Can Hardly Hurt me Now

by writeonbrooke

After Maxon, in his heartbreak, proposes to Kriss, America returns to her home in Carolina. When Southern Rebels come looking for, she does what she asked her fellow countrymen to do: She fights back. With all of their mistakes working against them, will she and Maxon ever find their way back to each other? A/U ending and continuation of "The One" by K. Cass. TW for violence.

1. Prologue

Prologue

I had done what Maxon asked of me.

I had smiled every moment, though tears stung my eyes and threatened to ruin me.

I had smiled every moment, even as he held his hands up for silence, a convincing smile on his lips.

I had smiled every moment, even as he told his captivated audience that he had had the pleasure of our company for months, and that we were both beautiful, kind-hearted, and full of life.

I had smiled every moment, even as if he added the 'but…'

I had smiled every moment, even as if he had hesitated, when I saw him look at me from the corner of my eyes. When I had hoped, just for a moment, that our love would convince him to give me another chance.

I had smiled every moment, even as he finally turned away from me for good, falling to one knee beside a crying Kriss.

I had smiled every moment, even as he told her that she was warm, and trustworthy, beautiful … and honest. I knew his proposal was as much to hurt me as it was to win her over.

I had smiled every moment, even as she told him yes and fell into his embrace… the same embrace that had cradled me in my sleep just hours ago.

I had smiled every moment, even as our friends and former competition surged forward to congratulate them. I refused to meet Aspen's gaze, knowing that he hated seeing me in pain.

I had smiled every moment, even as I stumbled with as much grace as I could muster away from my destiny.

I had smiled every moment, even as my heel caught one of the chairs and almost sent me tumbling.

I had smiled every moment, even though it nearly slipped when a protective hand caught my elbow and steadied me. I held on to my savior, Celeste, as she moved her hand to slip around my waist and help me out, leaving the rest behind.

I had smiled every moment, even when I felt his gaze on my retreating form. If Celeste had not told me not to give them the satisfaction of looking back, I would have given in. I would have seen the anger in his eyes once more, and it would have been my undoing.

I had smiled every moment, up until the end, just as my prince had commanded me. I had smiled every moment, until the mahogany doors of the great room closed behind me, separating me from my love forever.

I had smiled every moment, until I was free to collapse into the arms of my friend, and finally…

Finally…

Cry.