✧Fake Lovers✧
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
Odette was surprised with an amazing sight as she entered the gorgeous archway leading to the stadium. A lush garden was tucked between the horseshoe-shaped structures, creating a peaceful haven. It was enjoyable to navigate the area because the entry and exit were connected by a beautiful route.
However, Odette’s haste to complete her tasks was briefly interrupted as she took in the intricate structure of the polo club, more complex than she had initially anticipated. Nevertheless, she remained determined to complete her errands before Bastian’s return, eager to cross everything off her to-do list.
Odette encountered a conundrum as soon as she entered the building’s vast foyer.
The directions provided to her were clear – go straight ahead and then take the second door on the right. However, there was no visible path that led directly to her destination. Instead, she was presented with a branching pathway that split off in two directions, leaving her with her own choice to make.
Odette gazed into the depths of her recollection, searching for answers to her confusion. Out of the blue, the elegant and poised Ella von Klein appeared like her savior, offering her guidance on the location of the coveted powder room. Odette hung onto her every word, taking meticulous notes to ensure she wouldn’t miss a single detail.
And as she pondered over all the information gathered, a brilliant realization dawned upon her – this was simply a quaint initiation ceremony, unlike anything she had ever experienced before. The young ladies erupted into peals of laughter at Ella’s casual explanation, and Odette couldn’t help but smile at the charm of it all. It seemed that this was indeed the answer to her puzzlement.
Odette made her way towards the right side of the building Embracing the moment,. Despite the slight dizziness that persisted, she pushed forward with steady steps, taking in her surroundings like osmosis as she went.
The weather, however, proved to be an unexpected challenge. The remnants of last weekend’s snow still clung stubbornly to various parts of the city, making her footing uncertain. Yet, the sun shone brightly, its rays beaming down as if beckoning the arrival of summer.
In hindsight, Odette wished she had heeded the wise counsel of the maid, who had advised her to leave a little extra time. But no matter, it was a small hiccup in an otherwise adventurous journey.
Odette traced the shape of the corset that was keeping her from breathing, and she let out a long sigh out of suffocation.
Odette was the one who insisted the strings be pulled tighter than required. It was because Bastian’s obvious body-scanning gaze made her think of the awkward evening ball. Once more, she had made the choice to put up with the inconvenience rather than go through it again. She had no idea that she would wind up in such a situation.
“You two complement one other so well. Not at all, I believe, would I be surprised to learn of your wedding plans.”
Odette could hear a woman laughing in a lovely melody as she came to the end of the hallway. When she heard her own name mentioned in the conversation, it was as if a kind hand had been extended to grab her as she was about to turn around.
“If Lady Odette is to be your chosen bride, I do hope you will have the courtesy to inform me beforehand. After all, our friendship is worth that much, don’t you think?” The words echoed with a warm familiarity, and Odette paused and take in the moment.
As she weighed her options, the sound of a young man’s laughter echoed in the background, she instantly recognized it. The sound belonged to Bastian.
“Countess, I must say I’m not particularly fond of that type of speech,” Bastian spoke with a tinge of amusement in his voice, yet his words held a certain chill.
“From a purely professional standpoint, Lady Odette and I are merely engaging in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Does that answer your question to your satisfaction?” Bastian’s tone was firm, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“Swear to me, my dear,” the woman’s voice filled with a mix of excitement and comfort, eagerly awaiting a response.
“As much as I would like to, I cannot swear an oath to a deity, it holds no meaning to me,” the reply came, laced with a hint of nonchalance.
“What if you were to swear upon your own glory and success?” The woman pressed, a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Well, Sandrine, that would be quite the tall order,”
“Forgive me, I know I’m being overly anxious, but it’s difficult to keep these insecurities at bay,” she chuckled, a touch of vulnerability in her voice.
“I completely understand, Countess,” came the compassionate response, one filled with understanding and empathy.
“It seems the divorce proceedings will take much longer than I had initially anticipated. I would have given up everything just for my freedom, but it seems my father’s will prevails,” Sandrine sighed, a hint of frustration evident in her tone. “I recently received a missive from my father, illuminating him of the injustices inflicted upon you in the name of safeguarding the princess. He sees this as a fortuitous opportunity – a much more favorable image for the world to see, you married to a woman rather than settling for a divorcee in haste.”
“My sentiments align with Lord Laviere’s.”
“I fear your father and yours both share ice water in their veins,” Sandrine spoke with a hint of disapproval, keeping her tone gentle.
Odette’s gaze wavered with stoic resolve as she intoned the name “Laviere.”
It belonged to the striking red-haired noblewoman, Sandrine de Laviere, who had been wed into the prestigious Velian family but was now in the midst of a divorce from Count Lenart. Society whispered of the proceedings, yet Sandrine’s married name still echoed with familiarity.
“Won’t you grant me a tiny boon for my solace?” With an intimate lilt, Sandrine implored Bastian.
“Tell me, Sandrine.” Bastian chuckled in response, causing Odette to shyly withdraw, unwilling to listen in further.
“Allow me to be graced with a slice of your moonlight, just as you grace her with the warmth of your sun.”
With the bold, beguiling words, the hushed and heated exchange between Odette and her mysterious admirer came to a close.
Taking a moment to steady herself, Odette made her way back to the grand foyer, her breaths even and her heart calm. She sought refuge in the powder room, took a moment to compose herself, and then stepped out once more, ready to carry on with the facade of a professional relationship.
It would be simple, she told herself. Just a matter of willpower and poise.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
“Our friendship is too valuable to be ruined over a passing fancy.”
Sandrine could feel her despair as Bastian’s response confirmed what she already knew. But she chastised herself for the absurd sense of disappointment. Bastian was an uncontrollable, free-spirited individual. Then again, this feeling appeared to be shared by all other ladies.
A dashing gentleman, who could be counted on to never run dry of romantic endeavors, yet, he remained devoted to his self-imposed loyalty to the lovely ladies of high society. He was a scourge and an irresistible lure all at once.
“Ah yes, friendship, a bond as precious as gold.” Sandrine let out a melancholic sigh. Approached her with ease Bastian, he had been observing her in silence.
With graceful ease, he adjusted the embellishment on his hat, as Sandrine stood frozen, her cheeks blushing like a schoolgirl holding her breath. Though the distance between them was but a mere hand’s reach, it seemed as though only Sandrine was aware of its significance.
“Hold your head high, Countess,” Bastian spoke, teasing his lips with a smile.
With a final, delicate touch, Bastian adjusted her corsage to perfection before taking a step back, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
“It’s quite lovely,” he murmured, his words dripping with a hint of sarcasm. Sandrine simply let out a helpless giggle, her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Despite her reservations, she was unable to deny the twinkle in Bastian’s eye, she felt drawn to his calculating charm like gravity. Though he had no intention of holding onto her, he was equally unwilling to let her go.
Though she was aware that this man was skillfully exploiting her, but she didn’t care. Because of his unbridled ambition, Bastian Klauswitz was a man who loved nothing else besides himself.
Bastian vanished around the corner like thin air. Sandrine’s heart grew full of the happiness the realization had brought her.
However Sandrine was struggling for a long time to withdraw her hand, for it was aching from the hat she was holding.
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
Odette made a surprise appearance as the festivities were about to come to an end, looking confused and as though she had no idea when they would conclude.
Bastian stood up with a composed smile after patiently waiting for the enigmatic woman who disappeared without a trace. All eyes were on them now that the other attendants had finished their pre-ceremony rites. They were the last two left. Odette seemed to be a seductive woman who grabbed attention with ease everywhere she went.
“Oh my, it seems I got a little turned around in this labyrinth of a building,” Odette chuckled, offering a sheepish apology. But Bastian just waved it off with a nonchalant smile.
“No need to worry, the pre-ceremony is still ongoing,” he informed her, pointing to the nearby couple where the wife had gifted her husband a token of good luck.
“A lovely tradition, don’t you think? Where a lady shows her support to her partner. And if you’d like to do the same for me, I promise to repay you with a victorious performance,” Bastian said with a glint in his eye.
Odette gave a small nod, taking in the scene before her and understanding the significance of the pre-ceremony. Though she remained silent, Bastian could see the gears turning in her mind as she considered her next move.
“Allow me, my dear,” Bastian purred in her ear, his breath warm and inviting. In one fluid motion, he untied the hairpiece that was holding back her stunning locks, freeing the dark tresses to cascade down her back.
The onlookers let out a collective gasp, but Bastian paid them no mind. He simply looked at Odette, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Everything she wore to make herself look like a proper lady was borrowed. Nothing she owned was truly hers, so she didn’t feel like giving them away. The hush between them was broken by the snickering of passersby who had figured out what was going on.
“Captain, I….”
“Your true beauty shines brighter without it,” he whispered, his eyes drinking in the sight of her.
Odette’s cheeks reddened in surprise and embarrassment, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she basked in the warmth of Bastian’s attention, knowing that this small act had just solidified their partnership in the most unexpected way.
With the pink ribbon, shimmering and smooth, resting in his hand, Bastian approached Odette once more. The spring breeze teased at her long, flowing hair, creating a more alluring look than when it was styled to perfection.
“This is a treasure I’ll hold dear,” Bastian declared, with a respectful bow.
And with that, he spun on his heel, ready to take on the field of play with newfound fervor. For Bastian, playing ball on horseback was more than just a sport, it was a chance to embody the knightly spirit of chivalry.
With a sly grin, Bastian secured the pink ribbon with a subtle sheen, reminiscent of the cool and smooth nape of his lady’s neck, to his polo stick. The elegant embroidery of Odette’s initials, adorned with delicate floral patterns, added a touch of chivalry to his usual rough exterior. Despite thinking the whole charade was a foolish display, he was ready to put on a show for the curious onlookers.
After all, if playing along meant gaining an advantage, why not embrace the role of the perfect gentleman?