Chapter 18 Our house is too quiet mind if we join your game ? Mrs. Carter asked with her usual warmth . Wed always spent New Years Eve together before everything happened . This year , Mom had politely declined their dinner invitation , but you cant exactly turn away guests at your door . Aiden naturally gravitated to the seat next to mine , watching me play poker . My cousins , oblivious to our history , kept making those classic whens the wedding ? jokes . I laughed them off smoothly while Aidens jaw tightened more with each comment . At midnight , when everyone headed outside for fireworks , he caught my arm , clearly wanting to talk . Thats when my phone rang . Blushing slightly , I pulled away from him to answer . It was Jake from my photography club back at Stanford a local California guy with an infectious laugh . He wasnt the brooding type like Aiden ; instead , he was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile , always ready with a terrible pun or a ridiculous story . He claimed he called just to count down the New Year together , not wanting to celebrate alone . I kept him on speaker , letting him join our familys celebrations from across the country . Before hanging up , he laughed sheepishly . Truth is , I just wanted to be the first person to wish you happy New Year . So … happy New Year , Brooklyn ! I couldnt help grinning as I wished him the same , chatting for a few more minutes . When I finally hung up and turned around , Aiden was standing there , his expression glacial . Hed clearly heard everything . Boyfriend ? His voice was rough . Not officially , I answered honestly , after considering it . Aiden stayed quiet for what felt like forever . Just as I was about to head back inside to rejoin the poker game , he spoke again : Long distance relationships rarely work out . You should find someone closer to home . I nodded , noting the irony . Youre right you never really know someone until you do . Ill take my time deciding . Thanks for the advice , Aiden . Hope you settle down soon too . Something in my casual response seemed to hit a nerve . Without another word , he disappeared into the night . 19:27 The Black Swans Final Revenge Pirouette : The 99th G All Alog . 30.5 % Chapter 18 I shrugged it off his mood swings werent my problem anymore . Amazing how rose colored glasses could make even red flags look like normal flags . The rest of break flew by in a blur of family visits and road trips with my parents . I barely spent any time at home , successfully avoiding any more Aiden encounters . Break ended too quickly , and I was back at Stanford before I knew it . Then , impossibly , I saw Aiden standing at the university entrance the very next day . 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.