---- Chapter 12 "Was that a good idea?" Ava asked, watching as Liam put his phone down. "He's not going to let this go." "He doesn't have a choice," Liam said, turning his attention back to her. "You told him not to contact you. You blocked him. You've made your choice clear. The rest is just noise." She was sitting up in his bed, wearing one of his soft t-shirts that smelled like him, a comforting, clean scent. The anger and humiliation she had felt for so long had been replaced by a quiet sense of peace. He had been right. The sounds Noah had overheard were real. After Liam had confessed his feelings, one thing had led to another, a natural, unforced progression from conversation to a kiss, from a kiss to something more. With Liam, she felt seen, desired, and, most importantly, respected. It was a revelation. "Are you hungry?" Liam asked, breaking the silence. He stood up and went to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he came back with a bowl of warm porridge. "l know it's not much, but | figured your stomach might still be sensitive." He sat on the edge of the bed and held a spoonful up to her lips. She ate it obediently. It was simple, but it was warm and comforting, and it was made for her. Noah had never once ---- cooked for her in three years. He gently wiped a stray drop of porridge from the corner of her mouth with his thumb. The simple, intimate gesture made her heart flutter. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything." "There's nothing to thank me for," he said. He looked at her, his expression serious. "Just promise me one thing." "What?" "No more contact with him. At all. If he tries to reach you through friends or shows up somewhere, you call me. You don't engage. You don't give him the satisfaction. Can you do that?" She nodded. "I can." She hesitated for a moment. "Can | ask you to do something for me?" "Anything." "The number | blocked... can you delete it from my phone? | don't want to even have the temptation." Liam smiled, a warm, genuine smile that reached his eyes. "I already did," he said. He had deleted Noah's contact information while she was in the shower earlier. He hadn't wanted to presume, but he couldn't stand the thought of Noah's name even existing on her phone. She looked at him, a wave of gratitude washing over her. He ---- was always one step ahead, anticipating her needs, protecting her in ways she hadn't even thought of yet. He leaned in and kissed her, slowly and deeply. "From now on," he murmured against her lips, "the only man you need to worry about is me." He pulled back slightly, a playful glint in his eye. "Is that okay with you?" Ava felt a blush creep up her neck. She was still getting used to this, to being cherished. "It's more than okay," she whispered. He kissed her again, and this time, there was no hesitation. "Good," he said, his voice a low growl. "Because | have no intention of ever letting my girlfriend go." The word "girlfriend" hung in the air between them, solid and real. It didn't feel like a trap or a label of ownership. It felt like a promise. And for the first time in a very long time, Ava felt safe enough to believe in one. 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.