---- Chapter 18 Nicola never expected to encounter a gunfight when she and Emilio were on their way to the island. In a critical moment, Emilio held her close to protect her, but a bullet pierced through his right arm. Nicola was terrified and immediately accompanied him to the hospital. Luckily, they went there promptly, and Emilio was not in danger. Nicola noticed his right sleeve was soaked in blood and was so frightened that she couldn't stop crying. Although Emilio attempted to reassure her and told her that he had been through much worse scrapes than that, Nicola couldn't believe it until the doctor confirmed that he was not in danger. That evening, Emilio developed a high fever, and Nicola took care of him throughout the night. She fell asleep by his bedside at dawn. When she was half-sleeping, she felt her body being lifted. The next moment, she was gently put on the hospital bed. Nicola opened her eyes and was startled to see Emilio holding ---- her. "Are you crazy? Put me down quickly. Your arm is injured," she exclaimed. Emilio's face was pale from blood loss. He put Nicola down on the bed and smiled. "I'm fine." He lay down next to her. Nicola ignored the usual boundaries and hurriedly checked his wound to ensure it hadn't reopened. She was relieved when she found it intact. Yet, in her worry and anger, she couldn't help but pinch his uninjured arm hard. Emilio cried out in pain. Nicola was startled. "Does it hurt that much? | didn't use much force..." As soon as she finished speaking, Emilio burst into laughter. His eyes were bright, and he gazed at her intensely. "Nicola, I'm really happy. If getting injured means you'll care for me, I'd be willing to go through it every day." Nicola looked at his pale face and was momentarily lost in thought. She always remembered that Emilio fearlessly shielded her from danger at the critical moment. ---- Thankfully, he only got injured in his arm. If it had been somewhere vital, like his heart, she couldn't bear to imagine the consequences. She then sighed deeply. "Emilio, | will try my best." Emilio's eyes flashed as he heard Nicola finish her sentence with a smile. "I'll try my best to fall in love with you." She was not heartless. He risked his life and limb for her. How could she remain indifferent? She would strive to be brave and give love another chance. After Emilio was discharged from the hospital, Nicola joined him on a trip to the island. Nicola was there for prenatal care, while Emilio said his injury required recovery. So he accompanied her to stay on the island. Their relationship blossomed quickly, but things weren't going as well for Lachlan. The Begum Group went bankrupt. Although Lachlan's parents still had some money, Lachlan couldn't have the same lavish lifestyle as before. Lachlan had to find ways to make money. But those who once flattered him now mostly kicked him when he was down. Only one or two of his friends were still willing to lend him a ---- hand. It was nearly impossible for him to return to his former glory. Lachlan struggled to make money and increasingly regretted having betrayed Nicola. He showed up at the Hayes family's house every day. He brought some flowers she liked every day. Or he brought gifts he had prepared. Sometimes he brought her food he had made himself, which she loved. But Jerold had the servant throw all of those things. Lachlan waited at the Hayes's family doorstep for over half a month. But his offerings were discarded, and he hadn't caught a glimpse of Nicola even once. Finally, after throwing out Lachlan's gifts again, Jerold impatiently said, "Stop bothering me. Nicola isn't home." Lachlan looked at Jerold in pain and asked, "Where did she go?" Jerold sneered, "Do you think I'd tell you?" Lachlan felt drained instantly. "Is she avoiding me?" Jerold turned to leave. "At least you are smart enough to get it. Don't come back. Nicola doesn't want to see you." ---- Lachlan watched Jerold walk away and was left with only sorrow. "But... | miss her so much... | truly regret i He tried everything to find out Nicola's whereabouts but found no clues. He had to wait at the Hayes's family door every day. Jerold completely ignored him. Jerold was impatient at first. Then he eventually ignored him. Whenever Lachlan got close, the guards would immediately drive him away. For a whole month, Lachlan tried every means, but he couldn't glean any news about Nicola. He was desperately anxious. He had to feign defeat and bide his time to patiently wait for an opportunity. Finally, over three months later, Lachlan secretly followed Jerold to the island. The moment he saw Nicola, his gaze was drawn to her heavily pregnant belly. His eyes instantly welled up with tears. She chose to keep his baby. 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.