She tried to 'put on a brave face' [=she tried to appear brave or calm] despite the pain of the injury.
You can refuse to talk to her if you like, but you're just 'cutting off your nose to spite your face'.
They made it on time 'in spite of the fact' that they got a flat tire.
(..) It's a deal. What about the UMP. I remain chairman. Why two posts. For a simple reason. I chair the UMP in spite of you. Had you given it to me, I'd have given it back. Now I keep it. To humiliate me. I've yet to say "I decide. Chirac executes." (..)2016 Me Before You