CH 54

“Did the letter not arrive?”

Duke Dyssen, with an air of anger, asked once more, seemingly forgetting that he had already been given the same answer on multiple occasions.

The caregiver politely responded with restraint, “I can assure you, Your Grace, that no letter was delivered to you.”

The Duke had always babbled nonsense when he first awoke, but lately his condition had gotten worse. The caretaker was really concerned that he might need to be admitted to a mental health ward.

“There must be some mistake. Please go down and check it again. And this time, make sure to check thoroughly.” Dyssen insisted,

“I understand your concern, but I’ve already checked three times – yesterday and the two days prior.”

The caregiver’s voice, trying to soothe Dyssen, was tinged with irritation that couldn’t be concealed. Although he was a Duke, a member of the nobility convalescing in a high-end hospital, the truth was that he was nothing more than an abandoned invalid. 

At first, he even raged at his daughter for her absence, but it didn’t take long for him to reconsider. He realized that his daughter had already shown immense strength and fortitude simply by staying in his life, even after cutting ties with him.

“Did they have the audacity to ignore me, knowing who I am?” The Duke’s anger made him tremble as he shouted.

The cycle repeated itself once again.

The caregiver, struggling to find the right words, tiptoed back into the room, considering a swift exit before the Duke erupted in fury. If only she could manage to sedate him and put him to sleep, she could make it through another day without incident.

“Tira, that foolish girl, could never have come up with this on her own. It’s clear that Odette convinced her to do it – ‘let’s get rid of father and live happily ever after.’ They intended to kill me. If I had fallen any harder, I would have died on the spot.” His words turned into sobs, causing the caregiver to freeze in shock.

“He destroyed Odette,” the Duke continued, his anger boiling over. “It’s all because of that despicable man. What kind of hero is he? He’s the devil who ruined my life just so he could marry Odette!” With that, he began to strike at his crippled leg.

Realizing that the Duke couldn’t be left in his current state, the caregiver pressed the call button and requested the assistance of the medical staff. Within a short while, a doctor arrived, accompanied by a group of burly guards.

“Release me! Bring my daughter to me immediately! Bring me Odette!” 

Duke Dyssen thrashed about, even as the guards pinned him down. His struggles continued unabated, fueled by a monstrous strength that belied his frail and withered body. 

The caregiver retreated to the safety of a corner, observing the chaos, frightened. The Duke frantically searched for his daughter, until he was subdued with a sedative and slipped into unconsciousness. This was a different kind of rage than what she had witnessed in the past – not simply a pessimism regarding his personal situation, but a fierce and consuming anger that threatened to consume everything in its path.

As she listened to the Duke’s ravings, the caregiver found herself contemplating the unthinkable – Could it really be his daughter? Had his daughter truly been the cause of his madness? It was a dangerous thought, and one that she knew she couldn’t trust blindly, especially coming from a man who was half-mad himself.

The sedative took effect quickly, and soon the Duke was sound asleep. The medical staff departed, leaving behind an uncanny silence engulfing the room.

As she cleaned up the Duke’s room, the caregiver let out a frustrated sigh. “I can’t keep doing this every day,” she muttered to herself. “It’s like a never-ending war.”

She surveyed the damage caused by the Duke’s latest outburst – broken fixtures and furniture strewn about the room – and resigned herself to the fact that it would all need to be replaced, thanks to the deep pockets of the despised son-in-law, Bastian. It was a luxury the Duke enjoyed, even as he raged against the man who provided for him. 

Despite the Duke’s persisting anger towards his son-in-law and daughter, the caregiver couldn’t help but feel suspicious. As she exited the room, her exhausted body was plagued with an overwhelming sense of curiosity.

Although there was still an hour before the next caregiver was scheduled to take over, she contemplated leaving early to ensure she wouldn’t be late for lunch. After all, the Duke would be sleeping all day, so she saw no harm in finishing her shift a bit earlier.

Yes. Patients who are overcome with despair and melancholy must have a special sense of victimization. The caretaker fought all the way to the city center on the train, but she was only able to get to that conclusion.

Working for the Duke was a precarious situation, but the high salary made it hard to pass up. It was best to tread carefully and avoid getting involved in his personal issues, as there was little to gain and much to lose by doing so.

As the train pulled into the center of Ratz, she realized she had arrived at her destination. With a clear mind, she stepped off the train, feeling much more at ease. Suddenly, she heard her name being called.

“Susan!” Looking up, she saw her sister standing at the nearby bus stop, and a wide smile spread across her face.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Seems like I was needlessly concerned. Captain Klauswitz’s party went off without a hitch.” 

Countess Trier smiled at Odette. The breathtaking coastal landscape of Ardene may have been the star of the show, but it was Odette, the hostess of the grand mansion, who added the perfect touch of elegance and sophistication. 

Every detail of the luncheon, from the exquisitely arranged table that blended in with the sea-facing garden to the seasonal menu that tantalized the taste buds of the guests, and even the seating plan that took into account the social status and bonds between them, was executed flawlessly. Truly, it was an exquisitely beautiful affair.

“You’ve transformed into a whole different person in just one season. You’re a fine lady, I suppose it’s not too much to say.” Countess Trier exclaimed. The cries of seagulls flying low over the water mixed with the compliment. “I imagine you’ve already forgotten how I used to call the Countess every day and bug her since I didn’t know anything,” she said. 

Odette smiled softly as she regarded the sandy shore. As the warm sun beat down on the beach, the guests scattered in different directions to enjoy the afternoon activities. 

The adventurous ones headed out to sea on sleek yachts, slicing through the waves with the wind in their hair. Others opted to lounge on the sandy shores, soaking up the sun’s rays and dipping their toes in the refreshing water. For those looking for a bit of exercise, a stroll along the beach offered stunning views of the sparkling ocean and towering cliffs in the distance. It was a perfect afternoon of leisure and excitement for all.

Countess Trier lauded Odette’s achievement with just a few words of advice, hailing it as a talent deserving of praise. She emphasized that one couldn’t fabricate or hide their bloodline, and that Odette’s innate abilities were proof of her royal heritage. In a confident tone, she expressed her belief that if lineage was the sole determining factor, then surely Odette should have inherited more from her father.

With a disillusioned question on her mind, Odette chose to respect the grateful old lady’s wishes by refraining from contradicting her. She didn’t want to spoil such a beautiful day by bringing up her father. Additionally, there was a significant reason why she wasn’t prepared to contemplate her father yet – she had forsaken him for Tira.

Even though Odette didn’t look back on the decision she made that day, she couldn’t shake the remorse and debt she carried in her heart. Perhaps she would have to live the rest of her life carrying a debt from her heart. It was the agony of Odette.

Countess Trier let out a disapproving click of her tongue and set down her half-empty champagne glass, urging Odette to leave the table of mostly elderly guests sitting under the white awning. She believed it was a waste of time for a young lady as lovely as Odette to engage in conversations with such dull and uninteresting people.

As the Countess Trier was about to speak, a young man appeared, but Odette interrupted her by shaking her head “No. I like it here.” She gazed out at the picturesque sandy beach, enjoying the view.

Countess Trier cast a concerned look at Maxime, who arrived carrying his daughter in his arms. “I doubt your daughter will ever learn to walk on her own, Count Xanders,” she commented with a furrowed brow. 

Maxime responded calmly with a smile, “She’s still a baby. Please don’t be too hard on her.” He then took the empty seat beside Odette.

Countess Trier stepped back, her face displaying disapproval. She did so since she was fully aware of how much Maxime loved and cared for his wife. It was also true that he had given his daughter all of the love that had wandered off course.

As Maxime and Odette strolled through the garden, Maxime deeply noticed the impressive landscaping. After taking a moment to admire it, he glanced over at Odette and brought up a fitting topic of conversation.

“It’s really lovely here,” Maxime commented. “The attention to detail is impressive.”

“Yes, it’s all thanks to Lord Xanders’ advice. I know it’s getting late, but I still want to thank you again for all of your help. Thank you for the recommendation.” Odette said gratefully.

Maxime shook his head modestly. “You’re welcome, but I must give credit where credit is due. Mrs. Klauswitz actually found the right answer.”

As the two of them exchanged pleasantries, Countess Trier observed them closely. She left amazed at how she noticed the striking similarities between them. They had a quiet and refined presence about them that gave off an aura of elegance. Upon closer inspection, she realized they even had similar personalities and interests. It was as if they were brother and sister.

The thought crossed her mind of how lovely it would be for Odette to have a partner as charming as Maxime. However, she quickly dismissed the notion as nonsensical and unwarranted.

“Oh, it looks like your husband is returning,” Countess Trier remarked, using her fan to gesture towards the sea.

As Odette played with Count Xanders’ daughter, she heard the sound of a yacht slicing through the brilliantly sparkling water. She turned her head slowly towards the direction of the boat, curious to see who it might be.

To her surprise, she recognized the familiar golden initials engraved on the side of the yacht –K

It was Bastian’s ship.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Observing the crowd of guests, Bastian noticed a young couple with a small child who appeared to be just like any ordinary family. It was a rare sight among the attendees at the event.

With that thought in mind, Bastian made his way towards the beach awning. His fellow officers who had disembarked with him followed suit. It was time for them to take a break, relax, and spend some quality time with their loved ones before heading back into the mansion.

A fireworks show would round off the dinner and festivities. It was all that remained after the incident. Bastian was confident that it would be ideal as well. It was his wife’s belief in him that gave him the confidence.

Odette did a good job as the hostess.

He no longer appeared to question that reality. The woman had transformed into a socialite in a matter of months from being little more than a target of sympathy and hate until last spring. As if that were the way things always happened. She resembled a queen who had led a magnificent life all of her life.

Bastian had a fondness for the coronation he had purchased with his own funds. He believed that if the world hadn’t bestowed it upon him, he would have found a way to acquire it himself. There was something alluring about wearing a sparkling crown and ruling from a magnificent golden throne, no matter the cost.

“Bastian,” Odette’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

As Bastian searched for Odette among the crowd, he became increasingly perplexed by her absence. However, just as he was beginning to worry, he heard a familiar voice.

Turning his head, Bastian saw the family he had passed earlier. The woman who had been seated with a child in her arms was now standing, accompanied by the man who had been sitting next to her.

Bastian’s lips curved into a smile when he recognized the couple as Odette and Maxime, whom he had previously assumed were married.

“Captain Klauswitz, did you enjoy the voyage?” Maxime was the first to break the silence. Bastian turned towards the voice, his expression stoic and composed. Despite exchanging formal pleasantries, his senses remained fixated on Odette, who was cradling someone else’s child with great care.

The tense atmosphere dissipated when the child was abruptly taken from Odette’s arms and returned to Maxime’s care, ending the delicate confrontation.

“Mommy!” The child’s voice rang out suddenly, calling out to Odette.

As Bastian wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist,  the Count’s daughter began to cry uncontrollably. Maxime and Odette were taken aback by the sudden outburst, their faces flushing with embarrassment. The other guests seated around the table shared a similar reaction.

Despite the awkwardness of the situation, the child continued to sob, calling out to Odette as “mom” repeatedly and with increasing desperation. Her cries were so loud and piercing that they echoed across the sandy beach

“She’s been missing her mother terribly,” the Countess spoke up, deftly diffusing the awkward tension that had settled over the group.

“Yes, she’s envious of the other children who have mothers.” Another woman, who had been observing the scene with growing unease, added her own comment. “Alma has taken a liking to Odette, you see.”

Meanwhile, Maxime carried his inconsolable daughter away from the scene. As they retreated to the other side of the sandy beach, Alma continued to twist her neck and cry out for Odette.

“Please forgive me, Captain Klauswitz,” Maxime apologized, feeling the weight of the situation on his shoulders. “It was just a child’s mistake.”

“Yes. It’s all right.”  It was a rather unpleasant situation, but fortunately Bastian gave a cool smile. “Sometimes kids get the wrong idea, Maxime’s late wife resembles my wife a lot.”

Just as the situation was finally resolved, Admiral Demel emerged from somewhere. Countess Trier’s eyes narrowed as she shot him a glare. Her head started pounding again when she saw his carefree expression, as if he was completely unaware of the impact of his words.

“Isn’t it true?” Admiral Demel continued to speak, despite the tense atmosphere, “They may have different heights, but their resemblance is striking. It’s no wonder Alma mistook Odette for her mother.” He laughed loudly, seemingly pleased with himself for contributing to the conversation. “And speaking of resemblance, Alma looks just like her mother. Yes, that’s it. So, in a way, Odette and Alma do look like mother and daughter…”

“Please, have a taste of this.” The Marchioness Demel hurriedly presented a plate of cake, leaving the Admiral bewildered. Despite the unexpected gesture, he took the plate from her and obediently sampled the cake.

Finally, Countess Trier let out a sigh of relief. The military man, whose common sense had obviously been submerged in the imperial sea, was now calmly devouring the fruitcake.

“When are you two going to start a family?”  Countess Trier playfully remarked. Bastian shifted his gaze from Maxime and his daughter, and Odette’s cheeks flushed slightly. “You adore children so much, Odette. Imagine the love you’ll have for your own.”

Odette was presented with a cleverly laid-out subject, but for some reason, she hesitated to respond. Was it due to shyness? Countess Trier began to feel perplexed when unexpectedly, a bystander came to their aid. It was the antique dealer’s grandson, who had been observing the situation.

Bastian gave Odette’s back a gentle stroke, “I have no doubt that Odette will be an amazing mother, full of love for her children.” He then placed a firm grip on her shoulders and continued, “I hope to have a daughter who takes after her mother. Do you not feel the same, my love?” 

The Count’s daughter’s tears finally ceased, and a white butterfly fluttered into the awning where the commotion had taken place, lazily exploring the surroundings.

Odette replied calmly after moistening her lips with cold water, “I don’t believe it would make any difference.” Despite her still-tense posture, her smile was flawlessly smooth and graced her glossy red lips.

As the Klauswitz couple’s first child became the topic of discussion among the guests, opinions were tossed back and forth. Some suggested it would be a son, while others insisted it would be a daughter. The debate continued as to which parent the child should resemble. Despite the heated conversation, Bastian remained fixed on Odette, his gaze never leaving her.

A child.

It was a concept that had never truly crossed his mind. If he had to assign it some significance, it was merely an additional factor that came with the decision to marry. If he was fortunate, he would have a worthy successor, but if not, it didn’t concern him much. His focus was solely on attaining his objective, and passing on his heritage held no appeal for him.

Bastian knew that the idea of having a child with Odette was off-limits, as it could cause problems in their relationship. He had learned from his father’s mistakes and knew the importance of avoiding discord. 

Sandrine, on the other hand, was the woman he felt was deserving of bearing his child if he ever decided to have one. The thought of a child being born from Odette’s body was something he had long dismissed.

Maxime, who had given his crying child to the nanny, apologized again, “Alma made a big mistake. I am sorry, Captain Klauswitz, and Mrs. Klauswitz.” Bastian smiled at him and reassured him, “It’s all right, Lord Xanders. I understand.” He knew that this was the response everyone was hoping for.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The serene ambiance of the night sea was suddenly disrupted by an earth-shattering roar that could not be ignored.

Intrigued by the commotion, Jeff Klauswitz made his way to the bedroom balcony, determined to uncover the source of the tumult. As he gazed out, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded before his eyes – a dazzling fireworks show that illuminated the grand mansion standing majestically across the bay. It appeared as though the raucous revelry was drawing to a close.

“Why are you hooked on that?” A voice full of anxiety asked from behind. Theodora had just entered the room, and she fixed her curious look on the person speaking.

As Jeff Klauswitz gave a cheerful response, his eyes remained transfixed on the night sky, captivated by the fireworks display. “Somehow, I felt compelled to have a closer look,”

With a heavy sigh, Theodora joined him on the balcony, standing by his side. “He must be feeling ecstatic at the moment. It probably feels like he’s firing shells right at us,” 

“I would prefer that.”

“What do you mean by that?”  Theodora asked.

“Dealing with someone who has emotions would be a simpler task.” Jeff chuckled cynically and approached the railing, taking a step closer.

Realizing the situation could escalate, he decided to intervene before things got out of hand. He had to put a stop to it before the situation spiraled any further.

Ever since Bastian bared his claws, Jeff had been racking his brains to find a way to fortify himself. However, the deeper he delved into the inner workings of Bastian’s schemes, the more despondent his gaze became. A sense of inadequacy and helplessness overwhelmed him, as he contemplated the overwhelming outcomes that seemed inevitable.

He had been following Bastian’s lead based on the hard-earned facts, but it didn’t seem as easy for him to change the course of events as he had assumed. He may have to continue to live in this way for a while.

“I meant, Theodora, that if Bastian was bent on vengeance, he would target me. However, I never imagined it would be in this manner,” Jeff explained, shaking his head in disbelief. As he did so, a sudden burst of fury surged within him.

It was clear that Bastian had no interest in their possessions. His temperament already showed that he would assault with the determination to destroy everything.

As he became aware of Bastian’s sinister designs, a twinge of regret crept into Jeff Klauswitz’s consciousness. He couldn’t help but wonder if abandoning his child would have been the better choice.

With each passing moment, the remorse within him grew more profound, particularly when he considered the fragility of little Franz.

“Bastian is your son. Don’t do this, please. Huh?”

As he spoke, memories of Sophia kneeling with her pregnant belly and offering prayers emerged, overshadowing the beautiful fireworks that adorned the night sky.

Taking care of the child he had fathered was the right thing to do, Jeff acknowledged. He had no intention of causing harm to Sophia, despite their complicated past.

In order to safeguard his family from financial ruin, Jeff had wed the daughter of a moneylender. The Klauswitz family was in dire need of Illis’ financial resources at that time. Yet, despite the pragmatic reasons behind their union, Jeff had grown to genuinely love his wife. She was a gentle and stunningly beautiful woman who cherished him deeply. How could any man resist such a woman?

Jeff Klauswitz had once entertained the idea of spending his entire life with Sophia. If he had never crossed paths with Theodora, perhaps that fantasy would have become reality. If only Sophia had agreed to a divorce, she might still be alive today.

The memory of his deceased wife, with their unborn child inside her, made him feel nauseous. The putrid stench of her blood and amniotic fluid seemed to linger in his nostrils, haunting him.

With blood and amniotic fluid surrounding him, the newborn Bastian did not cry. Instead, he stared at Jeff Klauswitz with an unsettling calmness from behind a partially open door.

Jeff couldn’t shake the feeling of disgust at the child’s appearance, which seemed more like that of an adult than a newborn. Theodora claimed that Bastian was not a normal child, and this encounter only reinforced Jeff’s unease.

He was initially hesitant, but eventually came to accept it. After all, Franz was born as the perfect son, receiving the noble blood of his mother. To ensure that Franz would be the rightful heir, Bastian had to be deemed abnormal.

“Don’t be weak. In times like these,” Theodora’s frown deepened as she firmly grasped Jeff’s hand, “ you must steel yourself.”

“I am aware, dear.” Jeff Klauswitz acknowledged Theodora’s statement with a nod, accepting that there was no way to undo the past. He was left with only one option, to demonstrate that his choices were justifiable. As he attempted to clear his thoughts and turn around, a knock interrupted him.

“Excuse me, ma’am. I am Susan,” spoke the maid who had gone on a vacation earlier this morning, deduced Jeff as he heard the knock on the door.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The night sky was illuminated with a grand display of vibrant fireworks, a spectacle of lights that was only reserved for official events. With awe and excitement in her eyes, Odette watched as the bursts of colors painted the sky, creating a surreal atmosphere.

The fireworks seemed to bloom even in the sea, reflecting the stunning display in the waters below. It was a breathtaking sight that was almost too beautiful to believe.

As the last firework exploded in a burst of colors, she wondered if the party could be considered a success. She sensed Bastian’s approach and felt a surge of cautious anticipation. 

The two stood together at the end of the terrace, fingers tightly intertwined, watching the display of lights in the sky. It felt natural for Bastian to hold her hand, and they both seemed lost in the beauty of the moment.

Bastian’s side profile caught her attention as she slowly moved her head. She didn’t want to sound patronizing. As Mrs. Klauswitz for the life of the contract, it was her responsibility to perform successfully. She was doing what she was meant to do, but it made her feel uncomfortable, which was sort of amusing.

The palms were firmly pushed together as the heat spread between them. She tried her hardest in memory of the days spent preparing for today.

As her emotions stirred like a burst of fireworks, Bastian’s gaze slowly turned towards her. The way he looked at Odette was calm yet gentle, like a cool breeze on a summer night that signaled the arrival of autumn.

“How is everything going?” Bastian asked. The final firework burst in the sky, leaving Odette puzzled and confused by his cryptic question. “I believe my wife’s infidelity is more than enough reason for the divorce you were concerned about,” he continued, implying that he suspected Odette was having an affair with Maxime

The Ardene Bay was bathed in a cascade of golden fireworks, its brilliance illuminating the night sky. And yet, despite the beauty of the scene, Bastian’s words pierced her heart like a knife. With a gentle voice, as if whispering sweet nothings, he shattered her illusions of love.

It was a cruel realization, but one that she could not deny.