Bastian
Chapter 36 - Odette's Business

✧Odette’s Business✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The serene tranquility of dawn was suddenly disrupted by a gentle yet distinct tapping sound that caught Odette’s attention as she was absentmindedly gazing into the mirror while brushing her hair. 

She turned her head in surprise, wondering who or what could be causing the commotion. Just as she was about to collect her thoughts, another knock echoed through the stillness, but this time it came from an unexpected direction – the passageway that led to the couple’s bedroom.

In a flash of realization, Odette swiftly rose from her seat, anticipating the arrival of someone she knew. And as if on cue, a familiar voice broke through the silence, confirming her suspicions.

“Odette.” Bastian called her out from behind the door.

“Please come in.” Odette welcomed Bastian and scurried to tidy up her disheveled dressing table, ensuring everything was in its proper place. With one final adjustment, she carefully returned the violet cream to its designated spot, and in that moment, the door – which appeared nearly camouflaged against the wall – began to creak open.

And there, emerging from the other side, stood Bastian, garbed in a stunning blue-gray gown that draped elegantly around him, exuding a refined aura that was impossible to ignore.

Odette found herself standing still, unsure of what to do next, while uncertainty hung in the air. “Please tell, what seems to be the matter,” She asked hesitantly.

The door had never been opened before, despite the fact that they had spent several weekends together. Contrary to her, who found it puzzling, Bastian appeared utterly uninterested. 

As he stood frozen in his tracks, his gaze fixed on Odette, he halted his journey from the dressing table to the bed. The color of his hair seemed deeper than usual, as though it had recently been drenched in a shower. The loose-fitting gown he wore clung slightly to his skin, revealing lingering droplets of moisture, glistening in the light.

Againts his vulnerable and unkempt state, his eyes remained frigid and unyielding, as if they were impervious to any emotion. The stillness of his gaze lingered on for what seemed like an eternity, leaving Odette feeling both uneasy and exposed. 

Even with her best efforts to project confidence, she found herself retreating, almost as if she could physically feel the weight of his piercing stare. It was a peculiar sensation, like grains of sand that had been heated by the scorching sun trickling down her skin.

Bastian’s gaze traveled slowly from the tips of Odette’s slipper-clad toes, up to her clasped hands, and finally settled on her flushed face. Without a word, he turned and made his way over to the tea table by the window, where he took a seat.

 It wasn’t until then that Odette began to understand the source of his discontent. The expression etched on his face was unmistakably one of displeasure.

Odette let out a sharp gasp as she finally dared to draw a breath and turned around. The sight that greeted her in the mirror was enough to make her almost scream in surprise, causing her to quickly cover her mouth with her hand.

 Reflected in the glass was her figure, clad only in white muslin pajamas that left little to the imagination. Every contour of her body was on full display through the sheer fabric.

In a sudden panic, Odette hastily clasped her hands over her chest and scanned the room with a dazed expression. Her gown lay within reach on the bed bench, but the mere thought of crossing the room to retrieve it in front of her husband, who may as well have been staring directly through her, made her feel as if she were standing there naked.

“J-Just look away for a second,” Odette struggled to open her mouth and spoke in a trembling voice. She knew that what she was about to say might make her appear weak, but she saw no other way out of this awkward situation. 

Bastian laughed and sighed while gazing at Odette with his arms relaxed. Fortunately, despite his apparent shock, he showed enough consideration to glance out the window.

Odette didn’t approach the bed bench until that point. She felt even more ashamed after tightly draping a garment over her body. How could she more concerned about her messy table? It was completely absurd.

“Thank you, I’m done,” Odette muttered softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart raced as she fought the urge to flee from the room, but she tried her best to appear strong and determined.

Bastian turned his head slowly, his expression unchanged from before. His displeasure was certain, and Odette could feel it like a heavy weight pressing down on her.

“Please sit.“ Bastian motioned for Odette to take a seat. His hand flicking away a few strands of hair that had fallen across his forehead. “There’s something we need to discuss about the dinner party,” he said, his tone as cold and callous as ever.

Odette’s professional demeanor was greatly appreciated. It was undoubtedly the case, at least for the time being.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Againts the trembling of her fingers subsiding, Odette continued to clutch the gown tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force of her grip. Bastian watched her silently, noting the extreme tension in her body.

Odette had already shown him everything, so he didn’t understand why she was clinging to the robe so firmly. He knew it would be pointless, so he didn’t bother to say anything about it. He didn’t want to waste any more time waiting for a disoriented and perplexed woman because it was already late at night.

Bastian wasted no time getting to the point. “I didn’t bring you here to play the role of an elegant princess,” he said bluntly, his tone cutting like a knife.

Odette blinked in surprise, her eyes locked onto Bastian’s face. “Could you explain it to me so that I can understand?”

“You married a commoner, Odette,” His voice laced with disdain. “And as a commoner’s wife, you are now also a commoner.”

A steely glint flashed in Odette’s eyes as she held Bastian’s gaze. “I am well aware of that,”

“Are you?” A sly smile played on Bastian’s lips as he leaned in towards her.”Then perhaps it’s time you started acting like it. Would it be clear if I said that I didn’t want to see the pitiful woman who was crushed and eaten in pieces in the hands of acting respectably?”

“I apologize for my response at the dinner table. I was taken aback and caught off guard. However, I can’t agree with the idea of abandoning my class consciousness,” Odette shouted, her voice steady despite the flush on her cheeks. “I made my judgment based on my own thoughts and beliefs, not on my social status.”

Thought.

As the word left her lips, Odette’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of delight.

“Regardless of my birth or marital status, I am still myself. And I believe I fulfilled my duties as a gracious host tonight.” Her inner turmoil was overwhelming, yet she refused to back down without a fight. 

She gritted her teeth, determined to keep her composure in the face of the man’s friends and lover. Their contemptuous sneers and insults had stung like bee stings, but she refused to let them see her pain. 

For Odette, it was all about keeping a promise, fulfilling a responsibility. She couldn’t afford to let her position slip away, not when she had fought so hard to get here. Even as they treated her like a common prostitute, she maintained her poise and dignity, clinging to the manners of the Dyssen family.

With the weight of duty on her shoulders, Odette gazed out at the endless expanse of the night sea, holding back tears that threatened to spill over. 

She couldn’t let Bastian see her weakness – this was all just part of the contract, after all. 

But as she struggled to bear the burden of her responsibilities as Mrs. Klauswitz, she couldn’t help but feel the ache in her heart. It was a pain born of the realization that she was not yet accustomed to carrying the weight of things that were not truly hers to bear.

“Do you always hold such a high opinion of yourself?” 

Bastian’s voice was laced with a hint of amusement as he questioned Odette.

“I’ll only show appreciation for things that are worthy of it,” Odette squared her shoulders and met Bastian’s gaze, her anger palpable.

With time, she knew she would adapt to the situation at hand. Time had given her only one gift, but it was enough. She had become accustomed to the discomfort and found solace in it.

“I don’t put any stock in the word of a woman who has has forgotten the advice I gave her earlier tonight.”  The air between them crackled with tension as Bastian reclined in his chair, his expression unreadable.

“You need not worry about that. Your thoughts are yours, and I will make sure to remember them,” Odette assured.

“You know that, so why you’re disregarding my advice.”

“The advice you provided earlier was solely for the benefit of Mrs. Klauswitz’s business. When the time comes for me to act as your wife, I will strive to align with your beliefs.”

“And what about now?” 

“Would it be appropriate to call it as ….Odette’s business?” Odette, who was having trouble, posed an odd query. It didn’t appear like she was attempting to make a joke out of it, judging by the sincerity of her look, which lacked any indication of humour.

Bastian’s laughter echoed through the room as he finally understood Odette’s solution. The woman before him, once so composed and reserved, now held her breath with anticipation. It was as if a new side of her was emerging, a side that wasn’t afraid to take risks and find unconventional solutions. 

Bastian couldn’t help but marvel at this new Odette, 

Nothing else, just Odette.

Bastian let out a deep, slow breath as his laughter subsided, and his eyes fixed on his wife with a blank expression. The memories of the dinner and the irritation caused by her disapproval swirled in his mind, but he tried to push them aside. In the face of his best efforts, he couldn’t help but be struck by her unyielding presence. Stripped of all artifice, she was simply stunning, and Bastian felt his resolve falter in the face of her beauty.

Bastian gazed intently at the gown in Odette’s hand, his eyes settling on the wedding ring adorning her finger. “So, when do you plan on resuming your duties as my wife?”

“In the eyes of those who believe I am your wife, I will be Mrs. Klauswitz.”

“So, does that mean not right now?” Bastian sought clarification, asking.

“Yes, that’s correct. However, if you have any advice to offer, I am willing to listen.”

“Ah, I see. I thought you were shouting your opinions to silence me.”

Odette swiftly shook her head, causing her hair to sway like the dark night. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to imply that,” she expressed. “If my desires don’t align with yours, please do let me know. Although I can’t transform into a new person overnight, I will strive to minimize the differences between us to the best of my ability.” Her gaze towards Bastian became gentle and tender as she uttered.

“I’d rather have a heartless winner than an honorable loser.” Bastian said. His eyes drifted from her locks to her elegant hand, which clutched the fabric of her attire tightly.

Odette pondered deeply before speaking, “But even if it means sacrificing dignity?”

“Winning at all costs is the essence of Klauswitz’s dignity.”

“But that shouldn’t apply to Countess Lenart.”

“Why not?” Bastian asked curiously,

Odette hesitated before continuing, “Because that day when you… Countess Lenart was much more significant to you.”

“During our role-playing as husband and wife, I believe I made it obvious that I would put my wife’s needs first. Could it be that your memory is only half-functioning?” Bastian’s eyes lifted gradually from the body that Odette was trying to shield from his view.

“I understand that, but Countess Lenart is aware of our agreement. It’s challenging to act as your spouse in her presence…” 

“During that moment, feel free to behave as you wish. Keep in mind the considerable sum you’ll be receiving in exchange for your services.” Bastian rose from his chair, dismissing his jaded counsel. A warm flush of indignation crept up from his rigid posterior, intensifying with each passing moment. The situation seemed increasingly preposterous as time wore on, but he was keenly aware that he held the power to act as he pleased.

Bastian had always held little value in satisfying his primal urges, and this remained true. He knew full well that he had the authority to disregard the agreement, but he questioned whether it was worth the repercussions that could follow a fleeting impulse. The answer was clear – it was a clear-cut defeat.

After two years of playing the role of a counterfeit spouse, the entirety of Odette’s existence, as deemed by Bastian, was limited to this.

“Then get some rest, Odette,” Bastian uttered curtly, his gaze fixed upon her dazed, blue-green eyes.

As he made his way across the room and opened the door to leave, Odette remained silent, offering no reply until the door had closed shut behind him once more.