Bastian
Chapter 32 - The Reason for Our Divorce

✧The Reason for Our Divorce✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Odette was unable to escape the rumors that had been going around her as the reception came to an end and the celebration party approached. After the intermission, the rumors’ real nature emerged, and it was almost beyond belief.

Odette leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “So…you’re saying that their mansions facing each other have the same exact appearance?”

Countess Trier paused for a moment, as if considering whether to reveal such scandalous information. Finally, she nodded her head, a mischievous glint in her usually composed gray eyes. “Their mansions are like identical twins, dear. Can you imagine the audacity of declaring war on each other with such similar abodes? It’s a saga worthy of a hero’s tale, don’t you think?” 

Ha! A soft exhalation escaped Odette’s lips, her eyes widening in sudden comprehension. The Klauswitz family’s abrupt departure with scowling expressions finally made sense to her.

“Your attire awaits, my lady,” the maid whispered, appearing suddenly. She directed Odette’s attention towards a beautiful emerald silk gown hanging on the partition. It was the final dress in a set of three, designed meticulously to match the different events of the day – the ceremony, the reception, and the party.

“Make haste,” commanded Countess Trier, flicking her wrist before taking a seat by the window, sipping the last dregs of her cocktail.

As the summer solstice day grew shorter, Odette got up from her seat, rubbed her face, and followed the maid. A small giggle escaped her lips as the final button was secured as the expert maids carefully assisted her in donning the new gown and undressing. 

She didn’t even appear embarrassed when she looked at her image in the mirror. It was a sight that occurred frequently throughout the ceremony, so the maids swiftly averted their gazes after being taken aback and looking at each other.

“Did you wager on a son or a daughter?” With a voice as gentle as the sunset painting the horizon, Odette asked. “So, betting on the gender of the winter baby. I’ve heard that most people are putting their money on a son. Did everyone just choose the easiest option to win?” As she stood in front of the mirror, admiring her new shoes, the maids lingered around, hesitant to continue dressing her up.

Odette tilted her head and glanced down at her shoes. She couldn’t help but think about the rumors surrounding her marriage to Bastian Klauswitz. After all, she had been labeled; a woman who had used her body to trap him into impregnating her. The rushed wedding date only seemed to add more fuel to the gossip fire.

Odette found herself in a surreal situation where her waistline was under constant scrutiny by socialites from across the empire. Even Countess Trier couldn’t resist sneaking a suspicious glance at her from time to time. The Countess had even offered to be informed in advance if her wedding dress needed any last-minute adjustments.

Despite the insulting rumors, Odette remained unfazed. She knew that the truth would eventually come to light. As the speculation grew more intense, so did the interest of the curious servants and gossiping elites. Nonetheless, assuming that the correct line was maintained.

“I apologise if I asked a challenging question. Everyone seemed to have no intention of concealing it, so I reasoned that it would be acceptable for me to participate in the conversation. It seems like a worthwhile discussion.” Odette said mischievously.

“I’m sorry, but it’s not the way you think it is,” the maid said.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t give you enough time earlier. However, if it’s a sensitive topic that you’re hesitant to share with me, perhaps it’s better to keep it confidential. If I’m not aware of it, I won’t make any careless mistakes. What’s your opinion on this matter, Head Maid?” Odette asked, her eyes scanning the frozen young maids until they landed on the flushed face of the Head Maid.

Every new beginning was accompanied by a phase of trial and error, and this held true for interactions between people as well. The extent to which people were willing to push forward and the point at which we chose to retreat varied greatly from person to person. What would you sacrifice? When would you relent? Because each person’s acceptable line was unique.

Thus, the key to fostering a healthy relationship lied in establishing clear boundaries. Odette took the initiative to express her limits, and now it was her counterpart’s turn to respond. The fate of their amicable relationship hung in the balance, waiting for the answer to unfold.

The head maid lowered her head, “Madame is indeed correct.” Gone was the defiant air that had previously characterized her attempts to subdue the restless hostess.

“Your understanding means a great deal to me. I will strive to avoid such mistakes in the future.” With gratitude in her heart, Odette expressed her appreciation, a gentle smile graced her features. 

She was fully aware that she could not change the other person’s mind with words alone and that she had no power over their viewpoint. Her main goal was to maintain the appearance of civility and prevent any unnecessary emotional conflict. Beyond the predetermined line, the other person was in charge of the realm of feelings and concepts.

With a deep breath, Odette lifted her gaze, meeting her own reflection in the mirror. The ensuing silence felt oppressive, but it was quickly interrupted as the maids busied themselves with their respective tasks.

With swift movements, the maids smoothed out the creases and adjusted the ornate embellishments on her dress before receding discreetly into the background, their task complete. A silent nod of gratitude from Odette conveyed her appreciation for their deft work as the partition was whisked away, the room returning to its former state.

Unhurriedly, Odette made her way towards the dressing table, her next set of instructions at hand. The soft click of her shoes on the polished floor echoed through the room, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of fabric as she moved.

As one maid deftly touched up Odette’s makeup, another worked quickly to perfect her hair and adornments. The finishing touches were being applied to the bride’s ensemble, culminating in the placement of a stunning piece of jewelry brought by the maid of honor.

“Your help is much appreciated, Dora.” And with a gracious nod, Odette turned her attention to Countess Trier, who sat perched on a long chair by the window, observing the goings-on with keen interest.

“I am prepared,” Her voice rang out with serene assurance. The Countess watched the young bride-to-be with satisfaction, and as Odette made her announcement, her countenance brightened into a wide smile.

A knowing smile played at the corners of the Countess’s lips as she regarded Odette with a keen eye. “Indeed, my dear,” she replied. “It appears that way to me as well.”

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“The master is over there,” With impeccable manners, the butler extended a warm welcome to Odette, gesturing in the direction of Bastian’s whereabouts. Yet despite the courteous invitation, she remained rooted in place, her gaze fixed upon the man whom she had come to call her husband.

Bastian cut a striking figure, his tailored tailcoat and poised demeanor setting him apart from the rest. He stood engrossed in conversation with a companion, the two of them framed against a backdrop of the boundless sea stretching out before them.

Odette couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for the excuse to avoid their conversation. As the guest departed, leaving Bastian alone on the balcony, he leaned casually against the railing and retrieved a cigarette. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to his solitary moment, as he lost himself in thought and reflection.

Odette took a deep breath before starting her leisurely approach to him. She was unsure of the exact terms, but it was clear that she couldn’t show any reluctance or hostility towards her spouse. The major goal of this contractual arrangement was to create the picture of an excellent relationship.

Odette approached the balcony, then she paused to inquire with gentle politeness, “I hope I’m not disturbing your solitary moment?”

Bastian, slowly swiveling around, gestured towards the empty chair beside him, cigarette clutched in his fingers. While not the most chivalrous of invitations, Odette dutifully acquiesced to his request.

With the weight of a long and arduous day bearing down on her, Odette shifted restlessly in the silence and finally broke it with a resigned sigh. “It had been a very long day.” She made a cautious comment to Bastian, who had stayed unnervingly silent, as the late hour had cast a reddish tint on the horizon, a fading memory of the sun’s voyage through the sky.

Bastian regarded Odette with a gaze that was impossible to decipher, his expression inscrutable as he extended a pack of cigarettes without a word. Odette conveyed her polite refusal with a slight shake of her head before turning away to rest her form against the balcony’s railing.

As she basked in the warmth of the sun-drenched marble, a weariness that she had managed to push aside throughout the day finally caught up to her, washing over her like a tidal wave.

“Do you find it to your liking?” After a long silence had settled between them and the sky above had shifted to a deep blue, Bastian at last uttered his first words. They stood together, side by side, in the tranquil darkness.

“I’m sorry, but what precisely are you referring to?” Odette asked him back after a moment’s contemplation. 

Bastian’s reserve and aloof gaze, which frequently irked those who conversed with him, were once again on display.

“Do you find the residence in which we shall be dwelling for the next couple of years to your liking?” Bastian posed the question as he flicked away the cigarette ashes and drew Odette in closer, enveloping her in his embrace.

“Smile, Odette,” He commanded her, his voice low and frigid, causing her to momentarily forget the gentleness of his touch. “I simply wish to see the fruits of my investment in you. Is that too much to ask?” Bastian inquired with a pointed look, gesturing towards the banquet hall that lay beyond the balcony with a sly wink.

Odette’s heart sank as she surveyed the scene before her. The wedding guests, who had gathered to witness the union of the newlyweds, were shamelessly gawking in her direction. It was in that moment that Odette was painfully reminded of the gravity of the contract she had willingly signed with her own hand.

With a small, regretful sigh, Odette turned to him and uttered apologetically, “Please forgive me, Captain. This is my first ti…..”

“Bastian.”

 A voice interrupted, simply but firmly, freezing her words in their tracks like a cool ocean breeze.

As the weight of Bastian’s correction dawned on her, Odette’s expression softened with understanding. She recognized the importance of getting his name right and with a gracious tone, acknowledging her mistake, “I’m sorry, Bastian.” With a hesitant smile, Odette paused her attempt to free her hand from her husband’s grip. Though she knew she still had much to learn, she reassured him with earnest words, “I know I’m not quite there yet, but I am still doing my best. I will try not to disappoint you.”

Bastian’s gaze shifted from her crimson-stained lips to meet her unwavering eyes. Despite her outward tension, her gaze conveyed a sense of firm determination.

“By the way…Bastian.” 

With a curious tone, Odette spoke up, her pronunciation was deliberate and precise, as if she were practicing a new word.

“Will this mansion be our permanent residence?” 

As she awaited his response, the corners of her eyes softened into a gentle fold – an unconscious habit of hers whenever she was lost in thought or questioning something.

“Now that my base has moved here, that will be the case. For the time being, though, you will be staying here alone.” Bastian replied matter-of-factly.

“Can you simplify your explanation, please?”

“I have a lot of work to do in Ratz, so I will only be able to visit Ardene on weekends for the next month or two.” Bastian clarified his schedule,

“So, we’ll only be able to spend weekends together until your work is finished?” Odette summarized their arrangement, 

“Exactly.”

Odette’s face lit up with a radiant smile as she nodded in agreement. This expression was a stark contrast to the forced, stiff-lipped smile she had displayed earlier. It seemed that the prospect of living alone in the mansion had brought her great joy.

Bastian reassured Odette about the state of the house, “Although there are still unfinished parts, there will be no issues with staying here. It would be more fitting for the hostess to oversee the final touches for a more natural look. Of course, I have faith that you will do well on your end.”

“Rest assured, there’s nothing for you to worry about. If there are any other concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” Odette said.

Her unwavering assurance and positive attitude were so unexpected that Bastian couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “You can act as you want as long as it doesn’t cause suspicion. I don’t see any problems, but please don’t bring your family into my house. For my own family, it’s the same.”

“If it’s your family…do you mean your original family?” Odette inquired with caution as she gestured towards the mansion across the bay with a wary gaze.

Bastian responded calmly, nodding his head in confirmation. His nonchalant expression was almost surprising, considering the gravity of the situation. It was as if he had simply made a casual statement, rather than declaring war and turning the world upside down.

“Are you really okay with this mansion, just like the other one?”

“Yes, but isn’t this a bit funny?”

To her surprise, Bastian’s next statement was not what she expected. 

“One must be destroyed,” Bastian made a quick remark, put out his cigarette, and put it in the trash. The hall was filled with the sound of music. It was now time for the party to begin.

“Excuse me, Bastian. May I trouble you with another question?” Odette hurriedly asked.  Bastian nodded in agreement, signified his permission.

“After two years of smooth sailing, what could be the possibly reason for our divorce?”

Odette inquired with genuine concern. However, Bastian’s reaction was unexpected as he burst into laughter, as though he had just heard a ridiculous joke.

“What do you like?” Bastian’s question echoed through the room, causing Odette to pause and ponder. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, 

“I’ll have to give your question some more thought. Thank you, I think I will be able to spend a pleasant two-year in this peaceful place that makes me easy to think.”

Odette concluded the conversation with Bastian in a rush, unwilling to appear foolish. Despite the small smile on his face, Bastian’s grip around her waist felt like an iron vice, a reminder of his authority over her. Odette forced herself to comply with her duties as a wife, not daring to show any hint of displeasure. 

As night descended, they moved with purpose towards the brighter lights of the mansion, shrouded in an air of uncertainty and foreboding.