The One Fanfiction

Chapter 9

Okay, this chapter is really intense. Don't worry, I'll be posting more soon.

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        My maids fluttered around the room, trying to find something for me to wear that would awe every person at dinner. Lucy squealed and pulled me over to a dress. It was perfect.

        I strutted down the hall. I was confident tonight would be a night none of them would ever forget. My fingers trailed along the fabric that flowed around me. I smiled at the guards politely and they opened the doors. I held my head up and walked inside.

        A chair was pushed out and Maxon stood up. All eyes were on me. I looked down at myself, admiring the fine dress. It was all white. From the waist down, it had elegant layers of ruffles. The top was form fitting and made of cloth that glittered in the light. My hair was a fiery contrast to my dress. It sat on my shoulders, slightly curled.

        Maxon was staring at me wide eyed. "You look-"

        "Late," the King interuppted. I curtsied and walked to my chair. Amberly rose from her seat. She smiled at us fondly.

        "Good evening, ladies. I would like to say that we've loved having you all here. Unfortunately, one of you will be going home tonight. I'll let Maxon take it from here." The Queen sat down and reached for her husband's hand. He took it gently, unlike how he'd held mine earlier. I shivered at the memory. Maxon cleared his throat. He locked eyes with all of us. "I don't want to waste time, so let's get started." His eyes fell on me.

        "Lady America, would you like to stay?" I nodded and gave him a look that said, Of course I would, stupid. Maxon got the message and smiled.

        He went through this process with Elise until it was down to Kriss and Celeste. Maxon furrowed his brow and looked back and forth between the two of them. He took a breath and said, "Lady Kriss, would you like to stay?"

        "Of course."

        I felt relieved to see Celeste go, but I disliked the thought of Kriss staying. She was Maxon's second choice. I was afraid that with a little time, I would be where Kriss was now. My heart told me not to worry, but jealousy coursed through my body.

        I caught Maxon's eye. I reached up as if to scratch my ear, but instead gave it a small tug. He nodded subtly.

        I felt better as I walked back to my room. Then, my heart dropped. Aspen was standing guard at my door. I took a breath and walked right past him into my room. When the door closed behind me, I ran a hand through my styled hair. I sat on my bed. Okay, that wasn't so hard.

        I waited for half an hour before my door opened.

        "Max-oh." Aspen was standing in the doorway. He took a few steps in, kicking the door closed behind him. Aspen waited to see what I would say. When there was no answer, he came up to me and placed his lips on mine. I kissed him back instinctively, but there were no sparks. No magic left in our relationship.

        I put my hands on his chest and pushed him away. He gave me a questioning look and asked,

        "What's wrong, Mer?"

        "We can't do this anymore."

        "Why not?" Aspen began to look agitated.

        "I love Maxon," I replied simply. I knew it in my heart, but Aspen didn't seem like he wanted to hear it.

        "No, you don't. It's just because you spent so much time with him. Now that you're back, we can go back to the way it was."

        "No, we can't, Aspen. I can't be with someone I don't love. I'm sorry, but I don't love you." Those last words barely came out.

        Fury flushed his face. Aspen grabbed my shoulders and glared at me. "You love me and you know it. Why won't you just admit it?"

        He pushed me against the wall and kissed me so roughly it hurt. I pounded on his chest and cried, "Stop, Aspen! Stop! Get off!"

        Tears streaked down my face. I felt violated and dirty. And scared.

        Aspen grasped my wrists and pinned me on the wall. I jerked around, trying to free myself. Every time I almost broke free, he would squeeze me even tighter.

        Aspen pulled back to catch his breath and I did all that came to mind- I screamed.