"I'm at a loss for what to do next, as continuing down this path will only lead to more obstacles in our business. On the bright side, our conversations have grown increasingly comfortable."
Theodora Klauswitz was spotted picking up a sheet music book from an aged bookshelf. She absentmindedly flipped through the pages without truly reading them.
Odette sat before her, examining the sheet music book once again, her hands shaking. The only occupants of the store were the two of them and the elderly shop owner, who sat behind the shelves. Beside him, a gramophone played a record. Today, it featured a whimsical fantasy tune, its beautiful melody filling the empty store. Yet, the enchanting music seemed out of place amidst their tense and suspicious encounter.
"Here is the list of names you asked for." Odette carefully passed an envelope she had retrieved from her coat pocket.
Theodora nonchalantly accepted the envelope and opened it. As she scanned its contents, her eyebrows lifted in surprise. "There are quite a few intriguing names here. Are you certain this is all you have?"
"I haven't managed to gather more information than this," Odette replied.
"We're short on time, and we can't afford any delays. You're aware of that, right?"
"Bastian spends most of his time at the company. The information I can obtain at home is limited…"
"In that case, head to his company," Theodora interjected before Odette could finish her sentence.
"My apologies, Odette. I can't help but be frustrated by your attitude, treating this situation as if it's merely a game. If this is the best you can do, are you simply too complacent and lazy?" Theodora chided.
"If you're not happy, then find someone else!"
"You're hardly in a position to shout at me, Odette!"
"The same applies to you."
Despite her current vulnerability, with her neck in chains and Theodora holding the reins, Odette maintained an air of pride and arrogance. Theodora, however, smiled and nodded approvingly as she placed the paper Odette had given her on the table.
It was this boldness that Odette needed to betray Bastian Klauswitz. No other approach could defeat him. This was the most effective strategy, albeit with numerous limitations.
"Odette, if I may, don't squander your time looking into Mrs. Palmer. It would be best if you focused on the task at hand."
"You're still keeping tabs on me and investigating, I see," Odette sighed, not appearing overly surprised.
Her father had indeed rescinded his decision to involve the building manager's wife as a witness to the accident. Thus, whether Mrs. Palmer was present at the scene was no longer relevant.
She was convinced that Mrs. Palmer hadn't seen the incident, but she wanted to be absolutely sure. That's why she had hired a private investigator to look into Mrs. Palmer. She had tried to be discreet, but it seemed Theodora Klauswitz's spies weren't limited to just Molly.
"I just want to ensure everything is crystal clear," Odette explained.
"Fine," Theodora replied, turning and shrugging her shoulders. "I'll grant you one more opportunity. But remember, time is running out."
"This is the last time. Please honor your word."
"I understand. Once the festival concludes, Bastian will leave Berg, correct? We won't be able to monitor him for a while," Theodora said, her expression tinged with regret.
All she needed was to buy time until her divorce from Bastian was finalized. This reality allowed Odette to bear the weight of her guilt for the time being.
Trusting Theodora Klauswitz had been a mistake. When Bastian returned, she knew that Theodora would undoubtedly make outlandish demands and threaten her once more. However, by that point, she might no longer be Bastian's wife, offering Odette a sense of relief.
After their marriage, she planned to journey with Tira to the New World—a place so distant that they could remain hidden from everyone.
If a scandal were to erupt during that time, its impact would be significantly less than if it occurred in the present. By then, Bastian would have established a much more solid foundation, and his agreement with the emperor would be finalized. She hoped that Bastian would marry Sandrine as soon as possible after their divorce, so her presence as his ex-wife would fade away like a vanishing stain.
"Speaking of which, Bastian's railway company… Is he collaborating with Laviere?" Theodora's sudden mention of the man's name sent a chill down Odette's spine. "It appears the relationship between Duke Laviere's daughter and Bastian is more than just an ordinary friendship. What are your thoughts, Odette?"
"Bastian isn't that type of man." Without hesitation, Odette shook her head. "Not every family involved in business partnerships has relationships like you're suggesting." She was well aware that Theodora was trying to bait her, and she was determined not to fall for it.
"Do you trust men? You must possess a naive side as well," Theodora sneered.
"I'd rather not discuss my husband."
"I'm merely concerned for you. I have a keen intuition—it's how I met Jeff. Back then, Bastian's mother thought just like you, believing her husband wasn't that type of man. But you've seen the outcome, haven't you?" Theodora smiled as she reminisced about her past affair as if it were a cherished memory. Odette could only listen in silence.
"In that case, my trust in Bastian is even stronger. He's witnessed his mother's struggles, so he won't repeat his father's mistakes," Odette declared.
"People aren't as noble as you think, Odette. Have you forgotten? Bastian is strikingly similar to his father. Haven't you heard that blood is thicker than water?"
"I'm amazed at how proudly you can say all of that. Don't you feel any guilt or shame towards Bastian?"
"Not in the slightest." Theodora laughed, as if she'd heard a hilarious joke, while adjusting her dress collar. "One last piece of advice, Odette: don't be a hypocrite. It's far more contemptible." her whispered words were filled with affection, reminiscent of a fantasy melody playing in the store. "I hope we can meet again soon." she patted Odette's shoulder as she walked past her.
The sound of the bell ceased, but Odette remained motionless, sitting alone at the table for a while.
The fantasy song came to an end, and the gramophone began playing the next symphony—the same tune that resonated in the Reinfeldt living room on a spring afternoon brimming with blossoming flowers.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
The Admiralty canteen bustled with soldiers gathering for lunch. The dining area spanned three floors: the top floor reserved for high-ranking officers, boasting the elegance of a fine restaurant, while the two lower floors housed the more casual canteens.
Bastian found a table near a second-floor window. He struggled to recall the last time he had dined with his superiors, realizing it must have been ages ago.
"Bastian! You got here so fast!"
An officer with a somber expression approached and sat across from him. Hailing from a middle-class family, he held no title, and his military achievements were rather ordinary. Although he had served in the military far longer than Bastian, his rank remained at captain, just like the younger Bastian.
"What brings you here? It's not often that someone as busy as you from the festival comes to see me," the officer inquired.
"I wanted to catch up with you at least once before I leave."
"Take it easy. I'm not your superior anymore. You'll be promoted to major soon, so there's no need to be so formal with me." The officer waved his hand dismissively, but his face broke into a warm smile.
The long-overdue lunch reunion between the two officers commenced with polite greetings. They proceeded to discuss current events and news from the Admiralty. As they engaged in conversation, covering a range of topics that were more mundane than intriguing, the canteen filled with even more soldiers.
"How's life on the Trosa Islands these days?" Bastian ventured to ask as their lunch neared its end.
"Why ask me? You used to live there too," the officer responded, puzzled.
"I know, but living there with my wife must be a different experience, right?"
Upon hearing the clarification, the officer smiled and nodded, finally grasping Bastian's point. He reminisced about their time serving together on the Trosa Islands. Back then, Bastian was single, while he had brought his small family—his wife and child—to live on the island.
"In a nutshell, women wouldn't be content living there. The weather is harsh, and the houses are old. Even the most thriving city there pales in comparison to the countryside here."
"Did your wife despise living there?" Bastian probed.
"Well… it's not just that, my friend." The officer grinned and scratched his cheek. "My wife complained daily. But despite the many discomforts, we were happy because we were together. It felt like residing in a hidden paradise—lonely, yet peaceful and joyful."
"I see."
"That place holds a special place in our hearts because our youngest daughter was conceived and born there. With nothing around, I truly experienced life with my little family. I spent ample time with my loved ones, and it felt like living in paradise." The officer's eyes sparkled, his nostalgic memories seemingly dancing in his pupils. Bastian smiled. While his former superior's military career might not have been particularly remarkable, he had found success and happiness in his personal life. That was why Bastian held him in such high regard.
"Speaking of which, wasn't it your decision to go on this trip alone, without your wife? That's the gossip I've heard."
"Just yesterday, I informed my superior of my intention to travel solo."
"Are you having second thoughts now?"
"I'm still considering my options and trying to determine the best course of action."
"You must be struggling with the thought of leaving your gorgeous wife behind," the officer said, nodding before bursting into laughter. "I never imagined there would come a day when Bastian Klauswitz would seek my advice on marital matters. It's refreshing to see you as a regular human being for once." He looked at Bastian with a newfound warmth in his eyes. "If I were in your shoes, I'd be honest with her. Tell her you love her and can't imagine life without her. Suggest that you go together. Trust me, no wife would turn down her husband's invitation after such a heartfelt confession."
"I hadn't considered that approach."
"Well, if you say so."
Eager to shift the conversation, the officer began sharing stories about his youngest daughter. This helped to lighten the mood, and their lunch came to a close on a more relaxed note.
After saying their goodbyes, Bastian headed to the water park instead of returning to his headquarters. He didn't want to backtrack on his decision to go alone, but the thought of spending his nights and mornings without Odette by his side was unbearable. He couldn't understand why he felt this way, having only spent two seasons with her. Had Odette truly become that significant in his life?
How absurd…
Bastian found a bench overlooking the Prater River and took a seat. Lighting a cigarette, he admired the elegant arched bridge spanning the river. In the sky above, dark clouds began to gather, signaling the approach of rain.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
As the rain began to ease, she found herself in the bustling financial district at the heart of Ratz city. She had forgotten her umbrella. Seeking refuge under a store awning, she watched the relentless rain show no signs of stopping.
Upon leaving the music store, Odette headed to her car and instructed the driver to go home without her. This deliberate decision allowed her some much-needed solitude to gather her thoughts and strengthen her resolve. Bastian had informed her that he would be working late at the office today. Knowing he was probably still there, Odette had no choice but to seek him out.
She meandered through the city streets, weighed down by her thoughts and unsure of her next steps. Even if she could gain access to Bastian's office, she would need time to search for the documents. And with Bastian by her side, she knew she wouldn't be left alone.
How could she get him to leave?
As she was on the verge of giving up, a sleek black car pulled up beside the central bank. The majestic building, adorned with marble walls, belonged to Bastian.
The driver stepped out from the car, opening an umbrella and the rear door. A middle-aged man and a long-haired redhead woman emerged from the vehicle. It was Sandrine de Laviere, accompanied by her father.
Recognizing the woman, Odette instinctively hid in a nearby alley. What brought Duke Lavière here? she thought. However her lingering doubts were soon dispelled as a familiar figure appeared from within the building. Her husband, Bastian, descended the stairs and greeted the visitors with a courteous smile. After exchanging pleasantries with Duke Lavière, he turned his attention to Sandrine, who stood beside her father. Together, the trio entered the company lobby.
Odette observed the unfolding scene before her, as the torrential rain outside muffled the city's clamor.