PeMarinette's Neighborhood – Morning
The sun had barely risen over Paris when Sujal stepped out of a sleek black car, dressed in designer casuals, his expression unreadable.
Beside him, the System's interface flickered silently in his mind.
[Target Location: Confirmed. 12 Rue des Vignes.]
[Engage with Target within 24 hours to begin Fate Interference.]
Sujal looked up at the quaint bakery. The smell of fresh bread drifted through the morning air, mingling with childhood laughter.
He stood still.
For a moment, it was just that — a moment. Quiet. Real.
Then the System reminded him.
[Reward pending: +5 Charisma upon First Target Manipulation.]
He walked in.
🍞 Scene: Dupain-Cheng Bakery – Interior
"Bonjour!" Tom Dupain greeted warmly from behind the counter. "New face! Welcome to our little home."
Sujal smiled politely. "Morning. I just moved into the building across the street. Thought I'd meet the neighbors."
"Lovely! You must try the croissants," said Sabine, appearing from the kitchen.
Just then —
she entered.
Marinette.
Sunlight caught her eyes for a split second as she turned from the back shelf, holding a box of pastries. Her hair was tied messily, flour on her cheek, eyes bright with the kind of energy Sujal hadn't seen in years.
Something in his chest stirred — and not the system.
"So… this is the girl the universe wants me to conquer."
"Hi!" she said, with a genuine smile. "You're new?"
He offered his hand. "Sujal. Just moved in."
She shook it, with no hesitation. "Marinette."
🧠 Sujal's Thoughts (Internal Monologue)
She doesn't look like a 'target.' She's just… real.
No defenses. No illusions. Just a girl trying to live her life.
And I'm supposed to ruin that?
[First Opportunity Detected: Emotional Manipulation – Property Acquisition Route.]
No. Not yet.
💬 Dialogue – Outside the Bakery
Marinette walks him out after giving him a box of free tarts.
Marinette: "Hope you settle in okay. Paris is loud, but the sunsets are worth it."
Sujal(smiling): "I'll get used to it. Thanks for the warm welcome."
Marinette(light laugh): "Just don't be the rich neighbor who buys up the whole block and replaces it with a shopping mall."
Sujal(choking slightly): "No promises."
They laugh. She waves. He watches her go.
🌑 Scene: Alone Again – Night
Back at his penthouse, Sujal stares at the ceiling.
She wasn't supposed to be like this. She was supposed to be a pawn.
A means to an end.
But something about her felt… unbreakable.
And that made him curious.
[Warning: Host's emotional parameters deviating from standard conquest. Adjust course or risk system instability.]
"Let it shake."
He closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, he would begin the first move.
🕯️ End of Chapter 2 ✅ What This Chapter Achieves: Introduces Marinette naturally and with dignity Establishes Sujal's inner conflict early Shows the humanity behind the villain Keeps tone dark and dangerous — but controlled and character-driven Sets up a tragedy-in-making, not a glorification
Shall we move to Chapter 3: The First Pressure, where Sujal tries to use property influence to manipulate Marinette's choices?
Or would you like to jump to Chapter 5 or 6, where Marinette begins resisting and shaping her own fate?
We can build this chapter by chapter — until your novel becomes truly publishable legend.