HIATUS//Becoming Lila Rossi

Chapter 24: Morning Starts

Adrien woke up with a heavy heart, the weight of last night's events still fresh in his mind. The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over his room. He stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the tension and exertion of the previous night. Yawning deeply, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and ran a hand through his tousled blond hair.

His room, usually a sanctuary of calm with its pristine white walls, stylish furniture, and large windows offering a panoramic view of Paris, felt oddly stifling this morning. Adrien swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the coolness of the hardwood floor beneath his feet. The room's decor was minimal yet elegant: a sleek, modern desk with a MacBook, a neatly made bed, and a large, comfortable armchair by the window. The light filtering through the gauzy curtains highlighted the dust particles dancing in the air, adding to the sense of unease.

He glanced over to see Plagg lounging on a nearby pillow, the little kwami looking as relaxed as ever despite everything. Plagg's tiny wings fluttered sporadically, casting small, shifting shadows on the wall.

"Hey, Plagg," Adrien greeted, his voice tinged with lingering frustration. "Last night was... something else."

Plagg hovered closer, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, kid. Ladybug was definitely not herself. What's on your mind?"

Adrien sighed, stretching his arms above his head and feeling the slight pull in his shoulders. "I don't know. I just feel like I'm starting to trust her less. She was so aggressive, and it seemed personal. I need to understand what's going on with her."

Plagg nodded, his tiny wings fluttering as he hovered. "It's tough, Adrien. You two need to be on the same page, especially with all the akuma attacks. Maybe you should try talking to her more, see if you can figure out what's bothering her."

Adrien frowned, his thoughts swirling. Is it really that simple? Can I just ask her what's going on? He pulled open his wardrobe, revealing a collection of impeccably arranged outfits. He chose a crisp white shirt, a tailored blazer, and dark trousers, carefully adjusting his appearance in the full-length mirror. The mirror reflected the polished and poised image of the young Agreste heir: every detail perfect. The light caught the subtle sheen of his blazer and the precision of his tie, underscoring the contrast between his external composure and internal turmoil.

After getting dressed, Adrien headed down to the dining room. The grandeur of the Agreste mansion enveloped him: high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings, expansive walls decorated with rich tapestries, and the soft light filtering through large windows. The dining table, a long, polished oak piece, was set with fine china and crystal glasses. The room was bathed in a serene morning light, creating a contrast with the tension Adrien felt.

As he approached the dining table, he was surprised to see his father, Gabriel Agreste, already seated. Gabriel's presence at breakfast was rare; he was often busy with business or meetings. Today, Gabriel sat in his tailored suit, the crisp lines of his jacket and trousers indicating his usual meticulousness. The coffee in his cup sent wisps of steam into the air, and his posture was rigid, as always. The subtle elegance of the room, from the gleaming chandelier overhead to the intricate floral arrangements, seemed to amplify the gravity of their conversation.

"Good morning, Father," Adrien greeted cautiously, taking his seat across from Gabriel.

"Good morning, Adrien," Gabriel replied, his tone even and controlled. "I have some time today, so I thought we could have breakfast together."

Adrien couldn't hide his surprise. The breakfast atmosphere was unusually calm, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filling the room. The clinking of cutlery against fine china was the only sound breaking the silence. Adrien decided to take advantage of this rare opportunity to discuss something important.