Simulacrum ✅

Chapter 1

I stared at the name stitched in cursive on the scarf. The scarf made by my father - or so I thought.

However, instead of the letter 'G' signifying my father's work, there was someone else's signature. Someone else's name.

Marinette.

A million thoughts raced through my mind. A million emotions spread across my face.

I was confused. Why was her name there? Did she make it? Did my father? Why didn't Marinette tell me?

Then, I realised that Nathalie had been the one that told me my father had made it. Did she lie? Did my father even give me anything?

My fingers gripped the blue scarf tightly, my nails digging into my palms. How could they? Had everyone lied to me?

But, most importantly, why? I mean, sure, Nathalie wanted to keep her job, but Marinette? She should've just come clean and told me the truth if she'd made a scarf just for me.

I wouldn't have been surprised if she'd said she'd made it. After all, she is one of the most talented designers I know. Had she seen how happy I was?

Plagg flew out from my laundry basket, and sat on my shoulder.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his tone strangely caring.

"Everything," I replied. "Nathalie lied to me about this scarf. Marinette lied to me. Father lied to me. Everyone did. The only person who I forgive is Marinette. At least she had a proper reason to keep it a secret."

I processed my own words, thinking about how Marinette had sacrificed time and effort to make me a gift, only for my father to take the credit.

It wasn't fair. None of it was. It was unfair on me, and Marinette.

"It's not that big of a deal kid, just confront your dad's assistant about it. Maybe she'll tell you whether or not your friend made it," Plagg advised, patting my shoulder with his paws.

Though Plagg wasn't the comforting type, asking Nathalie would clear everything up. So, I headed downstairs, with Plagg in my jacket pocket, ready to learn the truth.

~*~*~

"Aaah, a boy who's been lied to by the people closest to him, all to make him happy. What great prey for my akuma..." a man declared in his lair.

A butterfly landed on the man's hand, and dark energy infused the creature.

"Go my little akuma, and give my son the chance to be happy!" he exclaimed, the purple butterfly heading towards it's prey.