Chapter 1

Cecilia's POV

"Cece, here, have some water." My sister Jennifer handed me a glass, wearing her usual warm smile.

She's seven years older than me, and at 25, she's already a sharp and capable businesswoman. Ever since our parents passed away, she's been my only family and the person I trust most.

"Thanks, Jennifer," I said, taking the glass and sipping it slowly, though my eyes couldn't help but wander around.

The shop's lighting was soft, and a faint lavender scent lingered in the air. Posters lined the walls, proclaiming slogans like "Experience True Love, No Reality Needed."

Even though I'm a college student, I'm completely clueless about this kind of stuff. Every time I come here, it feels like I'm stepping into a forbidden world.

"Cece, I just got a new batch of equipment—state-of-the-art AI headsets. The experience is incredible. Wanna give it a try?" Jennifer sat across from me, excitement filling her voice, her eyes sparkling as she looked at me.

"Uh, me? I… I don't think I can." I waved my hands frantically, my cheeks already heating up. I'm just an eighteen-year-old girl who's never even been in a relationship. Holding hands makes me shy, let alone trying something like this.

"Don't be nervous! It's just an AI simulation, not the real thing. I'd love for you to test it out for me, see how it feels. Can you do that?" Jennifer leaned closer, her tone encouraging with a hint of playful pleading. "Just think of it as doing me a favor, okay?"

I bit my lip, unable to resist her enthusiasm. Though I was still reluctant, I figured it was just a virtual experience—probably no big deal. Finally, I nodded. "Alright… I'll give it a shot."

Jennifer's face lit up with a huge smile as she patted my shoulder. "That's my girl! Come on, follow me to the experience room."

She led me into a private little room in the shop. The furniture was minimal, with just a soft couch and some equipment.

She handed me a black headset with a few thin wires attached, connected to a control panel beside the couch.

"Put this headset on, and as for your position… just position yourself to work with the equipment. It'll enhance the experience," she said, gesturing for me to lie face down with my hips slightly raised.

"Like… this? Is this really okay?" I looked at the position, my face turning as red as a ripe apple. This pose was way too embarrassing!

"Don't worry, the room is completely private. No one's coming in. The AI will simulate a relaxing scenario—just think of it as a dream," Jennifer reassured me, patting my back, her tone soothing.

I took a deep breath, mustering up the courage to put on the headset and adjust my body into the position she described. With my hips arched high, I felt like a doll waiting to be "posed," my embarrassment so intense that even my ears burned. The headset blocked my vision, plunging me into darkness, but soon, gentle music played in my ears as the AI system activated.

"Relax, Cece. Just enjoy it," Jennifer's voice came from beside me. Then I heard her walk toward the door. "I've got to step out to meet a client. I'll be back in about half an hour. Oh, by the way, Zachary's swinging by the shop later. Can you help entertain him for a bit?"

"Zachary?" I froze for a moment. Zachary Ashford is our benefactor. Though he's not a real uncle, he's been financially supporting Jennifer and me since our parents died. At 35, he's kind and gentlemanly, treating both of us like family. But… the thought of him seeing me here in the shop felt weird.

"Don't worry, he's just stopping by casually. Once you're done with the experience, just come out and say hi," Jennifer said before the door clicked shut, leaving me alone in the room.

As the AI simulation started, I gradually relaxed. The sound of waves filled my ears, making me feel like I was on a quiet beach. All my shyness and nerves slowly melted away.

I had to admit, the experience was pretty nice. No wonder Jennifer's shop was doing so well.

I didn't know how much time had passed before the simulation ended. A chime sounded in the headset, and I tried to get up—only to realize I couldn't move.

Somehow, the thin wires from the headset had tangled around my wrists and waist, pinning me to the couch in that humiliating position—hips still raised high, completely immobile.

"Jennifer? Are you there?" I called out, my voice trembling slightly. The room was dead silent, with no response. Then I remembered—Jennifer had left, and there might not be anyone else in the shop.

I struggled with all my might, but the wires, though thin, were incredibly strong. I couldn't break free. Worse, my struggling caused my short skirt to slip up, exposing the tops of my thighs. The cool air against my skin made me feel even more humiliated.

I clenched my teeth, not daring to move anymore, silently praying for Jennifer to hurry back.

Just then, footsteps echoed outside, growing closer, accompanied by a deep male voice. "Jennifer? Anyone here?"

My heart skipped a beat. That voice… it was Zachary! I instinctively held my breath, my body stiffening like a board. The footsteps drew nearer, and soon, the door to my room creaked open.

"Strange, no one's in the shop?" Zachary's voice carried a hint of confusion. I heard him knock on a few other doors nearby before stepping closer to my room.

I bit my lip hard, praying he wouldn't come in. But the next second, the door swung open, and I heard him pause, letting out a low sound of surprise. "Oh? Is this… a new lifelike doll?"

My heart leapt into my throat, my cheeks burning so hot I thought they'd catch fire.

He… he thought I'm a lifelike doll?!

I didn't dare move or make a sound, terrified of him recognizing me. After all, my current position was beyond mortifying—my skirt had ridden up, exposing so much skin that I looked like one of the "products" on display in the shop.

"Jennifer's shop is really keeping up with the times. They've even got hyper-realistic ones now," Zachary said, his tone laced with curiosity. I heard him take a few steps closer, and then, a warm hand gently touched my calf.

In that moment, my blood ran cold. His palm was dry and firm, slowly sliding upward as if he were genuinely inspecting the texture of a "lifelike doll."

"The feel is so realistic, even the warmth is like a real person," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with surprise.

I clenched my teeth hard, not daring to make a single sound, my mind a chaotic mix of shame and panic.

If he found out I'm Cecilia, I would never be able to face him again!

But his hand kept exploring, even sliding to the inside of my thigh. Through the thin fabric, I could feel the heat of his fingertips.

"Looks like Jennifer got some high-quality stock this time," Zachary chuckled softly, his deep voice carrying a playful edge.

My heart pounded like a drum, my thoughts a jumbled mess.

What do I do? If I don't stop him, this could get even worse! But I couldn't bring myself to speak, terrified of the unbearable awkwardness if he recognized me.

Just then, I felt his hand pause, as if he were hesitating. Then he muttered under his breath, "Still… something feels off."

My heart clenched.

Did he… did he suspect something?!