---- Chapter 6 Just as Eleanor was asking about wedding plans, the doorbell chimed. Marcus and Chloe. Marcus walked in, Chloe clinging to his arm, a picture of domestic bliss. "What's all the excitement?" Marcus asked, his eyes scanning the room, landing on me. Eleanor beamed. "We're talking about Ellie's wedding! Look, Marcus, isn't her fiancé handsome?" She held up my phone, displaying a picture of David. Marcus's face darkened instantly. "Ellie, what are you trying to pull?" he demanded, his voice tight with anger. "First me, now my parents? Are you determined to spread these lies everywhere?" The Thornes looked from Marcus to me, confused. "Pull? Lies? What do you mean, Marcus?" Richard asked, his brow furrowed. Chloe interjected smoothly, her voice sweet. "Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, Marcus and | actually came to see you about our own wedding plans." Eleanor's smile vanished. Richard's expression hardened. "Marcus," Richard said, his voice stern, "I've told you, | don't want that woman in this house. Not after how she treated ---- Maria last Christmas." Maria was their long-serving housekeeper. Chloe had apparently berated her viciously over a tiny, accidental spill. Marcus's jaw set. "Father, Mother, I've decided. 'm marrying Chloe. With or without your approval." Richard's face flushed with anger. "Marry her then! But don't expect us at the wedding, and don't bring her into our home again!" Chloe's eyes welled with tears. A masterful performance. Marcus, seeing her distress, put a protective arm around her and pulled her towards the door. "Come on, Chloe. We're leaving." They left, the front door closing with a sharp click. Eleanor sighed, sinking back into her chair. She looked at me, her eyes troubled. "That boy. Always so sensible in business, so astute. But so blind when it comes to that woman. Chloe puts on such a sweet act for him, but the staff have told us stories... Why is Marcus so taken with her? Is it just because she's pretty?" | remained silent. *Perhaps it's because he's trying to replace something, or someone.* The thought was a fleeting, uncomfortable whisper in my mind. Later, as | was preparing to leave, Maria, the housekeeper, approached me quietly in the hallway. She was a kind, older woman who had known me since | first came to live with Marcus. ---- "Miss Ellie," she said, her voice low, "it's good to see you. You look... stronger." She paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, "You know, Ms. Chloe... her eyes... they have a certain spark. A little like yours, Miss Ellie, when you were younger and full of life, before... well, before." | felt a strange pang. Something clicked, a puzzle piece | hadn't known was missing, but it didn't fully form a picture. | said my goodbyes to Richard and Eleanor. "So soon?" Eleanor said, her disappointment evident. "When will we see you again, dear? You must bring David to meet us properly." | forced a smile. "I'll be settling in Florence after the wedding. | probably won't be back for a while. But I'll send pictures." 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.