The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 216: The Vows ~ Calum ~ He didn't want to come, but not showing up would only make him such a sore loser. Calum hadn't intended to stare, but with everyone's eyes on Soraya, he turned his head and caught her radiant glow. Soraya wore an off-shoulder gown of delicate lace, the fabric sculpting her figure perfectly. The dress was embroidered with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly under the light. A jeweled brooch gathered the fabric at her hip, where the skirt draped into soft pleats before falling to the floor in a gentle sweep of ivory.

Lastly, a daring slit flaunted her long, beautiful leg. She didn't look like someone who had just given birth to twins a little over a month ago. She looked so slender and gorgeous. Soraya's angelic face shone through. Contentment glimmered in her eyes and reflected in her beaming smile. It broke Calum's heart completely, seeing Sage's mother marry another man. But at the same time, he was happy for her, because he knew Soraya deserved more. "Hey, man," Melvin patted his back, comforting him. " Everything happens for a reason." "Does it?" Calum asked.

But either way, he knew he didn't have the right to destroy Soraya and Jacob's peace. All he could do was watch as everything unfolded before him. eee ~ Soraya ~ ---- Soraya felt the music touch her heart. After going through so much pain, she truly did feel like finding Jacob took forever, but as they say, sometimes you have to wait a lifetime to meet someone who makes it all worthwhile. Soraya's smile brightened as she saw her friends cheer for her. Her aunt and uncle were in tears at the front. The two people who were the most emotional, however, were Amanda and Veronica.

From afar, she saw Angela wave at her, and she waved back. As she made her walk, she overheard Lyra call her name. When she turned, Lyra blew her a kiss. Luca did the same. Silas winked at her while Emil waved. Behind them, she caught Rohan Sharma's smile and the approving nods of his parents. Soraya truly appreciated the Sharmas' presence. Her strong beginnings had started with their support, and she wouldn't have reached success without them. She mouthed to Arvind and Elizabeth Sharma, Thank you for coming! As she reached closer to the altar, Soraya fixed her gaze on her husband, Jacob.

Jacob smiled at her. She smiled back. Her husband looked utterly handsome in his dark gray suit. He' d shaved for the occasion, and the clean lines of his face made him look younger, almost boyish in a way that made her heart flutter. Then he gave her that look, the one that said everything ---- without a single word. It was a promise, a quiet vow that he would always take care of her. And this wedding was simply a beautiful way of showing that truth to the world, that she belonged to him, and he belonged to her. Reaching the altar, Soraya received a warm hug from Veronica.

Then she took Jacob's hand, his gaze never leaving her as he guided her to stand before the officiant. And so, their union began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union between Jacob Steel and Soraya Azar..." The ceremony followed the usual flow. When the moment came for their vows, they turned to face each other. Jacob stood before her and said, "To my beloved wife, Ara. Thank you for completing my family. You gave my daughter the love she had long been searching for, and in doing so, you filled a part of me | didn't know was missing.

You came into my life when | least expected it, and yet you stood by us through every storm, every fight, without ever wavering." Not many really knew what Jacob was talking about, but Soraya knew; it was all because of Angela. "|, Jacob Steel, take you, Soraya, as my wife. From this day forward, | vow to stand between you and every storm. | promise to protect you, to be your shelter when life turns cold, and your strength when you feel weary.

You've given me more than | ever thought | deserved: love, peace, and a home." With a confident smile, he added, looking into her eyes, "I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never face this world alone." When it was Soraya's turn, she nearly cried. She took a deep ---- breath and said, "Jacob, when | met you and Angela, | was a little lost. But you brought light back into my life.

You helped me believe in myself again and reminded me that | am worthy of love, of family, and of happiness." "| thank you for your patience, for understanding what | want and knowing what | need even without me saying it. And I thank you for giving Angela unconditional love. No words can describe how wonderful you are as a husband and father. And for that, | will forever be yours." "|, Soraya Azar, take you, Jacob, to be my partner in life and my one true love.

| promise to stand by you through every joy and every challenge, to laugh with you, comfort you, and grow with you." Soraya smiled at him and added, "I will love you faithfully, through the best and the hardest of times, for all the days of my life." The couple exchanged wedding rings after that. The officiant said, "May these rings remind you always of the promises you' ve made today, and of the love that binds you together." "By the power vested in me, | now pronounce you husband and wife!" the officiant announced.

"You may now kiss the bride." A loud round of applause erupted in the venue even before the couple could kiss. Friends and family cheered and shouted playful requests. Lyra: "One-minute kiss!" Amanda: "Make that two minutes!" Luca: "How about three?" Soraya and Jacob could only laugh at the teasing, but they leaned closer, following their hearts' desire, sealing their marriage with a kiss that lasted as long as they could. ---- One minute in, Jacob dipped Soraya down. After two minutes, he swayed her to the other side and kissed her again.

They flaunted their love for a total of three minutes, just as Luca had requested, making everyone blush at the unrestrained public display of affection. "Ladies and gentlemen,' the officiant said, "please help me welcome Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Soraya Steel!" "Congratulations!" Whistles blew. Cheers roared, and hands clapped. What followed next was a grand celebration. Tables sparkled with gold accents as servers moved carefully between guests, pouring champagne and presenting trays of foie gras tartlets and gold-dusted truffle bites.

Soon came the lavish feast of wagyu steak cooked to perfection, butter- poached lobster, and seared scallops laid over saffron risotto. For dessert, guests savored slices of the couple's ten-tier wedding cake, dipped fruit into a flowing chocolate fountain, and sampled an array of delicate pastries and macarons. Champagne towers sparkled under the lights, and the orchestra played well into the night. It was an evening of laughter, music, and joy, except for two guests in the crowd, quietly nursing their emotions behind polite smiles.