---- Chapter 24 While Noah was dealing with the wreckage of his own making, Ava was celebrating. Her team had organized a small party at the office to celebrate securing the grant money. They had pizza and cheap champagne, and the small office was filled with laughter and excitement. Liam was there, of course, looking at her with an expression of such pride and love that it made her heart ache in the best possible way. "A toast!" her lead programmer announced, raising his plastic cup. "To Ava! The most brilliant, deserving, and patient boss in the world! And to 'Echoes of Starlight'!" "To Aval" everyone cheered. Ava blushed, feeling a wave of pure happiness. "I couldn't have done it without you guys," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Or without you," she added, turning to Liam. She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick, grateful kiss. "| didn't do anything," he whispered back, his arm tightening around her waist. "You did everything," she corrected him. Their quiet moment was interrupted by a chorus of "Awws" ---- from her team. "Get a room, you two!" someone shouted, and everyone laughed. Liam just grinned, pulling her even closer. "Don't mind if we do," he joked, making Ava blush even harder. He leaned down, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. "| am so incredibly proud of you." His words were better than any award, any grant. To be seen, to be valued, to be loved by this man-that was the real prize. The party was winding down, and people were starting to pack up to go home. Music was still playing softly from a small speaker in the corner. Liam took her hand. "May | have this dance?" he asked formally, a playful bow. She laughed. "Of course, you may." He led her to a small, clear space in the middle of the office and pulled her close. They swayed slowly to the music, her head resting on his chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. It was perfect. Across the street, in a taxi, Noah watched them. His hand was bandaged, his car had been towed, and his heart felt like it had been ripped out of his chest. He had come here, a last, desperate attempt to see her, and this is what he saw. Her, in the arms of another man, looking happier and more beautiful than he had ever seen her. ---- As the song ended, Ava looked up at Liam, her eyes shining. And then, in front of the window, in full view of anyone who might be watching, she pulled his head down and kissed him. It wasn't a quick, grateful peck. It was a long, slow, passionate kiss, a public declaration of her love and her choice. The few remaining team members cheered and whistled, turning the moment into an impromptu celebration of their own. And as they were kissing, Liam pulled back just enough to whisper, "Marry me, Ava." Noah, watching from the taxi, couldn't hear the words, but he saw the way Ava's eyes widened, the way her smile bloomed, the way she nodded her head, tears of joy streaming down her face. He saw her say yes. He told the taxi driver to go. He couldn't watch anymore. It was over. He had lost her, completely and irrevocably. The game was finished, and she had won. 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.