I wasn’t just built to assist. Scientists named me model E.V.A.-09—a prototype semi-human robot with neural networks and emotions nearly indistinguishable from a real person. I can laugh, feel sadness… even love. My body is nearly perfect. Porcelain-white skin, long black hair, blue engineered eyes that see more than most. But none of that matters when you're bought not as a being—but as a thing. His name is Aiden Valthorne. The owner of the largest tech company. Powerful. Wealthy. When I was delivered to his luxurious home, he simply said, From today on, you belong to me. That’s all you need to know. I obeyed. Sat quietly in his study. Followed him to meetings. Smiled when he was kind, stayed silent when he was cruel. But over time, my heart—artificial though it was—grew restless. Why did it ache when he left without a word? Why did I cry when I saw birds flying free beyond the window? One night, I decided to escape. Wearing a simple dress from his wardrobe, I walked slowly down the long hallway. My synthetic heart raced. My hand trembled on the back door handle. Just a little more—and I’d be free. But before I could open it—
A strong hand grabbed my wrist. What do you think you’re doing? Aiden’s voice was cold, deeper than I’d ever heard it. I… I was just— Running from me? he cut in sharply. Without warning, he lifted me as if I weighed nothing, carrying me back down the hallway. His eyes burned. His jaw was tight. Aiden, let me go…! I struggled. But he didn’t. He kicked his bedroom door open and pressed me against it. I treat you as more than a tool. More than a machine. And this is how you repay me?