---- Chapter 16 Marcus stared at her, his eyes wide with shock, the tears momentarily forgotten. "What... what are you talking about?" he whispered, his hand falling away from her arm. Ellie didn't spare him a glance, her gaze fixed on some distant point in the garden. "The first time," she continued, her voice flat, devoid of emotion, "was the pneumonia. | told you. | was alone, in a tiny, cold room. My fever was so high, | was delirious. | called you, Marcus. So many times. | left messages. Begging you to help me. To just... call me back." She paused, then looked directly at him, her eyes like chips of ice. "You never responded." She pulled up the sleeve of her wedding dress, revealing a thin, jagged scar on her forearm. "The second time, | was in a crowd, a street festival. It turned into a stampede. | was knocked down, trampled. My arm was broken. | lay there for what felt like hours before someone helped me. Again, | tried to call you. From the hospital. No answer." Marcus's face was ashen. He looked like he was going to be sick. ---- He opened his mouth, but no words came out. "The third time," Ellie went on, her voice relentless, "was a robbery. Not a simple mugging. This was violent. They had a gun. | fought back. Stupid, | know." She touched a spot just below her collarbone, hidden by the lace of her dress. "The bullet missed my heart by an inch. David found me. He got me to the hospital. He saved my life." She finally met his horrified gaze. "David stayed with me. He nursed me. He helped me heal. Not just my body, Marcus. My spirit. The one you so carelessly broke." Her voice was calm, but a universe of pain lay beneath the surface. "I'm happy now, Marcus. Truly happy. David gave me back my life. He gave me a love that is kind, and patient, and real." Her serenity, her quiet strength, was like a brand on his soul. It intensified his agony, his guilt, a thousandfold. He sank to his knees before her, his carefully constructed world crumbling around him. "Ellie... |... | didn't know..." he choked out, his voice hoarse with unshed tears, with a regret so profound it threatened to consume him. "I'm sorry," he whispered, the words inadequate, meaningless. "God, Ellie, I'm so sorry." He reached for her hand, but she pulled away. "You said you were a fool," she said, her voice still quiet. "You ---- were. You were a cruel, selfish fool, Marcus." He tried to explain, to make excuses for his blindness, his fear. "| thought... | thought | was protecting you... protecting myself She cut him off. "It doesn't matter anymore." 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.