Evil Iris

Chapter 13

'Unleashed' (unedited)

I sat at the ornate tea table, my delicate porcelain cup clutched in my hands.

The room was filled with elegant ladies adorned in their finest attire, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and mischief.

They had been waiting for this tea party, eager to pry into the details of my royal wedding and the scandalous affair of Sylvie as Noah's concubine.

But beneath my elegant facade, anger simmered, threatening to erupt like a volcano.

As the conversation swirled around me, I forced a polite smile, hiding my true feelings beneath a carefully crafted mask.

I despised these gatherings, the incessant chitchat and the scrutinizing gazes that followed my every move.

But as the princess, I was obligated to play the part, to entertain the ladies and maintain the facade of harmony.

'All because of that damn festival'

Lucia, the head priest's daughter, leaned in with a wicked grin. "Oh, Iris, it must be so delightful to have your dear husband gallivanting with that harlot while you sip tea and play the obedient wife."

My grip on the delicate teacup tightened, my knuckles turning white. I could feel the eyes of the other ladies boring into me, waiting for my reaction, relishing in my discomfort.

But I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. I wouldn't let them see the rage that burned within me.

'I must be composed'

I forced a serene smile to my lips, my voice dripping with forced sweetness. "Marriages are complex, Lucia. But rest assured, I am more than capable of handling mine."

Lucia burst into laughter, and the other ladies joined in, their cackles echoing like a bunch of annoying hyenas.

'Stay calm' I told myself

I raised the teacup to my lips,sipping the tea, the warmth cascaded down my throat, momentarily soothing the burning anger.

I maintained a façade of calm, hiding the storm that raged within.

From a distance, I couldn't help but notice Noah and Sylvie making their grand entrance.

They walked hand in hand, their affection for each other displayed without any hint of reservation.

Lucia, unable to resist one last jab, smirked and glanced at the nearby window. "Oh, Iris, do you see that? Noah and Sylvie, putting on a display of affection for all to see. Isn't it simply adorable?"

I sighed, my gaze fixed on Noah and Sylvie.

"Why should I be jealous of a mere concubine? I am his official wife," I replied, my tone laced with a touch of bitterness.

It was then that I realized Noah and Sylvie had overheard the conversation. Their eyes met mine, and Noah's gaze held a mixture of guilt and defiance.

He took hold of my hand, gripping it firmly.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the ladies taken aback and uncertain glances, their smiles fading.

I followed Noah's lead as he led me away from the tea party. We reached a secluded corner of the palace garden, where the air was laced with the scent of blooming flowers.

"Why are you behaving this way, Iris?" he demanded, his words dripping with frustration. "And don't you dare mention Sylvie's name. She is precious to me."

I jerked my hand away from his grasp, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Why should I not talk about Sylvie?" I retorted, my voice laced with defiance. " Don't get it wrong! I am not married to you because I love you or anything, I am simply doing this for my own convenience and benefits.And why bring her into my business?"

His eyes widened in disbelief as my words hung heavy in the air.

"Precious?" I scoffed, my anger spilling over. "Why should I be concerned about Sylvie's feelings when you disregard mine so callously? I refuse to disrespect myself by even uttering her name."

I raised my hand and struck his cheek with a resounding slap. The sound echoing through the garden.

Noah stumbled back, his hand instinctively rising to cradle his stinging cheek.

"Why should I care about your mistress when she means nothing to me? She's not worth my time, Noah. I won't degrade myself by engaging in discussions about her. It's you and your actions that I find utterly disappointing."

The tension in the air was palpable, hanging between us like an unspoken challenge.

I was turning away, still feeling his gaze follow me as I left but then something within me stirred as I turned on my heels, facing Noah once more.

'I can't leave it at this'

"Just because you care so deeply about what others think doesn't mean I share the same sentiment,"

Noah's eyes widened holding it both with surprise and confusion.

"Your relationship,"I continued, my voice steady and resolute,

I took a step closer, closing the physical distance between us.

"with her really holds no power over me, it is a mere shadow in the face of my worth and self-respect."

A sense of joy washed over me, seeing the priceless expression on Noah's face. . It was a small victory, a fleeting moment that sent a surge of courage through my veins.

I looked back once more, this time about to turn away for real but before I could even take a single step, Noah's hand shot out and grabbed my wrist tightly, like he was trying to crush it.

His anger simmered beneath his surface,

"Stop!" Noah spat out angrily. "What's gotten into you lately? Have you lost your mind or something?"

'It hurts,my hands'

I met his intense gaze,

"Maybe it's time you faced reality," I snapped back, my voice dripping with bitterness. "

Noah's grip tightened, but I didn't flinch. I wasn't going to back down now, not after all what he had caused me.

I don't want this marriage any more than you do," I continued. "But you have your precious Sylvie, don't you? Let her be the one who brings you the happiness."

A flicker of surprise crossed Noah's features, as if my words had struck a chord within him.

For a brief moment, our eyes locked, however I freed my hand from his grasp and stepped back.

"I'm leaving," I declared, my voice steady. "Whether it's now or later, this marriage will come to an end. And perhaps then, you will have the freedom to embrace the life you desire."

I turned away, my steps purposeful as I made my way towards the door. But I didn't look back this time.

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