---- Chapter 12 Ellie woke early the next morning, the Tuscan sun streaming through the shutters. Her wedding day. She still felt a little disoriented from sleep and travel. David had told her the 'Desert Bloom' sculpture, her original wedding centerpiece, had been "lost in transit" by a careless shipping company Marcus had supposedly arranged after she left Scottsdale. She suspected Chloe's hand in its disappearance. It didn't matter. David, ever practical, had commissioned a local Florentine artist to create a new centerpiece, something with Tuscan marble and olive wood And her wedding dress. The original, the one she'd picked out years ago with such foolish, secret hopes, had also vanished from the art storage facility along with the sculpture. David had arranged for a renowned Florentine couturier to create a new one, on incredibly short notice. It was beautiful. Simple, elegant, ivory silk that flowed like water. She allowed herself to be fussed over by the hairdresser and makeup artist David had hired. "Bellissima," the makeup artist murmured, stepping back to ---- admire her work. Ellie smiled, a soft, contented smile. The preparations were complete. David appeared in the doorway, dressed in a perfectly tailored linen suit. He'd been quietly watching from the hallway. He dismissed the attendants with a grateful nod. He walked towards her, his eyes full of an emotion so intense it made her breath catch. He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze searching hers. Ellie felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be... getting ready?" He leaned down, his lips brushing hers, a feather-light touch. "| couldn't stay away," he whispered, his voice husky. "I've missed you." His directness, his open affection, still surprised her sometimes. It was so different from the reserved, almost repressed emotional landscape she'd grown up in with Marcus. David's emotions were clear, honest, freely given He deepened the kiss, then pulled back slightly, a rueful smile on his face. "We should probably save some of this for after the ceremony," he said, his eyes twinkling. He took a small, velvet box from his pocket. Inside was a delicate necklace of pearls and tiny, sparkling diamonds. ---- "This was my grandmother's," he said, his voice soft. "She wanted my bride to wear it." He fastened it around her neck, his fingers warm against her skin. It lay cool and beautiful against the ivory silk. They walked out into the sun-drenched courtyard, hand in hand. David's parents, James and Susan Miller, were waiting. They had flown in from Boston. Susan, a warm, bubbly woman, rushed forward. "David Miller, there you are! We thought you'd run off with the bride before the wedding even started!" she teased, her eyes crinkling with affection. James, quieter, more reserved, smiled at them both. "You two look perfect together," he said, his approval evident. Susan continued to grumble good-naturedly. "Honestly, the pair of you. Making us old folks wait." But her eyes were shining with happiness. 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.