The Unshackled Queen Never Say Never

"Divorce."

A mere pair of delicate paper sheets marked the conclusion of a four-year marriage.

Hannah Moore's slender fingers touched the inked name of her husband on the document. Raising her eyes to meet Declan Edwards's, a tearful glint was unmistakable.

"Is there no chance for us?"

Her voice wavered slightly, strained from emotion and the exertion of household chores. Beads of sweat clung to her forehead, sticking to her thick black eyeglass frames, making her appear awkward and plain.

Anticipating his return tonight, excited to discuss their future, she had gotten up early, handpicked fresh produce, cooked, and tidied the house. Her efforts felt futile upon hearing the gut-wrenching news.

"Our marriage was essentially a business arrangement," Declan snapped, flicking ash from his cigarette. "Plus, Eliana will return soon."

So that was it.

Eliana Patel, the woman who occupied his heart, was the one he could never let go of.

With her tongue pressed to her palate, Hannah felt a familiar ache. She bowed her head, her mind a bit cloudy. Whenever Eliana showed up, Declan disregarded everything, even his own principles.

Back then, he married her out of obligation. Throughout their years together, his devotion never strayed from Eliana.

After a seemingly endless silence, Declan glanced at the woman before him.

Hannah was undeniably beautiful, her skin smooth, her nose finely shaped, and her lips akin to rose petals. Even behind thick-framed glasses, her eyes sparkled now and then in the light.

Yet, she was unexciting, almost to the point of being boring.

Her demeanor was always mild. The dutiful wife persona she had maintained for so long was as uninteresting as a glass of water.

She fit the role of Mrs. Edwards just fine, but she could never be the woman he truly wanted.

Cigarette in hand, Declan stubbed it out in an ashtray and began, "You once..."

Pausing, his eyes flicked towards Hannah's expression. She kept her head bowed, making him inexplicably feel she harbored both complaint and flattery.

Switching gears, he said icily, "Given your background, you might face difficulty finding a job in the future. So, beyond the property agreements, you'll get three more villas. You can also keep the limited-edition Ferrari, and I'll personally throw in fifty million dollars."

Once, when Eliana had moved abroad, Declan had followed out of love. The patriarch of the Edwards family was so incensed that he nearly disowned Declan. Only a dramatic act by his mother, a suicide threat, had pulled Declan back into the family fold.

To reclaim his family's favor, he had agreed to marry Hannah, who was rumored to have recently been released from prison.

Though he felt nothing for Hannah, he was willing to offer her a generous settlement, acknowledging her years of service and trouble-free relationship with the Edwards family.

It was akin to keeping horses for pleasure but knowing there was a cost involved.

Declan gestured to the contract with his long index finger, on which was a meaningful ring that had remained on that finger for four years. Hannah's eyes stung momentarily.

"You have three days to think it over. But don't keep me waiting. My patience has its limits."

"No need."

Hannah picked up a black pen beside her and signed her name at the designated area.

"I'm clear-headed. I'll move out today and won't be in your way anymore."

"Very well," Declan acknowledged, unfazed.

He had to admit, even now, Hannah remained poised and sensible, never causing him concern. It should be called a twist of fate that he had always loved another woman.