The divorced military queen awakens novel

210 Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions Quinn blinked , fork hovering mid - air . " You " Her voice trailed off Harlan drew a breath . " Those days in the camp were the happiest of my life , " he said quietly . " If you hadn't married Trent , I would have told you soon after that I was in love with you . " The fork slid from Quinn's fingers and clattered against the tabletop ; surprise washed over her face like cold water .

Over the years , Harlan had rarely felt true apprehension , yet in this moment , her gaze turned his lungs to stone , every breath a struggle . Julius had torn the curtain first ; Harlan saw no reason to hide anymore . If he still remained silent , he feared losing her all over again . Quinn blinked , her voice barely a breath . " You … You're in love with me ? But you always treat me like I was your elder sister . " Harlan's smile never wavered .

" That doesn't mean I'm not in love with you ." The question hit her like a sudden wind across an open field . She had always believed he saw her only as family . " Quinnie , I've loved you for years . " The earnest light in his eyes made the words impossible to dismiss . Quinn stood silent , her thoughts scattered like loose papers in a storm . Her silence scraped at his composure . Panic edged into his voice . " If it were me , I would never disappoint you the way Trent or Julius did .

I'd pour everything I have into making you happy - betrayal would never even cross my mind ." " I'm sorry . " Quinn met his gaze , steady but gentle . " Harlan , you're my friend , my comrade , and a brother to me . Don't waste time on me . I'm not ready for another relationship . Right now , my only goal is to find Rowan . " " I know . You're heading to Doria to search for him , aren't you ? Let me come . " " I'll go alone ," she answered .

Before learning his feelings , she might have accepted . Now , knowing his heart , letting him abandon duty to follow felt too close to taking advantage of his feelings . " The military and the Azanian Embassy in Doria will assist me , and I've been there before . I've also promised Laura I'd check in daily with her , so I'll be safe ." Harlan's smile was tinged with hurt . Must even rejection be so absolute ? " Then I'll wait , " he said . Quinn froze . " You've broken up with Julius .

I'll wait until you find Rowan , until you feel ready to love again . I won't let the chance slip by this time . " " But I only think of you as a brother ." く O ။ 1/2 Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions " Because I respect you like an older sister ? Fine , I'll treat you the way Laura does " That isn't the reason , " she murmured , frustration knotting inside her . " What if I never want to fall in lov again ? Will you wait a lifetime ? " He tipped a shrug , a soft smile curving his lips .

" Then I'll spend a lifetime finding out . Maybe one day you'll discover you love me back . " She said after a pause , " Have you considered that you might simply be lonely ? We spent years in the service - very few women around . Perhaps you've mistaken camaraderie for love . " Harlan's tone turned firm . " I can tell devotion from brother - in - arms loyalty . These years have taught me exactly what I feel ." He smiled again after seeing the frown on her face .

" If you're uncasy , let's continue as we always have . You're free to call me your brother , your fellow soldier - whatever eases your mind . When you're finally ready , just remember I'm here . " " But …" She opened her mouth to object . He cut in gently . " Surely you won't deny me even the chance to stand in line . You don't have to feel burdened , Quinnie . Loving you is my choice , and the time I give is mine to spend ." " But why me ?

Apart from when we were in the army , I was married for three years - we barely met , rarely spoke . I even thought you wanted to distance yourself from your old comrades . " 2/2