---- Chapter 5 | remembered that day clearly. Ten years old, the world shattered. Marcus, a lifeline. "I'll keep it safe, Ellie. Always," he'd promised, his voice gentle, his thumb stroking the back of my small hand as he closed his fingers around the locket. The sketchbook incident. My journal entries. How I'd sometimes sneak into his study when he was out, take the locket from his desk drawer. I'd hold it close at night, imagining it was him. The faint scent of his sandalwood cologne still clinging to its chain. When he read those words, his face had been a storm. Fury, and something else, something unreadable, shuttered deep in his eyes. He'd snatched the locket from my nightstand, where I'd foolishly left it. I'd thought he'd thrown it into the nearest trash can. Now, seeing it here, like a precious artifact... Confusion warred with a dull ache. But | pushed it aside. It changed nothing. He was engaged to Chloe. He despised me. Or so he claimed. The next day, | drove to Paradise Valley. ---- To Richard and Eleanor Thorne's home. Marcus's parents. They greeted me with genuine warmth, hugs, and exclamations. "Ellie, dear! Look at you!" Eleanor fussed, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners. "You've grown into such a beautiful young woman! Marcus has taken good care of you." Her words were oblivious to the chasm that had opened between Marcus and me. | managed a faint smile. *He used to.* "You're twenty-two now, Ellie," Eleanor continued, leading me to the sunroom. "Time to think about dating, settling down. Shall we introduce you to some nice young men? We know several..." "Actually," | interrupted gently, "| have a fiancé. We're getting married soon. In Florence." | explained, "| came back to visit my parents' memorial, and to share the news with you both, and with Marcus." The Thornes were momentarily stunned, then delighted. "A fiancé! Ellie, that's wonderful news!" Richard boomed, his smile wide. "Do you have pictures? What's he like?" Eleanor pressed, her eyes shining. | showed them photos of David on my phone. David smiling at a cafe in Florence. David helping me set up an art exhibit. David and |, arms around each other, on a Tuscan hillside. They approved heartily. ---- "He looks like a fine young man, Ellie," Richard said, nodding. "And he has kind eyes," Eleanor added. "Does he treat you well, dear?" A genuine smile, the first in days, spread across my face. "He's wonderful to me," | said, my voice filled with warmth. "He's patient, and supportive, and he makes me feel safe." Their approval was a balm to my bruised spirit. 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.