A/N: I know a lot of people hate Aspen, and I never wanted America to end up with him, but I think his character is interesting. To lose the woman you have been picturing yourself marrying... heartbreaking. This is the end of the One, rotating between Aspen and Maxon's POV

Aspen POV

When I heard the shrieks, my heart stopped.

No, no, no. Not America.

I wrenched open the door, swinging it open with such force I thought it would break in half. My gun was out, ready to shoot whoever dared threaten America.

I stopped mid-stride as America screamed. Why is Maxon here? Where's the rebel?

My jaw dropped. Stupid. So stupid. Propped up on his elbows, facing me, was a mostly naked, smug Maxon. I had just interrupted the crowned prince of Illea making love to my ex-girlfriend.

I knew I should say something, but I couldn't spit out the words. Glancing at the beautiful girl I had wanted to make my wife, grief overwhelmed me. I had never seen her undressed, that was far too risky for one of our nocturnal treehouse adventures. Even though I had finally began to move on, he had still stolen this beautiful girl from me, and I finally knew she was about to be gone from my life forever.

The sound of his laugh made me clench my fists. He was showing off, it was as if he suspected my feelings for her. Perhaps last night, while I had been standing outside her door, she had clued him into the joke that must have been her relationship with me. "I assure you, Leger, she's perfectly safe," Maxon said.

I cleared my throat, not looking at either of them, to keep my jealousy hidden. "Of course, Your Majesty," I said, as if my world wasn't crashing down.

I stepped back into the hall, trying to clear all emotions from my face as I had been taught in training. What had I been expecting? America had been ignoring me for weeks now. And Lucy… I kicked myself for allowing myself to be so jealous when I was seeing someone else. But America had been my first love. I had imagined myself in bed with her like that countless times. And to see someone else in my place… it was devastating.

Just then, the door opened and Maxon came out, joy clear on his face. Thinking of the night they must have had together was another stab in my heart. "The lady would appreciate your discretion, officer."

I nodded, my face like stone. I watched him walk down the hall, a lightness in his step that I had never seen before. I hated him.

Maxon's POV

I felt like I was flying as I walked down the hall. Nothing was going to ruin this day for me. I was on top of the world, I could handle my father and anything he could throw at me.

"Kriss!" I almost squealed. Ugh, that sound should not come out of the mouth of a prince. Especially one about to break someone's heart. I toned down my enthusiasm when she turned to me, smiling.

"Maxon," she breathed. I could read the excitement on her face.

I should have thought about how to break this to her. Maybe it would be helpful to have America around to help with the crying part. "Kriss," I said, seriously this time. "I was hoping to speak with you and America before the cameras arrive. Would you mind coming with me to her room?"

I could tell she was surprised that America would be involved in this conversation. Maybe that had been a bad idea, but it was too late now. She nodded and followed me.

I took her hand as we walked, wanting to be as gentle as possible. "As you might have guessed, this has been a very difficult decision for me." The hope in her eyes made it difficult to go on. "You mean so much to me. And America…"

I looked up as we rounded the corner. Standing, pressed against the guard outside her door, was America. She looked at me, horror in her eyes, and I couldn't breathe. So this is what dying felt like.