CH 104

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette had impeccable taste, as demonstrated by the cream-coloured accents of the guest parlour. The arrangement of the classic furniture, which could have been described as gaudy any where else, left a warm impression on Sandrine.

“Madam has returned,” a maid said, announcing the arrival of the hostess.

“Thank you,” Sandrine replied.

She settled into the bright sofa, getting herself comfortable. She examined the reception table, filled with refreshments for guests. She couldn’t help but notice the luxuriously gilded pottery. It would not be too much effort to replace Bastian’s ex-wife, when her tastes matched Sandrine’s own so closely.

She looked out the window to the sea with a smile and took a sip of moderately cooled tea. Today she was a substitute for her father, Duke Laviere, paying a visit to Mrs Klauswitz with no other purpose than to meet the wife of a low ranking officer.

“You may go.” 

The maid observed her briefly before silently departing. The well-educated employee deserved a commendable score.

Sandrine waited for Odette, leisurely enjoying her cup of tea. She knew it was a gamble, but she was willing to take the chance, she couldn’t keep waiting forever.

Even after successfully getting a divorce from her husband, her relation with Bastian was still at a standstill. They were close, he was polite and friendly, but there was nothing more, and she was starting to get impatient. She wanted to start her relationship with him, before she felt even more estranged.

Something felt like it was going wrong and Sandrine couldn’t quite figure it out. unless he had found another lucrative bride elsewhere, then the only reason why he was acting this way was that woman, Odette.

While Sandrine’s anxiety grew, the servants and attendants prepared for Odette’s return and eventually, Odette finally made her appearance at the entrance to the guest parlour.

“Long time no see, Odette,” Sandrine greeted with as bright a smile as she could manage, but not too far as to seem obviously fake.

“Good morning, Lady Laviere,” Odette said, greeting Sandrine with a little surprise or embarrassment, Sandrine couldn’t make up her mind which.

The two settled into chairs, a servant handing Odette a cup of tea and refreshing Sandrine’s. She couldn’t help but notice that Odette’s finery left no impression that she had just lost her father.

“I hear the interior construction has been completed, I must thank you for allowing me to be your first guest. I absolutely adore the decoration,” Sandrine said politely.

“Did you say you were…invited?” Odette said, narrowing her eyes.

“Please don’t tell me you’ve forgotten, I would be very disappointed if you have,” Sandrine said, putting down her teacup. “I told you I wanted to visit for tea, and you invited me to stay as your friend for a few days this weekend.”

A friend.

Something came to Odette’s mind, that maybe this was something that had been arranged on that night she had heard Bastian talking on the phone. Was he talking to his lover, though, it was strange to have a secret meeting arranged in this way. 

She didn’t understand him.

Odette became more confused while trying to reflect on Bastian’s intentions, who had returned after two years a perfect stranger.

“Surely, that’s what happened. Isn’t it?” Sandrine urged for a response in a raised voice, briefly glanced at the distant maid.  

The late afternoon sun bathed the reception room in its warm glow, having traveled over the sea. Odette stared at the woman sat across from her, so nonchalantly sipping at her tea. So confident, coming to check up on her position as Bastian’s queen.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian emptied his glass. “By the way, I must thank you for attending the funeral.” Bastian spoke as casual as if he was talking about horse racing or polo. “I really thought I wasn’t going to make it, but I got there at the last minute.”

“You’re welcome, I was just doing what I had to.”

“Given Duke Dyssen’s reputation, I’m sure it was a hard decision for you to show up to his funeral,” Bastian smiled drunkenly.

“I don’t really care what the world thought of him. Sometimes a reputation amounts to nothing, a fleeting cloud hold more significance than a friend in a time of sorrow.”

“I’m glad you think so, I’m glad my wife has a friend like you, Count Xanders.” Bastian exuded a cool demeanour as he lazily leaned back in his chair, flashing a sociable, wonky smile.

Maximin found it hard to let his guard down around Bastian, even out of uniform, he cut an imposing figure. His heightened sense of caution felt excessive, especially given his long-standing and respectful friendship with Odette.

“How is Mrs Klauswitz doing?” Maximin said, hoping to evoke a response.

“I think she is getting weaker,” Bastian said, genuinely sorrowful. His eyes fixated on the melting ice in his glass. “Once her health has improved, we will definitely organise a proper show of appreciation, consider it a reward for you the kindness you have shown in taking care of Odette in my absence,” Bastian said, a flawless smile came to his lips.

A bell chimed, signalling the passing of the hour.

“I must apologise, I have another appointment,” Bastian said, looking at his watch.

“That’s quite alright,” Maximin said calmly.

“I will see you again soon,” Bastian said courteously and strode out of the bar.

Maximin looked out the window as he placed his cup down. The landscape brought up memories of Odette, her warmth encapsulated by the sun’s rays. Was it because she had held Alma as she slept?

The memory of Odette merged with that of his wife, a bittersweet illusion that entranced him. Though he knew it was a fleeting illusion, he couldn’t shake it from his mind. He realised a never before looked for emotion.

Maximin pushed his glasses up his nose and returned to reading his book. With each page he turned, the jumble of aimless thoughts faded away. By the time he finished the chapter, he thought of Odette like any other person.

Maximin sincerely wished her happiness, just as he always had, and he knew that things would continue to be as they had been.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As the evening descended, Odette and Sandrine descended the stairs, the headlights of a car flashed through the window. Sandrine was gleeful in her soft footsteps down the stairs and Odette did her best to match.

“I am so glad Bastian has finally come home,” Sandrine said, beaming at Odette, linking their arms, but Odette’s attention was on the headlights coming up the driveway.

Nearly fifteen days had passed since his return and yet their daily lives remained estranged. Odette continued to play the roll of the dutiful wife and Bastian remained the devoted husband. Everything was as it was before, except for the fact that they no longer shared the same bed. It was the calm before the storm.

Odette regained control of her straying thoughts, the suffocating sickness made it difficult to conduct herself without measured focus, but all she desired was an end to this marriage and the storm seemed to be inching closer.

Odette composed herself at the front door, waiting as if she was one of the other servants. As soon as the door opened, Sandrine was the first to greet him.

“Long time no see, Major Klauswitz.”

Bastian seemed almost as shocked as Odette when he saw Sandrine greeting him, alongside Odette. The look on his face was a picture.

“I came to visit at the invitation of Mrs Klauswitz, to comfort a friend in a time of sadness, right Odette?”

“I promised to spend the weekend with Lady Laviere, I’m sorry I forgot to inform you in advance,” Odette said meekly.

Friend, friend, friend.

The word “friend,” used in various ways, made Bastian laugh.

“Well, you seem to have many great friends, Odette. Welcome, Lady Laviere,” Bastian said, and gestured for the escort.

Sandrine smiled satisfactorily and took Bastian’s outstretched hand. Odette just watched them. She felt like any other employee, waiting for their services to be required.

‘Is that woman his sole reason?’

As she pondered, Bastian walked over. In a hurry, Sandrine changed her expression hastened up the stairs, one leading the other, or the other leading the one.  Odette couldn’t tell, but she followed after them silently, her understanding clear and unruffled.

Sandrine’s anger vanished as she looked deeply into her lover’s eyes. Bastian Klauswitz had returned, now a stronger and more stunning man, a reward that more than compensated for her patience.