The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 111: In Love Again ~ Soraya ~ The neon lights of the family KTV bar flashed in different colors, filling the private room with a playful glow. Empty plates of snacks and half-finished drinks were scattered on the table, showing how much fun they had already been having. Silas had one arm around Lyra's shoulders, holding the mic in his other hand as he sang loudly to the song YMCA by Village People. Emil and Luca joined in, dancing and raising their hands to spell "YMCA." It was comical to see grown men throwing dignity out the window, and just... drop their guard.

And as for Soraya? She was laughing her heart out on the sofa while trying hard to select a song, but she couldn't because she was too distracted. Lyra and Silas had insisted on celebrating her official divorce after work. This time, they decided to invite Emil and Luca. It was also a meeting for Soraya's ventures at the same time. Soraya noted that Luca Valmont was looking more confident each time they met. He was clearly happy with the way Valmont Privée was going. She could say the same thing for his assistant, Emil.

Now that he was working for Soraya, he said he had better sleep and was able to manage his time well. Soraya supposed it was the same for her. Her life was so much better with Emil around. After singing for almost three hours, the group finally decided to call it a day. Emil especially had to fetch his brother from the neighbor's. ---- "But before we go, Soraya, we have gifts for you," Lyra said, grinning. Each one of them took out a box or a paper bag. Luca gave his gift first. His paper bag contained two dresses that fit Soraya's personality, but could flaunt her cleavage.

"When | picked this out from my collection, | knew this was your style," Luca said with a smile. "Not that I'm thinking of you in that way. Lyra already told me you have a special someone." Soraya laughed. She pressed one dress over her body and asked Lyra, "What do you think?" "Yes, Baby. It's time to show some breasts," Lyra said, and everyone laughed. Emil gave his gift next. He presented her with a wine glass that had an engraving on it: [Single. Thank you. Next.] "Nice. Nice," Soraya said, chuckling. In each gift Soraya received, Lyra took a picture of her holding the present.

When it was Lyra's turn, Silas snapped the photo. Her girl best friend presented her with custom-made toilet paper, with Calum's face printed on it! "Fuck, yeah!" Silas remarked, throwing a fist into the air. "Please tell me | have the best gift!" Lyra asked everyone, her hands motioning toward her. Luca and Emil also fell into hysterical laughter. Luca said, " Jesus, was Calum Montclair really that bad?" Soraya did have to tell Luca and Emil who her ex-husband was at that point. They promised to keep it a secret, and Soraya trusted them.

"Let me show you how terrible he is,' Silas said, reaching for ---- his gift. Silas's gift was in a big box. He offered to unwrap it himself. While he was doing this, Lyra was very excited, as if she was already expecting another jab at Calum. Seconds later, Silas pulled out a trash can trophy! It had an engraving which read: [Congratulations for taking out the trash!] More laughter spilled out while Lyra took pictures. That night turned out to be one of the most hilarious experiences Soraya had ever had. After huddling together for awhile, everyone finally went home.

Soraya went to bed with a big smile on her face. What she didn't know was that Silas had posted selected pictures of their little gathering, and those photos ended up being seen by someone they had been laughing at. eee ~ Calum ~ Ata private club in Cedar Heights, Calum and his circle were also celebrating his divorce. The gathering had been arranged by Rose. Claire and Roger were there, along with Melvin and his cousin. Several of Rose's relatives were also present, those who knew about Calum's previous marriage. It was supposed to be a celebration, but Calum did not feel happy.

He felt awful, and he didn't know why. Rather, he didn't want to admit it. Yesterday's confrontation with Soraya left him unsettled. He didn't like that Soraya retorted so fiercely, a side of her he never knew existed. He thought that Soraya... had changed so much: ---- "Jacob can't make it. Since my birthday, he hasn't shown up. I' m starting to miss his harsh words, and even his silence. Seriously," Melvin said, catching Calum's attention.

"He is probably busy preparing for Angela's birthday," Calum said, recalling how every year Jacob made it a point to give his daughter a grand celebration. "Let me ask him where he plans to celebrate Angela's birthday." He texted Jacob and soon got a reply. Jacob: [This year, we are celebrating Angela's birthday just within the family. We are going away on a holiday. | won't be home starting this Friday. My mother and Angela will follow next week.] Calum frowned. Jacob seemed to make it clear there was no point in visiting his home. Calum: [I see.

We will just send our gifts then.] Jacob: [There is no need to bother with gifts. You have given more than enough in the previous years.] Calum: [Don't be ridiculous, Jacob. I'll ask my assistant to send the gifts to the mall.] Jacob: [Okay. If you insist.] "He's not throwing a big party for Angela this year. He said they're going on a vacation," Calum told Melvin. Melvin chuckled. "He must be going with Ara. | wish | could meet this 'Ara." "He didn't say Ara would be with them, but that's possible," Calum responded. Melvin began to scroll on his phone.

Then Calum caught how his friend stiffened, his eyes glued to whatever it was he was looking at. ---- "Calum, are you sure Soraya had a relationship with Senator Grayson? Were you able to confirm it with Annette Grayson?" Melvin asked. "Because Silas's post on Instagram seems to suggest... Soraya is... in love again. And it isn't... Silas." "Give me that," Calum snapped, snatching Melvin's phone. In previous months, Calum wouldn't have cared about anything that involved Soraya, but lately, he couldn't help himself.

He zoomed in on the photo of Soraya, laughing at some items that were given to her. They weren't very clear in the picture, though Silas had posted a separate photo of a trash can award that read: [Congratulations for taking out the trash!]. Calum gritted his teeth because obviously, they were celebrating their divorce. Then he read Silas's comment on the set of photos about Soraya. [Congratulations on being single again, Soraya. Freedom looks good on you. After everything you've been through, it's beautiful to see you smiling and in love again.

I'd be lying if | said | didn't wish it were me, but what matters most is your happiness. | only hope the one who puts that smile on your face takes better care of you than anyone ever has, even better than me. Enjoy your vacation. I'm going to miss you and your expensive lunch.] Calum felt a strange uneasiness in his chest. His mouth parted, trying to make sense of it all. But the one thing that bothered him the most was the thought of Soraya being... in love again. 'No... could she really?'