"Clinging to some dusty old favor between our parents and thinking that's enough to climb your way into the Delgado family? Keep dreaming."
The guests, emboldened now that Scott had said it outright, let their whispers swell into open mockery.
"Scott Delgado runs this city. Even if he didn't marry into old money, he'd marry for love. Who does she think she is? If she doesn't own a mirror, she can always check her reflection in a puddle."
"Trash belongs in the gutter. Try to perch on a higher branch and you won't even know what killed you when you fall."
Before I could get a word out, Scott shot me one last scornful look, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a diamond ring. The stone was enormous—the size of a pigeon's egg, catching the light like a small sun.
He dropped to one knee in front of Hester.
The entire hall erupted.
Hester pressed both hands over her mouth, tears brimming, the picture of overwhelmed gratitude.
Scott slid the ring onto her finger. His voice was tender and deliberate, carrying to every corner of the room.
"Hester, I'm sorry I put you through this."
"This wedding was nothing but a farce my father forced on me. You're the one I love. You've always been the one."