---- Chapter 12 Nicola quickly put a finger to Emilio's lips. He stopped talking, and he struggled to gaze at her with his bright eyes. They blinked innocently yet held amusement. She couldn't hold back any longer. She abruptly stood up, grabbed Emilio's arm, and pushed him towards the door. "Alright. The document is here. You can leave now. I'll go through it slowly." Just as she pushed him to the door and was about to close it, Emilio suddenly seized her arm. Nicola looked up in surprise as he pulled her into his arms with a gentle yet firm grip. He stopped smiling and looked at her seriously and intently. "Nicola, | know you're still healing from your past heartbreak, and | won't pressure you to make a choice right now. But | hope you'll seriously consider me. | want you to know... I'm waiting for you." With that, he released her gently and turned to leave. Nicola held the doorknob and watched his retreating figure. She had mixed feelings. As she turned around, she saw her brother, Jerold, descending ---- the stairs. He had a playful look on his face as he glanced at her. "Emilio is quite a good guy. You'd better take him seriously." Nicola sighed, "I'm still pregnant with Lachlan's baby. Is it fair to Emilio for me to consider him? Isn't he your good friend? Why would you set him up for that?" Jerold shook his head with a smile. "If | could really do that, he'd probably be grateful." Seeing Nicola's puzzled expression, Jerold walked up to her. "You asked me before why Emilio always went against Lachlan back then, right? It's because of you." Nicola was stunned. "Me?" Jerold sighed, "You silly woman. Emilio has always been very low-key. But the Moore family is a prestigious family with deep roots, while the Begum family is merely a regular, wealthy family. How can they compare?" A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. "Emilio has had feelings for you for many years. That's why he used to visit our house frequently. Unfortunately, you only had eyes for Lachlan back then. So we didn't tell you Emilio's feelings for you. Did Lachlan see Emilio as his archrival? Is Lachlan even worthy? Emilio just doesn't like Lachlan and deliberately did something to disgust him. If he truly wanted to ruin the Begum Group, the latter would've been bankrupt long ago." Nicola never imagined there was such a backstory. ---- At the time, she only thought Emilio was handsome but slightly aloof. He was Jerold's friend, and she was a bit intimidated by him. She never considered... that he might have feelings for her. Yet now, after being deeply hurt by Lachlan, she was not in the mood to start another relationship. She might have to let Emilio down. Nicola lowered her gaze and instinctively put a hand on her abdomen. She avoided the topic and picked up the document. Seven days later, Nicola was watering flowers in the garden when she heard a knock at the door. A familiar male voice followed. "Nicola, Nicola..." Jerold was seated in the living room reviewing documents. He looked displeased. "Why is Lachlan here?" Nicola looked up towards the door. Sure enough, Lachlan was outside the door. He was dressed in a black suit with a long coat draped over him. He still looked as handsome and dashing as ever, but his aura had changed significantly. In just a month, the arrogant charm on his face had vanished, and he looked weary after a long journey. ---- Nicola tightened her grip on the watering can and said coldly to the bodyguard, "Send him away." 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.