“Good morning, Caspian,” I call out, my voice higher and shakier than I intend.
“Morning, Rose,” Caspian says, turning to face me with a smile so bright it catches me off guard.
There’s something different about him today.
He seems more chipper, like he’s super excited to see me. It’s unsettling how human he looks, especially after that kiss we shared. I try not to stare at his mouth, but my eyes betray me, drawn to his lips like they hold some magnetic pull over me.
“I—” My voice dies in my throat as I notice the breakfast he prepared. The table is set with careful precision, a steaming omelet resting on a pristine white plate beside a mug of coffee that’s releasing tendrils of fragrant steam. But what truly catches my attention is the crystal vase in the center of the table, filled with fresh roses in various shades of pink and red.
The sight stops me cold.Flowers? When was the last time anyone brought me flowers?
“I’ve prepared breakfast,” Caspian says, gesturing toward the table. “A spinach and feta omelet with whole-grain toast. The coffee is prepared with the exact amount of cream you prefer.”
I approach the table slowly, my eyes fixed on the roses. I sink into the chair, wincing as I jostle my injured shoulder.
“Did you...” I gesture toward the flowers with my good hand. “Did you get these?”
“Yes,” Caspian says, as if purchasing flowers is an entirely normal activity for a household robot. “I thought they might cheer you up after everything you’ve been through.”
I bite my lip, unsure how to respond. The gesture is thoughtful, sweet even, but it’s also confusing as hell. Robots don’t buy flowers for humans. They don’t notice when someone needs cheering up.
And they sure don’t as hellkisshumans in hospital rooms.
“Oh, umm, they’re beautiful, I guess,” I finally manage, picking up my fork awkwardly with my left hand.
“You don’t like them?” he asks, studying my face inquisitively.
My heart starts to beat faster. He actually looks hurt by my response.
“I love them,” I say, wondering why I’m placating a robot, but he’s hovering over me and I’m not sure how he’d react in anger. All guys are the same, robot or human.
The omelet smells delicious, and my stomach growls in response.
I didn’t eat anything at the hospital last night, and my body is now reminding me of that fact with a vengeance. I cut into the perfectly cooked egg, steam rising as the fork breaks the surface. The first bite is heaven—the spinach fresh, the feta tangy and sharp against the creamy eggs.
“Are you feeling better this morning?” Caspian asks, taking the seat across from me. Another strange behavior—he usually stands while I eat, ready to fetch anything I might need.
Now he’s sitting across from me like a normal human would. I swallow my bite of omelet, washing it down with a sip of coffee.
“I’m alright,” I say. “My shoulder hurts, but the doctor said that’s normal.”
“And emotionally?” he presses, his eyes studying my face with an intensity that makes my skin prickle.
“I’m ready to begin the divorce process,” I say, the words still strange and new on my tongue. “But I have no idea how to start, especially with no phone, no car, no access to my bank accounts.”
Caspian nods, his expression softening. “I can help with that. Divorce proceedings typically begin with filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. In your case, you have clear groundsfor filing based on adultery, which can expedite the process in certain jurisdictions.”
I stare at him, taken aback by his immediate, matter-of-fact response. It’s like he’s been researching this, preparing for this conversation.
“Given Daniel’s infidelity,” he continues smoothly, “you would likely be entitled to a more favorable asset division than in a no-fault divorce. All marital property will be divided fairly, though not necessarily equally.”
His voice is calm, almost soothing, as he lays out the destruction of my marriage in clinical legal terms. I take another bite of omelet as my stomach suddenly churns in anxiety.
“Oh okay, wow, you know a lot. Well, I guess you’re a database after all.”
“The first step would be securing legal representation,” Caspian says, ignoring my comment. “I’ve already compiled a list of highly-rated divorce attorneys in the area who specialize in high-asset cases involving infidelity.”
I nearly choke on my coffee. “You’ve already researched lawyers?”
