---- Chapter 17 Nicola and Emilio entered the house together. They peered out of the window from behind the curtains. Lachlan stood at the door for a long while and looked in. But he couldn't catch a glimpse of Nicola and eventually left reluctantly. Emilio stood beside her and noticed her gaze fixed outside. He asked, "Do you still have feelings for him?" Nicola shook her head. "I've told him that | would never go back." She still had a twinge of regret when she thought Lachlan had saved her like a knight, but he became so unrecognizable. She wondered more than once whether Lachlan had changed, or if her admiration had clouded her judgment of who he truly was when she was a young girl. Emilio's tone carried a hint of jealousy. "Then stop looking at him." Nicola turned to him and silently rolled her eyes. "Aren't you being a bit too nosy?" Emilio dropped the subject. Instead, he smiled as he asked, "Can you guess what I've been up to this week?" ---- Nicola sat on the sofa. "I'm not answering childish questions." Emilio took out a document and handed it to her. Nicola looked at him, puzzled. Emilio said slowly, "| bought you an island." Nicola nearly choked on her saliva. She took the document, opened it, and found it was true. Her name was indeed on it. Emilio gently patted her back and soothed her. "Look at you. You are too happy to speak." Nicola clutched the document. "Are you out of your mind?" Emilio sat next to her and explained it seriously to her. "With Lachlan's family going bankrupt, he's desperate to win you back. You're pregnant. It's not suitable for you to get in touch with him. You'd better focus on resting and taking care of yourself for the baby's sake. | personally scouted the place over the past few days and chose this island. I'm sure you like it" Nicola hadn't expected him to do that for that reason. She couldn't help but look up at him. Emilio was earnest. He didn't flinch when meeting her gaze. His eyes were filled with her reflection. ---- Nicola tightened her grip on the document and said, "| don't need you to do this." Emilio was serious. "| wanted to, so | did. You don't need to feel any pressure." Nicola furrowed her brow and finally said, "Emilio, | understand your intentions, but | can't reciprocate. You're a great guy. But | cannot have feelings for you by force. Especially now I'm carrying Lachlan's baby..." Emilio put one of his fingers on her lips to stop her unfinished words. He said in a tone more sincere than ever, "Nicola, I've told you that | wouldn't pressure you to accept me immediately. | love you, and | am so happy when | stay with you. Lachlan is your baby's father, but half of him comes from you. What matters to me most is that he's your baby." Jerold also chimed in, "Nicola, spend a few months on the island. Otherwise, if Lachlan keeps coming around, he'll definitely find out you haven't had an abortion." After much consideration, Nicola agreed to go to the island. But she still emphasized and said, "The island is yours, Emilio. "The island is yours, Emilio. I'm just staying there." Emilio was about to speak, but she looked at him with determination and said seriously, "Otherwise, | am not going." ---- Emilio had to step back. "Fine. I'll do as you say." To avoid being discovered by Lachlan, Nicola packed her things and left that very evening. 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.