"Almost Like A Family" (Miraculous Gabenath)

Chapter IX

The boy told Nathalie everything.
-It's about a certain girl. I like him very much, but he loves someone else. What should I do? I wish she loved me!
-How do I know that... - the woman thought, and then added loudly - you know what, Adrien... If you love someone really sincerely, you want to do everything for that person because you want them to be happy. But sometimes she chooses someone else. If you really want her to be happy, you will let her go. Sometimes, if you truly love someone, you have to accept your fate and let him go. But that doesn't mean you have to step aside or give up. I think that if you are nice to this girl, talk to her more often and just be yourself, she will soon see what a nice guy you are and she will definitely reciprocate your feelings.
-Thank you for the advice Nathalie. Being able to talk to you means a lot to me. - The boy said and then hugged Nathalie tightly. The woman was slightly surprised at first, but after a while she also hugged him back. At that moment, Gabriel was passing by, stood for a moment at the door to his son's room, smiled slightly, and then left, happy that he had such a wonderful assistant that not only he, but also his son, could count on.

When he entered his office, he noticed an envelope on the desk. He opened it and read the letter, which was from Audrey. She invited the designer to a fashion show that was to take place next week. Even though he hadn't gone out for a long time, he decided to take advantage of the invitation. Of course, he took both his son and his assistant to this important event. As they were driving, Nathalie asked:
-Gabriel, is it a good idea for me to go there with you? I can wait in the car.
-Of course it's a good idea. And whether do you think otherwise?
-No... I just... uh... it doesn't really matter.
-Tell me what's going on?
-It's about Audrey... her character and behavior annoys me...
-So don't talk to her. You will not be she was sitting alone in the car because of this mean, selfish woman. - Gabriel said, a small mischievous smile on his face.
-If you say so...

When they arrived, everything went well at first until Audrey bumped into Nathalie.
-Eh... watch your step! - Chloe's mother shouted.
-I would like to point out that it was you who climbed on me first. - replied the assistant, trying to control her anger.
-Do you know who I am?
-Of course, but do you know what respect for other people is? Nathalie replied slightly maliciously.
-Ha! This is pathetic! Totally pathetic! You're just an ordinary assistant! Do you think that working for Gabriel means something more? You are an ordinary, average, insignificant person and that's it.
Nathalie tried to regain her composure, but at that moment her nerves gave way.
-Yes? And you are an egoistic, self-absorbed, self-centered, vain whiner who considers herself the Queen of Paris, and knows perfectly well that without her husband, the mayor, she means even less than me!!!
Suddenly she felt someone touch her shoulder. It was Gabriel's hand. Nathalie felt her entire body covered in cold sweat. She was afraid that Gabriel would fire her now. After all, Audrey belonged to an association that was extremely important to the designer's work. She was so terrified that she was afraid to make any move, even turn her head. However, contrary to appearances, the man looked at Audrey and asked calmly:
-What's going on here? Nathalie didn't say anything, however Chloe's mom, of course, spoke up. -Your assistant is pathetic! Totally pathetic! You should fire her, she doesn't know what respect for people of higher rank is...
-If her presence bothers you, then unfortunately we have to leave the party. Goodbye.
The man's words shocked both Nathalie and Audrey. Gabriel grabbed the assistant's hand and headed towards the exit.
-Wait! - Audrey shouted. - You can't just leave. It's not my fault, it's hers, and you'll ruin the whole banquet for me.
-That's why we're leaving. - Gabriel replied.
-But that's exactly what I mean! As for the rest, it doesn't matter! Go away! I don't need you and your pathetic, ugly assistant here...
-She's a million times prettier and smarter than you. And he's right, you're a selfish, self-absorbed, self-centered, vain whiner. And now I say goodbye.
He grabbed Nathalie's hand and called Adrien. Then the three of them left the hotel and got into the car. There was complete silence on the way back. No one spoke because no one knew what to say. However, after a long moment of silence, Nathalie spoke up.
-I'm sorry. - she said and lowered her head sadly.