---- Chapter 38 "What kind of sick?" Ava asked, her heart giving an involuntary lurch. "They don't know for sure," Scarlett said, twisting a napkin in her hands. "It started a few months ago. He was losing weight, always tired. The doctors thought it was stress, depression. But it's worse. It's some kind of autoimmune disease, a rare one. His body is attacking itself." Ava sat in stunned silence. The image of the gaunt, haunted- looking Noah she had last seen flashed in her mind. It hadn't just been heartbreak. He had been physically ill. "He's getting worse," Scarlett continued, her voice trembling. "He's in the hospital now. He... he keeps asking for you." "Me?" Ava whispered. "Why me? He has you." Scarlett let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. "He broke up with me months ago. Right after he got back from... from that trip. He said he needed to figure things out on his own. | think he knew something was wrong even then." She looked at Ava, her eyes filled with a raw, painful honesty. "He doesn't love me, Ava. He never did. It was all a game. But you... what you two. had... as twisted as it was, it was real for him, in his own selfish way. You're the only one he ever really... cared about." ---- The words hung in the air, heavy and complicated. "He wants to see you," Scarlett pleaded. "Just once. He won't listen to the doctors, he's given up. | thought... | thought maybe if he saw you, he'd fight." Ava's mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions. Pity, anger, and a deep, weary sadness. She owed Noah nothing. He had lied to her, manipulated her, and hurt her in countless ways. But he was dying. She thought of the man who had, however fraudulently, played the hero for her once. She thought of his final, simple apology. She thought of her own happiness, her own peace, and the man and the child waiting for her at home. "Okay," she said softly. "I'll go." 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.