That Other Side Of Him {Under Editing}

{chapter 4}E.D.I.T.E.D

Adrien's P. O. V

It was a good thing my room was just across from Marinette's, that way, I'd keep my eyes on her more.

I had my door wide opened, waiting for when she would open her door and decide to come out.

Then I heard the front door open, and I gulped. Gabriel Agreste was back.

"So this is your mansion you were talking about? Wow, it's big."

I quickly realized the new voice. I would have gone down to see who it was, but that was going to bring attention to Gabriel and I didn't want to see him now.

Then Marinette opened her door and decided to come out.

"Ah, Adrien," she looked up at me. "Your mother told me you could show me around. I think I'm ready to do that now."

"S-sure." Why was I stuttering? Because if I had to show Marinette around, I'd have to go downstairs, and Gabriel was downstairs, then he would see her.

"Do you think that you could give me a couple of minutes before I do that?" I blurted out.

"Sure."

She was so nice. If she didn't hate me... If I was a better person... Maybe she would like me.

"But," she quickly added. "I'm going outside for a quick fresh air."

I gulped again. If she wanted to do that, she would have to go downstairs. And Gabriel was downstairs.

"I'll take you!"

He looked up at Marinette's surprised face, but then she added a quick small smile.

"Sure."

Adrien followed her downstairs, hoping that Gabriel would just let them be and go outside.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Marinette noticed Gabriel and... Another woman?

"Adrien," Gabriel stood up from where he was sitting. "Who is she?"

"Uh, father, this is Marinette. She'll be staying with us for a few weeks," I explained. I watched his face for any anger, any annoyance. But none came.

"Ah, so this is the girl your mother was talking about." He sat back down.

Mom already told him? And he was cool with it? Was he... Changing?

"Hi, I'm Marinette." She let out her hand for Gabriel to shake, but I quickly pulled it back. Gabriel does not like to shake hands.

"And you are?" Marinette turned to the woman next to him. She definitely knew that was not my mother she met before. She was smart, seeing as her face had scrunched up in a disgusted face.

"Why do you care about who I am?!" The woman hollered, making Marinette take a step back.

"Adrien, Marinette, this is Lina," Gabriel still introduced her anyway, and she had no problem with it.

I took Marinette's hand quickly and left the mansion, breathing in a sigh of relief. It wasn't that bad. Could have been worse.

"That woman... Who is she really?" Marinette folded her arms. "I mean... We've only met and she's been so mean!"

"Don't worry about her, Marinette," I sighed. "That's just... Nobody."

But why had Gabriel really let me off... Or let my mother off. Why was he so cool with Marinette staying? Obviously he couldn't have changed so fast, he still had Lina in his arms.

Then I got it. Just like he was torturing me, he probably wanted to do the same with Marinette. First of all, he would make her feel welcomed, then he'll start the abuse.

I looked over at Marinette, who plucked a flower from the soil. She was too innocent to get under Gabriel's abuse. She was too innocent to get caught in the same situation as I was.

But I was here for a reason. "Marinette," I called out. She looked over at me. "Come here... And I'll tell you the rules you have to follow in the mansion..."