---- Chapter 39 The hospital room was sterile and quiet, filled with the soft beeping of machines. Noah was lying in the bed, looking small and fragile. He was shockingly thin, his skin pale and translucent. He was asleep, his breathing shallow. Ava stood in the doorway, her hand on her pregnant belly, a silent protector of her new life. Scarlett stood beside her, looking lost. "Noah," Scarlett said softly, touching his arm. "Noah, wake up. Someone's here to see you." His eyes fluttered open. They were cloudy with medication, but they cleared when they focused on Ava. A flicker of something-surprise, gratitude, shame-crossed his face. "Ava," he rasped, his voice a dry whisper. "You came." "| came," she said, taking a hesitant step into the room. They looked at each other for a long moment, the years of pain and love and lies stretching between them. "I'm sorry," he whispered. The words were simple, unadorned with excuses or justifications. They were just the plain, unvarnished truth. "| know," she said. ---- He tried to sit up, a grimace of pain crossing his face. "The baby," he said, his eyes flicking to her stomach. "Is it...?" "A girl," Ava said, a small, soft smile touching her lips. "We're going to name her Hope." A tear slid down Noah's cheek. "Hope," he repeated. "That's... beautiful." He closed his eyes for a moment. "He's a good man, Liam. He'll be a good father." It was an admission of defeat, a final blessing, a letting go. "Yes," Ava said. "He will." She didn't stay long. There was nothing left to say. The anger was gone, the love was long dead. All that remained was a quiet, somber peace. She had not come here for him. She had come here for herself, to close the final chapter, to prove to herself that she could face her past without fear, and walk away with grace. As she was leaving, she paused at the door and looked back. Scarlett was sitting by his bed, holding his hand. She was no longer the glamorous, vicious rival. She was just a woman, sitting with a man she loved, even if he didn't love her back. In that moment, Ava saw a reflection of her former self, and her heart ached for them both. She walked out of the hospital and into the bright sunshine, taking a deep breath of the fresh, clean air. She was free. 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.