---- Chapter 17 "So," Ava began as Liam drove, trying to sound casual. "Your sister seems to think you've been... pining... for a while." Liam shot her a quick, sheepish glance. "Is that what she called it? | believe her exact word was 'pathetic' Ava laughed. "That too. So, what's the story? She made it sound like there's more to it than you just admiring my work from afar." Liam was quiet for a moment, his eyes on the road. "It's a long story," he said finally. "I've got time," she replied softly. He sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Okay. But you can't laugh." He took a deep breath. "The first time | ever saw you wasn't at that tech conference. It was three years ago, at a cafe downtown. You were sketching in a notebook, designing a character. You were so focused, so completely absorbed in what you were doing. You had a little smudge of charcoal on your nose." Ava's eyes widened. She remembered that day, that cafe. It was right after she had first met Noah. "| wanted to talk to you," Liam continued, his voice soft with ---- the memory. "I was actually walking over to your table. But then... he showed up." "Noah," Ava whispered. Liam nodded. "He walked in, kissed you, and you just lit up. You looked so happy. | figured | had missed my chance." He shrugged, a gesture that didn't quite hide the old hurt in his eyes. "So | just... watched from a distance. | followed your career, played your demos. | told myself it was just professional admiration. But Lia was right. It was always more than that." Ava was speechless. For three years, while she was trapped in a toxic cycle of breakups and reconciliations, he had been there, in the background, quietly caring for her. The thought was both heartbreaking and incredibly moving. He pulled the car into the driveway of his house and turned to her. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'm sorry," he said. "l know it's a lot to take in. | don't want you to feel pressured, or like you're some prize I've finally won "| don't," she said, her voice thick. "| feel... cherished." He leaned in and kissed her, a long, slow kiss that was full of all the words he hadn't said for three years. "Good," he murmured against her lips. "Because you are." They went inside, and a comfortable domesticity settled over them. She sat at his kitchen island, working on the ---- presentation for her award acceptance speech, while he worked at his desk in the living room. They were together, but separate, each focused on their own work, a quiet partnership that felt more intimate than any of Noah's grand, public gestures. It felt real. It felt like home. Meanwhile, across town, Noah was not at home. He was sitting in his car across the street from Liam's house. He had been there for hours. He had followed them from the restaurant, his heart a cold, hard knot in his stomach. He watched the lights in the house, imagining them inside. Talking, laughing, touching. The jealousy was a physical thing, a sickness in his gut. He looked at his own reflection in the rearview mirror. He looked tired, haggard. He hadn't slept properly in days. He felt like he was falling apart, while she was... thriving. He had always been the sun in her universe. She had revolved around him, her entire existence dedicated to his comfort and happiness. Now, her orbit had shifted. She was revolving around a new star, and he was left in the cold, outer darkness. He had thought they were just two people who were bad at a relationship. But now, watching the warm glow of Liam's house, a more painful thought occurred to him. Maybe they weren't two people. Maybe they were just a path. A path she had to walk to get from the girl who loved him to the woman who was loved by someone else. They hadn't just broken up. They had gotten lost from each other, and he was starting to realize he was the only one who didn't know the way back. 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.