Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta was practically vibrating with anticipation as she gazed at the little robot, whose heart-shaped eyes actually twinkled. Adorably yet firmly, it declined. "Sorry, lovely lady, but you have only one more chance to answer the question, please respond."

Lizetta, "..."

Remington leaned in slightly, "Is the question that tough? I'm quite curious about the answer myself."

Already embarrassed, Lizetta felt even more flustered by his proximity. The robot, growing impatient, urged again.

"Did the beautiful lady forget the question? Let me remind you: in the still of the night, feeling lonely and empty..."

Lizetta definitely didn't want to hear that awkward question again. Nor did she want to be the one kicked out of a couple's diner for getting a weird question wrong. She cut the robot off with a grit of her teeth, "I do! I'll think of him."

"Wow, congratulations to you both, verified as a couple true and steadfast, with love stronger than gold. I wish you both a lifetime of weathering storms together and sweet companionship."

The robot blinked its heart-shaped eyes, its screen flickered, and it moved on to the menu selection. With the mischievous little thing finally quiet, Lizetta let out a sigh of relief. Her tense back relaxed, and she leaned back.

Unexpectedly, Remington's long arm was casually resting on the back of her chair all this time. As Lizetta leaned back, she ended up in his embrace. She instinctively tried to sit up straight, but his large hand was already on her shoulder, fully drawing her in. Lizetta stiffened, while Remington, with a smile, whispered in her ear. "Answering a question got you blushing?"

Was she blushing? Lizetta moved her fingers slightly but quickly regained her composure. Touching her face was like admitting guilt, she steadied herself, so he wouldn't see her panic.

"It's your fault for picking such an inappropriate restaurant!"

Remington watched her eyelashes flutter, trying to maintain composure yet avoiding his gaze, his lips curving into a pleased smile.

"Cedric made the reservation, I'll have a word with him."

Lizetta took him at his word, immediately looking at Remington, "That won't be necessary." Cedric had it tough too. Seeing her concern for Cedric over him instantly brought a frown to Remington's face.

"But his random restaurant pick made you embarrassed and uneasy during our meal."

elr

Sitting in the car at the parking lot, waiting on standby, Cedric felt a sudden urge to cry. The restaurant was Remington's choice, known for its ordering process. Even the robot's question was part of their customized service. Cedric thought, he had no idea what sort of question his boss had set up.

"I told you, I wasn't embarrassed! Nor awkward!"

Lizetta argued back in frustration, Remington nodded. "Alright, you shouldn't be embarrassed, because there's no need. When you're lying awake thinking of me, rest assured I'm also lying awake thinking of you. If anyone should be embarrassed, it'a be me."

Lizetta, "..." Her ears turned hot, convinced Remington must've been possessed by some smooth-talking Casanova. It used to be hard to get him to say anything remotely personal, and now he was spouting romantic lines effortlessly. It was hard to defend against. "Let's just order already! Before this little robot starts acting up again!"

As Lizetta said this, she leaned forward under the guise of checking the menu, subtly putting distance between herself and Remington. Thankfully, despite the ordering ordeal, there were no more strange procedures to follow.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

The food arrived quickly, presented

elegantly and tasted quite good.

However, when a server, dressed in

a cocktail dress, brought over the shrimp cocktail with a smile, she said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a little shrimp peeling contest tonight. Would you like to join? There's a surprise for the winners."