THE EXILED KING

CHASING GLITTER

Meanwhile, as the four women stepped out of the restaurant, the night air was crisp and refreshing, a sharp contrast to the tension they'd just left behind.

Hilda led the way, her heels clicking on the pavement as she confidently walked towards her Bugatti La Voiture Noire, the deep, glossy black surface of the car reflecting the streetlights in a way that made it look almost like it was glowing.

It was a masterpiece of design—sleek, fast, and utterly commanding. The car itself seemed like a metaphor for the woman behind the wheel: powerful, elegant, and unstoppable.

The doors opened, and the ladies slipped inside, settling into the luxurious leather seats.

The interior was just as exquisite as the exterior, with every detail perfectly crafted for comfort and style.

The soft hum of the engine as Hilda started the car only added to the sense of grandeur that filled the space.

Freda, unable to hold back her amusement, turned to Evelyn, the laughter was still dancing in her eyes. “Did you see his face when you smashed that cake in it? I swear, it was like he’d just been hit by a truck! If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Nolan got hit with a dose of reality he didn’t see coming."

Clarissa chuckled too, her voice was dripping with sarcasm. “Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t cry. I mean, look at the guy. Still a kid in a man’s body. Couldn’t even keep it together when his little surprise backfired. And then—oh my God—the cake! Classic!”

Hilda smirked as she steered the car smoothly through the streets, the sound of her friends’ laughter filling the space. “Well, babes, I told you he was way out of his depth. I never bought the whole ‘I'm a nice guy’ act. Nolan’s just a cheap employee with zero ambition. How could he ever match your class, Evelyn? You deserve someone with power, someone who can keep up with your life, someone who isn’t just living paycheck to paycheck.”

The words hit Evelyn harder than she expected. She knew Hilda had a point. Nolan had always struggled to keep up with her, financially and socially.

She had tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter, but deep down, there had always been that nagging feeling.

The way he never seemed to have enough, the way he tried to impress her with small gestures, but never truly gave her the stability or sophistication she needed.

“I mean, come on, Evelyn,” Freda added. “You need someone with status. Someone who can make you feel like you're a queen every single day, not someone who cannot even boast of five hundred million dollars in his bank account.”

Clarissa nodded in agreement. “You need someone who can keep up with your lifestyle, not a man who’s struggling to match the competition in the commercial market. You’re better than that. Much better.”

Evelyn’s gaze dropped to her lap, her thoughts swirling. She had always known deep down that Nolan wasn’t like the men her friends were talking about. Even though he had his qualities, he wasn’t enough for her in the way they meant. It hurt, but she couldn’t ignore it anymore.

Then, the thought of Zahir Malikyan crossed her mind. She had tried to avoid him after the fiasco with Nolan during the Rhys Tech Ascendancy Gala, but she remembered how Zahir Malikyan had expressed interest in her before everything went sideways. He was wealthy, sophisticated, and powerful—everything that Nolan wasn’t.

She hesitated, then, after a moment, pulled out her phone. The screen lit up with Zahir Malikyan's name, and with a deep breath, she dialed his number.

The phone rang twice before he answered.

“Hello, Habibi,” came the deep, smooth voice on the other end, filled with warmth and charm. “It’s been a while... wallah, it’s been too long.”

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. “I know, Zahir Malikyan. However, I owe you an apology... for the way things went at the Rhys Tech Ascendancy Gala. I didn’t mean for things to get so messy with Nolan my stupid husband. I... I hope you can understand. I need to make it up to you. Tonight.”

Zahir Malikyan's voice became cooler, and his displeasure was evident. “I didn’t like the way Nolan treated me, you know... He slapped a man of my status and caliber, Evelyn. This is not something you do, lam taf’aluhoo. It was disrespectful.”

“I understand. And I’m truly sorry for that. Please, let me make it up to you,” Evelyn said softly, her tone sincere. “Lets have something special planned for tonight, you know, just the two of us, skin to skin. Let me make it right. You deserve that, and more.”

There was a brief pause before the Zahir Malikyan responded, his tone warming slightly. “Really? Are you sure? you will make it up?”

Evelyn smiled, her voice was now full of confidence. “Yes. I’ll make sure it’s an unforgettable evening. You won’t regret this, I promise.”

Zahir Malikyan's excitement was evident. “Alright, I’ll make it happen." He said.

"Give me the address, and I’ll be ready. My girls will drop me at the location you provide.”

“Perfect,” Zahir Malikyan said, giving her the address one of his private duplexes within the city.

“Okay Mr Zahir, i'll see you soon. And... I’m looking forward to making it up to you.”

There was a soft chuckle on the other end. “Love you, Habibi,” Zahir Malikyan

said, his voice was full of affection. In the background, Evelyn could hear the sound of a kiss being blown. “Aunty habibti.”

“Bye,” Evelyn said, her voice was low and private.

She ended the call and looked at her friends, who were staring at her, wide-eyed in shock.

Hilda was the first to speak. “Wait... that was really Zahir Malikyan?”

Evelyn nodded, her lips curling into a slight smile. “Yes, it was.”

The car fell silent for a moment before Hilda burst out, “Go, girl… I’m so happy for you!” She gave Evelyn a high five, followed by Freda and Clarissa, who joined in, their excitement was palpable.

Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her as she looked out the window, the city lights reflecting in her eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she was making the right choice this time.

So she thought.