Chapter 5: Red

Preparations for Aurora and Lucian’s wedding began immediately. The news of the union between the Lancaster and Blackwood families caused a stir, especially with Aurora’s unexpected return. Everyone was abuzz, labeling it the wedding of the year.

Aurora stood in front of her father’s office door, her heart pounding. With her wedding approaching, she needed assurance for her own plans. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.

Inside, Francisco sat at his desk, immersed in papers. He glanced up when he heard her enter.

“Aurora. What is it? Shouldn’t you be with your mother, preparing for your wedding?” he asked, his tone neutral but curious.

“I just came back from the meeting with the wedding planner. Tomorrow is the fitting for my gown,” she replied with a forced calmness.

Francisco gave a curt nod. “Good.”

Aurora remained standing, her nerves evident. Francisco noticed her hesitation.

“Is there something else?” he asked, setting his papers aside.

Summoning her courage, Aurora nodded. “Yes, Dad. I want to ask for your approval... to see Red.”

Francisco froze, his expression hardening. He removed his glasses and set them down deliberately.

“Red?”

“Yes. I believe she’s still here, isn’t she?”

His eyes narrowed dangerously as he leaned forward. “And why do you think I’d allow you to see her? The deal isn’t done yet. You’re not married.”

Aurora clenched her fists. “Because you know I’m the only one who can activate her. That’s why you’re marrying me off to a stranger—because you can’t use her without me.”

Francisco’s hand slammed onto the desk. “Watch your tone, Aurora! Are you accusing me of being desperate? Don’t forget I’m your father!”

“I haven’t forgotten,” she said firmly, though her voice was steady with determination. “But we both know you need me as much as I need you. You want assurance, and so do I. Let me see Red. I need to make preparations of my own.”

Francisco glared at her for a long moment before exhaling sharply. He leaned back in his chair.

“Fine,” he said at last. “But remember, Red belongs to this family. If you do anything reckless, you’ll regret it.” He grabbed a card from his desk and tossed it toward her. “Take it. Don’t make me regret this decision.”

Aurora bent down to retrieve the card, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. “Thank you, Dad.”

Without another word, she turned and left the office, her footsteps echoing down the hall. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and determination as she made her way to the mansion’s basement. Reaching a hidden door, she swiped the card against the scanner. A soft beep sounded, and the elevator doors slid open.

She stepped inside and pressed the single button on the panel. Moments later, the elevator descended to the true basement of the Lancaster mansion—a secret room known only to her and her father.

Fifteen years ago, at a young age, Aurora had developed an AI system machine—a powerful invention that catapulted the Lancaster family to the pinnacle of success. Within a year of its creation, the family empire soared. The machine, affectionately named Red, had remained the Lancasters’ most guarded secret.

Aurora’s smile widened as she approached the console. Her hand glided over the keyboard, memories flooding back.

“Hello, Red. I hope you’re still as useful as ever.”

She settled into the swivel chair and powered on the system. She had to scan her iris and finger print to open it. 

Her heart raced as the machine came to life, its soft hum filling the room. She slipped on a headset, waiting with bated breath.

“Yohoo! I’m alive again!” a lively, childlike voice exclaimed. A playful emoji face appeared on the monitor, its eyes blinking like it had just woken up.

Aurora chuckled. “Hi, Red. How are you?”

The emoji blinked rapidly in recognition. “Master? Is that you?”

“Yes, Red. Welcome back.”

The AI let out a delighted giggle. “Master! You’re back! I’ve missed you!”

Leaning back in her chair, Aurora intertwined her fingers, her smile turning sharp.

“Yes, Red. We’re back. And this time, we’ll make them pay.”