Bastian
Chapter 34 - Leave the thinking to me

✧Leave the Thinking to Me✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Bastian’s eyes flickered over the dress, evaluating it with a critical gaze, before he posed the question in a composed tone, “Is that the best you can come up with?

Odette turned to her husband and furrowed her brow in confusion. It took her a beat to decipher Bastian’s intended message, and she attributed her momentary lapse to his unfeeling gaze and detached demeanor. 

Despite his previous displays of affection, he was now critiquing her in the same impassive manner he had adopted when playing the role of a devoted husband.

“Without a doubt. I think it’s perfect for the dinner party.” Odette declared with unshakeable confidence. The dress may not have been ostentatious, but it exuded an air of sophistication and refinement that perfectly suited her personal taste. In fact, even Countess Trier, the esteemed designer who had crafted the garment, shared the same belief.

Bastian’s eyes honed in on the delicate pearl earrings that adorned Odette’s lobes, and a note of disbelief crept into his voice,  “Surely, you don’t mean to tell me that of all the jewelry I’ve gifted you, these are the only adornments that have caught your fancy?”  

His query hung in the air, his tone laced with a tinge of disappointment as he observed the simplicity of Odette’s chosen accessories.

“Bastian, your jewelry is undeniably stunning, so I’m afraid an excess of embellishments would do this dress a disservice.” Odette replied without missing a beat. Once again, she stood firm in her stance, unwilling to compromise on her vision of elegance and simplicity.

“Ah, you think,” Bastian rose from his seat and echoed his wife’s words. 

The fading light of the summer sun cast a warm glow over Odette’s room, painting the space in hues of amber and gold that contrasted starkly with the palpable tension between the couple. The atmosphere between them was charged, heavy with unspoken words and a current of air that crackled with unexpressed emotions.

“Is it your belief that I’m asking about your opinion?” Bastian asked, his tone indicating a hint of irritation.

“And if that’s not the case?” Odette countered.

Bastian’s footsteps halted abruptly, just one step away from her.  “Your thoughts hold no interest for me, Odette. I am commanding you to discard that unsatisfactory ensemble and choose something more fitting.” 

The silence that followed was palpable, the air thick with unspoken tension as the weight of his edict hung heavily in the room. Odette’s eyes fluttered shut as she took a deep breath, gathering her courage to speak her mind. “I selected this attire with our guests for tonight in mind. You see, they were present on that fateful night, the very first time we met, and they bore witness to my past. They know everything,” 

“And what of it?” Bastian retorted.

“I though that an overly extravagant and flamboyant attire would not only appear ridiculous but could also harm my reputation. Instead, I believed that projecting a humble and dignified image would be more effective in upholding my prestige.” 

Despite feeling wounded and disheartened, Odette maintained her composure, while Bastian attentively observed her with a steely gaze. Odette was taken aback by the enigmatic smirk that crept across his lips, leaving her further bewildered.

“Your reasoning may be plausible, but I doubt it will have any impact. After all, who would concern themselves with the dignity of a woman who was sold off to settle her father’s gambling debts?” Bastian’s words landed like a crushing blow, yet he delivered them with a cool detachment. “Regardless of what clothes you wear, you’ll only end up looking foolish,” he added, tilting his head. A gentle sigh escaped his lips and brushed against Odette’s ashen cheek, leaving her feeling utterly devastated.

“Then why are you insisting that I change my clothes if you think that way?” Odette shot back with a slow, dazed blink of her eyes.

“I must demonstrate to you, unequivocally, how your circumstances have altered.”

“So you’re worried about the possibility of a phony wife appearing comical, but you can’t bear the thought of your wealth being threatened?” 

Odette’s voice rang out, tinged with a hint of bitterness. Bastian cast a fleeting glance towards her reddened eyes before pivoting and making his way back to his seat with a measured stride.

Resuming his seat, he heaved a drawn-out sigh, laced with irritation. While he acknowledged her astute intellect, there were moments when she displayed a surfeit of knowledge coupled with a naiveté that seemed particularly pronounced in matters concerning honor and dignity. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴ0velFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Bastian raised his head and leaned heavily on the wingback of the chair. 

He purchased that lady. He had to be aware of how this marriage worked.

Until the contractual agreement was terminated, she was solely his property. With a disdainful disregard for anything that he deemed unworthy of his affluence, he refused to tolerate even the slightest hint of cheapness in his possessions. Thus, it was imperative that she appeared as the epitome of elegance and beauty, surpassing even the most illustrious women in the world. This was crucial to ensure that no one dared to detect even the faintest vestiges of the detested beggar princess in Bastian Klauswitz’s wife.

“Save your thoughts for another day,” Bastian advised with the demeanor of a doting husband who relished the joys of married life. “Leave the thinking to me. Your sole responsibility is to comply with the orders that I’ve conceived and issued. Surely, my wife hasn’t forgotten that we’re bound by a contract, right?” His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the desk clock, indicating that it was now time for the guests to commence their arrival.

“If your memory has failed you, do not hesitate to inform me. I do not mind revisiting the contract once more,” Bastian said in a measured tone.

“I do not believe it is necessary for you to go through such great lengths,” Odette replied calmly, her eyes welling up with transparent tears that shimmered like the turquoise sea. Despite the emotional turmoil stirring within her, she refused to shed a single tear. Rather, her countenance conveyed a sense of calm rationality, contrasting starkly with her initial conversation with him.

“Excellent. Then it appears that we have reached a conclusion,” Bastian remarked, his smile graceful as he regarded his conversational partner with a measure of satisfaction. “Odette, I am issuing a command. Change your clothes immediately,” he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument any further.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Lucas struggled to open his mouth, his anxiety apparent. 

“That’s the thing…” 

He finally managed to say, his words causing a stir among the young Klauswitz couple who had just arrived to greet the last guest. The couple looked at Lucas’s companion with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, while the other guests who had already arrived and were engaged in conversation also took notice of the sudden disruption.

“I’m sorry, Bastian. I wish I could have told you earlier, but unfortunately, Emma was unwell today, and I had no choice but to take care of her. You understand, right? As for the event, it wouldn’t have been appropriate for me to attend alone, so I asked Sandrine to come with me. She happened to have no plans either, so it worked out well. I hope you’re not upset about it.”

Lucas opened his eyes and began to rapidly fire off the excuses he had prepared earlier, hoping to assuage any concerns. Sandrine calmly waited for her turn to speak, apologizing with a friendly smile.

 “Captain, would it be possible for me to take Lucas’ fiancée’s place?” With a hopeful expression, Sandrine turned to Captain Klauswitz and asked. Despite her bold tone, her heart raced with nervous anticipation as she awaited his response.

“Of course.” Bastian replied with practiced ease, donning his social smile once again. “Welcome, Countess Lenart,” he added, extending a gracious welcome to Sandrine. 

Though he had already seen through her request, Bastian was glad to oblige. As Sandrine stepped into the parlor, she felt a wave of joy wash over her, replacing the feelings of hatred and resentment she had harbored towards him in the past. She greeted Bastian with the grace and elegance befitting a distinguished guest.

As Sandrine surveyed the familiar faces gathered at the dinner party, she couldn’t help but notice how Mrs. Klauswitz stood out. With a gracious smile, Sandrine approached her and began the conversation with a fitting compliment. 

“Mrs. Klauswitz, you look even more beautiful since the last time I saw you. The captain is truly fortunate to have such a stunning wife,” Sandrine said, her words flowing effortlessly. It wasn’t difficult to pay Mrs. Klauswitz a compliment – after all, she shone brighter and radiated even more beauty than before she married Bastian.

“Thank you, Countess. You are stunning as always,” Odette replied graciously. Sandrine noticed her delicate diamond earrings that glinted on Odette’s earlobes. The same jewels adorned her slender neck, adding to her radiance. Sandrine admired how incredible Odette looked, considering the difficult circumstances she had faced just a few months ago

Sandrine’s soaring elation was quickly dashed, plunging her into the depths of despair once again. Though Bastian was not a miserly man by nature, the extravagance of the situation seemed excessive to her. She struggled to maintain her smile, but the news of dinner being ready provided a welcome distraction. 

Sandrine looked on as Odette gracefully rose to her feet, holding her husband’s hand. An involuntary sigh escaped her  lips as she watched the couple depart, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

Odette’s dress was a sight to behold, its deep blue hue reminiscent of the vast, shimmering expanse of the night sea. The hem was adorned with imitation stones that twinkled like stars, intricately interwoven with silver threads. The level of care taken to attach and embroider each piece was evident, and the price tag of the dress must have been equivalent to that of a small fortune’s worth of jewels. Even the officers, who were largely ignorant of women’s clothing, couldn’t help but steal glances at Bastian’s stunning wife, their eyes widened with astonishment. It was a testament to Odette’s beauty and elegance that she could command such attention with her mere presence.

Odette exuded an air of aloofness that seemed to shield her from the gazes of others, even though she undoubtedly understood their meaning. Bastian, who was escorting his radiant wife, was equally unfazed by the attention they garnered.

Sandrine was entranced, unable to take her eyes off the couple as they made their way to the terrace where the dining table was set. It was as if they were a pair of celestial beings, walking amongst mortals. The subtle flicker of candlelight only served to enhance their otherworldly aura, and Sandrine found herself completely spellbound.

Two years.

Yet, Sandrine’s jealousy burned as hotly as ever, despite knowing that the woman would eventually be abandoned. Her emotions defied all reason and logic, controlling her heart with an iron grip.

Thankfully, the start of dinner brought an unexpected distraction in the form of Princess Isabelle. The royal had made a scandalous spectacle of herself at a recent ball, shocking the entire social world with her outrageous behavior. Sandrine found herself grateful for the diversion, as it provided a welcome respite from her own turbulent thoughts.

Indeed, It was a divine act of mercy.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The sky was a canvas of vibrant colors as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting an otherworldly glow over the sea. 

Odette stood mesmerized by the view, her gaze fixed on the breathtaking scene. The flickering candles and shimmering glass lanterns that adorned the terrace only added to the enchanting atmosphere of the midsummer night.

The feast was a true triumph, despite Sandrine’s initial concerns. Each dish was carefully crafted, and the guests savored every bite with delight. Even those who had initially regarded Sandrine with suspicion couldn’t help but be impressed by the culinary skills on display.

As the night progressed, Sandrine found herself settling into a sense of contentment. The candlelight cast a warm glow across the faces of the guests, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and easy conversation. Odette, too, seemed to be enjoying herself, though Sandrine could sense a hint of tension lurking beneath her composed facade.

But as the night wore on, a sudden interruption shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Bastian received an urgent phone call, and with a look of regret, he excused himself from the table. The jovial chatter of the guests died down in his absence, leaving a palpable sense of unease in its wake.

“I’ve been told that Duke Dyssen suffered serious injuries. How is his health lately? I ask because we have met before and I am genuinely concerned.” One of the officers, who shared furtive glances with his colleagues, posed a question that seemed genuinely empathetic.

The name that echoed in her mind was that of Erich Faber, the very same officer who had subjected Odette to crude and vulgar language, if her memory was accurate.

“His condition has improved considerably, although mobility remains a challenge. Thank you for your kind inquiry, Captain Faber.” Odette replied.  As soon as she finished speaking, a wave of laughter swept through the guests. It was an unbecoming display of vulgarity among such esteemed company.

Odette’s fingers curled around the stem of her wine glass, her grip firm and unyielding. As she scanned the faces of the guests around her, it became apparent that Bastian’s warning had been justified. Despite her best efforts, they were all laughing at her expense, their mirth a cruel reminder of the fragile alliances that governed the social world. It was clear that their kindness had been nothing more than a facade, a pretense put on for Bastian’s benefit.

“It’s fortunate that the Duke has recovered, isn’t it? After all, he was able to gift Mrs. Klauswitz with such luxury because of that deal he made that night. It’s almost as if he deserves to live a long life for being such a generous father.” Erich’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he spoke.

“Hey, Erich.” Lucas, the son of Count Ewald, caught Erich Faber’s attention with a soft call, though it appeared Erich was considering halting regardless.

“What could have possibly happened that night to make it so intriguing? Do tell us, won’t you?” she joked. It was Sandrine, who was observing the scene with leisure, causing the spark of the malice.

Sandrine’s plea fell on deaf ears as her gaze remained fixed on Odette. The sea, which once glimmered with the light of the disappearing sun, now seemed to have absorbed a fragment of the encroaching darkness.

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