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.

In truth, as Mrs. Edwards, she was arguably the most suitable wife among society's elite.

Unfortunately, love was not something that could be dictated.

Just as Declan was about to speak further, the door burst open. Sadie Edwards, Declan's younger sister, stormed in, blurting out, "Declan, I heard you're parting ways with the jailbird today. Mind if I take that limited-edition Ferrari?"

Her eyes met Hannah's, who had just turned to look, and she rolled her eyes dismissively at Hannah.

Annoyed, Declan said, "How many times must I remind you? When I'm discussing business, you need to knock before entering. Your behavior hardly befits a socialite."

Leaning against the table, Sadie grinned slyly. "Alright, got it. Now, give me the car keys. I've got plans with my friend to go for a drive."

Always indulgent of his headstrong sister, Declan nodded towards Hannah. "Give her the keys."

Hannah's eyes lowered, her voice even. "I thought you said that car was mine."

Her words were soft as ever, but Declan sensed an unfamiliar chill.

Infuriated, Sadie lunged at Hannah and shoved her forcefully. "What are you talking about? Everything here belongs to my brother. What do these things have to do with you? Hand over the keys!"

For all her years as part of the Edwards family, Hannah had always been good-hearted toward Sadie.

Sadie was nothing but a magnet for trouble, always running to their mother when things went awry.

Once, Sadie had provoked the youngest daughter of the Mitchell family, finding herself held captive at the top of a tower by Bryson Mitchell, the family's third son as well as the patriarch. If not for Hannah's intervention, Sadie might have been crippled for life in a fall from that height.

But Sadie repaid her kindness by labeling her a jailbird.

"No."

Hannah was resolute, locking eyes with Declan. "I want the car. You did promise, Mr. Edwards. You've always been so generous. It's just a car after all."

Yet, in that moment, Declan felt as if the woman before him was a completely different Hannah than the one who had been picked on all the time before.

Taking a brief pause, Declan coolly addressed Sadie. "We have plenty of cars at home. Go to my garage and choose one for yourself."

Sadie, however, was a pampered girl with a stubborn attitude. Except for that one time she'd crossed Bryson, nobody ever dared to challenge her, especially not a woman with a criminal history like Hannah.

Pointing an accusatory finger at Hannah, Sadie demanded, "Answer me. Are you giving me the car or not?"

"No..."

Clap!

A stinging slap landed on Hannah's right cheek.

"You've got some nerve, acting so audacious here. Who do you think you are? You're not even fit to serve me!"

Declan's eyes flickered momentarily before resuming their neutral expression. "Sadie, watch your language."

Cradling her slapped cheek, Hannah cast a sideways glance at Sadie. "Clearly, someone failed to teach you manners."

Sadie's arrogance grew; she lifted her chin in defiance.

"So what... Ah!"

Ignoring the flowers still in it, Hannah grabbed a nearby vase and drenched Sadie's head with its water.

"Consider it a lesson from someone who cares enough to teach you."

"You're insane, Hannah!"

In the shrill tone of Sadie, Hannah exited the study, not glancing back.

A text buzzed on her phone as soon as she stepped out.

It was from her bestie, Lydia Phillips. "Seriously, Hannah, you're skipping the Crimson Bar tonight? Marriage isn't a meditation retreat. You don't have to ditch your friends because of Declan, that jerk! Please! Heads up, Kris said he'll flood my phone with calls if you bail."

Hannah replied, "Lydia, you have a point."

Lydia said, "Wait, what?"

Hannah shared, "I'm no longer married. I'm rejoining the real world starting today."

Following a brief pause, the chat was flooded with exclamation marks. Hannah could practically feel Lydia's bubbling excitement.

"Ten minutes! Give me just ten minutes! I'll be at your doorstep to celebrate your glorious return!"

Even after the door to the study slammed shut, Sadie was still in disbelief. She unleashed her anger on Declan. "Are you really going to let that bitch walk all over me? Drag her back and give her what she deserves! I want to splash water in her face!"

"Stop it!" Declan snapped coldly. "Look at you. Where's your self-respect? You're a member of the Edwards family, not a thug!"

This was the first time Declan had ever rebuked Sadie in such a manner, leaving her stunned.

After watching Declan engrossed in his work, Sadie cautiously inquired, "Since I can't take that car, can I tag along with you to the welcome banquet tonight? It feels like ages since I saw Eliana, and I miss her."

Declan waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, just don't bother me."

Taking this as a silent yes, Sadie cheerfully exited the room.

In the now serene study, the computer screen's glow caught in Declan's vacant stare. Despite his efforts to focus, the vision of Hannah pouring water over Sadie's head kept haunting him.

He had a strange sense that he'd never really known his wife...

Lydia, ever prompt and decisive, had promised to be there in ten minutes but arrived in eight, stepping out of her Benz and whistling at Hannah.

"Here's to my best friend's freedom!"

Before Hannah could even respond, Lydia popped a bottle of champagne, and the frothy liquid drenched Hannah's outfit.

"No time to grab a party popper, so champagne will have to do. Hope you're cool with it!"

Hannah sighed, tossing her bag into the back seat. Then a car key appeared before her eyes. "Fancy driving this modified Benz? It's been four years since you were behind the wheel!"

Hannah swatted Lydia's hand aside and slid into the passenger seat. "Not feeling it."

Lydia laughed, stepping on the gas, her voice filled with mischief. "Alright, out with it. What brought you back from your lovesick daze?"

Resting her chin on one hand, Hannah seemed lost in a distant reverie, bidding farewell to the past years.

"Eliana's back."

Upon hearing Hannah's words, Lydia smirked and retorted, "You and Declan are a fascinating pair, equally stubborn. I sometimes wonder if you two should take a paternity test to see if you're related. What's with the fixation on collecting junk?"

Even as Lydia continued her tirade, Hannah's thoughts were elsewhere.

Hannah's recollection of Eliana was vague but impactful. Eliana was gentle, level-headed, and thoughtful. These traits composed Hannah's mental portrait of Eliana, an image she had spent four years trying to emulate.

She copied Eliana's straight black hair, her style of dress, and her kind words, all in a bid to keep Declan's attention.

But fakes would always remain fakes.

Yawning slightly, Hannah responded disinterestedly, "Perhaps because nobody falls for a woman with a prison record."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Oh, not that nonsense again. If your unhinged step-sister hadn't spread lies about you being in prison during your secluded training in Summerdell, do you think Declan would have dared act so boldly? Speaking of which, now that you're free and divorced, interested in the upcoming car race?"

"Pass."

Hannah reclined, hand supporting her neck. "I don't feel like going out."

Eyeing her skeptically, Lydia queried, "You haven't been dwelling on your heartache, have you?"

Hannah remained silent, but the sudden shift in her demeanor gave Lydia all the confirmation she needed.

Annoyed yet intrigued, Lydia's eyes sparkled. "Moonshadow will be there! Remember how he was the only racer who could hold his own against you? Don't you want to see the man behind the mask?"

The East Coast Racing circuit was an underground haven for high-stakes races, attracting a mix of wealthy thrill-seekers and privileged adrenaline junkies. Every driver brought a custom-modified car to the track, and the level of competition was so fierce that it could be life-endangering.

To maintain anonymity, race organizers mandated the wearing of masks. The only objective was to win or lose. No one cared who was behind the wheel. However, one exception existed. A racer could directly challenge another. Should the challenged party accept and lose, they would be unmasked then and there, effectively banishing them from the circuit.

With a spark in her eye, Hannah suddenly perked up. "Okay, let's go check it out."

Bending forward, she began to adjust her casual outfit. "But first, I need to change my clothes."

Lydia gave Hannah's outfit a once-over and smirked. "What, swapping one house dress for another? If you show up to a bar dressed like that, people will think I've abducted a housewife!"

Hannah quirked an eyebrow. "Who said anything about another house dress?"

About half an hour later, they walked into Crimson Bar.

Upstairs, a mixed crowd milled about, sat, and drank. Yet, everyone's attention seemed to gravitate toward the woman seated in a corner booth.

She was dressed in a vibrant red fringe dress, reminiscent of a seductive actress from a classic film.

"It's been ages since you've worn something so eye-catching!" Lydia couldn't help but exclaim. "You have such a stunning figure, yet you'd always wear dull office wear or simple dresses. It was as if you were perpetually clocked in at the Edwards family mansion."

Hannah just smiled softly without replying.

In her early married days, she had made the effort to look glamorous, only to be reprimanded by Declan's mother for being too flashy and for not embodying proper feminine virtues, and Declan had given his chilly approval.

But those days were behind her. Now, free from the Edwards family's restraints, she could dress as she wished.

As they were talking, Lydia's phone buzzed. Her expression shifted immediately. She held up her phone towards Hannah. "I need to take this. I'll step outside."

No sooner had Lydia left than Hannah began to dab at a wine stain on the back of her hand. Suddenly, a sleazy hand clamped onto her shoulder.

"Hey gorgeous, find yourself alone? Mind if we join you?"

When Declan and Sadie stepped into Crimson Bar, Eliana and her small circle of friends had already settled into a booth for some time.

"Eliana, I've missed you like crazy!"

In a theatrical display, Sadie wrapped her arms around Eliana, clinging to her and putting on a cutesy act.

Gently patting Sadie's head, Eliana said softly, "Why do you still behave like you're five?"

Her eyes then shifted to the stern-faced man sitting opposite her, adding meaningfully, "Yet, it's only you, my little sweetheart, who seems to think of me."

Almost snapping to attention, Sadie elaborated, "Are you kidding? My brother's been missing you. The moment he heard you were coming back, he kicked his wife to the curb!"

The moment she closed her mouth, the booth erupted in whoops and hollers, and Eliana couldn't suppress her grin.

The woman who had occupied Declan's thoughts day and night was now seated before him, locking eyes with him warmly. Yet, a peculiar unease gnawed at his heart.

Just as he was about to speak, one of his friends blurted out a curse.

"Damn! Declan, isn't that your wife?"

Turning his head around, Declan's eyes met Hannah, radiant in her cascading wavy hair, captivating makeup, and a striking red dress that flattered her slender waist and showcased her endless, perfect legs. Even at a distance, she was undeniably stunning.

Currently, she was encircled by an overweight, overdressed man and a troupe of sleazy youths, all clearly making her uneasy.

"Hey, isn't that Carlos? The notorious playboy of the Black family? If Hannah ends up with him, she's done for!"

"Maybe she's into it. I mean, what kind of decent woman dresses like that and comes to a bar? She's fishing for guys, for sure!"

"Man, I never thought Declan's wife would be so hot. She always looked like a librarian. Who knew she had curves?"

Jumping in, Sadie added, "Look at her. She's definitely here to reel in some men. My brother left her. Who'd want her if she didn't pull some tricks?"

The crude joke sent their friends into peals of laughter. The inexplicable irritation surging within Declan erupted. "Shut up!"

His outburst immediately brought the room to silence.

Glowering at Sadie, he snapped, "If you can't behave yourself, maybe you should go back to school and learn some decency instead of wasting your days with these misfits."

Taken aback, Sadie looked near tears. Eliana reached over and tenderly grasped Declan's hand. As he turned toward her, she softly murmured, "Sadie's just a girl, don't be so harsh."

Pausing for a moment, she glanced at the distant Hannah and continued, "This is on me, no doubt about it. If I hadn't reappeared and taken Miss Moore's spot, she wouldn't have resorted to these desperate measures."

Declan's expression turned even darker. "She made her own choices, and they led her down this path. No one pushed her."

Annoyed beyond measure, Hannah shook off Carlos's unwelcome hand and icily commanded, "Leave me alone!"

Embarrassed in front of a crowd of friends, Carlos's arrogance only escalated. He moved closer, wrapping his arms around Hannah's slim waist, ready to plant a kiss with his garish purple lips. "So, you're playing hard to get? Allow me to grace your beautiful face with a kiss!"

Hannah's lips twisted into a mocking smile as Carlos puckered his lips in anticipation.

Bang!

Swiftly, she grabbed a beer bottle from a nearby table and smashed it against Carlos's head with conviction.

The shattering sound sliced through the bar's pulsating music. Carlos toppled over, gripping his bloodied, glass-strewn head, and let out a gut-wrenching cry.

"Fuck you! Bitch! How dare you hit me?"

Rising to her feet slowly, Hannah pointed the jagged neck of the shattered bottle at Carlos and grinned coldly. "Lay a finger on me again and see if I won't incapacitate you right here, right now!"

Carlos clenched his jaw, retorting, "You know who I am? My brother runs the Black Group. One word from me and you'll vanish from Valmere, mark my words!"

Ignoring him, Hannah rummaged through her Hermes Birkin bag in silence.

For a moment, she said nothing, leading Carlos to believe his social standing had unnerved her. His arrogance swelled. "We're not done here. A scar like this could make you reduced to poverty and ruin. I'll get a medical checkup, you know. My uncle has contacts with the police. Just one call and you'll be locked up for two weeks."

"Declan, what are you planning?" Upon seeing Declan rise, Sadie clutched his sleeve and looked at him incredulously. "You're not actually going to protect her, are you?"

Unperturbed, Declan removed her hand. "The paperwork's not finalized. She's still my legal wife. Offending her is a disrespect to the Edwards family."

Sadie tried to dissuade him. "Nobody here knows she's one of us. If you stay out of it, whatever happens to her is her own bad luck."

However, the shadow that crossed Declan's eyes silenced her instantly.

Eliana interjected, "Let me handle this. I've interacted with Carlos's brother before. For my sake, they won't make it too hard on Miss Moore."

She cut off Declan's impending refusal, adding softly, "Your concern is mine as well."

At that moment, Hannah pulled a bundle of dollar bills from her bag and tossed it into Carlos's face.

Splash!

Some money rained down from the second-floor, filling the air with a sense of theatricality.

Hannah rested her arms on the low railing, looking as if she might topple over from the second floor at any given moment. Amidst floating dollar bills, she stood in a red dress that made her allure stand out. She turned to the disheveled man before her, a bewitching smile gracing her lips.

"Will that cover your losses?"

Fury boiling over, Carlos shot a venomous look at his gang and roared, "Seize her! I'll end her life! Just watch her arrogance crumble!"

Just as his thugs were about to lunge, a vibrant female voice stopped them in their tracks. "End whose life? I'd love to see anyone try to lay a finger on my friend while I'm here."

Carlos's expression shifted dramatically as Lydia walked up to Hannah, baseball bat in hand. She met his gaze with a mocking smile, as though she were looking at something insignificant.

"Your brother treads lightly in my presence. Who gave you the nerve to shout at my friend?"