Chapter Thirteen

As the night deepened and a gentle breeze drifted through the open windows, the villa began to quiet down. The air was filled with the faint chirping of crickets, mixing with the soft hum of Aura's system as it prepared to assist with the bedtime routine.

In Wealth's bedroom, the soft glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the walls. The room, decorated with superhero posters and toy shelves, had a cosy, lived-in feel. Richie and Night stood by Wealth's bed, tucking him in with his favourite blue blanket, the one adorned with tiny stars. The little boy, though sleepy, was still brimming with excitement from their earlier adventure in the garden.

'Daddy, can Aura tell me a bedtime story?' Wealth asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Richie chuckled softly and exchanged a warm glance with Night. 'Sure thing, handsome,' he replied, pressing a gentle kiss on his son's forehead. His fingers brushed against the sleek, discreet device nestled on the bedside table, its simple design almost hidden by the dim light in the room.

Turning to the small device, Richie spoke in a low, affectionate tone. 'Aura, bedtime mode. Please read Wealth his favourite story.'

A soft sound emanated from the device, indicating that it had connected with the main one in the living room. With a gentle chime, Aura came to life. The holographic display projected a warm, soothing light that danced around the room like fireflies. Aura's gentle voice began narrating Wealth's favourite tale, The Adventures of the Little Butterfly, filling the room with a soft, melodic cadence. The device modulated its voice to match the story's tone, making it engaging and vivid, almost like a bedtime theatre unfolding before their eyes.

Night leaned against Richie, her head resting on his shoulder as they watched their son's eyes grow heavy. As Aura's voice painted images of butterflies soaring through magical forests, Wealth's eyelids fluttered, and he drifted off to sleep, a contented smile playing on his lips.

Richie whispered softly, 'Goodnight, handsome,' brushing his fingers through his son's hair. He reached over and tapped a button on Aura, which dimmed the lights and set the room temperature to a cool, comfortable level.

Aura's voice whispered, 'Sleep well, Wealth. Sweet dreams.'

Leaving the door slightly ajar, Richie and Night walked down the softly lit corridor hand in hand. 'Aura really is incredible,' Night mused quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. 'It's like having an extra pair of hands around the house.'

Richie nodded in agreement. 'I designed it to anticipate needs before we even ask,' he said with a satisfied smile. 'It's the least I could do for our home.'

As they passed through the living room on their way to the master bedroom, Aura seamlessly transitioned into night mode throughout the villa, dimming the lights and adjusting the ambient temperature. The gentle scent of lavender filled the air—a feature Aura activated to promote relaxation.

Once in their bedroom, Night walked over to the window and gazed out at the moonlit garden, the soft rustling of leaves like a lullaby in the stillness of the night. Richie joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist. 'Aura, play our favourite jazz playlist,' he requested softly.

With another chime, a slow, soulful jazz melody filled the room, creating an intimate atmosphere. Richie leaned down, his lips brushing Night's ear. 'You're my favourite part of every day,' he whispered.

As they swayed to the music, the stars outside twinkled in harmony, and Aura dimmed the lights further, sensing the couple's desire for a more intimate setting.

The villa, with its modern sophistication and Aura's gentle presence, felt like a sanctuary—a place where love, technology, and family life came together perfectly.