Chapter 20 Theres this saying about breakups women grieve immediately but heal in a month , while men might take ages to realize what theyve lost . Then comes the desperate backpedaling . Aidens backpedaling came late after six months of playing the field and a quiet winter break , he suddenly became a constant presence in my life . I never figured out what excuse he gave Columbia for missing classes , but he kept showing up in California . Designer gifts appeared at my door I returned them all . Hed wait outside my dorm for hours , refusing to leave . When he caught me , hed trail me to class , to the dining hall , everywhere . Jake was beside himself , torn between amusement and irritation . You know , most girls dont have their exes fly across the country to stalk them , hed joke , but I could hear the worry beneath . Carter called constantly , frantic that Aiden was risking academic probation , begging me to talk sense into him . The irony wasnt lost on me the perfect son throwing everything away for the girl hed once taken for granted . Finally , I confronted him by the bay . Aiden immediately lost it . Why can Jake pursue you but I cant ? Hes known you for what , five minutes ? Ive known you my whole life . Nobody knows you like I do , nobodys better for you than me . I couldnt help but laugh . Really , Aiden ? Have you forgotten everything you did ? Did you ever take my feelings seriously ? You just loved having someone worship you , knowing Id always be there no matter how badly you treated me . Hit with the truth , he cracked . Yes , I messed up . I was young and stupid , thought the whole world was waiting for me . I didnt want to be tied down . I owe you a real apology Im sorry , Brooklyn . His voice softened . But even if you see me as a stranger now , dont I deserve a chance to win you back ? Since youve been gone , I cant adjust to life without you . I cant imagine not sharing everything with you anymore . I my The evening wind off the bay whipped around us as I considered my words carefully . You know what I learned after leaving ? Real love shouldnt feel like walking on eggshells . I can be myself now , my happiness doesnt depend on someone elses mood . Maybe what I felt for you wasnt love maybe it was just teenage naivety . He looked like Id struck him . When he finally spoke , his voice was small . But we had plans college together , grad school , traveling the world . Are you breaking all those promises too ? 19:27 The Black Swans Final Revenge Pirouette : The 99th G All Alo 32.1 % Chapter 20 You broke them first , I said gently . And Ive found someone I actually want to do those things with now . His composure finally broke , eyes reddening . Stop , please just stop . Seeing his pain , I offered one last piece of advice : Maybe you dont really love me . Maybe you just cant stand losing . Aiden , its time for you to move on too . I didnt wait for his response . Jake was waiting across the street , and I ran to him . He immediately laced his fingers through mine . Finally got rid of your ex ? Did you tell him Im your official spider killer now ? I laughed through threatening tears . Looking back one last time , I saw Aiden still frozen by the water . Some people stay in your life forever . Others are just chapters in your story . Ours had finally reached its end . 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.