CHAPTER FIVE: Robot Questions and Seafood Surprises
1088 Words
CHAPTER FIVE: Robot Questions and Seafood Surprises
Adrian led Lina — his “robot” — through the grand hallway into the living area. His chest practically ached with excitement. Two months. Two whole months of having someone — something — to interact with, someone who could talk, respond, and… stay safe.
The mansion was quiet, almost completely still. No footsteps but theirs. No chatter, no interruptions. Just the two of them, alone. Every echo of their movements seemed louder than normal, every glance sharper. It felt… intimate, charged with something neither had expected.
Lina’s black hair shimmered under the soft lights. Her posture was perfect, her fair skin flawless, but inside, her heart raced. She still couldn’t believe this was the same man from the store — the one she had nearly run away from in ten minutes. This is insane… how did I end up here?
She followed him carefully, trying to maintain her robot act, eyes scanning everything with precision.
“Why is this chair so big?” she asked suddenly, tilting her head.
Adrian chuckled, his eyes lighting up. “Big enough for me. Or maybe I just like big things. Or maybe… I just wanted to see your reaction.” He grinned, and she tried not to flinch.
“Ah…” she said carefully, gesturing at a shiny vase. “Why is this here?”
Adrian laughed softly, feeling warmth spread through him. She’s asking questions… engaging… like she actually cares about this place.
“You’re a very pretty robot,” he said suddenly, unable to contain himself. “Very beautiful… I’ve never seen one like you.”
Lina froze slightly, her pulse quickening. He actually thinks… I’m a robot? She clenched her hands lightly in front of her, keeping her face perfectly neutral.
“I… I didn’t want to touch you,” Adrian added quickly, “but… two months is a long time. I guess I can admire from here.” He laughed softly, eyes bright with joy. “I feel like I’ve finally found a best friend… or something like it.”
Inside, Lina’s mind whirled. Best friend? He has no idea. He doesn’t know me at all… And he’s the same man I saw at the store. The one I nearly… ran from. She nodded slightly, keeping her face neutral, but inside, her chest tightened with disbelief.
After a few minutes, Lina excused herself. “I need… to make use of the bathroom,” she said carefully, her tone robotic but polite.
Adrian laughed, shaking his head. “Have you forgotten? You’re a robot! But yes… since you can eat, you can also… you know, use it. Just… be careful about water splashing on you.”
Lina straightened, holding her posture. “My skin… as long as there is no opening, water cannot cause me to shut down,” she said softly, almost like explaining a rule.
Adrian raised an eyebrow, amused. “Very technical. I like it.”
She walked carefully down the hall toward the bathroom, taking precise steps, and finally exhaled deeply once inside. You can’t do this… breathe. Stay calm. Two months… She raised her hands to her face, brushing her hair back, taking deep breaths in and out. Slowly, she began to feel a little more human again. Her body relaxed slightly, her heartbeat returning to normal. Okay… I can do this. Just… two months. Just survive the first day.
When she returned, the smell of food hit her first. Adrian was in the kitchen, wearing a slightly crooked chef’s hat, stirring a pan that sizzled delightfully. The counters were a spread of seafood, steaks, sauces, vegetables, and desserts, all arranged as if in a five-star restaurant.
“Ah! You’re back,” he said, smiling warmly. “I’m preparing dinner. Tell me… what do you like? Anything, really. You’re going to help me taste-test, of course. My robot, I trust your judgment.”
Lina blinked. Taste-test? She tried to keep her composure. “I… I like… whatever you prepared,” she said, keeping her tone measured and robotic.
Adrian chuckled, turning back to his stove. “Ah, good answer. Good robot. But I insist — sample everything. Seafood, steak, pasta, desserts… it’s all here. You have to check if I did it right.”
She nodded, moving carefully between the counters, observing everything. Her eyes lingered on the fresh lobster, the sizzling steaks, and the neat array of sauces. He… he actually knows how to cook? And this is real food… not something robotic?
Adrian glanced at her, grinning. “See, my robot? This is real life. You get to eat, taste, and enjoy. Just… no touching me. That’s the only rule.”
Lina felt her lips twitch — almost a smile — but quickly straightened. Inside, she was secretly laughing. This is insane… pretending to be a robot while cooking and tasting his food…
Adrian leaned closer — careful, respectful — and whispered, “You know, for a robot, you’re awfully… beautiful.”
Lina froze. Stop thinking about that… you’re a robot… She forced herself to step back, but she noticed the warmth in his eyes. And despite herself, her chest fluttered.
He laughed softly, shaking his head. “I can’t believe it. Two months with you here… it’s like I’ve finally found someone who can understand me without hurting me.”
Lina’s hands twitched slightly. Understand him…? He has no idea. No idea I’m the same person…
After dinner prep, Adrian took her through the mansion again. They passed the study, the music room, and the library. Finally, they reached the swimming pool. The sunlight shimmered on the water, making it glow like liquid gold.
“You can admire the water,” he said, laughing softly, “but remember — don’t enter. Dangerous for you, but beautiful for me.”
Lina nodded, observing carefully. Fascinating… he really lives like this, alone… and he’s so… human. Her robot persona was still on, but curiosity and a strange warmth filled her chest.
Adrian smiled, clearly thrilled by her presence. “You’re perfect,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “My robot. My best friend. My companion.”
Lina kept her face neutral, but inside, her mind raced. How am I supposed to act normal around him for two months? And… why does being near him feel so strange?
For the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of something she hadn’t felt in a long time: anticipation. Excitement. And, just a little… warmth.
- Writer
