America POV

Tonight, is the final selection and I know I am not the chosen one. Ever since Maxon saw me with Aspen, he hasn't even glanced over my way once. In his mind, I looked like a traitor. Was I? Yes, Aspen and I had a thing, but I dropped it months ago after I started falling in love with Maxon. Although that's true, my love for Maxon won't matter in twenty minutes.

My maids put me in a silky black, tight gown. It was strapless with a few gold accents across the top. My hair was tightly curled, and my makeup was light. I stood in the mirror and stared. God, I was stunning. This will be the last time I wore clothes like this. This would be the last time I saw Maxon.

Once I said goodbye to my maids, I was escorted by a guard. We walked to the doors of the grand room, waiting for my name to be called after Kriss.

"And welcome Lady America Singer!" Gavril announced, and the room broke into cheering and clapping. I heard someone scream, "Future Queen America Schreave!" Only if they knew how this was going to end.

I walked gracefully to my seat next to Maxon. He had his fake smile, as did I but something in his eyes told me, there was hope. I didn't understand what it was, but it made my mood shift.

As I took my seat, Maxon looked over at me but I looked ahead watching the people. Then he went back to talking to Kriss.

I saw Celeste in the back of the room standing. She was staring at me. Her face looked worried and confused. I mouthed, "Not me." She shook her head and to my surprise, came onto the stage with me. Maxon looked over at us confused and so did Kriss.

"Celeste, what are you doing?" I turned toward her. She leaned by my ear to tell me something, so I would only hear.

"If this doesn't work out, I got a whole line of guys waiting for you." She backed away and went back to her seat, leaving me smiling wider. I couldn't help but laugh.

Maxon turned my way. His face was expressionless.

"America, what was that about?" His chocolate brown eyes stared into my soul, leaving me speechless.

"Nothing Prince Maxon." I knew he hated being called prince. He rolled his and turned back to Kriss, smiling.

The ceremony went rather quickly. I watched my supposed to be fiancé, get on one knee and propose to another girl. It hurt but I blanked out a lot during the proposal, preventing the tears. Once Kriss said yes, I stood up and walked out of the room, my smile fading. When Kriss said yes, the whole room went silent. Did Illea not like her?

I waited to say my goodbyes to everyone. I went up to my room, finishing my packing and got into comfy clothes. Clothes that I would normally wear. And then I headed for the steps toward the main door. There stood Maxon and Kriss holding hands along with the King and Queen, my maids, Mom, May,Gerad, and Kenna. It was time to go home.

Maxon POV

I watched her come down the steps with her luggage wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. It was so hard not to laugh. My America always knows how to go with a bang. The closer she got the more I imbedded her beautiful face in my mind, knowing that's the only thing I am going to have of her. She broke my heart by cheating on me. I fired Aspen and I hurt America. Kriss was my choice and it wasn't time to regret my decision. Kriss would make me happy. America would have made me happier, but I didn't want to be with someone who was in love with someone else.

Once she made it down, she immediately went over to her maids. I knew how close they were.

She hugged all three maids at once and I could see the tears in their eyes.

"We will miss you so much America."

"I am going to miss you too girls." She then started to walk toward my parents. My mother looked very upset, but my dad looked proud and grateful. I noticed him, and America exchanged a look and my dad began to speak.

"Lady...I mean Miss America, it was sure lovely getting to know you." My father gives her an evil grin. America rolls her eyes at this. Then she looks over to my mother. Mom immediately grabs her and embraces her. America seemed surprised. Mom whispers in her ear but I couldn't hear. They both separate with tears in their eyes.

"I love you too Amber." I was shocked. Did mom seriously care for her like a daughter?

Then those ocean blue eyes looked my way. She smiles slightly and stands in front of Kriss and I. Kriss hand squeezes mine, but America takes her hands away from mine. She stands in front of Kriss holding her hands as she talks.

"Kriss, you are always going to be one of my bestest friends. I am so happy for you, you deserve this more than anyone and you are going to make a wonderful queen and an even better wife and mother. I wish the best for you both." She glances at me, letting go of Kriss's hands who hands immediately grab mine.

"Thank you, America, I am going to miss you so much." Kriss smiles making America smile too. America turns toward her family, all embracing her, ready to bring her home

America and her family head towards the door, but America turns and looks at me.

"You all have impacted my life entirely. But Maxon," she steps forward and now grabs my hands. I could feel Kriss's judging eyes. America's hands are so soft. But no no, Kriss hands were softer. I had to keep my mind on Kriss. "You are going to be so happy with Kriss, I know you wouldn't have been happy with my anyway. Be happy." He lets go of my hands and walks out with the fakest smile I have ever seen. That was the last time I was going to see her. Why did it hurt so bad seeing her go?

America POV

Maxon let me have the house since he already bought it. It was beautiful inside. Very different from our house in Carolina. Very...big. It was May, Kenna, Kenna's husband, my niece, mom, and I who were going to live her but there is plenty of space for us.

It's been three days since I lost the selection and every day has felt like a chore. I love Maxon and now I don't have anything left.

"Hey Ames, here is something for you." Kenna hands me a fancy envelope with cursive writing saying America. I open it slowly.

Dear America,

I will understand if you're not up to it, but I would love for you to come to Maxon and I's wedding next week, February 14th. Maxon does not know you are arriving but I would really love to have all my girls with me. Xoxo

-Kriss

God just the words made me want to vomit. How could they be getting married in seven days! The selection ended three days ago!

"I am not going." I slam the invitation into the trash can and walk towards the door, hoping to get some fresh air. As I open it a tall, handsome looking man stands on the other side. Behind him are a bunch of cameras flashing. What is going on? My whole family comes to the door.

"Hello America. My name Prince Zachary of Italy but you may call me Zach," he began and laughed a little. His laugh was so cute. Stop. "I have been watching you since the beginning of the selection and something about you makes me so...drawn to your personality. You are even more beautiful in person." He bows and smiles at me. His green eyes remind me of Aspens. They looked into my eyes, speaking without talking.

"Well it is a little creepy that you have been 'watching me.'" He laughs again sensing my humor. "But why are you here?" I try to be polite.

"I know things didn't end well between you and Maxon, but I was hoping to seal the wounds of yours. I came here all the way from Italy because you are the one I want to get to know more and I would love it if you gave me the opportunity."

May pop by next to me and looks at Zach. "She would be delighted to, Your Highness." She curtsies, and he kisses the top of her hand making her blush.

"I am sorry, but I don't go out with princes who just randomly ask for my love." I begin to shut the door, but he stops it.

"Please America. How about coffee? With me, right now. And you can decide for yourself after that." He looks confident, like he knows I am going to give in. I try not to, I try so hard not to be attracted to him.

"Ok fine. Just coffee."