My AI Girlfriend Thinks She Is Real!-Chapter 48 - : : Trapped!

The door creaked open again.

Ai spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. She forced her face into a nervous smile, hoping it looked convincing as Marcous returned carrying two crystal glasses filled with deep red wine.

"Here we are," he said warmly, offering her one. "A little vintage from my private collection. To..." He looked at her, his eyes narrowing just slightly, as if sensing something off. "To new beginnings, my star."

Ai took the glass with shaking fingers, sitting on the bed. "Th-thank you... I was just looking around. Are these all gifts from your fans?"

Marcous sat beside her on the bed—close. Too close. His thigh pressed against hers again, the contact making her skin crawl even more.

He raised his glass, his smile never faltering. "Oh... yes. They’re from my most devoted admirers. I love all my fans." His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it now, like he was testing her.

Ai lifted hers mechanically. "Oh...."

They clinked glasses.

Ai pretended to sip. The wine smelled sweet, but something bitter lingered underneath, a sharp tang that made her tongue tingle oddly.

Marcous watched her over the rim of his glass, eyes gleaming. "You really are exquisite, you know. That fire in your eyes... that body... I could look at you forever."

Ai forced a giggle, though it came out strained. "Y-you’re too kind..."

"Not kind," he murmured, setting his glass aside. "Honest." His hand brushed her bare shoulder, fingers trailing lightly down her arm. "I knew the moment I saw you. You’re different. Special."

Ai’s skin prickled with revulsion, but she leaned into the touch just enough to sell it. "I... I felt the same. When you looked at me during the play... I couldn’t look away."

His smile turned predatory. "Good. Because I haven’t stopped thinking about you."

He leaned closer, breath warm against her cheek. "Tell me... what did you hate most about that dull little man you left behind?"

Ai’s throat tightened. She hated this part most of all—the lies that cut her like knives.

She lowered her eyes, voice small. "He... he never really saw me. Never made me feel... wanted. Not like you do."

Marcous’s hand slid to her waist, pulling her gently closer. "Then let me show you how a real man treats a woman like you."

Ai’s heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. She forced another smile. "You don’t have to go that far.."

Marcous chuckled softly, his fingers tightening slightly on her waist. "Oh, but I want to. For someone as special as you... it’s the least I can do."

He leaned in even closer, his lips brushing her ear. "Drink up, my dear. It’ll help you relax."

Ai pretended to take another sip, but the bitterness hit her tongue stronger this time. She set the glass down carefully, trying not to let her hand shake.

Marcous watched her, his smile unchanging. "Something wrong?"

"N-no," Ai said quickly, forcing a nervous laugh. "It’s... delicious. Just... stronger than I’m used to."

He nodded, setting his own glass aside. "Ah, yes. It’s a special blend. Helps with... nerves." His eyes gleamed. "You’ll feel better soon."

Ai shifted slightly, trying to put a little space between them without being obvious. "S-so... this place... it’s really secret? No one knows about it?"

Marcous’s hand remained on her waist, thumb stroking lightly. "No one but me... and now you. Doesn’t that make you feel special?"

Ai nodded, her smile feeling more strained by the second. "Y-yes... very special."

Inside, her mind raced. The cottage’s sinister aura pressed in on her—the dim light from the lamp barely chased away the shadows, and the air felt heavier, colder with every passing minute. The trophies on the vanity—the doll, the ribbons—they weren’t just mementos. They were remnants of lives stolen. Girls like her, lured and drained. The thought made her stomach churn.

*Shiki... Fast.* she thought desperately.

Marcous leaned back slightly, studying her. "You seem... distant, my dear. Are you sure nothing’s wrong?"

Ai shook her head, forcing her voice to stay light. "Just... overwhelmed. Meeting you like this... it’s a dream come true."

He laughed softly, the sound echoing oddly in the small room. "A dream... yes. And dreams can become reality." His fingers brushed higher, tracing the edge of her blouse. "If you let them."

Ai’s pulse quickened. "I-I’d like that..."

Marcous’s smile widened. "Good. Because I have so much to show you."

He stood, offering his hand again. "But first... let’s make you more comfortable."

Ai took his hand, standing slowly. The room tilted slightly—or was that her? She blinked, steadying herself on his arm.

Marcous noticed. "Tired already?"

Ai nodded, a faint dizziness creeping in. "A little... the carriage ride was long."

He guided her back to the bed. "Sit, my star. Rest."

Ai sat, the silk sheets cool beneath her. Her head felt heavier now, thoughts fogging at the edges. She rubbed her temple. "I... I feel a bit... sleepy."

Marcous’s eyes gleamed. "That’s normal. The wine... it’s strong. You’ll feel better after a nap."

Ai’s heart skipped. The bitterness. The tang. It wasn’t just wine.

Ai’s vision blurred. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled. "Shiki..."

The name slipped out in a whisper as her body went limp, falling back onto the silk sheets.

Marcous froze.

Then he laughed—low at first, then louder, the sound jagged and unhinged.

"Ohhh..." he purred, fingers trailing down her cheek. "I thought you didn’t liked him."

He laughed—a thunderous, echoing cackle that filled the room like a curse.

His fingers brushed the strap of her blouse, slipping it down her shoulder slowly, exposing more skin.

And then—

A crash. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The door exploded inward in a shower of splinters. A figure burst through at full speed, fist cocked back.

Shiki.

"Who the fuck!"

His punch connected with Marcous’s jaw like a thunderclap, the impact sending the actor flying across the room.

Marcous smashed through the opposite wall, tumbling out into the night in a heap of debris.

Shiki stood there, breathing heavily, fist still clenched, knuckles bloody. "Get your filthy hands off her," he snarled, voice low and deadly. "You touch her again, and I’ll tear you apart."

Marcous coughed, staggering to his feet outside the broken wall, his perfect features marred by a blooming bruise. "You... how did you find—?"

Shiki didn’t answer. His eyes were locked on Ai’s limp form on the bed. "Kitten..."

He rushed to her side, scooping her up gently, checking her pulse. Steady, but slow. Drugged.

"You bastard," Shiki growled over his shoulder. "What did you give her?"

Marcous laughed, wiping blood from his lip. "Something to make her... cooperative.

Shiki’s rage ignited. He set Ai down carefully, then turned, golden eyes blazing. "Wrong. She’s mine. And you’re dead."

Marcous’s grin widened. "Come and try, commoner."

Seraphina and Lyra burst through the shattered doorway, weapons drawn.

Seraphina’s eyes widened at the sight of Ai limp in Shiki’s arms. "Is she—?"

"Drugged," Shiki snapped. "We need to get her out of here. Now."

Lyra rushed forward, already chanting a cleansing spell under her breath. "I-I can help... slow the poison..."

Shiki nodded once, sharp. "Do it."

As Lyra’s soft blue light enveloped Ai, Shiki looked toward Marcous.

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END OF Chapter : 48 : TRAPPED!

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