The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 153: New Bonds ~ Soraya ~ "| just can't believe you are married again," Lyra said, hugging Soraya after the civil wedding. "| know," Soraya said, her eyes closed as she tightened the hug. "I can't believe it either." "But, this feels different," Lyra said as they pulled away. "Jacob is more involved in this. And your relationship started right." Lyra glanced at Jacob, who was, at that moment, speaking to their lawyer, Harold. "He's serious, like Calum, but anyone in the room could see how he only has eyes for you." "Thank you, Lyra," Soraya said.

Then, Soraya's gaze shifted to Silas. He wore a big smile, but his eyes, still shadowed with the afterglow of tears, told her what his smile could not. A pang went through her chest because she knew his heart carried feelings she could never return. Her choice had cut him, and the sight of his quiet pain made her own happiness ache. "Silas." "was crying for joy," Silas claimed, hugging her and kissing her cheek. "I'm happy for you." "But-" he sniffed, clearly holding back his tears.

Then, he motioned to Jacob with his thumb, saying, "In case this guy turns out to be a duche, get all his money and come back to me. You did not sign a pre-nup, did you?" Soraya shook her head, chuckling. "No, | did not." "You know, looking at him now, | don't know what you see in him," Silas said, motioning to Jacob. "He-" ---- Silas made several hand gestures, trying to point out a flaw in Jacob. "That smile-ugh. Even his cufflinks are smug. Do cufflinks have the right to be smug?" "Again," he said, shaking his head.

"I bet he isn't funny." Soraya knew he couldn't find anything bad to say about Jacob, and he wouldn't really dare to. It was just his way of covering the pain. Just when they thought Jacob hadn't heard Silas, he walked up and said, "Silas, don't worry. When my cufflinks run out of smugness, they'll model after your dimples." He set a hand on Silas's shoulder. "You can stop looking for flaws. Soraya has already made her choice. If it makes you feel better, you can choose the restaurant tonight. Order anything you want-even takeout." Deadpan, Jacob added, "You're right, Silas. I'm not funny.

That' s why | married Soraya-she laughs at my serious face." Lyra burst out laughing. "Pfft! Haha!" Soraya also fell amused. "I do not." Jacob simply pointed at his cufflinks. "That's why | hired these -to compensate where I'm lacking." Then unexpectedly, as Silas' hand hung low, Jacob took it, shaking it firmly. "Silas, thank you for looking out for Soraya. | hope you will continue to be her good friend, always." "You are making sure | won't cross the line," Silas clarified. "And | believe you won't," Jacob calmly said.

"That's what makes you a genuine friend, despite what other women say about you." "He's already learning not to be a womanizer," Lyra revealed. " He's now focused on himself." ---- "That's good," Jacob said, putting an arm around Soraya. "If you need help with that, Silas, just let me know. I'll share some tips on how to get... a good woman." "Hahaha" Lyra cracked up. She was so amused, she cried! "I can't believe this is Jacob Steel." Offering his hand, Jacob said to Lyra, "It's good to finally meet you, Lyra. Soraya's told me a lot about you.

I'm glad she has you by her side in her business ventures." After that initial chat in the courthouse, everybody moved to the restaurant of Silas's choice. He didn't shy away. He purposely picked The Aurelia Grand, Belridge's most luxurious hotel. The hotel offered one of the most exclusive fine dining festaurants in the country. Despite the intimate gathering, Jacob spent nearly ten million dollars because the dinner combined rare and luxury ingredients, world-class chefs, exclusive service, and a unique, lavish setting.

There were truffles, caviar, wagyu beef, edible gold garnish, vintage wines, and rare spirits. Plus, they were accommodated in a private sitting area, almost like they had the entire restaurant to themselves. Combined with the best food, everyone got to know each other. Veronica, Amanda, and Cedric met Silas and Lyra. Emily and Philip were already familiar with the two; they had met Soraya's best friends before she married Calum. And of course, Angela got to spend time with them. There were only two tables within their gathering.

Soraya and Jacob had sat with Silas and Lyra because it was her request. She wanted her friends to understand her choice. At one point, Lyra excused herself to the restroom. As she walked away, Angela suddenly got up from her chair and ---- chased after Lyra. She had picked up Lyra's purse and given it to her. "Oh, thank you, Angela, how mindful of you," Lyra said, pinching Angela's cheek lightly. "Sometimes, she can notice the things that we don't," Soraya commented. When Lyra returned and everyone resumed eating, Silas wasted no time sampling the restaurant's priciest wine!

He was that eager to spend Jacob's money, but as he did, he nearly choked and coughed violently against his fist. Angela stood up, eyes rounding. "Uncle, drink water!" "Yeah, drink water," Lyra said, tapping on Silas's back. "Calm down on the wine, Silas," Soraya teased. "Mommy says... you should drink water if you have a cough," Angela added. She still stumbled on her words, but Silas was able to catch on. Silas cleared his throat. He set his wine aside and said to Angela, "Is that so, Angela?

Well, thank you for your advice." Angela nodded, she waved her little finger at him and solemnly said, "No more juice for you, Uncle. Only water!" Lyra then took Silas's wine glass and gulped down the drink. " Expensive wines make you choke! Listen to Angela." "Waiter!" Silas snapped his head to the server. "Give me your most expensive water!" Laughter erupted around the table, and Jacob especially found himself shaking his head. But perhaps the most heart-warming scene was when Silas and Lyra presented gifts for Angela.

Although it was Soraya and Jacob's civil wedding, they made sure to bring something ---- for the little girl. Soraya urged Angela to sit between her best friends. Lyra had presented Angela with a miniature globe and a box of golden sticker stars. "Your mommy tells me you liked Angel from NueroBloom and that one day, you'd like to travel the world. So, in this small globe, | want you to mark every place you have been to. So, as you grow older, you will remember what you have achieved." "Wow! | love it!" Angela exclaimed.

Then she fixed her gaze on the globe, pointing to several locations used in NeuroBloom. "Angel has been here and here and here. | want to go too!" "Your Mommy and Daddy will help you achieve those travel plans. When you are older, you can even go with me," Lyra offered. Angela's eyes lit up. She turned to Jacob and Soraya with a big grin. Then, she nodded vigorously at Lyra. When it was Silas' turn, Angela waited patiently. Silas gave her a music box with a ballerina dancing in the middle when the box opened.

"It's beautiful!" Angela said, resting her face on both her hands as she listened to the music. Silas then pointed out the engraving on the wooden box. He said, "See this? 'Let your heart dance to its own music.' Do you understand that?" Angela pouted, shaking her head. Silas further explained, "It means... you should do things the way you like, not just what others tell you. Like how the ballerina spins her own way-she doesn't copy anyone.

As you grow up, you can make your own choices, with the guidance ---- of your mommy and daddy, of course." "Thank you, Uncle, thank you, Aunt." Angela hugged the globe and music box to her chest, her eyes sparkling with delight. In response, Silas and Lyra exchanged a small, knowing smile, quietly proud of how touched she was. "Thank you, Silas, Lyra," Jacob also said. "Angela has received many gifts outside the family, but yours is one of the most meaningful. | appreciate the thoughtfulness." Soraya reached for Jacob's hand under the table, feeling the warmth and joy surrounding them.

This was more than a union. To her, it was the beginning of new bonds and new memories. After dinner, it was finally time to discuss the most important part. Of course, Soraya's friends and family were concerned about one thing. Amanda was the first to ask, "So, what about the wedding ceremony? When will you have it?"