Raymond paused for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening. He smiled awkwardly, rubbing his neck. "Oh man, Grandpa, I totally forgot. I should've worn it for tonight."
Seeing Raymond's reaction, Melinda also remembered the necklace.
She recalled that Larry had specially requested it for Raymond.
Touched by the memory, she softly said, "Raymond, let me grab it for you."
Raymond nodded, looking at her gratefully.
In no time, she returned.
Larry took the box, opened it, and placed the necklace around Raymond's neck, nodding in satisfaction.
Holding both their hands, he said, "Alright, let's head to the banquet hall. The guests are already here; we shouldn't keep them waiting."
The three of them walked towards the hotel's banquet hall together.
Melinda knew that tonight would be one of the most beautiful nights of her life.
The building's facade was illuminated by landscape lights, making it stand out brilliantly. The dazzling lights seemed to brighten the entire city, adding a wonderful atmosphere to the engagement party.
As they walked hand in hand into the hotel lobby, just as they were about to enter the elevator, William suddenly approached.
"Raymond, you took your sweet time getting here!" he teased.
Once inside the banquet hall, Melinda was stunned by the sight before her.
The entire hall was decorated in her favorite dreamy blue tones, with blue roses and white drapes adorning the walls. The air was filled with a faint floral fragrance and a fresh scent.
Each rose was vibrant and dewy, as if telling the story of love's beauty. The white drapes swayed gently in the breeze, creating a dreamy, ethereal feeling.
It was a thousand times more beautiful than the rehearsal.
Raymond led Melinda to the lounge and took out the necklace, handing it to her.
"Melinda, this necklace was a birthday gift from my parents when I was a kid. It means a lot to me," he said, looking at her with deep affection. "I hope it brings you luck and happiness."
He thought of how Emily had almost cost Larry his life because of this necklace, a flash of coldness in his eyes, but he quickly regained his calm and gentle demeanor.
After Raymond left, Sam entered, escorted by bodyguards.
"Wow! Mommy, you look so beautiful!" he exclaimed dramatically. "You look like an angel today!"
His words made Melinda laugh. "Thank you for the compliment, sweetheart!" She knelt down and kissed Sam on the forehead. "You look very handsome too!"
Outside in the banquet hall, Connie sat at the table, her emotions running high.
She was filled with a myriad of feelings.
Larry and Teresa sat beside her.
"Dad, it's almost time. Should we have them come out?" Teresa said, slightly excited.
"Alright!" Larry nodded with a big smile.
At that moment, the music started, and Raymond slowly walked onto the stage, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, his tall, impeccable figure and handsome face captivating the audience.
"He's so handsome!" the young women in the audience whispered, their eyes full of admiration and longing.
They couldn't help but fantasize about being the Melinda by his side, imagining how wonderful that would be.
Melinda became the center of attention.
Under everyone's expectant gaze, Melinda finally walked down the red carpet.
She wore a flawless white wedding dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming white rose. Her face radiated happiness and anticipation, her eyes firmly fixed on Raymond standing at the center of the stage.
Dexter stood on the stage, holding a microphone, his voice loud and clear: "Today, we are lucky to witness the engagement of Raymond and Melinda. May their love be as vibrant and fragrant as these blooming roses."
Raymond took the microphone, gazing at Melinda with deep affection, and softly said, "Melinda, I love you and only you. Will you marry me?"
Melinda nodded gently, tears welling up in her eyes.
Raymond opened the ring box in his right hand and placed the sparkling diamond ring on Melinda's finger, then embraced her tightly.
She inadvertently noticed the necklace around his neck, with a glowing green wolf head.
Her heart skipped a beat, and the ring slipped from her hand.
With a soft clink, the ring fell onto the red carpet and rolled a short distance before stopping.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events, casting puzzled glances.
Raymond was also taken aback. He looked down at Melinda, concerned. "Melinda, what's wrong?"
Melinda didn't answer his question, instead staring intently at his necklace.
Her face turned pale, and her body trembled slightly.
She suddenly shouted, "Turn off the lights! Quickly, turn off the lights!"
The lighting technician, though unsure of what was happening, complied and turned off all the lights.
The banquet hall plunged into darkness, with only faint candlelight flickering.
In the darkness, Melinda kept her eyes fixed on Raymond's necklace, the glowing green wolf head standing out starkly.
Her mind raced, memories of that night at the club five years ago flooding back.
She finally realized that the man from that night was Raymond! The intense emotions made Melinda tremble all over, as if she were in an ice cellar, her whole body cold and numb.
Raymond sensed her distress and held her hand tightly. "Melinda, don't be afraid. I'm here." He then instructed the lighting technician to turn the lights back on.
When the lights came back on, Melinda had regained her composure.
She picked up the fallen ring and placed it on Raymond's finger, then said, "Raymond, I need to talk to you."
Seeing her serious expression, Raymond felt a surge of unease. But he nodded and said, "Alright, let's go to the lounge." He followed Melinda off the stage.
Everyone else exchanged confused glances, unsure of what had just happened. The lively music had also stopped.
Once in the lounge, Melinda couldn't wait to ask, "Raymond, is your necklace custom-made by your grandpa? Is it the only one in the world?"
Raymond, seeing her anxious look, felt even more uneasy but answered truthfully, "Yes, this necklace was custom-made by my grandpa. It's one of a kind."
Melinda sat across from Raymond, her eyes fixed on the intricately carved wolf head, exuding a wild beauty.
"This necklace..." she began softly, her fingers almost touching the cold metal, "Is the wolf head design unique to your family?"
Raymond lowered his head slightly, his gaze also falling on the necklace. His eyes were deep and distant, as if recalling something.
"This is my grandpa's totem. He had a designer incorporate it into the pendant. As far as I know, this necklace is unique. I've never seen another like it."
Melinda felt a surge of inexplicable emotion. She remembered the necklace she had thrown away, the chaotic night, and Elsie's smug smile.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself. "You... you found Emily through this necklace and believed she was the woman you spent that night with, right?"
Raymond's brow furrowed slightly, seemingly reluctant to revisit that past. "Yes, after finding her, I only offered material compensation. I had no other intentions."
His voice was low, carrying a complex emotion that was hard to describe.