The instant the potion wore off he would despise her, she was certain of that. Sober Ben didn't believe marriage was a feasible possibility for them. He thought of a marriage and thought of every reason why they couldn't make it work. Already, she could see the horror spreading across his face when he realized what she'd done. But, there was no other way. She was ruined even if he didn't marry her. Somehow, they'd figure out a way to make it work.

"My family will disown me the second they learn about what we did. The wedding will be cancelled. I'll be ruined." That was if the reveal even happened the way she was envisioning it. Could she risk it though? Her father might even force her to go through with the wedding anyway, if Samuel would still take her. No. She couldn't go home, not without some other security. "Marry me." Melody repeated steadily. Did the potion already wear off? Did her moment of clarity come too late?