doors, and Alya had spotted her but ran off instead.

Marinette didn't notice her friend run off, but she started to tear up. How could she have lost something so valuable? This scenario proved what she was always going to be; a clumsy baker's daughter.

"Marinette!" A male voice exclaimed as she whipped her head around. "A-Adrien?" she stammered as he knelt down beside her. "What happened? Why are you crying?" He asked urgently as Alya tossed the group a smile before shutting the door.

"I'm so sorry!" she cried into his chest, "I...I lost the necklace," she picked up the chain. He then laughed, "Why are you crying about that?" he asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Every girl had to get some jewelry, don't worry if you lost it," he smiled. "But it was so expensive," she rambled, "And it was diamonds!" "But it was never about the necklace," he smiled softly, "it was about the girl who wore it."

"And besides," he took something from his pocket. "I'm sure this would be a better fit for you," he finished, handing her the box. She opened the box slightly, and then closed it, without looking. "More jewelry!?" she asked as the prince nodded happily.

"I'm just going to lose it," she mumbled and handed it back. "The last necklace was mandatory to give. All girls got jewelry, but this one is special. This is something I wanted to personally give to you," he placed it back in her hands, folding her fingers on top of it. "I promise you'll like it."

She reluctantly opened it, then gasping at what she saw. Inside, there were two earrings with red rubies as a base, and five black diamonds; one in the middle, and the rest on the side. As well as a red jewel?

"What's this?" Marinette asked, placing the red jewel between her fingertips. "It's one of the crowned jewels," he breathed, "apparently, by myth, if you are worthy enough you will be able to unlock a miraculous power."

"Miraculous power?" He chuckled, "Yeah, I don't know either." "But, I want to give it to you, Marinette. I have the black jewel for myself, and you will keep the red one."

"Wait, why the red one?" He smirked, "Guess why."

She laughed, tearing up again. "You know I got a thing for ladybugs," she smiled as he nodded. "I knew you'd get it," he responded. She hugged him as he embraced her tightly. "Thank you...thank you so much," she breathed as he laughed.

"You're welcome," he replied, pulling back to see her face. "Now, let's get you back to the dance," he exclaimed, smiling. She stood up, inserting the earrings, placing the red jewel in the box. She giggled as he pulled on her hands.

This...

She could picture her life like this.

***

"Feeling better?" Alya asked as she walked in. "How did you-" "Since your best friend knows you better than you do, she sent a certain someone in to cheer you up," she winked. Marinette hugged her friend.

"You really are my best friend," she smiled, as Alya laughed. "Hey, Marinette!" A man walked up to her. "Who are...Nino?" Marinette felt herself smile, "you guys have been chatting?"

"Well, yeah," Alya nudged Nino's shoulder, "turns out we have a lot in common." Marinette put her hands into two 'L' shapes and turned them to make a rectangle. "Yup...picture perfect," she teased as Alya hit her shoulder playfully.

"Nice earrings," Alya pointed out as Marinette touched them. "Yes, and they are clumsy proof," Marinette laughed to herself. Alya giggled at her remarks, "perfect for you," she added.

Marinette's eyes drifted off to Adrien, who had walked over. "Hey, Nino," Adrien noticed him after waving to Alya and Marinette. "So," Adrien touched Marinette's shoulder, whispering into her ear.

"These guys are a thing now?" he said loud enough for them to hear. The foursome laughed as Marinette smiled at them.

She could definitely get used to this.