Melinda rushed over, her eyes wide with worry as she looked at Raymond's injured leg. "Are you okay? Does it still hurt?"
Raymond felt a warmth in his heart seeing Melinda's concern. He smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine, don't worry."
With that, he gently pushed Stuart aside and insisted on walking towards Melinda on his own.
"What's with you? You're hurt and still trying to act tough?" Dennis muttered, unable to hold back.
"Yeah, you're just making us worry more," Zachary added.
Both of them were single and couldn't understand why Raymond would risk everything for a woman. To them, women were just trouble and a burden, which was why they remained single.
Raymond held Melinda tightly, his voice deep and strong, like a vow. "Melinda, I'm back. Are you ready to be my bride?"
Melinda's heart skipped a beat. She looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. She had waited so long for this moment, and now he was finally back, safe and sound. She nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I am."
A hint of tenderness flashed in Raymond's eyes as he reached out and gently held Melinda's hand. His large, warm hand enveloped hers completely.
He asked softly, "Melinda, am I hurt?"
Melinda looked him over carefully and shook her head. "You look fine, no injuries."
Raymond smiled slightly and led her to the living room.
On the couch sat two imposing men, his old friends Dennis and Zachary. When they saw Raymond walking in with Melinda, they both stood up.
"Raymond, aren't you going to explain?" Dennis said with a smile, his gaze inevitably falling on Melinda.
Zachary nodded in acknowledgment, his expression a mix of complexity and admiration.
"This is my fiancée, Melinda," Raymond introduced proudly.
Melinda smiled, feeling the intense gazes on her.
"Hello!" Dennis and Zachary said in unison, their voices loud and synchronized.
Melinda blushed even more, looking up with an awkward smile. "Hi."
Just then, Sam came running down the stairs. He brightened up at the sight of Raymond but froze when he saw the injury on Raymond's leg.
"Mr. Thomas, you're hurt?" Sam's voice was tinged with tears as he ran over and hugged Raymond's uninjured leg, asking with concern.
Raymond's heart softened. He knelt down and hugged Sam. "It's okay, Sam. It's just a small injury."
Melinda also came over to comfort Sam, gently stroking his head. "Don't worry, Sam. Mr. Thomas will get better soon."
At that moment, the sound of a car came from outside.
Raymond's personal doctor, Zephyr, walked in, carrying a medical kit and looking travel-worn.
"Raymond, I'm back," Zephyr said, his eyes falling on Raymond's leg wound. "What happened? How did you get hurt again?"
Raymond gave a wry smile. "It's a long story. Just help me with the wound first."
Zephyr nodded and knelt down to examine the wound. It was deep, almost reaching the bone.
He frowned. "This needs stitches. Bear with it."
Raymond nodded, gritting his teeth to endure the pain.
Melinda and Sam watched from the side, their faces full of worry.
As Zephyr treated the wound, he asked about Larry and mentioned the electronic chip implanted in Melinda. Melinda was stunned. "An electronic chip? How do I have an electronic chip in me?"
Raymond explained, "It's a chip we implanted ten years ago, so Dennis, Zachary, and I could support each other in times of crisis. Thanks to it, I found you in time."
Melinda was shocked, realizing the small chip had such a significant role. She felt a surge of warmth, knowing how much Raymond had done for her.
Raymond looked at her with a gentle gaze.
After Zephyr finished treating the wound and gave some instructions, he left.
Raymond watched him go, frowning. "Zephyr is getting more long-winded."
Melinda couldn't help but laugh. "He's just looking out for you."
Raymond turned to her, feeling a surge of emotion at her smile.
Melinda led Raymond to rest. As soon as they reached the room, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
His kiss was filled with passion and intensity, making Melinda's heart race and her cheeks flush.
She closed her eyes, letting Raymond take in her sweetness and tenderness.
After a long while, Raymond finally let go. He looked at Melinda's flushed face and asked softly, "Melinda, when will we get married?"
Melinda's heart skipped a beat. She looked into Raymond's loving eyes. "As soon as your leg heals, we'll get married."
"Great!" Raymond's eyes lit up with joy. "Let's get engaged first. How about an engagement ceremony in two weeks?"
Melinda nodded, her face glowing with happiness.
Raymond felt content and happy seeing her smile. He believed all the waiting and sacrifices were worth it, as long as he could be with Melinda.
He held her tightly and whispered, "Melinda, I love you so much."
Melinda left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
Stuart was waiting outside. After she left, he entered the study to report to Raymond.
Melinda went to Sam's room. As soon as he saw her, he eagerly asked, "Mom, when will Mr. Thomas's leg get better?"
She gently patted Sam's head and smiled. "Don't worry, Mr. Thomas's leg isn't too serious. It should heal in about ten days."
Sam's eyes lit up. He hugged Melinda's neck and said, "Mom, can Mr. Thomas be my dad? I really like him."
Melinda felt a warmth in her heart, her eyes moistening.
She gently patted Sam's back and said softly, "Of course, Mr. Thomas will be very happy too."
Sam happily rolled around on the bed, and Melinda's mood lifted, the fears of the previous night fading away.
Meanwhile, in Raymond's master bedroom, Stuart stood by the window, reporting on Celestia's situation.
"Celestia's real name is Jessa Greer. She's Rufus's adopted daughter. She manipulated Marshall's son to help her hide her identity and get close to you. Her goal is to have your child, so she can become a puppet for Rufus to control the Thomas Group."
Stuart's voice carried a hint of anger.
Raymond's eyes flashed with coldness. He clenched his fists and said coldly, "How dare she plot against me! Notify the legal team. I want her to pay dearly!"
Stuart nodded and continued, "Also, Mr. Thomas, I've contacted the wedding planning company. They'll come tomorrow to discuss the engagement party."
Raymond nodded in satisfaction.
He glanced at Stuart and smiled. "Stuart, you're at the age to get married too. If you find someone suitable, let me know. After we finish the first half of the year, I'll give you a long vacation."
Stuart was delighted and quickly thanked him.