As soon as the party official started with a toast from Amelia Krutzbreg, Adrien came in.

"I would like to announce the engagement of my two old friends. It's been a wild roller coaster for the both of them. Chandler and Natalie, here's to another chapter in your life. Let's all hope it ends in a happily ever after."

Amelia toasted as she held a wine glass in the air. Everyone applauded at her short but sweet toast. It was evident in her words that she was a writer.

"I wonder.."

Marinette muttered. She wondered how Amelia knew the Agrestes. Did she grow up with them? Did she have a outfit designed by Gabriel?  Did she meant Circe first then later was introduced to the Agrestes?

Adrien spotted Marinette without her two teenage boy body guards and headed over to her. He needed comfort from being stood up. He knew only Marinette could bring such comfort.

"Marinette."

He said as he embraced her in a hug. He wanted to confess to Ladybug that he was ChatNoir it was the purrfect romantic setting after all.  Instead he was trying to fake being okay.

"Adrien."

She knew his emotional state was her fault. She could feel his heart beat. He was hurting.

"I'm sorry."

She apologized. The hug grew tighter.

"Felix told me Ladybug stood you up."

She added as a single tear trickled down his cheek.

'Is this what it feels like to have your heart broken?' Adrien asked himself.

He pulled away from their hug. There was no need to suck Marinette into his relationship drama. He just needed to wear a fake smile for the sake of such a happy occasion.

"Would you like to dance?"

Adrien politely asked. Marinette couldn't say no. Not when it was thee Adrien Agreste that was asking. She nodded her answer.

Marinette was not a good dancer but Adrien was practically a professional. His hands were on her waist which caused her to blush. He however was glad the Marinette's awkwardness was keeping his mind of Ladybug. He knew this was his way of running away from his romantic dilemmas.

"Adrien, so how do you feel about Natalie being family?"

Marinette asked trying to break their silence.

"She's always been family."

His reply made her think about how Natalie has influenced him. She was the mother figure in his life when his mother was gone.

"That's so sweet."

She admired his kindness.

"Marinette, you know I consider you family."

She looked at him the weight of his words jabbing at her chest. He was unaware of what she did. He was clueless.

"Adrien...."

She tried to say more but her mouth was dry with guilt.

"Are you alright?"

He asked. He wondered if she didn't like being considered part of his family. Honestly, he came to her for a lot maybe not necessarily as Adrien but definitely as ChatNoir. He relied on her.

"Adrien,  I have to tell you something."

She tried to muster as much confidence as she could possibly have.

"Anything."

He replied. He thought she was going to tell him that she wanted punch or a snack of some sort. He sure was hungry but honestly he was always hungry.

"I'm... I'm... L... L.... love with you."

'STUPID! STUPID!' She repeated in her head. She was trying to say she was Ladybug but her brain just was like nope not today.

Adrien looked at her wide eyed. He knew she liked him. She had told ChatNoir so but love was a heavy emotional that he himself only felt for one girl and one girl only.

"I love you as a friend."

She corrected before he could reply.