The party was successful. All of the important officers and family members to the Landas had made their way into the gala. The day was full of music, dancing, and cake eating; Oskar had made an appearance along with Sophie's mother and father. Hans stood nearby Sophie as the day continued to unfold. He made tender motions towards Sophie all day. When the children had their cakes cut, Hans went out of his way to smear cake all over Sophie's face. The pair seemed to be laughing and loving towards each other.
Hilda had just finished putting the children to sleep when Sophie came from her room. She stood there and watched as the maid tucked her children in and made sure that their little bodies were properly blanketed. Sophie leaned against the door jamb and cleared her throat. Hilda straightened up and turned to face Sophie. She gave her a soft nod and looked down on the ground.
"Hilda…"
Sophie's eyes pierced through Hilda like a spear. The maid gulped and gave Sophie a soft smile. Before she could answer, Sophie stepped into the nursery and closed the door behind her. Hilda, feeling panicked, tried remaining calm as this very pregnant woman made her way towards her. Sophie straightened her posture and inhaled before handing Hilda an envelope.
"I know that you're in contact with him. Please give this to him. It's a letter from me."
Hilda, confused, took the envelope from Sophie's hand and tucked it into the pocket of her dress. Sophie then inhaled and crossed her arms across her chest.
"What you do with my husband is your business; I dare and care not to know any further details about your business with Hans. He is my husband, he is my first love. We will always be bonded by law; however, Hilda…he's watching you and I suggest that you leave soon."
Hilda's eyes traveled around with an uneasy feeling. Why was she helping her? Because, in truth, Sophie needed Hilda's help by communicating a letter to Hugo and Hilda was the best option for her at the moment. Sophie then exhaled and turned her heel on Hilda.
"Deliver that letter to him and deliver him photos of the children. He deserves to know how his children fair. And as for you, Hilda, I think August 1st would be the best day for you to leave."
Sophie exited the nursery and slammed the door shut behind her. As she left, she had tears in her eyes as she approached Hans, who was waiting for her. He smirked and took his wife into his arms for an embrace. He inhaled and kissed the top of her head as she buried her face into his shoulder.
"Did you give her the letter?" Hans asked calmly.
Sophie nodded and kept her arms around Hans.
"Did she agree to deliver him a letter and photos?"
Sophie nodded again. Hans chuckled and gave her a squeeze. In the end, he could not blame Sophie for her infidelity; she was under a hard circumstance and in order to survive, she had to concede and do what she needed to do. Hans still loved the children and he still wanted them to acknowledge him as their father. The colonel also loved money and he also loved power. Power meant that people would quiver at the very sight of him; power also meant that his young wife would have no other means of support besides him. Once his child was born, Hans would inherit the world and there was nothing that anybody could do. Hans Landa had won; everybody else's causalities meant nothing else to him but steps on developing an aggressive ploy.
Nadine, September 1943
Sunsets and evenings were perfect in this little village. The Basterds had been stationed here for a long time and Hugo found solace in the quaint village. After he had been rescued by the Basterds, Hugo tried his best to enjoy the little things in life. Somber as he was, the man enjoyed taking strolls around the village and he enjoyed the fields that the houses were close to. Many of his actions reminded him of Sophie and it gave him hope that one day she would return to him. As he sat outside to enjoy the sunset, Donowitz came by and dropped an envelope in his lap.
Hugo nodded in thanks and opened the envelope. Out dropped photos of his children, a photo of Sophie, and a hand written letter from her:
Hugo,
Run. He knows everything. The children will be safe. Run far, my love. He has discovered Hilda and knows about us; I will write to you once I return. I love you, Hugo. I love you.
Sophie
Hugo stood up, feeling panicked. He crumpled the letter in his hands before marching straight into Raine's quarters. As he pushed past the door, the other men were in the room with him as well.
"Stiglitz."
"Sir."
"Our infiltrator has been captured and executed. We need to move, now."
Hugo nodded and made his way back down into his own quarters. He still held the photos in his hand and gave them a quick kiss before stuffing them into his duffle bag. Footsteps charged throughout the house as the men prepared their endeavors elsewhere. Hugo sat down on the couch and buried his face in his hands, thinking about their next move. If they were to move, it would further away from Sophie and further away from his children. There was no time for him to think anymore; he just had to move and continue fighting on for his own life.
One day, he would be reunited with his lovely family, but today was not the day.
Paris, Landa Residence, September 18, 1943
Sophie was resting after giving birth to her youngest son, Alfred Michael Landa. The boy was swaddled in a white cloth and rested in Sophie's arms. Hans had been there throughout the birthing process, this birth was smoother and faster than before. He was a plump baby who did not fuss much; he rested in the crook of his mother's arms as he slept against her breast.
Hans was lying in bed with the two of them as well, his eyes red from his joyous tears. Sophie had fulfilled his wishes by giving their family a boy and she had also fulfilled the wishes of her godfather by producing three living heirs to her husband. Alfred started to fidget and eventually started to cry; Hans reached over and took his son into his arms and hugged him against his chest.
Sophie smiled and slid into her sheets. She rested her head on the pillow for a brief moment before sleep overtook her. Hans watched over his wife and his new son. His eyes admired the boy as he too felt himself drift to sleep. The family that they had built was perfect, but there was always one imperfection in the perfect scenario.
