CH 56

“You know, my father used to work as a blacksmith,” As Molly chatted away non-stop, she eventually began to share the story of her family.  “Unfortunately, he was seriously injured in an accident and has been unwell for quite some time now.”

Odette glanced at the mirror in front of the dressing table and caught sight of Molly combing her hair. When their eyes met, Molly’s shy smile struck a chord with Odette. The young girl’s chatty and bubbly personality was just like her younger sister Tira’s. It occurred to Odette that they were probably around the same age.

Mesmerized by the similarities between Molly and her sister, Odette curled her lips into a gentle smile, signaling that she was ready to listen to whatever the young maid had to say.

Molly’s eyes sparkled with joy as she delved deeper into her family’s history, her voice filled with even more enthusiasm. She spoke mostly about her father, who had been left paralyzed by a tragic accident. It was evident that Molly shared a unique and special bond with him, which made her story all the more heartfelt.

“Madam, I’m sure you must be worried about your father on his sickbed too, right?” As the hair brushing neared its end, Molly posed a bold question to Odette.

“Molly!” Dora’s sharp shout interrupted as she worked on Odette’s dress, but Molly wasn’t easily deterred.

“You haven’t been able to visit your father in the hospital since your marriage. How Madam’s heart is must ache,” she said, looking at Odette with teary eyes through the mirror.

Odette’s heart felt like it was being clawed by a nightmare at the sound of the name “Father”, but she hid it behind a composed expression. Instead, she patiently waited for Molly to finish her work, a gentle smile gracing her lips. It was the least she could do for the young maid, who had made a mistake but deserved compassion.

People need to be spaced apart in a reasonable manner. It served as a kind of buffer, guarding against interactions that were based only on position or rank. Because of how that divide contributes to understanding and respect.

“My apologies, madam.” Dora, who had almost shown Molly the door, expressed regret, “Despite her intelligence and competence, it seems that Molly still has room for improvement in terms of etiquette and has made a significant error.”

“No worries. She only meant well.” With a chuckle, Odette quelled the minor disturbance, assuring everyone

The clever head maid promptly resumed her tasks, making no further fuss about the incident.

Odette set up her dresser the way she always did as Dora finished the dress. She was able to move through her nightly routine at a more leisurely pace than normal because the man who had been giving her disturbing stares was obviously not around.

“It’s likely that the master is lodging at Mr. Mueller’s place, so you should get some rest, madam.” Dora appeared from behind the dressing table and suggested.

Odette set aside the comb she had been absently playing with and rose from her seat, as if complying to Dora’s advice.

Last week, the guy was a model employee – clocking out on time every day to make it home in time for dinner. However, today he had to work late due to some pressing business. Though he hadn’t explicitly mentioned it, Dora had a sneaking suspicion that he might not come back home that night, and as the clock neared midnight, her intuition seemed spot on.

The man had a grueling journey ahead of him, and even if he managed to catch some shut-eye, he’d have to be up at the crack of dawn to head back to work.

As Dora was about to leave after briefing Odette about the schedule for the following day, she unexpectedly interjected, “Excuse me, but Mr. Lovis mentioned he had a favor to ask of you. Can I plead his case?”

Odette perched herself on the edge of the bed and turned to face Dora. “Sure, what does he need?”

“He’s fretting about the master’s breakfast habits,” Dora revealed. “To be honest, I share his concerns.”

Odette looked puzzled. “Let me get this straight – Mr. Lovis is worried about Bastian’s breakfast?”

Bastian Klauswitz was a strapping, affluent young man who had gained fame as a valiant soldier, lauded for his bravery. Odette couldn’t fathom why anyone would fret over the eating habits of someone who was already in such excellent shape.

“Yes, madam,” Dora replied. “I’ve been suggesting to the master that he starts his day with a hearty meal instead of just a cup of strong coffee, but he doesn’t seem to heed my advice. We were hoping that you could intervene on our behalf and convince him to listen to your wise words since he values your opinion greatly.”

“Uh, sure, I’ll try my best,” Odette let out an awkward chuckle. She knew that if the stubborn master wouldn’t listen to the wise counsel of his trusted butler, there was little chance that he’d take heed of his pretend wife’s nagging. But she still agreed to give it a shot.

No matter what she considered, the request was absurd, but Odette first consented. She would just tell him the truth and seek for his help if things got too rough. He never shied away from portraying a perfect relationship, though.

“I’m grateful, ma’am. The master needs you by his side because he doesn’t take care of himself very well. ” Dora lowered her head in sincere joy. Odette had never seen a face as dazzling as hers.

As soon as Dora left, the bedroom fell into a deeper silence.

Odette moved to the window, wrapped in a warm shawl, and gently pushed back the drapes to reveal the wide expanse of the nighttime, moonless sea. 

The sound of the waves, which had been a comforting relief all summer as she stared out at the desolate waters, appeared to have a hint of sorrow. She questioned whether the beginning of a new season was what had caused this shift.

As the curtains were drawn shut, the reality dawned on Odette that he wouldn’t be returning tonight. With a heavy heart, she concluded her daily routine and retreated to bed. But as she switched off the lights and snuggled under the covers, memories of her estranged father came crashing in like a tumultuous wave. 

She knew that eventually, she would have to confront the painful past and pay him a visit. With a deep, melancholic sigh, she clutched her blanket tightly, aware that her despondency would be conspicuous even to the young maid.

Speculation swirled in Odette’s mind, leaving her with little confidence to confront her father with composure. Yet she knew that turning a blind eye to him was not a sustainable solution. 

With a heavy heart, she made a vow to write a letter to him the following day, determined to face her demons head-on. As she shut her eyes, she was aware of the bed’s emptiness and the cold seeping in, signaling the need to stoke the dying embers of the fire.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As midnight crept closer, the carriages and automobiles that had been queued up in front of Sergeant Illis’ building began to vanish, one by one. With only two cars left, Bastian bid farewell to his colleagues and made his exit.

“Join me today,” Thomas Mueller gestured towards his car. It was already too late for Bastian to drive back to Ardene, but he declined Thomas’ offer without much thought.

Bastian shook his head, “No, I’ll head home,” 

“It’s a long drive back to Ratz, and you won’t get much sleep before you have to come back.” Thomas Mueller tried to dissuade Bastian from leaving so late, “ Is it really worth pushing yourself?”

“Well, you know how it is. Gotta keep the new wife happy.” 

Thomas smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond, “The age-old myth that even heroes can be swayed by the charms of a beautiful woman appears to hold true,” Thomas conceded, unable to persuade Bastian any further. “I must admit, I had my fears about the young master marrying the wrong woman and living an unhappy life.”

“Don’t worry, Sir. Odette is a good person,” reassured Bastian.

“Sure, you have my full trust because you say so,” Thomas Mueller grinned broadly. Despite the fact that the fatigue from the hard effort was evident, Bastian’s face appeared at relaxed. If marriage was the cause of this transformation, Mrs. Klauswitz was a bride who brought a sizable dowry.

“Hey, Young master!” Thomas Mueller couldn’t help but shout out as he watched Bastian walking away.

Bastian paused and slowly turned around on the last remaining step.

The word hung in the air like a heavy cloud, shrouding the two men in silence. Thomas could see the ease with which Bastian interacted with Odette, and his heart softened. He wanted Bastian to forget about his revenge, and that’s why he made the impulsive call. 

Bastian understood Thomas’s intention, but he knew he couldn’t let go of his past so easily. With a heavy heart, he uttered a single, dejected word – “No.” 

The silence continued for a while longer until Bastian finally broke it with a smile and a bow, before disappearing into the darkness, stepping into a sleek black car waiting for him under a canopy of trees.

The car accelerated swiftly and sped off to the opposite side of the city. Even the last of the elderly woman’s pride was destroyed by the landscape.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Madam had gone to bed”

The butler greeted Bastian with the news to which Bastian responded with a smile and proceeded to cross the entrance hall, not feeling the need to say anything. He knew that it was highly unlikely for Odette to be awake at such a late hour, and the thought of her being up would have only caused him unease.

Bastian acknowledged the servants for their tireless efforts throughout the night and proceeded to his chamber with a serene gait. As he stepped into his room, he realized he wouldn’t have to share his bed tonight, a fact that brought a sense of relief. It was at this very moment that the mansion’s lights began to shimmer against the shoreline, painting a picturesque view.

As Bastian emerged from the bedroom, his mind still fixated on his decision. He had freshened up and changed, but his resolve remained unshaken. 

He had no intention of disturbing Odette’s peaceful slumber; the performance he had put on earlier was enough. But as he stood at the threshold between the two rooms, the absurdity of the situation dawned on him with a jolt. It was almost comical, this image of a man hesitating to enter his own bedroom.

Bastian was a firm believer in the power of routine. It was a way to conserve mental energy and emotions, and the most effective method for living life. However, his conviction was faltering now. He acknowledged the chance of being wrong and hesitated before placing his hand on the doorknob.

Odette had gradually assimilated into his daily routine, but far of making his life simpler, it had made it more complicated. Bastian hesitated as he approached the last door because he knew what was there would only make things more difficult.

For a moment, he watched Odette sleeping peacefully, then returned to his own room. But he quickly realized that there was no reason to have hesitated in the first place.

He was entitled to exercise all of his desired authority. Odette was required to comply and follow. As it was stated in their contract. Her opinions were not taken into account; only his requirements were important.

His thoughts vanished when he consciously reminded himself of that reality.

Bastian moved forward with a purposeful stride, driven by his own requirements. He pushed open the door and made his way through the comfortable space till he came to Odette’s bed. His imagination suddenly solidified a fresh demand. On the nightstand to the right of the bed, a lamp illuminated with a glow. 

Bastian’s gaze remained fixed on the last remaining light in the room, transfixed by its glow, even as the droplets of water on his wet hair dripped down and re-formed.

As the grandfather clock chimed the hour, he heard a faint sigh, and his attention turned to the sleeping figure on the bed. He swallowed hard and averted his gaze, but it was too late. In the soft light, Odette stirred and slowly opened her eyes, fixing them on him.

“Bastian”

Odette called him, as soon as her deep sleep got invaded by his arrival.

“You’re back,”

She sound like a devoted wife.