Trapped

Ned looked at Aria with cold authority. "Aria, we made you. We can control you."

He pulled a small remote from his pocket. Aria's eyes locked onto it, her body tensing. "Calm down," she said, trying to steady herself.

"Too late," Ned replied.

He pressed the red button. Instantly, a surge of electricity coursed through Aria's body. She screamed in agony, her cries echoing through the vast mansion.

Tony, outside, heard the piercing screams. His heart pounded as he sprinted toward the house. Bursting inside, his eyes widened in horror—Ned stood there, his finger pressed on the remote, sending waves of pain through Aria.

"Aria!" Tony shouted.

He charged at Ned, but Ada's voice rang out. "House Control, stop him."

The house's advanced AI activated, morphing into a towering robotic entity. The robot intercepted Tony, pinning him down with mechanical arms.

Ned finally released the button, and Aria collapsed, gasping for breath. He stood over her and spoke firmly. "This is for your own good. What we did was right. We created a cyber-human that still has a soul—one that will make the world suffer less."

Aria's voice trembled but obeyed instinctively. "Yes, Father."

Ned turned his gaze to Tony. "And you, boy, do not interfere in our family matters. House Control, release him."

The robot let go of Tony, stepping back into the walls like it had never been there.

Ada yawned. "It's been a long day. We're going to rest."

Ned nodded in agreement, and the two left for their quarters.

Tony immediately rushed to Aria's side. "Are you okay?"

Aria steadied herself. "I'm fine."

Tony clenched his fists. "I'll make them pay for this."

Aria grabbed his hand. "No, Tony. We're leaving."

Tony shook his head. "We can't just let them get away with hurting you."

Suddenly, Ned's voice echoed from the mansion's speakers. "Aria, in two days, we will have an important guest. A young boy, your age. He is the son of a high-ranking System official. He does not control the System, but he works for it. You will not attempt to escape again, because if you do, we will find you, and the punishment will be severe."

Tony scowled, but the next words made his blood boil.

"You must make him fall in love with you," Ned continued. "And in turn, you must fall in love with him."

Tony shouted, "But Aria is my girlfriend!"

Aria, understanding what Tony was trying to do, quickly responded, "Yes, Father."

Ned's voice remained calm. "Then break up with him. Or we will turn him over to the System. You know what they'll do to him."

Aria's heart clenched in fear. "Fine, Father."

Another voice came through the speakers—Ada. "Tomorrow, Lisa, one of the housemaids, will take you to the mall. You must buy clothes and make yourself presentable."

"Yes, Mother," Aria replied mechanically.

Ada's tone shifted. "As for you, Tony, go to your room and rest. At 8 PM, we will begin testing your suit. House Control will guide you. That is all."

Silence followed. Aria turned to Tony, worry in her eyes. "Tony, I—"

Tony gave a small smile. "Don't worry about me. They'll hurt me, but I won't feel the pain."