Chapter 40 Chapter 40 What are you talking about ? Willow asked , clearly confused . That shrimp 1 couldnt pick it up either, but he didnt stop the lazy Susan for me , Freya pointed out . Willow paused , remembering the moment . You did that on purpose ? Yeah . Freya grinned . A little test . Maybe he just didnt see you . Then why did he see you ? Willow was left speechless . Freya dropped the bombshell . Hes been watching you the whole time . Freyas words hit Willow like a series of explosions . What had started as a calm conversation now had Willow almost convinced that Declan might actually have some interest in her . Thats impossible . Why not ? Youre beautiful , talented , kind , and you can cook . Youre the whole package . Im not even a guy , and I like you . Just because Elijah was blind to it doesnt mean every man out there is . Willow didnt want to argue about something so pointless . She was divorced , with a child . Declan could have anyone why would he want someone like her ? One of the three great illusions in life was thinking , He likes me ! Even if he did , Im not interested . Were not talking about love here . Use him to get back at your ex ! Good grief , Freya hadnt given up yet . Willow walked out of the restroom and noticed Declan was still there . He stood at the restaurant entrance , the warm glow of the lights behind him and the dark night ahead . His silhouette almost blended into the shadows . Shed never realized before how someone could be so captivating just by standing there . It took all her willpower not to pull out her camera and capture the moment . Freyas wild theories had shaken Willows composure . She chuckled to herself , refocused , and approached him . Turner , is your driver running late ? Its raining . Willow finally noticed the rain outside . She rummaged through her bag she had an umbrella . Just as she was about to offer it to him , he spoke . Would you mind giving me a lift ? Cars cant get through here , and I didnt bring an umbrella . Willow changed her motion from handing him the umbrella to opening it herself . Of course . 1/3 Chapter 40 Let me . Declan took the umbrella , opening it and tilting it slightly toward Willow as they walked side by side . Been busy lately ? Not really . The press conference is on the 7th next month . Ill be there on time . Just when Willow thought the conversation was over , Declan asked , Did I upset you last time ? Willow was caught off guard . Huh ? The towel and umbrella why did you have someone else deliver them ? The soft patter of rain on the umbrella interrupted Willows thoughts . Declans subtle , pleasant cologne wafted through the air , wrapping around her like a mist . Freyas words echoed in her mind : Does Mr. Turner like you ? For a moment , Willow felt flustered . Are you afraid of me ? Willow met Declans thoughts . His eyes were calm , clear , and his tone was so neutral that Willow felt embarrassed for her earlier -Freya , you troublemaker ! No. If it werent for Declan instructing security to keep Mrs. Clark out of the company , Willow wouldnt have had to ask someone else to deliver those items . She couldnt confront him about it , nor could she explain . Willow sighed inwardly , swallowing the frustration and keeping her secret tight . I didnt realize it would bother you . I was tied up with something urgent and asked Ruby to handle it . My apologies . Its fine . Willow couldnt read his expression . It was too calm , like the night and the rain . If not for the sound of rain hitting the umbrella , the world wouldve been silent . All she could see were the rainlit streaks and the shimmering puddles on the ground . Her eyes lingered on the puddles , watching the raindrops create tiny bursts of light , like fireworks . She started framing the scene in her mind . Declans voice , so casually affectionate , made her ears heat up , and her heartbeat quicken . Why was he calling me that ? Where were the boundaries ? Is that your name ? Declan asked . 2/3 93 % 1 +23 ) Chapter 40 It hit Willow that Freya had shouted her name earlier , and Declan mustve overheard it . The conversation fell into a comfortable silence again . Willow , worried Declan might dig deeper and expose her secret , looked around . Is your car still not here ? Declan pulled out his phone . Its taking a while . Let me check . He sent a message to his driver , telling him it was okay to come now . Its on its way . The parking lots crowded , so its taking some time . Willow felt a wave of relief wash over her . Thank God . The risk of her secret slipping out was steadily fading . Suddenly , her phone buzzed in her bag . She tried to ignore it , but it kept vibrating . She finally pulled it out . Freya bombarded her with messages . [You just left with Mr. Turner like that ? Do you even remember your best friend is still at the restaurant ? ] [ I guess you dont . ] [ Its fine . I left already . ] [ Got spotted by fans . Had to bail . You can ride with Mr. ] [ Look at his cold , aloof vibe . Im actually kind of relieved . ] [ Wouldnt mind if he werent so cold , though . Your ex is one lucky guy . ] Willows vision blurred for a moment . Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. Despite facing obstacles, she achieves remarkable success. However, upon her triumphant return, her brother betrays her, setting off a chain of events that will test her resolve and reveal hidden truths. This captivating novel delves into themes of secrets, reincarnation, revenge, murder, and drama. 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