Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

between us was palpable and, honestly, quite uncomfortable.

A gentle breeze drifted in through the window, cooling the warmth that had enveloped us. The rest of the drive was shrouded in silence. When the car finally stopped at the restaurant, Remington had managed to regain his composure, though the unspoken tension Keith's restaurant was unmistakably a haven for couples. The tranquil setting, private booths, and an abundance of mood lighting and romantic flowers created an intimate atmosphere. The sofa in front of the dining table was particularly noteworthy-plush, adorned with vibrant throw pillows, and spacious enough to suggest it was designed for couples to lounge comfortably during their meal.

As Lizetta entered the booth, she couldn't shake the feeling that this restaurant was trying a bit too hard to be charming. She caught Remington's equally surprised expression as he took in the surroundings before turning to her. "If you're not fond of Keith's place, we can go somewhere else?" Remington suggested.

Lizetta, however, didn't want to waste time. After discussing Daisy's situation, if her suspicions were confirmed, she intended to visit Daisy herself. She shook her head. "No need to trouble ourselves. Let's just stay here."

Remington nodded, helping her remove her cashmere cardigan and hanging it up before they both settled into their seats. Interestingly, there were no waiters in sight. Instead, a small white robot with a heart-shaped headband waddled over to their table as soon as they sat down. Its eyes lit up, and it approached them with a cheerful bounce.

"I'm Cupid Bot, and I've got two questions for you. Answer them correctly, and you get to eat. Get them wrong, and your reservation gets canceled," it announced in an adorably high-pitched voice.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Lizetta was taken aback but amused. "Go ahead, ask away," she replied.

Cupid Bot tilted its head. "Lovely lady, do you fancy the handsome gentleman sitting before you?"

Lizetta was at a loss for words.

What kind of question was that? She was about to dismiss the robot's

question when Remington leaned in. whispering, "This is a couples' restaurant. We might genuinely end up hungry if we get this wrong."

Slightly annoyed, Lizetta pushed Remington away and firmly told Cupid Bot, "No, I don't!"

"Wrong answer. Please accept your punishment."

Pop! A balloon nearby suddenly burst, startling Lizetta. She couldn't help but laugh, even as Cupid Bot turned its gaze to Remington. "Unfavored sir, do you adore the beautiful lady before you?"

Remington looked at Lizetta, who

felt as if she was caught in a bizarre wedding scene, being asked if she vowed to remain faithful. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment, and she tried to hide it by reaching for a glass of water, only to realize that

even water was off-limit the

questions were answered.

"I adore her. Very much so," Remington admitted in a deep, resonant voice, prompting Lizetta to awkwardly set her glass down.

"Yay, correct answer! Now you can

have your meat," Cupid Bot cheered,

in

its head spinning with joy before turning back to Lizetta with its eyes shaped like hearts. "Lovely lady the quiet of the night, when loneliness creeps in, do you find yourself thinking of the handsome and deeply affectionate gentleman beside you?"

Lizetta was taken aback. Even robots were getting cheeky now! Biting her lip in frustration, she declared, "I'd like to change my answer to the previous question!"