The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 159: Rose Needed Sage ~ Rose ~ "Ido." The words slipped from Rose's lips like honey. Her smile bloomed as the minister declared her and Calum husband and wife. "You may now kiss the bride." Rose turned to Calum with practiced precision. They kissed, and the crowd erupted with recognition. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Montclaire!" "Congratulations!" "Finally!" When she and Calum pulled away, Rose indulged herself by looking at the crowd. Rows of guests stared back at her, some clapping, some smiling, but she also knew some of the guests, especially the socialites, were jealous of her.

For sure, her parents and Sage were happy. Rose didn't bother checking the expressions of Amanda and Cedric. She didn't want to ruin her mood. She straightened her back, lifting her chin just enough to take in all the praises. Although Calum's name had been dragged into the crises of the Montclair Group, he and his family were still undeniably the wealthiest in Cedar Heights. Marrying into the Montclairs was a legacy in itself. Besides, with Calum's business skills, she believed her now husband could still rise again and reclaim his position as CEO of Montclair Group.

'Look at me now, she thought. ---- Her triumph swelled in her chest. She imagined the news that would ripple through the city tomorrow, her name sliding across tongues with awe. To those who sided with Soraya, she would no longer be called a mistress. To those who questioned her actions, she had finally proven that her relationship with Calum was solid. Today, she was the center of gravity, and everyone else orbited around her. However, just as she relished the moment, Calum muttered, " Soraya didn't come." Rose's smile faltered.

Although she had agreed to it, she wanted to flaunt before Soraya, but for Calum to notice her ex's absence made Rose furious. Rose scanned the crowd, and indeed, there was no sign of Soraya. Most likely, Soraya would sit with the Montclairs and try to establish her status. But she was nowhere to be seen. "She probably still couldn't accept it,' Rose said in a whisper. " She loved you for a very long time, Calum." When she said that, she quickly regretted it, because guilt flashed on Calum's face. Rose let out a laugh and said, "She'll get over it.

If she really means well, she should let us move on. She should move on... with the doctor." "Hmmm," Calum said, nodding his head. They were married at Cedar Heights Grand Chapel, the most prestigious church in the city. The celebration then followed at the Prima Hotel, where two of the property's biggest ballrooms were booked to accommodate more than a thousand guests. ---- Although Calum had cut down the budget of their wedding, the celebration was still extravagant. Guests were greeted with flowing towers of champagne, elegant enough to impress without being the most extravagant label.

They had a celebrity host. Music from a live orchestra played in the background, and ballrooms were filled with roses and orchids. It was still to Rose's satisfaction. At the end of the party, guests formed groups of their own. Some left. Rose sat with her parents, happily chatting about the union. "Im so happy,' Silvia Becket said. "My daughter is finally married to Calum Montclair." "Still, | wish he had not gotten suspended as CEO of the Montclair Group," Rose's father, Reginald, said. "Oh, Dad. Don't worry about that," Rose said. "It's just temporary.

Besides, Jacob is handling the company now. He and Calum are friends. He wouldn't take that position permanently." Just as they were chatting, Sage ran up to Rose and said, " Aunt Rose, | want to eat ice cream, but Daddy told me | can't. Please, Aunt Rose." Rose was used to this. Whenever Calum denied Sage something, she would go to her. "That's because you ate cake earlier. Didn't your dad say one too many sweets is enough?" Rose reminded. "But it's a party!" Sage insisted. Rose had more important things to discuss with her parents, so she gave in to keep Sage satisfied.

She said, "Don't tell your daddy, okay? It's our little secret." She ordered ice cream and had her cousin take Sage to a ---- distant table where she could secretly indulge. After that, Rose returned to chatting with her parents. "You've spoiled that little girl, maybe a little too much," Silvia remarked. Rose smiled. "That's why she likes me, Mom." In a whisper, Silvia leaned in to Rose. "But she's not your real daughter. When you give birth, make sure to prioritize your own child with Calum." Rose gulped. She forced a smile and touched her stomach.

" Of course, Mom." "When Sage gets older, you can send her away to a dormitory school, so Calum can focus on your child. Say it's for the best for Sage, so she can learn some independence,' Silvia suggested, and her father nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea, Mom. We'll see," Rose said with a smile. For now, she needed Sage. Every time the little girl clung to her, Rose saw it tighten Calum's bond with her. It wasn't just affection; it was leverage.

Aside from the pregnancy, Sage's closeness to Rose was another reason Calum married her, and she would continue to use it to her benefit until... the time was right. She looked down at her stomach, hoping, praying. After speaking to her parents, Rose walked around to chat with the other guests. Then, she passed Calum, chatting with Melvin and his cousin Luke. There were also other guests at that table, who Rose recalled were college classmates of Calum: She noticed the mixed reactions. Calum and Luke looked in disbelief, while Melvin eagerly shared something.

---- "What's going on, guys?" Rose asked, smiling. "Oh, we haven't told you yet. You were busy putting on makeup and all," Melvin flashed his phone to Rose, declaring, " Jacob is engaged! To his mystery woman, Ara." 'What? Jacob is engaged to Ara?' Rose watched the video closely, her heart sinking. Her hands shivered as she grabbed Melvin's phone and replayed it again. "This is-this is-" Her face twisted into a bitter frown as she focused on the ring on Ara's finger. "This is The Celeste of Navarre!

Calum?" Of course, if anyone could afford a three-million-dollar ring, and buy it with ease, that would be... Jacob Steel Her body stiffened, and blood seemed to rise to her brain. ' Why? Why did it have to be Ara?' She was so upset, her vision started to blur. Before she knew it, darkness consumed her. "Rose?" "Rose!" Rose fainted in Calum's arms.