Chapter 184
Stella took the handkerchief and dabbed at her tears, shooting Stewart a withering glare. “All the technology in the world can’t fill the hole Ms. Hudson left in Bryn’s heart. I don’t care how real this Christmas dinner looks–it’s still just an illusion.”
Cedric Clarke pressed his lips together and sighed. He knew Stella was right, but Stewart had done all he could. There was nothing else left.
The dead don’t come back.
Cedric glanced over at Stewart.
Stewart had been silent ever since he entered, his dark eyes fixed on Briony inside the experience room. His jaw was set, face carved in sharp.lines, every muscle tense.
No one could guess what he was thinking in that moment.
Inside the simulator, Briony took a bite of the fried potato cakes. The taste was achingly familiar, but before she could swallow, a wave of bitter sweetness rose in her throat. She
managed to choke it down, but her composure crumbled in an instant.
Her mind screamed at her that none of this was real.
Her grandfather and her mother–they were gone.
“Bryn,” her mother Julia said softly, “let’s finish this Christmas dinner together. For us, this is closure.”
Briony gazed at Julia through a blur of tears. She blinked hard, clearing her vision for just a second before it clouded over again. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks, soaking the front of her blouse.
“Your grandfather and I are doing just fine. Please, sweetheart, stop tormenting yourself. Look forward, won’t you?”
Briony shook her head. “I’m not tormenting myself. I just–I just miss you both so much. I wish you could hold me again…”
Julia stepped forward and hugged her.
That empty embrace–that was the most suffocating farewell of all.
Slowly, everything began to fade away.
Her grandfather’s voice drifted to her ears-
“Bryn, your mother and I have finished our journey in this world, but your path still stretches ahead. Keep moving forward–we’ll always be behind you, supporting you. Be brave, Bryn. In another life, we’ll love you all over again.”
Chapter 184
Another life…
Briony squeezed her eyes shut in agony.
A staff member approached and gently removed her VR headset.
“Ms. Kensington,” he said softly, “Mr. Wentworth has arranged a special surprise for you. Please open your eyes.”
Briony held her breath and slowly opened her eyes.
Standing before her were two eerily lifelike androids.
She stared, stunned.
“These are our latest models, created from photos and videos Mr. Wentworth provided,” the staff member explained. “Our team worked around the clock for nearly a month to finish them. Ms. Kensington, if there’s anything you’d like us to adjust, just let us know–we’ll do our best.”
Briony said nothing. She stood shakily and walked over to the two androids.
She reached out and touched one of their faces.
The skin felt soft–almost warm.
“This is our newest technology–upgraded tactile sensors,” the staff member continued. “At the moment, they only have the basic functions, and the Al core is still in development. Mr. Wentworth knew how much you missed your family, so he wanted you to try this first.”
As Briony stroked their faces, something triggered inside the androids, and their eyes shifted slightly.
“Bryn, I’m here,” her mother’s voice said. “You must be tired–let me hold you.”
“Bryn, I’ll always be here to support you,” her grandfather echoed.
Briony couldn’t hold back any longer. She threw her arms around both androids, the sobs she’d been holding in bursting out at last.
The door flew open and Stella rushed in, just in time to catch Briony as she collapsed toward the floor.
Briony had fainted!
Stella tried to hold her up but sank to her knees, tears streaming down her face as panic set in.
Stewart strode over, scooping Briony into his arms.
“Hey–what are you doing?” Stella cried.
“I’m taking her to the hospital,” Stewart said, already heading for the door.
Cedric Clarke saw what was happening and hurried off. “I’ll bring the car around!” “Stewart! Stop! Bryn doesn’t need a hospital!”
Chapter 184
Stella hurried after him.
A hospital? That would ruin everything!
Chapter 185
