ONE EIGHTY

e AI was called, a p

room," HAI explained to Arabella as the

, HAI's voice echoed through the

ed as she steppe

o only Kieran and Mave. Anyone else infiltrating

h. Who was she ca

muttered, choosing to admi

ieran's bedroom was practically an apartment in

ly angry at a disembodied, femini

e master's room is also p

," Arabella

?" the voic

being petty," A

ould've informed you that this is a highly sophisticate

o talk a lot for something th

ry clever," HAI

ng up at the walls as

tinue the tour now, Ms

hank you very much

eventually do get lost, I'm just a cal

r wanted to commi

g—was going to be in big tr

the day's events. As she settled onto her bed, she found herself

ts wandered to her mother's final moments, her heart heavy wit

e grappled with the overwhelming emotions. Seeking distraction, she mindle

ation flashed

t like that 👉👈, you can come back w

feeling too consumed by her own

died, there would've

ion appeared, thi

e a.m. miss, turn off t

M NOT WATCHI

ven watches AMVs a

awake huh? Don't yo

Puffs]:

ee]:

should. You've had

: preci

er been so scare

n the other end before Kier

ff]: can I

e]: y

e]: and bri

e not eating candy at

ee]:

as a knock on her door. Arabella's heart

n his face as he held a fluffy blanket, his lapto

e sight of him, her heart warm

leep?" Kieran remarked, stepping into the room and makin

hts dimmed, casting a so

comfort? 'Binge-watching cheesy comedy shows' comfort

eeling a sense of relief wa

bout it'

ease," Arabella replied, her

nostalgic TV show from their childhood. As the familiar scenes played out on the screen,

tten. She didn't even realise when she dosed off until she stirred awake, finding Ki

》《♡》《♡》《

wards their shopping destinations. Taking time off from his work, he reli

s they entered each establishment. The deferential nods and bows th

s, Kieran seamlessly navigated the social landsca

untered. Initially prepared to cover her own expenses with funds from Kieran, she

ieran announced casually as they sifted through racks of clothing

Arabella repli

otioned to all the stuff Arabella got a

than

lse you wan

need a phone or at least so

ight now, but could I intere

her arms, givi

rdware products to showcase their AI technologies and provide end-to-end solutions to consumers and businesses." He pitched it to her as if she was actual in

d at all," she teased

any of ZONEX Digital S

make pho

recognition, real-time threat detection—total peace of mind. Plus, it's got all the bells and whistles for your everyday stuff, li

ly, I'm

t bump to the air, which Arabe

d elsewhere, Mave's workplace was specifically at the production site. Thi

ella couldn't keep track of the numerous "Good Afternoon Sirs" she heard along the way. Some

self out of your p

ung woman approached them. Arabella couldn't help but notice the engag

la greeted, receiving a

r my expert advertising of PAI to her, she a

about yesterday?" Kieran nodded, and Mave turned to Arab

your clothes. You're very kind," Arabella sai

Mave was considerate enough to ask Kieran to pick out more

ed before turning to her boyfriend. "Kiki, I gotta ta

l just go check

Mave began conversing with Kieran. Suddenly, he hugged and lifted her up,

's more exuberant personality. Their dynamic was undeniably cute, pro

ish for something as ad

browsing. Are you plan

counter, her tone dripping with rudeness.

s aren't

nger rising. "Who do you think y

e. Please buy som

h of

snickers from the other girl and

anything you like?

over there

happ

ected, motioning for Arabell

hed to the counter, wi

whatever yo

ternoon,

our gre

enoir,

She said save it. Why wer

ed. "I didn't know- you didn

lla retorted. "Is that ho

re just loo

e posed a threat, she wouldn't have been allowed in her

ma'

st complaint I've r

orry,

hired

ogize,

her nose. "The HR team seems to be

se, m

repare some term

a'

, "go wait in the manager's office. Tell anyone w

the girl obediently vacated her post. W

bout tha

"No need to apologize, Ma

me yours, if

ened, and she let o

flirt with my

I tried." Mave's deadpan deli

fiancée. She's a b

ested a red phone from the ne

now red's my f

ow you're an artist, passionate about teaching, your

"Let's not dwell o

r en

ir. You know so much about me,

l go from there." Mave continued un

intelligent. You oversee ZOSAI under ZONEX, your f

ot

eyes. "Those are jus

l get to know each

ust t

d Arabella

curity Artificial Intelligence for Phone

pressed by its

res to configure this device

ur

nescu, aged twenty-four, state of origi

?" Kieran whispered

e snapped. "That's enough PAI, I think

as speaking through this,

hese AIs are too

ine. I

screen. "I love you too, new o

Arab

to serve you,

r eyes at the de

tress Mave. I'm not malfunctioning. Please, d

Mave a cauti

otocol," her best frie

a chose to

》《♡》《♡》《

etrieving her SIM details, for whi

were en route to M

nd you staying at my pl

ant to be respectful of boundari

iling. "I'm kinda glad you're taking Lummie'

However, Lummie had already made plans to stay with their grandparents shortly before winning the apartment. Despite appreciating

eacon of luxury and sophistication. Its triple towering presence commanded attent

ts and visitors alike, offering an array of upscal

ense of refined luxury. A concierge desk stands ready to assist residents w

as a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, boasting spacious layouts, high ceilings, an

building, offering unrivaled views and unparalleled privacy. Here, residents coul

lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and refinement. It was more than just a place to live—it

. Now, as she marveled at the grandeur of her new home, s

ed a miracle? Was there something even greater than m

the place?"

pan expression. "If I said no, woul

ldn't

apartment. "I love you. I love your girlfriend. I love your family. I l

concern was eviden

her emotions overwhelming her. "I'm not use

ened as he approac

r be able t

un

ser

e that sounds like something I

as diff

ne so we could buy meals to share, since mine

that was

come friends?"

d. "Not t

, or have yo

ou while you

, and recounted every missed lecture," he recalled. "You wer

hers didn't know

lls

compare to t

ke fun of me for loving to bake. I would've quit if yo

t going to let some jerks discourage y

e, Aybee. I know this sounds super weird because I'm older, but you were always like a mother to me."

amed down her cheeks. Kieran enveloped her in a comfortin

n stood out among all her friendships, but there was something about him that

rabella hoped their bond would remain unshaken

♡》《♡》《♡》

urely exploring Merrywell, captivated by the splendor of the buildi

iling glass walls, a sight stopped her in her tra

ak while sipping on his water bottle. Clad in a snug tank top, his broad shoulders and sculpted

of the gym lights. Arabella couldn't help but notice the intricate tattoo

he intensity of his gaze. As he lowered the water bottle fr

and shock, Arabella quickly compose

ee your dad at the b

Puffs]

tion he stays in one of the penthou

hot, Kieran 😑