---- Chapter 25 "Yes," Ava whispered, the word a happy sob. "Yes, of course, I'll marry you." She forgot about her team's cheering, forgot they were in her messy office, forgot everything but the look on Liam's face. He slid a simple, elegant ring onto her finger. It wasn't a massive diamond like the one Noah had shoved in her face. It was a delicate, vintage-style ring with a small, perfect sapphire. Her birthstone. It was a ring someone had chosen with thought, with care, with love. "Thank you," she said, looking from the ring to his face, her eyes full of tears. "What for?" he asked, wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb "For knowing my birthstone," she said with a watery laugh. "For seeing me. For loving me." "Loving you is the easiest thing I've ever done," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm not saving you, Ava. We're saving each other." His words settled deep in her heart. He was right. This wasn't a fairy tale where the knight saves the damsel in distress. This was a partnership. They were equals, building a life ---- together. The next day, Ava was back at the office, a new energy buzzing through her veins. She was engaged, her company was funded, and her life was finally, wonderfully her own. Around noon, another food delivery arrived. It was from Noah. A sad-looking insulated container was left at the reception. The receptionist, who was by now familiar with the daily drama, called up to Ava's office. "Another delivery for you, Ms. Chen. From... him." "Just leave it, please. He'll probably be by to pick it up later," Ava said, not even looking up from her work. She had no space in her life for his pathetic gestures anymore. That part of her life was over, a strange, malformed love affair that she had finally outgrown. She was busy, so incredibly busy, but it was a joyful kind of work. She felt a sense of purpose she had never known. This company, this game, it was hers. She had built it. Late that afternoon, as she was leaving the office, she was intercepted in the lobby. But it wasn't Noah this time. It was Scarlett. She looked frantic, her usual glamorous composure completely gone. "You," Scarlett spat, blocking Ava's path. "We need to talk." "| have nothing to say to you, Scarlett," Ava said, trying to walk around her. ---- Scarlett grabbed her arm, her grip surprisingly strong. "You're going to listen to me." She practically dragged Ava out of the building and pushed her toward her red convertible. "Get in the car. "I'm not going anywhere with you," Ava said, trying to pull her arm away. "Get in," Scarlett repeated, her voice low and threatening. "Or I'll make a scene right here that will make our last one look like a tea party. And this time, I'll make sure to mention your new engagement to the city's second-most eligible bachelor. I'm sure the gossip blogs would love that." Ava froze. The last thing she wanted was for her new life with Liam to be dragged into the mud of Noah and Scarlett's drama. Reluctantly, she got into the car. The leather seats were hot from the sun, and the air was thick with the smell of Scarlett's expensive, cloying perfume. 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.