Chapter 2 Her mothers excited voice immediately came through the phone : Thats fantastic , sweetheart ! Well start the paperwork right away once its done , theres no turning back . Its a point of no return . She gripped her phone tightly , fingertips trembling , but her voice remained unshakeable I wont change my mind . Her mother was about to hang up but hesitated , cautiously asking : What about that boyfriend of yours ? Didnt you chase after him forever ? I thought you were head over heels for him . The word boyfriend felt like a knife twisting in her chest . Arianas mind instantly flashed back to the hospital room the cruel laughter , Luigi sprawled carelessly on the bed scrolling through social media , his friends vicious mockery , and the devastating realization that hed wasted three years dating her solely to execute some twisted revenge plan for Leila Brown Her heart constricted so violently she could barely breathe , like someone had reached into her chest and was squeezing it with bare hands . Im done with him , she heard herself say , her voice raw but eerily steady . Completely done . After hanging up . Ariana stood motionless on the sidewalk , letting the bitter wind whip through her hair . She stared up at the bleak gray sky , drew in a deep breath that burned her lungs , and turned toward what she had foolishly called home . The moment she pushed open the door , the familiar scent punched her in the gut . Ariana froze in the entryway , staring at the living room she knew so well , feeling like she was trapped in someone elses nightmare . This was Luigis apartment the one hed casually tossed her a key to after finally acknowledging her feelings . That day , he had leaned against the doorframe with that trademark smirk and shrugged : Wanna shack up ? Back then , shed blushed like an idiot , heart soaring with joy , believing it was the beginning of their love story rather than what it actually was convenient access for his ongoing psychological torture campaign . She had spent countless nights lying beside him , dreaming about their future wedding in this very living room , picturing their children running around , fantasizing about growing old together in this space . Now those memories were like acid in her veins .. Moving in together ? Just another calculated move to maximize her pain when the final blow came . She couldnt comprehend the depths of his obsession with Lella to waste three years of his life with someone he despised, to live with her , to sleep with her night after night .. All to build the perfect illusion before destroying her completely . For the next three days , Ariana didnt so much as text Luigi at the hospital . She locked herself in the apartment and systematically purged every trace of him from her life . She found the journal where shed documented her pathetic crush a thick , worn notebook with every page filled with lovestruck ramblings . OMG saw Luigi in the library today !!! White button down those jeans DYING . Had to pretend to read because I couldnt stop staring ! HE ACTUALLY SPOKE TO ME TODAY !!! Just asked me to pass his coffee but I swear our fingers touched and there was a MOMENT . Havent washed my hand yet lol . I CANNOT BELIEVE IT . He said YES . Luigi Maggiore is dating MF . Is this real life ?? Im literally shaking writing this !!! Ariana flipped through page after cringe worthy page , tears streaming down her face , each drop burning like fire . She threw the journal into a garbage bag with such force it tore through the plastic , her hands shaking with anger at him , but mostly at herself . Next came the gifts shed spent thousands on- The sterling silver tie clip shed saved three months for . The limited edition watch shed stood in line overnight to purchase . The designer jacket that cost more than her rent . Each item representing months of sacrifice and planning on her part , probably tossed in a drawer and forgotten on his . Finally , the dozens of photos shed secretly taken and printed of him . Pictures of Luigi giving campaign speeches for student president , dominating the basketball court , holding court in hallways surrounded by admirers each one had once made her heart flutter like a trapped bird . She dumped everything into the trash , methodically erasing every physical reminder of her former delusion . By the evening of the third day , Ariana had finally purged the last item . Standing in the center of the now barren living room , she felt a strange lightness wash over her , like shedding a skin that had grown too tight . Just then , the front door swung open and Luigi walked in . His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the noticeably emptier space . What the hell did you throw out ? His tone was sharp , demanding Ariana looked up , meeting his gaze without flinching : Nothing important . Just garbage I shouldve gotten rid of years ago . Luigi stepped closer , irritation evident in his voice : I was in the fucking hospital after a serious accident. Where were you ? Arianas lips curved into a hollow smile , her voice ice cold : Youre walking around just fine , arent you ? Guess it wasnt that serious after all . Luigi froze , clearly caught off guard by her tone . I was worried about you , so I came to check . His gaze dropped to her arm , his voice dropping to that seductive murmur she once found irresistible : Are you in pain . Ariana pulled her arm away like his gaze might contaminate her . No , she said flatly , as if speaking to at stranger . Luigis brow furrowed deeply , clearly unsettled by this new version of her : What the fuck happened while I was gone ? Youre like a completely different person . Arianas lips twitched into a smile that didnt reach her eyes : Different ? How so ? Luigi didnt answer , but they both knew exactly what had changed . The old Ariana had looked at him like he hung the moon and stars . Shed once spent three straight nights by his bedside when he had a common cold , checking his temperature every hour , making homemade soup , practically worshipping at the altar of his minor discomfort . Yet now , after what was supposed to be a life threatening accident , she hadnt even bothered to call . Luigis intense gaze searched her face , hunting for some clue to this sudden transformation . His voice dropped to that practiced , intimate tone he used when he wanted something : You seem stressed . My boys are throwing me a welcome back rager tonight . Come with me ? Chapter 3 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. Adela's journey from deception to betrayal is filled with intrigue and suspense as she navigates through a world where power dynamics and family loyalties collide. What sets this story apart is its strong female lead who defies expectations and challenges societal norms in a quest for justice and redemption. Experience the riveting tale of Adela Taylor online at CrushReel and witness the transformation of a princess into a formidable female general.