Bastian

Maria Gross looked up in surprise. She quickly adjusted the fabric sample she had almost dropped, her knuckles turning white as she gripped it tightly.

“You have a dog?” she exclaimed.

Odette smiled, “Yes, Mrs. Gross. It’s a cute little puppy. I’ll be sure to show you next time you visit the mansion.” She then placed her teacup back on the saucer after taking a sip.

Maria seemed surprised by the news, indicating that she had no prior knowledge of it.

“Can you believe it? Bastian Klauswitz has a dog!” Maria chuckled and leaned back on the sofa.

She glanced around absentmindedly, only turning back to Odette after a moment of gathering her thoughts. The peaceful chatter and laughter of the other guests floated through the calm atmosphere of the boutique.

Maria was left in awe of Bastian’s excessive generosity towards his wife. She used to think that such a thing was impossible, but now she was convinced beyond doubt. This was further exemplified when he called Sabine boutique himself and requested a reservation, explaining that he wanted to purchase winter clothes for Odette.

 He even went as far as to mention that she was prone to feeling cold, and he wanted her to have a warm coat. Maria couldn’t believe it; if Bastian hadn’t called directly, she would have thought it was a scam orchestrated by someone pretending to be her nephew.

As Maria gazed at Odette, a perplexed and worried expression crept onto her face, unable to conceal it. She had never thought that Bastian would fall for Odette’s charms, and she couldn’t believe it had happened.

His unrestrained behavior was somewhat embarrassing to Maria. She was unaware of Odette’s irresistible beauty, but Bastian’s lack of restraint was unexpected. Just as Maria began to suspect that Bastian’s behavior might be part of a plan, Sandrine arrived at the scene.

Sandrine greeted the socialites in the guest parlor before inquiring about Maria Gross. After the clerk informed her that Maria was occupied with a guest, Sandrine proceeded to greet Maria and Odette with a warm and friendly smile, “Hello, Mrs. Gross! I see Odette is also with you.” showing no signs of hostility towards Odette.

With her lively greeting, Sandrine caught the attention of those around her, proudly displaying her camaraderie. To anyone unaware of the situation, their bond would appear genuine. Despite their dislike for her, they couldn’t deny her usefulness as Bastian’s wife, much like how Jeff Klauswitz’s wife, Theodora, had proven to be valuable.

“I’m prepared. Mrs. Gross.”  The clerk, who had been observing the event, followed with caution.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be Odette’s companion.” Sandrine sat down next to Odette as though she had been waiting. “Since our likes are so similar, we get along well. Odette, do we not?”

Sandrine maintained her innocent smile, even as she pushed Odette’s boundaries. Odette, who was still fixated on Sandrine, managed to muster a slight smile in response. It was a strange reaction for someone in her position, as if she were a prey facing a snake ready to strike. 

Was she too naive or simply indifferent?

 Like her husband, Odette was adept at concealing her true emotions, making her seem almost childlike in her naivety.

“I understand. Well, have a pleasant conversation,” Maria Gross said as she surrendered, caught between Bastian’s two women. She felt a twinge of sympathy for Odette, but at this point, it was better for Sandrine to take charge, lest Bastian’s carefully crafted plans be ruined by his fake wife, who clung to her only hopes.

She also came to the conclusion that it would be best for Odette if she didn’t realize that Bastian’s favor was inappropriate.

 What would it signify even if it were love?

No matter how sincere Bastian was, the outcome would remain the same.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“So, I heard Bastian is getting you some winter clothes. That’s a hot topic among socialites these days, along with the new hat shop and the well-received opera.”

Sandrine’s enthusiastic chatter eventually revealed her ulterior motives.

This time, Odette responded with a polite smile, as it seemed to be the most suitable approach based on her past experiences. Sandrine tended to dominate conversations and didn’t place much value on the other person’s input, particularly when talking to Odette.

Sandrine, with a sharp eye, examined Odette’s belly, “Are you sure the dress doesn’t need any size adjustments?” It was an obvious provocation.

Sandrine frowned dramatically as Odette raised her gaze and looked at her. “Oh, my god. You scared me,” she exclaimed. Then, she continued, “I’m concerned. It would be unfortunate if the clothes don’t fit you properly. As you know, getting a reservation at Sabine is difficult, and after Bastian leaves, you might not be able to enjoy the same privileges. It would be a shame to lose them, wouldn’t it?” Sandrine’s soft voice was filled with joy.

“What do you mean by that?” Odette, lost in her thoughts, couldn’t resist asking. She knew it was a trap to hurt her, but she couldn’t ignore it.

Sandrine, smiling contentedly, moved closer to Odette, “Oh, you didn’t know. Bastian has been given permission to go to the frontline.” 

Sandrine had learned about it through her cousin, Lucas.

Although Bastian’s application for service had not yet been received, it was as good as done. Sandrine had days when she struggled with not wanting to send him back to the battlefield, but not anymore. She was rather relieved the moment she found out. The most dangerous place for Bastian was right here, next to Odette.

“Bastian will go out again.”

Sandrine revealed that Bastian would be leaving again, to which the other person responded with a conditional statement,

“Going out…?

“Once the naval festival is over, he’ll return to the North Sea Fleet, where the Battle of Trosa took place on the overseas front,” Sandrine shared.” Sandrine shared.

Odette paid close attention to her explanation, maintaining her usual expressionless face, although her eyes betrayed a slight tremble.

 “I’m sorry. Since Bastian had already talked to me about it, I assumed he had also informed you.”

“Ah, I understand now.” Odette remarked

“Bastian can be quite callous sometimes. He should have given you some time to prepare yourself, no matter how short it may be. By the time he returns from his overseas service, your contract will have ended, won’t it? It won’t be long before I take on the role of Bastian’s wife.”

Observing Odette’s pallid countenance, Sandrine sipped her tea with a relieved demeanor. She resolved to take pleasure in life in moderation and deal with matters as they arose. 

Now that it had become apparent that Odette was a person of negligible significance, the time Sandrine spent fretting over her suddenly seemed futile. It was a trivial conclusion that left her feeling as though she had been punching the air all by herself.

“So, Odette, I kindly request that you finish it well and be a little more cautious.”

Sandrine sprang to her feet when she saw Maria Gross leave the dressing room.  It was time for her to wrap up her duties as Mrs. Klauswitz’s companion.

 “All right, let’s go get lots of lovely clothes.  It will be Bastian’s final gift to you.” Sandrine moved around, releasing her gentle hold on Odette’s shoulders.

Sandrine didn’t even spare a glance towards Odette until she left the dressing room to collect the finished dress. She no longer felt any obligation to do so.

Bastian had proven that the fake wife’s expiration date was imminent, and it was an undeniable truth.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette was nowhere to be found, and even her dog, who usually followed her everywhere, was missing.

“Dora.” Bastian closed the passageway behind him and called out to the head maid, Dora, seeking an explanation. She turned around in surprise from where she was tending to Odette’s dress.

“Where is Madam?” Bastian asked Dora, who was tending to Odette’s dress.

“She went to practice the piano,” Dora replied. “She said she’ll be late, so you can go to bed first.”

“Piano practice at this hour?” Bastian checked the time and adjusted his gown. It was already ten o’clock according to the clock on the mantelpiece.

Normally, Odette would be sewing or reading a book after getting ready for bed.

“I’ll bring the madam right away….”

“No. I’ll go.”

Bastian halted the head maid and left his wife’s bedroom. He kept a steady pace until he reached the end of the corridor where the solarium was located, where his steps slowed down.

The sound of the piano could be heard from the darkness beyond.

It was a beautiful melody, far superior to the repetitive mechanical notes of previous practice sessions. It seemed that Odette was determined to become the best pianist in the empire, and her practice was paying off.

Bastian moved in sync with the music, and when he gently pushed the door open, he saw Odette in her nightgown sitting at the piano.

 The solarium was illuminated with pale moonlight from the open curtains, and the only source of artificial light was a wall lamp near the piano. This was an unusual sight as Odette usually kept all the lights on due to her fear of the dark.

Rather than entering the room, Bastian stepped back and listened to Odette play from behind the half-open door.

Bastian, who had little knowledge of music, could still appreciate the beauty of the melody. He knew that Odette would stop playing if she sensed his presence, but he didn’t want to interrupt the enchanting performance.

He didn’t want to spoil something so exquisite.

He wished that the music would continue endlessly, even until the moon faded and the sun appeared on the horizon. It was an absurd and hopeless wish.

As the melody, reminiscent of the moonlit sea, reached its end, Bastian’s lips curved with a tinge of self-deprecation. Odette held down the keys even after the sound had faded away. Normally, after finishing a performance, she would pick up a pencil left on the music stand and eagerly jot something down. However, tonight was different.

The silence between them was broken by Margrethe.

The dog emerged from the partially open door, barking fiercely with a regal air, as if it were a wild animal. As Odette rose from the piano, Bastian stepped over the threshold, causing the frightened dog to scurry behind its owner for protection.

“Bastian,” came Odette’s voice, echoing through the darkness, its tone as beautiful as a newly started musical performance.