Bastian

g stories when her desires weren’t fulfilled.
She carried herself with the dignity and pride befitting a noble family.

Franz nonchalantly removed his glasses and watch, settling himself on the edge of the bed as he let out a heavy sigh.
Theodora stood right before him, in close proximity.

“It appears that there is another woman who requires some restraint,” Theodora remarked, her voice soothing as she comforted her son’s weary shoulders, her grip gentle as she held his hand.
Franz’s complexion grew pale as she directed his attention to the lower shelf of the chest of drawers, where Odette’s portrait was concealed.

“No… You didn’t… search my room again, did you?” Franz’s voice quivered with disbelief.

“Since you refuse to speak up, am I not allowed to take any action?” Theodora questioned with a hint of frustration in her voice.

“Oh my god, Mother!” Franz exclaimed, taken aback by his mother’s words.

“Thanks to that, I now understand why you became so neglectful of your fiancée all of a sudden.
Although it is disheartening to realize that she is, in the end, Bastian’s wife,” Theodora commented, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Despite Franz’s astonishment, Theodora maintained her composure, not even raising an eyebrow.

“How intimate are you with her?” she inquired calmly, facing Franz directly.

An eyebrow arched, Theodora pressed on, determined to elicit a response.
“How close are you with her?”

Silence hung in the air, stretching uncomfortably.

“Hopefully, the muddy water she splashed isn’t close enough to stain you,” Theodora added, her words filled with subtle implications.

Still met with no answer, Theodora’s patience wore thin.
“Answer me, Franz Klauswitz!” she demanded, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern.

Franz stubbornly maintained his closed lips, his face, once and a blank canvas, now flushed with a hue of crimson, unbeknownst to him.

“Could it be that you’re the only one experiencing these emotions?” Theodora questioned, her eyebrows furrowing as she observed her son’s unsettled gaze.

As Franz’s eyes darted about in instability, Theodora couldn’t help but remark, “To think that my own son was captivated by a mere piece of flesh he sank his teeth into.
What an ironic twist of fate.” She chuckled and took a seat beside Franz.

Now equipped with a general understanding of how to utilize the seemingly providential letter, Theodora had a plan in mind.
With the minor issue that had arisen earlier now resolved, the only thing left to do was wait for Bastian’s wife to return.

“It may seem unlikely, but until this matter is resolved, ensure that you don’t even come near that woman,” Theodora warned, her voice filled with caution.

Franz’s eyes, previously clouded and lost, suddenly regained focus as he questioned, “Has something happened to Odette?” His gaze fixated, filled with a desperate intensity.
This level of enthusiasm had not been present when discussing his own fiancée.

“It’s not your concern.
Your responsibility is to focus on your job,” Theodora retorted firmly.

“But, mother…” Franz attempted to interject.

“She is a valuable pawn in our game.
Don’t fret, she won’t cause any harm,” Theodora assured with a smile, gently grasping her son’s hand, which was damp with cold sweat.
“For now, put Bastian’s wife out of your mind.
Concentrate on learning the workings of the company and assist your father in his difficulties.
And, of course, fulfill your duties as a loyal fiancé to Ella.”

“What are you contemplating? You are well aware of the kind of person Bastian is.
If something goes awry, Odette could be in jeopardy,” Theodora expressed her concern.

“Franz, you must remain composed.
Do you honestly believe now is the opportune moment for you to be consumed by worry for her?” she questioned, trying to bring a sense of calm to the situation.

With a sigh, Theodora rose from her seat, observing Franz, who appeared astonishingly feeble.
In that moment, he evoked both pity and a sense of pathos.
It seemed that all of this stemmed from the influence cast by the woman’s son.

“You just need to live your life diligently, one step at a time.
If things go smoothly, that desirable outcome will naturally be yours, so don’t worry,” Theodora reassured, her affection for her beloved son still evident in her expression.

Bastian was not a naive individual.
It was evident that while she could manipulate his wife to their advantage, she couldn’t keep such a secret hidden indefinitely.

Regardless, Odette was merely a card to be utilized for a temporary period.
Even if the truth were to be exposed, it would be handled with finesse.
Bastian possessed the skill and ability to manage such situations efficiently.

If, by some stroke of luck, Odette were to secure a divorce, there would be no obstacle preventing Theodora from bestowing the child upon Franz as a gift.
While the notion that Odette was a woman associated with Bastian held an undertone of unease, when viewed from a different perspective, it amplified her value as a prized possession.
Ultimately, it would be Franz who would claim her.

“If you desire to have her, demonstrate your worthiness.
Understood?” Theodora communicated her request as she firmly grasped her son’s shoulders.

Franz was taken aback by the revelation, unable to deny its truth.
He gazed at Theodora in a state of blank astonishment, then shifted his gaze towards the open window with curtains billowing.
In that moment, as their eyes met once more, Theodora sensed a certainty.
There was no possibility that this young man would fail in his task.

Franz, in various respects, was an estranged child, and such was the nature of blinded love.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Upon reaching the Ferris wheel, they arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
Bastian narrowed his eyes, examining his watch intently.

“I’m alright,” Odette assured.

Throughout their time together, Odette persistently echoed the same response as they strolled through the amusement park.
Whether it was rides, snacks, puppet shows, or souvenirs, Bastian attempted to offer various things, but the consistent answer remained unchanged.
As a result, they aimlessly meandered around the park, and before he realized it, it was time for his appointment.
In light of this, Bastian couldn’t help but wonder what exactly intrigued her.
She was a woman of puzzling complexity.

“Would you care to go on a ride?” Bastian asked politely, surprising Odette with his unexpected question.

“I’m fine,” she replied, offering a polite smile.
However, this time, the silence that followed seemed unusually prolonged.

Bastian, feeling perplexed, directed his gaze downwards towards Odette, who stood beside him.
He noticed her gaze fixed upon the Ferris wheel, her eyes carrying a hint of seriousness.

“Will it be finished in 30 minutes?” After some time, Odette cautiously turned her head and inquired.
It appeared that the reason behind her freshly flushed cheeks was not solely due to the chilly autumn evening.

“Perhaps,” Bastian responded without hesitation.
Although he lacked knowledge about the specific boarding time for the ride, he answered confidently.

“As long as you’re alright, then yes, let’s go,” Odette affirmed, her gaze fixed on the Ferris wheel once more, nodding in agreement.

Bastian couldn’t help but chuckle at the air of elegance displayed by Odette as she gave her consent.
In response, a serene smile graced Odette’s face as she quietly observed his expression.
It was a look that made Bastian feel as though he was witnessing the blossoming of a flower, a truly captivating moment.

Instead of providing a verbal response, Bastian chose a different course of action.
He reached out and firmly grasped Odette’s hand, taking a decisive stride forward.
It was a significant step towards their ultimate destination, symbolizing the answer he had finally discovered.