The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 114: Acceptance ~ Soraya ~ "Mom?" Soraya's eyes widened, seeing Amanda and Cedric Montclair in the living room of Jacob's home. "Soraya!" Amanda called. "When Veronica told me, | was so shocked! | thought she was teasing me!" Amanda walked up to Soraya and hugged her. "But here you are, walking down with Jacob, hand in hand. | can't believe it!" When Amanda pulled away, her excitement shifted to something more emotional. "I'm so happy for you." She looked at Jacob and smiled. "Yes, Jacob, you certainly weren't slow.

Finally, | understand." Only then did Jacob explain to Soraya that it was Veronica's idea to invite Amanda and Cedric. Amanda, for one, had always wanted Soraya to be with Jacob after Calum had announced their divorce. "Thank you for inviting us. Thank you for telling us," Amanda said. "I know this will be such a blow to Calum, but Cedric and | promise to keep it a secret." "You two look good together," Cedric said from where he stood.

"Now, who is going to tell us how this all started?" Apparently, Soraya's uncle and aunt hadn't arrived yet, so only the five of them gathered in the living room. Soraya was the one who told the Montclair couple how she and Jacob became a couple. "We didn't really expect this," Soraya said. "Nor did | ever imagine needing Soraya''s help,' Jacob added. " But | did. She was the answer | had been looking for to help ---- me with my daughter." "Well, Soraya has always been good with children," Cedric noted. "Plus, Soraya having Asperger's herself helps.

She could understand Angela's perceptions of things,' Amanda said, teary-eyed. "You-" Soraya hesitated, looking at both Cedric and Amanda. " You aren't mad, right?" "No," Cedric and Amanda said at the same time. "In fact, we understand why you kept it a secret," Cedric said. " It's complicated." "Yes, Veronica discussed this with us before coming clean," Amanda said. "It's a loss for us. We love you, Soraya, but what can we do? Calum is very stubborn. He only hears what he wants to hear.

He may be excellent at closing deals, but when it comes to emotions, his quotient is far too low." Soraya could not help but weep. "Thank you, Mom. I knew you would understand." Since the two were seated next to each other, Amanda and Soraya embraced again. They both shed tears as Amanda said, "Silly girl. It was | who wanted you to be with Jacob, remember? It seems like whatever | say turns out to be true." "Jacob and Soraya will get married soon!" Amanda said, pulling away. Veronica: "Hahahaha!" Amanda snapped her fingers: "Jacob and Soraya will have a baby soon!" Veronica: "Hahahaha!

You said it!" Soraya, ---- Jacob, "We will never know. It might just come true," Amanda said before bursting into laughter with Cedric. "Soraya, | just want to say that after your divorce from Calum, we have been worried sick for you," Cedric said. "So, although your relationship with Jacob came as a surprise, we are genuinely happy for you." A smile formed on Soraya's face. She stood up and approached Cedric, who also rose from his seat to hug her. "Thank you, Dad," Soraya said, wiping the tears that were falling down her cheeks.

"No, thank you, for being part of our lives, no matter how short it was," Cedric added, rubbing Soraya's back. "Oh my god! What is this? What is this that we just missed?" Emily Azar stood by the door with Philip. They were both stunned to see Amanda and Cedric. "We already know,' Amanda revealed. "We are sorry we couldn't tell you. We did not know how to," Philip said before approaching Cedric. Both parties shook hands and embraced, a reminder of how good their relationship had always been in the past.

Eventually, Angela walked down the stairs, and that prompted everyone to proceed to dinner. Dinner was especially appetizing. However, it was awkward for Soraya. Both couples, her aunt and uncle, as well as Cedric and Amanda, kept observing how Jacob treated her. Jacob showed off, paying extra attention to Soraya. He sliced his meat and exchanged plates with her. Unlike his usual stern face, he revealed a gentler side to the Montclair couple. ---- All his affection was directed toward Soraya and Angela. Then, there was Angela.

The way the little girl beamed while sitting between Soraya and Jacob made it look like they were destined to be a family of three. "It's refreshing, isn't it?" Philip asked Amanda. "To see them together like this." Cedric smiled. Amanda nodded her head and said, "It's... it's-" Tears started streaming down her face, ones Amanda could not contain. She stood up, saying, "Excuse me. I'm sorry. | just need a moment." Amanda left the dining table, and Soraya followed after her. Soraya caught up with Amanda in the driveway of Jacob's mansion.

She was staring out at the open lawn, her eyes looking past the gates as she let her tears fall. "Mom?" Soraya asked, and at her presence, Amanda broke down into deep sobs. The two women held each other. Amanda said, "It's just that... It's such a shame. We could have had this. Calum could have had this with you and Sage, but instead, he chose another woman to love. Even Sage. | can't deny that she has developed this closeness with Rose." "I'm sad to let you go, but | know | should be happy that another found you," Amanda said, sniffing her tears away. " That poor child, Angela.

| know her background. Her mother didn't cherish her, but she's worthy of your love." When she let go of the hold, Amanda rested her hands on Soraya's shoulders. "It's like fate guiding you to a family that not only needs you but is truly meant to have your love." "| pray that Jacob will take care of your relationship. At least with him, it started right. With Calum, | suppose, everything ---- went wrong from the start." Amanda then cupped Soraya's face, adding, "No matter what, though, we love you, Soraya.

You may eventually distance yourself from us, not intentionally, of course, but to take care of a family of your own. Still, we will always love you like a daughter." Soraya nodded. She also cried with Amanda. She returned to hugging her. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you very much." The Montclair couple's acceptance eased a heavy weight from Soraya's chest-the burden of keeping secrets. But with that comfort came another truth she had to face, one that could break their hearts all over again. It was about the Rowan family.