Marinette Dupain-Cheng sat on her balcony, staring at the Eiffel Tower, lost in thought. It had been only a few days since her parents had dropped the bombshell-an arranged marriage. The idea was foreign to her. Sure, she respected her family’s traditions and values, but the thought of having her future decided for her felt suffocating. Especially when her heart already belonged to someone else-Adrien Agreste.
"Why now?" Marinette whispered to herself. "After everything we've been through…"
Just as her thoughts spiraled, a familiar voice interrupted her.
"Marinette? Are you alright?"
Adrien stood on the rooftop, his emerald eyes filled with concern. He was in his usual civilian form, not as Cat Noir. Marinette’s heart skipped a beat. She had been struggling to confess her feelings for years, and now this marriage arrangement threatened everything.
She forced a smile, trying to hide her anxiety. "I'm fine, Adrien. Just… a lot on my mind."
Adrien, always perceptive, jumped down to join her. "Is it about the arranged marriage?"
Marinette’s eyes widened in shock. "How do you know?"
Adrien sighed, looking out over the city. "I overheard some of our classmates talking. Alya tried to keep it quiet, but the rumors spread fast."
Marinette’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Her personal life had become public gossip. She turned away, trying to hide her distress, but Adrien gently touched her arm.
"I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. Do you know who it is? The person you’re supposed to marry?"
Marinette bit her lip, unsure if she should reveal the truth. Her parents hadn’t given her many details. All they had said was that the marriage had been arranged years ago between two families to strengthen ties. She shook her head, feeling helpless.
"Not yet," she replied softly. "I just wish I had more control over my own life."
Adrien’s face darkened. "I know how that feels."
Marinette looked up at him, surprised. He always seemed so composed, but she realized that, like her, he was trapped in his own life-controlled by his strict father, Gabriel Agreste.
"I’ve always admired how strong you are, Marinette," Adrien continued. "You face everything with such courage. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you."
His words touched her deeply, but the weight of the arranged marriage still loomed over her heart. Before she could respond, a familiar beep came from Adrien’s ring. Plagg, his kwami, popped out, whining about needing cheese.
"Sorry, I have to go," Adrien said apologetically. "But don’t forget, Marinette, you’re not alone in this."
With that, Adrien transformed into Cat Noir and disappeared into the night.
Marinette sat back, feeling conflicted. Would she truly be forced into this marriage? Or was there a way to fight for her own happiness, for the love she had been quietly nurturing for so long?
As she stood up, determination filled her. She was Ladybug-protector of Paris, and more importantly, she was Marinette. She wouldn’t let anyone, not even fate, decide her future for her. She would fight for her love, for her dreams, and for herself.