By sacrificing the girl?

As the minutes ticked away, a hush fell over the party. Gilbert Gardier, looking as dashing as ever, stepped onto the gazebo. The soft glow of the fairy lights illuminated his face as he looked out at the sea of expectant faces.

As Alexa made her way towards Gilbert, she could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her. Yet, one pair of eyes seemed to burn into her more than others - Jean's. His face was a mask of shock and disbelief, his eyes wide.

"What the hell is going on here." He thought.

"Gilbert," Alexa managed to say, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

"My lady Alexa," Gilbert returned, his smile charming as always.

"I am not a lady."

He extended his hand to her, ignored her, and she took it, stepping onto the gazebo beside him.

Gilbert got down on one knee, his voice echoing in the silent night, "Alexa, will you marry me?"

The crowd held their breath as they awaited Alexa's response. Her gaze flitted from Gilbert to the crowd, finally landing on Jean. His face