---- Chapter 30 The words hung in the air between them, a bubble of surreal silence in the middle of the bustling city. Pregnant. The possibility was so immense, so life-altering, that neither of them could fully process it. Liam was the first to break the silence. He took her hand, his grip firm and grounding. "Okay," he said, his voice surprisingly calm. "Okay. First, we get a test. Then, we see a doctor. And then... we figure it out. Together." He didn't look scared or angry. He looked steady. He looked like the man she had fallen in love with. The pregnancy test was positive. The doctor's visit a day later confirmed it. Ava was six weeks pregnant. They sat in Liam's car in the hospital parking lot, the doctor's words still echoing in the small space. Ava stared out the window, her hand resting on her still-flat stomach. A baby. A tiny life that was half her, half Liam. A life conceived not in desperation or obligation, but in love. A fierce, protective instinct she had never known existed rose up inside her. She would not get rid of this child. She couldn't. "l know the timing is... not ideal," Liam said softly, breaking the silence. "And | will support you no matter what you decide. If ---- you don't want to... | will understand." Ava turned to look at him. "Do you want this baby, Liam?" He didn't hesitate. A slow, wondrous smile spread across his face. "Yes," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "More than anything." He reached out and placed his hand over hers on her stomach. "I want to have a family with you, Ava. | wanted that before | knew about this." He took a deep breath. "| know | just proposed, and this is fast, but... will you marry me? Soon? | want our baby to have my name." Ava laughed, a joyful, teary sound. "Yes, silly. | already said yes." The next few weeks were a whirlwind of quiet joy and secret planning. They decided to get married at the courthouse in a small, private ceremony, and then have a bigger celebration with family and friends after the baby was born. Ava's morning sickness was persistent, but Liam was a devoted caregiver. He learned which foods she could tolerate, kept her supplied with ginger ale and crackers, and took over all the cooking. He would send her pictures of the "baby's lunch" before he brought it to her office, little notes of encouragement tucked into the bag. One afternoon, Lia insisted on bringing lunch to Ava's office herself, saying Liam was stuck in a meeting. Ava was touched by the gesture. She was in the middle of a team meeting when Lia arrived. "Don't mind me," Lia said, setting the food down on Ava's ---- desk. "Just making a delivery." Ava smiled at her, but just then, the smell of the food-a fragrant curry that she normally would have loved-hit her. A wave of nausea, stronger than any she had felt before, washed over her. She mumbled a quick "excuse me," and bolted from the room, making it to the office bathroom just in time. When she came out a few minutes later, pale and shaky, Lia was waiting for her, a glass of water in her hand and a knowing, gentle smile on her face. "So," Lia said, her eyes twinkling. "Is there something you and my brother forgot to tell me?" Ava's heart clenched. She hadn't wanted anyone to know yet. But there was no denying the evidence. She looked at Lia's kind, expectant face and knew her secret was safe. She simply nodded, a shy, happy smile spreading across her own face. 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.