VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{14} Bound by Expectations

Chapter 14

"Bound by Expectations"

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As Alara stepped into her luxurious penthouse, Mrs. Greystone took her bags with a warm smile.

"Welcome back, Miss Alara," Mrs. Greystone greeted. "I've prepared your bath with extra lavender salts, just as you requested."

"Thank you, Mrs. Greystone," Alara replied, her usual bubbly energy somewhat subdued.

Mrs. Greystone nodded and slipped away, leaving Alara to wander toward her bedroom. Her AI assistant, Ava a sleek, humanoid robot with a gentle presence whirred to life as Alara entered, her sensors picking up on Alara's mood.

"Evening, Lulu," Ava said with a touch of warmth in her robotic voice. "How did it go with Raiden? Did he make a good impression?" Ava asked, her metal face tilting as if in curiosity.

Alara let out a small, almost nervous laugh as she dropped onto the bed, kicking off her heels.

"Ava... he's... complicated. Raiden actually suggested we start with a boyfriend-girlfriend thing, you know? Like, let's not rush into anything like engagement. It sounds reasonable, but it still feels fast. I mean, we've barely even spoken."

"Would that make you more comfortable, Lulu?" Ava's metal eyes focused on her, as if processing her unease.

"I guess? I mean, on the surface, he's charming and seems to check all the boxes, but..." She bit her lip, her fingers tracing her phone.

"Something about him feels... I don't know, intense. Like he's trying to keep me locked into this setup my dad's so thrilled about."

"If anyone knows how to put on a good performance, it's you, Lulu," Ava said with a robotic chuckle. "But if you're uncomfortable, don't let him take the lead."

Alara let out a sigh, sinking back against the pillows. "I know... for now, I'll see where it goes. He did go to all this effort to make tonight special, so maybe he'll surprise me."

Ava, whirring softly, moved toward the bathroom. "Your bath is ready, by the way. Mrs. Greystone left you a glass of wine. Shall I dim the lights?"

Alara smiled and walked into the bathroom, where the rich scent of lavender enveloped her.

She let her dress slide off and slipped into the warmth of the tub, leaning back as the water eased her tension.

As she sipped her wine, Ava's hologram projected onto a nearby panel, her robotic face displaying a faint smile. "So, Lulu, what do you think of this... 'slow start' plan?"

Alara chuckled, relaxing a bit. "Honestly? I'll play along. But I'm not making any promises."

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