Chapter 507 The Surprise at the Dinner Party
After Rachel came downstairs, Nicholas was just getting out of the car. He'd dressed up today, wearing a suit and styling his hair, looking more handsome than usual. When he saw Rachel, his eyes lit up, clearly impressed by her beauty.
Feeling a bit awkward under his gaze, Rachel smiled and said, "I didn't bring my makeup, just did it casually. Is it okay?"
Nicholas looked at her seriously and replied, "You look beautiful."
He then opened the passenger door for her like a gentleman, and they headed to the banquet.
When they arrived, Rachel realized the event was high-end, held at the luxurious Imperial Hotel in Horizon City.
After Nicholas helped her out of the car, she felt a bit nervous. There were probably a lot of people, and this was an important company event.
Sensing her nerves, Nicholas gently squeezed her hand and smiled warmly, saying, "It's okay."
He led her towards the banquet hall.
Rachel was right; Nicholas's company had booked the largest banquet hall, inviting all employees and long-term clients. As soon as Rachel walked in, she saw a sea of people.
Matthew had also been invited but couldn't make it, so Victor came in his place. After greeting Nicholas and another partner, Victor left shortly.
Nicholas settled Rachel at the main table and went off to socialize. Rachel watched him for a while but then got hungry and started eating the small cakes on the table. No one bothered her, so she relaxed and enjoyed her food.
Suddenly, the curtains around the banquet hall were drawn, and the lights dimmed. The hall went dark, except for the stage lights.
Rachel wasn't nervous and kept eating, thinking a performance was about to start.
There were low murmurs among the crowd.
Rachel picked up a piece of chocolate cake and just put it in her mouth when a spotlight hit the stage, revealing Nicholas holding a microphone.
Rachel was stunned, thinking, 'Is this another opening speech? Didn't he already give one?'
She stared at Nicholas, noticing his clear and handsome features, his slightly flushed cheeks from nervousness, and the veins on his hand gripping the microphone tightly.
Then, another spotlight shone directly on her, and she froze.
What was going on? Why was the light on her? She wasn't an employee or a partner. Were they going to ask her to speak? How awkward would that be, and how would she introduce herself?
Rachel's mind raced with questions, making her even more nervous. The spotlight made her feel exposed. She tried to look around for someone to ask if there was a mistake, but everyone seemed far away.
Before she could figure it out, music started playing, and Nicholas began to sing. It was her favorite song, "You're Beautiful," one she often played and hummed in his apartment. Nicholas knew it was her favorite.
His passionate eyes were fixed on Rachel as he sang. She had no idea he could sing so well, even not worse than the original artist, with a more magnetic voice. She sat there, mesmerized, their eyes meeting, completely lost in his performance.
When the song ended, the audience erupted in cheers and squeals.
Nicholas stayed on stage, clearly having more to say.
Rachel's heartbeat quickened, pounding so loudly she could hear it. She held her breath, feeling both excited and nervous, her hands trembling.
Nicholas looked at her, meeting her gaze. He raised the microphone and said, "That song I just sang is my girlfriend's favorite. I learned it specially for her, hoping she would like it."
With both of them under the spotlights, it was obvious who he was talking about.
Rachel's face turned red. She lowered her head, feeling extremely shy.
Someone in the crowd shouted, "Mr. Johnson, when are we getting the wedding candy from you?"
This sparked a wave of enthusiasm, with people chanting, "Wedding candy."
Rachel thought everyone was just joking. She expected Nicholas to explain politely, then the lights would come on, and everyone would continue eating and drinking.
But then Nicholas, holding the microphone, walked down from the stage directly towards her, stopping right in front of her.
The lights in the banquet hall brightened a bit, and all eyes were on them.
Nicholas's familiar, pleasant voice echoed in her ears, "Rachel, will you marry me?"
Rachel was completely stunned, staring at him kneeling on one knee, her eyes welling up with tears.
She was overwhelmed with joy. She hadn't expected this at all. She thought if they were to get married, they would just discuss it, set a date, and get the marriage certificate.
Both of them were practical people, not very romantic, at least she wasn't.
So, tonight was definitely one of the most unforgettable nights of her life.