THE EXILED KING

FLOWERS, LIES AND A SLAP

Nolan's eyes narrowed.

He could see Evelyn laughing and talking with Zahir Malikyan. But it wasn’t just a polite conversation—it was different.

Her body language was playful… too playful.

She tilted her head, touched Zahir’s arm lightly, and even whispered something into his ear.

Then, Evelyn leaned closer and smiled in a way that made Nolan’s stomach twist.

It was the kind of smile she used to give him when they were in love. The kind that held a spark.

But now, that spark was aimed at another man.

Nolan’s hands tightened around the bouquet and the necklace case.

His heart began to race, his chest was growing tighter with every passing second.

And then it happened.

Zahir took Evelyn’s hand.

He leaned in close, whispered something to her—and she nodded.

Without looking back, Zahir Malikyan gently led her away from the crowd, pulling her toward a quiet exit at the far end of the hall.

Nolan froze.

The lights of the gala still flashed around him. Laughter and music filled the air. But all of that faded.

His mind screamed with confusion.

Why is she letting him touch her like that?

Why is she leaving with him?

Fueled by disbelief and growing pain, Nolan began moving fast—walking past tables, past smiling faces, past powerful people who didn’t know what was happening to him inside.

As he moved, the bouquet in his hand began to lose petals. One by one, the soft red petals floated to the floor, unnoticed by Nolan but noticed by others.

He bumped into a man in a grey suit.

“Hey, watch it!” the man snapped. “Who carries flowers around like that in a VIP occasion such as this?”

“Is he a florist?” another guest laughed, sipping champagne. “Looks like he’s about to make a delivery to a birthday party!”

A woman in a long golden gown stepped back with a frown. “Do you know who this is bumping into us?”

“I don’t,” a voice muttered. “Maybe someone from the serving team…”

But Nolan didn’t stop. He didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at them.

His only focus was the exit.

He pushed open the doors and stepped into the quieter hallway behind the gala room. It was dimly lit, lined with private rooms for VIP guests.

He paused for a moment, his ears were sharp.

Where are they?

And then… he heard it.

A faint sound. Movement. A whisper of clothing. A soft laugh. It came from one of the nearby doors—slightly open.

Nolan walked toward it, slow and careful. His chest felt heavy. His grip on the bouquet and necklace was tight.

He reached the door.

His hand trembled as he pushed it open.

What he saw inside made his world collapse.

There, in the soft light of the room, was Evelyn.

She was in Zahir Malikyan’s arms. Her blouse was already halfway down, revealing her bare shoulder and more. Her hands were wrapped around his neck.

They were kissing.

Not a friendly kiss.

Not a mistake.

But a deep, romantic, passionate kiss. The kind Nolan hadn’t felt from her in months.

Time stopped.

The flowers slipped from his hands.

The box holding the necklace fell and hit the floor with a soft thud.

Nolan felt his heart shatter inside him. A pain he had never known before swallowed him whole.

His wife. The woman he had fought for, loved, supported greatly, and honored was with another man.

Nolan stood still, his heart was pounding.

For seven long seconds, he just stared.

A soft laugh escaped Evelyn's mouth. A sound Nolan hadn’t heard in a long time.

He couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move.

Then, without thinking, he called out her name.

“Evelyn?”

His voice cracked with pain.

Evelyn froze instantly.

Her eyes darted to the side. She gasped and quickly pulled away from Zahir, adjusting her blouse in panic.

Her lips trembled. Her eyes widened.

“Nolan…” she whispered. “Wait, please—this isn’t—”

Nolan took a shaky step forward. His face was twisted in hurt and anger.

“How could you?” His voice was heavy, broken. “Evelyn, how could you do this to me?”

Evelyn rushed toward him, reaching out to calm him.

“No, no, Nolan, please listen! It’s not what you think! This... this is just a friendly...” she said, trying to touch his hand.

Nolan pulled back, his voice was rising with every word.

“What do mean friendly? You think that makes it better? You think I didn’t see what I saw? You were kissing him! You let him touch you! You left with him!”

Tears formed in Evelyn’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was confused, I—”

Suddenly, Zahir Malikyan stepped forward. “Khalaas!” he snapped, his voice was deep and full of warning.

“Do not raise your voice at her. Ana a’oulak—don’t shout at Evelyn. If you do that again… I swear, you will regret it.”

Nolan’s blood boiled.

He turned sharply to Zahir.

And before anyone could stop him—

SLAP!

Nolan’s hand struck across Zahir Malikyan’s face, loud and sharp.

Gasps filled the hallway.

Nolan didn’t care.

He didn’t care about the man’s power. His title. His money.

Not tonight.

“Who do you think you are,” Nolan said through clenched teeth, “to tell me how to speak to my wife?”

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock and horror as she understood the gravity and consequence of what Nolan had done.