Kimberly strolled gracefully through the park of the Aldoria Kingdom, admiring the serene beauty that surrounded her. A loyal knight followed several steps behind, maintaining a respectful distance.
Suddenly, two small figures dashed past her, their laughter echoing lightly in the air. The sight of the children stirred a forgotten warmth within her heart, reminding her of the days when she and her husband, Rafael, had once run freely together as children.
"Have you already made a decision, My Lady?" The knight voice broke the silence.
Kimberly halted and turned to look at him.
"You always have a talent for ruining joyful moments," she replied with a mock-serious expression.
"Forgive me for my rudeness, My Lady." The knight bowed his head, his face devoid of expression.
Kimberly smiled gently.
"Raised your head, Manuel. I was merely teasing you."
She inhaled deeply and gazed across the vast lake stretching before her.
"Has it truly been three years already?"
"Yes, My Lady."
"I suppose…it is time for me to decide."
Manuel remained silent.
"The Duke has been a devoted husband throughout these years, has he not?" She murmured softly.
"Would i be selfish if I wished to keep him all to myself?"
Her gaze dimmed slightly.
"When i see them together, I feel like a third person who does not belong within the House of Grady."
She lowered her eyes.
"And yet…I wish to hold on to him a little longer."
"The decision is entirely yours, My Lady," Manuel said at last.
"Whatever choices you make, i shall support you without hesitation."
Kimberly offered him a tender smile.
"Thank you, Manuel. Thank you for your unwavering protection over these past three years. You have served me well."
She extended her hand. Manuel took it respectfully.
"I merely perform my duty, My Lady."
"And you have performed it excellently," she replied.
They released each other's hands. Kimberly turned once more to the lake.
"It seems the Duke and the Duchess are often occupied together these days," she said, her heart quietly aching with jealousy.
"They merely attend the meeting with the emperor, My Lady."
"I know…yet sometimes i cannot prevent myself from feeling envious."
"The Duchess is an extraordinary woman. I respect her deeply…but when i see them side by side, i feel very small.
Silence settled between them.
"Perhaps i should let him go…she is a remarkable woman who stands proudly beside him…and I—"
Her voice faltered.
"I am nothing more than an obstacle between them."
"After a long pause, Kimberly drew a steady breath, resolve hardening in her eyes.
"Manuel, I believe I have made my decision."
Kimberly looked deeply into Manuel eyes. Manuel with the same expression just nodded.
"Then let us return to the Duke manor. Seems like the night is descending."
"As you wish , My Lady."
Together they made their way toward the Grady family carriage.
***
Night had fallen. Kimberly stood upon the balcony, quietly admiring the luminous moon suspended in the dark sky.
The chamber door opened softly.
Rafael entered, exhaling in exhaustion as he loosened his coat.
"Are not asleep yet?" He asked gently before reclining upon the bed.
Kimberly smiled faintly and approached him, seating herself beside him. She brushed her fingers tenderly across his cheeks as he covered his weary eyes.
"I was informed that you spent the afternoon company by Sir Manuel. Did you find the outing pleasant?"
"Yes, My Love." Kimberly replied gently, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"While we were at the park, I saw two children playing together. It reminded me of us in our younger days."
"That is pleasant to hear,"Rafael answered, his voice laced with quiet exhaustion.
"Has your work been so demanding? You have returned home fatigued these past weeks."
He sighed.
"Indeed…and we both hardly have time together."
He wrapped his arms around Kimberly waist. She stroked his hair affectionately.
"Rafael…there is something I must discuss with you." She said softly.
He immediately sat upright, turning to face her with a bright expression.
"I, too, have a good news to share."
"What is it?" She asked with a gentle smile.
"No, you go first," he insisted.
Seeing the happiness upon his face caused her heart to tighten painfully.
"Do you remember what my father said when you first pleaded for our marriage?"
Rafael pondered for a moment.
"Which part?"
"When he declared that if I ever asking to let go, you must grant me my freedom without question."
"Ah…yes. What about it?"
Kimberly inhaled deeply.
"Rafael, Duke of the House Grady…i desire a divorce."
He stared at her in stunned disbelief.
"My love…this is not a jest to be made lightly," he said with a strained laugh. Yet when he saw the unwavering seriousness in her eyes, his composure shattered. He fell to his knees before her, grasping her hands.
"Tell me you are not serious. What wrong have I committed? I shall amend it—whatever it may be. I swear it."
Her heart ached at the sight of him thus. She cupped his face tenderly.
"It is not about you. It has never been about you. It is about me."
"I do not understand, Kimberly. Please—tell me why."
She rose to her feet, gently withdrawing her hands.
"No…you would not understand"
"Then make me understand!"
"Please, Rafael…just let me go."
"No. I cannot. I will give you everything or anything but not this. Do not ask this from me."
Tears streamed down his face—tears from a man known for his unwavering stoicism. Seeing him weep nearly broke her resolve, yet she forced herself to remain composed.
"You promised my father, Rafael. If i ever wish to let go from this marriage you will gave it to me."
"No…I can't. How could I?"
"I love you, Kimberly," he cried.
"I love you deeply. How could i let you go when i really love you?"
She approached him once more, holding his face between her hands.
"If you truly love me…then let me go."
Their gaze locked, heavy with unspoken sorrow. Rafael clutched her hands desperately.
Kimberly pulled him into her embrace.
"I shall depart from the manor at dawn. Please …sign the divorce papers."
"Why, Kimberly? Tell me why. Have I truly done nothing wrong?"
"You have been an amazing husband. I have never doubted that. But i wish for you to let me go."
Rafael could no longer speak. His tears fell endlessly as they held one another, clinging to those final, fragile moments as though time itself might pity them.
And beneath the silent moonlight, their love trembled on the edge of farewell.