The Rise to Fame (Adrinette)

2

I couldn't believe it. Sitting across from Gabriel Agreste, one of the most influential names in fashion, was something I never could've imagined happening in my life. The coffee shop buzzed with activity around us, but I felt like I was in a bubble, hanging on every word he said. My mind was still reeling from our initial conversation. He had found me, and now I had the opportunity to work with him.

"Your designs have potential," Gabriel said, his voice smooth but calculating. "We're always looking for fresh, innovative minds in the fashion world, and you could be the breath of fresh air our company needs. But it won't be easy."

I nodded, trying to hide my nerves. "I'm ready for the challenge. I've been working toward this since I was a kid."

He glanced down at his phone before meeting my eyes again. "Good. I appreciate enthusiasm, but it's more than that. Fashion is a world where creativity and hard work have to come together seamlessly. There's a lot at stake, and you'll need to learn fast. I hope you're prepared for the reality of it."

"I am," I said quickly, although my heart was pounding. "I want to prove that I can handle it."

Gabriel leaned back in his chair, observing me thoughtfully. "I trust my son's instincts. He came across your designs and brought them to my attention, which is why you're sitting here now."

I blinked, surprised. "Your son...?" I thought back to yesterday, when Adrien had winked at me in the diner. Was he Gabriel Agreste's son? No way.

"Yes, Adrien has a good eye for talent," Gabriel confirmed, almost reading my mind. "He's going to play a significant role in this new project as well. In fact, he'll be helping you get settled."

I barely had time to process this new piece of information before the door to the coffee shop opened, and in walked Adrien. His blonde hair was still messy, yet it suited him perfectly. He had an effortless grace about him, the kind that made you take a second glance, whether you wanted to or not. And there it was again—that smile.

I couldn't help but feel a jolt of nervousness as Adrien approached our table. He greeted his father with a quick nod before turning to me, his green eyes sparkling with amusement. "Nice to see you again, Marinette."

I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his gaze. "Y-You too." Smooth, Marinette. Very smooth.

Gabriel rose from his seat, giving Adrien a brief pat on the shoulder. "I'll leave the two of you to discuss the details. Marinette, I'll be in touch. Welcome to the team."

With that, Gabriel Agreste exited the coffee shop, leaving me sitting there with Adrien. As soon as his father left, Adrien's posture relaxed, and he leaned in, his smirk still firmly in place.

"So," Adrien said, resting his chin in his hand, "you're working for my dad now. That's... unexpected."

I raised an eyebrow, still trying to wrap my head around this sudden turn of events. "I didn't exactly plan it this way."

"No? What, you didn't hope to bump into a mysterious, handsome stranger at a diner and end up working for his world-famous father?" Adrien teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I flushed, trying not to smile. "Okay, first of all, that's definitely not how I saw things going. Second, handsome? That's debatable."

Adrien chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, really? Well, I guess I'll just have to work harder to impress you."

I tried to hold back a laugh. He was charming, and it was disarming. I wasn't sure how to act around him. Yesterday, I could barely speak, and now here he was, sitting across from me, acting like we were old friends.