Chapter 36 hapter 36 Aria's POV Back at the Casanova apartment, I watched Marco skillfully remove his coat and change his shoes, as if nothing unusual had happened today, "Marco, why don't you ask me?' I blurted out. Marco turned to look at me, raising an eyebrow. "Ask you what?" About why I was in police custody. Why I hit Gabriel. Aren't you curious?". Marco walked directly in front of me. His fingers touched my face with surprising gentleness. "Aria," he said, his voice so deep it seemed to reverberate, "whatever happened, I stand behind you." I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him about Gabriel, about the Red Scorpion family, about the danger we were now in-but the words wouldn't come. How could I explain my relationship with Gabriel Castro from three years ago? "You've always been jealous of your sister," my father's voice echoed in my mind. "So you seduced her fiancé?" I shook my head, trying to dispel the memory. Marco was watching me intently, seeing the struggle on my face. But instead of pressing me for answers, he simply pulled me into his arms, where I could hear the steady, reassuring beat of his heart. "You don't need to worry," he whispered into my hair, "the Red Scorpion family isn't as fearsome as you think." Marco had the chef prepare dinner for me-a delicious-looking baked pasta that would normally make my mouth water. But after everything that had happened today, I couldn't eat. 'I'm not hungry yet,' I shook my head. Marco frowned but didn't force me. He carried me to the bathroom. "Take a hot bath, then get some sleep." When I emerged wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe, Marco was waiting with a cup of something that smelled spicy and sweet. "Honey ginger tea," he explained, placing the warm cup in my hands. "It's warming. Drink a little." I took a careful sip, feeling the heat spread through my chest. "Thank you." After I finished the tea, he gently took the cup from my hands and set it aside. To my surprise, Marco pulled back the covers and gestured for me to get in. "You need to rest," he said simply. Marco held my hand, his thumb drawing slow circles on my palm. His other hand began to stroke my back, caressing gently. 'Close your eyes," he said softly, "I'll stay right here/with you." I don't know how long I slept before the nightmare came. I was back in Montellano, that night, surrounded by accusing faces. "You always want what your sister has, my aunt sneered. "Even her fiancé." Chapter 36 The scene shifted to the university campus, where former friends covered their mouths and whispered as I passed. She sleeps around for money, someone said loudly. I heard she was seen at high end bars with different older men. Disgusting, another voice agreed. No wonder her family disowned her." Then my mother appeared, her face streaked with tears. "My poor Aria," she sobbed. My father stood beside me, his expression cold and final. "From this day forward, the Rossi family has no daughter named Aria. To us, you are dead I tried to explain, to tell them it was Gabriel who had set me up-but no sound came out. I was sinking rapidly, drowning in a cold sea of abandonment, the chill seeping into my bones as I plunged into darkness... Suddenly strong arms encircled me, pulling me back to shore. I gasped, nearly choking on air. "Aria! Aria, wake up. You were having a nightmare." I jerked awake to find Marco's worried face just inches from mine. His hands gripped my shoulders firmly but gently, anchoring me to reality. 'M-Marco?" I stammered, disoriented. 'I'm here," he said, pulling me against his chest. "You're safe now." I clung to him, still shaken and unable to break free. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- "Shh," he interrupted. "Would you like to hear a story?" The question was so unexpected that I nodded against his chest. Marco leaned back against the headboard, drawing me to his side. "My grandmother used to tell me an old Sicilian tale about why foxes have red tails. I looked up curiously. "Shouldn't foxes have white tails? Why red?" A small smile touched his lips. "Once, all foxes had beautiful white tails, and they were very proud of them. But one fox was particularly vain. He spent hours grooming his tail instead of hunting." As Marco's deep voice continued the tale of the red-tailed fox-how he accidentally sat in red paint while admiring his reflection, then convinced the other foxes it was the latest fashion-I felt the tension slowly leaving my body. When he described the elaborate lies the fox told, claiming the red tail was a symbol of superior hunting skills, I actually laughed. "So, Marco concluded solemnly, "foxes' tails remain red to this day. Vanity is contagious." I couldn't help but smile. "Did you sleep through biology class in high school?" Marco's expression remained serious. "Perhaps. But every time I dozed off in class, I dreamed of you." "We hadn't even met in high school," I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. 'Don't get caught up in details," he waved dismissively, pulling me closer. "What matters is that I found you eventually." In the study, Marco sat at his desk, his expression ice-cold. He had waited until my breathing became deep and even with peaceful sleep before quietly making a phone call. Giulio," Marco said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want this matter handled by morning. I don't want to hear any rumors about my wife. Make sure the Red Scorpion family understands they've touched someone they shouldn't have." Married to Mafia Boss Chapter 37 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.