Melinda couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental, but Sam's cheerful laughter quickly lifted her spirits.
"Mom, don't be sad," Sam seemed to sense Melinda's change in mood. He reached out his small hand and gently patted Melinda's shoulder. "I'll be good and study hard so I can help Dad with the company someday."
Hearing Sam's innocent yet determined words, Melinda hugged him tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.
Just then, someone walked in and reminded her, "Ms. Sharp, it's almost time. You should head downstairs."
Melinda nodded, put Sam down, took a deep breath, and slowly walked out of the bedroom.
Outside, Gwyneth's Brielle had been waiting for a while. She affectionately linked arms with Melinda, and they headed to the hotel ballroom together, the ground covered in flowers.
Raymond had arranged all of this.
When the car arrived at the hotel entrance, Melinda stepped out, her beauty drawing countless gasps of admiration. She walked down the red carpet like a princess.
Photographers had been waiting, capturing this beautiful moment with their flashing cameras.
Three bridesmaids and two flower girls had been waiting for a while.
Seeing Melinda approach, they gathered around her, escorting her to the ballroom.
Sam followed behind her, beaming with joy.
The group waited outside the ballroom for the auspicious moment to arrive.
They were nervous yet excited, as if time had stretched and the air had thickened.
Inside the ballroom, guests had gathered, and the lights were just coming on.
Claire, dressed in a pink tailcoat dress, sat elegantly beside Dennis.
Her gaze frequently fell on the groom, Raymond, and each time she couldn't help but marvel at his handsomeness.
Dennis turned to look at her, his face full of undisguised affection, but he didn't forget to remind her, "You're not allowed to fall for the groom. He's already got a wife."
"What are you talking about? Can't I just admire him?" Claire playfully glared at him, but her eyes couldn't help but drift back to Raymond.
Just then, Claire noticed a few girls sending flirtatious glances at Dennis.
She immediately became alert and leaned closer to Dennis, whispering, "Hey, look at those girls. They seem to like you."
Dennis glanced at the girls indifferently and then said nonchalantly, "What? Do you want me to give them my contact info?"
"Of course not!" Claire refused without thinking, "How can you just give your contact info to others?"
"Then why are you looking at other men?" Dennis seized the opportunity to counter.
"I..." Claire was momentarily speechless and could only glare at him angrily.
At that moment, the music started again, and the emcee's voice filled the ballroom, carrying a mix of solemnity and joy, "Let's welcome the beautiful bride!"
As the words fell, the doors slowly opened, and light poured in from outside, blending with the ballroom's lights to create a dreamy atmosphere.
Everyone's eyes turned to the opening doors, where Melinda, arm in arm with Connie, slowly walked into the ballroom.
Her face had a faint blush, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. Connie, in a dress, looked proud and joyful, her gaze always tenderly fixed on Melinda.
She held Melinda's hand tightly.
Her appearance immediately drew everyone's attention.
Dressed in a pure white wedding gown, she looked like an angel descended to earth.
Her face radiated a blissful smile, breathtakingly beautiful.
The guests stood up and applauded, offering their sincerest blessings to the newlyweds.
Kaia and Vincent were also present.
Vincent looked at Melinda on stage, filled with emotion.
"Melinda looks stunning today," Vincent sincerely praised.
"Yeah, she's always been so beautiful," Kaia said begrudgingly. "I wonder when I'll have a grand wedding like hers."
Larry sat in the front row, tears of joy streaming down his face as he watched Raymond and Melinda on stage. He had waited for this day for so many years.
Connie placed Melinda's hand into Raymond's. Raymond held Melinda's hand tightly, gazing at her with deep affection.
Sam ran to Larry's side, giving him a big hug, then ran over to Dennis and Claire.
"Godmother, that's my mom and dad," Sam said, looking at Melinda and Raymond on stage.
Claire was taken aback, then explained, "Sweetie, you misunderstood. I'm not your godmother. Mr. Gonzalez and I are just friends."
"But you look like my mom and dad," Sam said innocently, smiling. "My mom and dad were friends too, and then they got married. You can do that too!"
Claire laughed at Sam's words, while Dennis looked at her and Sam with a doting expression.
For others, it might have been just a conversation. But for Claire and Dennis, it felt different.
On stage, the couple stood facing each other. The ceremony began, with vows, ring exchanges, and a kiss... Each step was filled with emotion and warmth.
Claire sat below, watching the couple on stage, her eyes filled with envy. She had once imagined herself in a wedding dress. But reality was that she could only stop at the threshold of the chapel.
Dennis noticed her mood and looked at her thoughtfully.
After the ceremony, Melinda went to the dressing room to change into an evening gown. Her flawless figure could carry any style. Raymond also changed into a blue embroidered high-collar suit. The two re-entered the ballroom through the main entrance, stunning everyone.
Kaia watched Melinda's back, her eyes full of jealousy. She couldn't understand why Melinda was so lucky to marry into such a prestigious family.
Vincent's eyes were complicated. He remembered that summer five years ago when he didn't have the courage to take that step. He couldn't help but down his drink, trying to numb himself with alcohol.
Melinda noticed Gwyneth's gaze and glanced at Raymond. The two exchanged looks across the crowd. She quickly looked away, her palms sweating. Despite her doubts, today was her wedding day, and she didn't want these thoughts to affect her. She chose to trust Raymond.
After Larry announced the start of the banquet, he specifically arranged for Teresa and Dexter to accompany Raymond and Melinda in greeting the guests. Melinda felt full of gratitude and respect. They first toasted with the men at the head table, who were mostly Thomas family relatives and friends, as well as heads of two powerful factions. They all praised Melinda's beauty and grace, and Raymond responded to each of them.
When they reached Dennis's table, Sam happily hugged Melinda's leg. Melinda smiled and served Sam some food, reminding him to eat well and not to be naughty.
Claire watched this scene, a flash of envy and sadness in her eyes. She had also imagined such a scene—a loving husband, adorable children... But reality was harsh, and she didn't know when she could achieve this dream.
Dennis cleared his throat, reminding Claire to maintain her composure. Melinda smiled at him, thinking the girl beside Dennis suited him well. She told Raymond to make sure to match them up, as it might lead to a beautiful story.
Raymond then asked Dennis to introduce the girl beside him, and everyone turned to look at them...
Raymond told Dennis to take good care of Claire and not to neglect the guests. Dennis had no choice but to pour Claire another drink, though his introduction was somewhat half-hearted.
Claire didn't mind and politely greeted everyone at the table. Raymond glanced at Dennis, shaking his head slightly in exasperation.
"Dennis, take good care of Ms. Murphy," Raymond reminded again.
Dennis acknowledged but didn't seem too concerned.