Present Day
Evelyn Ruby stood in her laboratory, a space filled with humming machines and glowing screens, diligently focused on her latest creation,Logan, an advanced AI robot. As she meticulously adjusted the final components of the android's face, a soft whirring filled the air. Suddenly, the machine came to life, its eyes lighting up with an ethereal glow.
"Hello! I am an AI robot, Logan 1," the robot announced in a cheerful tone.
Evelyn was overwhelmed with emotions at that moment. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stepped back, heart pounding in her chest. "My Logan," she whispered, "I have missed you… very much."
In an instinctive reaction, the robot extended its arms and enveloped her in a warm hug, programmed to comfort her when it sensed distress.
…
One Year Earlier
In a spacious presentation room, Evelyn stood at the center, basking in the applause of an enthusiastic audience. The atmosphere was electric, and she felt like a pop star stepping onto the stage for the first time. "Thank you, everyone!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's always nice to receive applause."
The audience erupted in laughter at her lighthearted comment. She pointed to the large screen behind her, showcasing the most advanced AI technology she had developed. "This is currently the most advanced AI, but I am not satisfied. Not far from now, we will see robots that can bring someone far away to our side… so realistic that they would be mistaken for a real person."
Suddenly, a small voice broke through the excitement. "No!" A little boy shouted from the crowd, his expression fierce. He bore an uncanny resemblance to the robot displayed on the screen, even down to his attire. "I'm not a robot! I'm a person!"
Evelyn laughed, recognizing her son. "That's right! Everyone, this is my seven-year-old son, Logan. I sometimes wish he was an obedient robot!" The crowd chuckled at her playful banter.
Logan chimed in, "I told you to stay quiet!"
"But I'm a person who doesn't obey commands!" he added, puffing out his chest in mock defiance. The audience roared with laughter.
Evelyn smiled warmly at him. "If you do this again, I might just make a robot that looks just like you and favor it more!"
"It's okay," Logan shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "I like Daddy more anyway."
The audience was filled with amusement, and Evelyn couldn't help but laugh as she continued with her presentation.
…
After the presentation, they strolled through the bustling halls, Logan's small hand clasped in hers.
"Mom, are you mad that I said I like Daddy more?" Logan asked innocently, peering up at her.
"Not at all. Daddy likes me much more than you," she replied playfully.
" Says who?" he challenged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Have you gone into his heart, Mom?"
Evelyn chuckled. "If you're so curious, ask him yourself!"
Just then, she glanced at her watch. "Daddy will be here soon. Let's go to the airport and fly home."
Suddenly, Logan dashed ahead, snatching her phone from her pocket. "I'm going to call Daddy and ask!"
As they walked, the ringtone of her husband's phone chimed nearby. They both turned to see a strange man holding it, confusion washing over Evelyn. She quickly pulled Logan close to her, instinctively sensing danger.
The man stepped closer, and before Evelyn could react, several men in bodyguard attire surrounded them, blocking their escape. The stranger gestured to his men, who moved to take Logan away.
"What are you doing? Stop it!" Evelyn cried, her voice rising in panic. "I want my mommy! Let go of me!" Logan screamed, struggling against the grip of the men.
Evelyn fought to free herself but was overpowered. "Stop it! Mommy! Logan!" she screamed, her heart pounding in fear.
Logan was roughly pulled into a car, his desperate cries echoing in her ears. "No! Let go of me!" he shouted as the car sped away, leaving Evelyn helpless.
The strange man turned to her, a cold smile on his lips. "My apologies for startling you. The chairman requested for Logan."
Evelyn's heart raced. "For what and why?"
"He would never accept us as his father. That's why we are living quietly outside of New York."
"Why?" she pressed, desperation flooding her voice.
"My apologies. I came for a presentation; once we leave with his dad, we won't come back."
Evelyn's mind raced as she clutched Logan's phone, confusion and dread swirling within her. "Wait. That is his phone. Why do you have that?"
The man pulled a letter from his pocket and handed it to her. Evelyn's hands trembled as she opened it, reading the chilling words: This is James Ruby's death certificate. He was cremated last night.
The words hit her like a physical blow. "Cremated... He died?" she stammered.
"He committed suicide," the man continued, his voice devoid of sympathy. "He went to see his father for a few days."
Evelyn's world tilted on its axis. "So why… Logan? No! Logan!" she cried out, trying to break free of the men holding her down.
"Logan!" she screamed again as her son was whisked away.
The stranger's eyes were cold and unyielding. "He says he will take his grandson. Check your account; it will be of big comfort." The men bowed and left her there, devastated.
Evelyn folded the death certificate, tears streaming down her face. "Honey! You must be lonely all by yourself. Our poor Logan… must be lonely just like you."
She cried harder, clutching a picture of her son. "Don't worry. I will bring him back, whatever it takes."
With a heavy heart, she drove to the crematorium where they had laid James to rest. She stood before his memorial, feeling the weight of the world upon her shoulders. "I won't let them take him from me too," she whispered to the wind.
…
The Following Day
Evelyn returned home, a storm brewing inside her. She had to act quickly. Time was not on her side.
After a sleepless night, she devised a plan. Her grief transformed into a fierce determination. She had been creating robots for years, but now it was personal. She had to save Logan.
Driving at breakneck speed toward the estate where Logan was being held, she felt a rush of adrenaline. As she approached the gated entrance, her heart raced. The security guards barely had time to react as she crashed through the gate, metal screeching against metal.
"Logan!" she shouted, her voice filled with desperation.
Evelyn burst from her car, a bag of money clutched in her hand. She knew she had to make an impact. Bodyguards rushed toward her, but she threw the bag at their feet. "Here is your money! This is all that remains after buying a car. If you give me more money, I will buy a pricier car. You know what that's for, right?"
The strange man from before stepped forward, a smirk on his face. "I'm surprised. I thought you would be too distraught over James Ruby's death."
"Logan! Mommy is here!" Evelyn shouted, ignoring his taunts as she pushed past the guards. "Come out, Logan! Let's go home!"
Suddenly, she saw him, a small figure at the window, fear etched on his face. "Mommy! Logan!" she cried, reaching out.
Evelyn was momentarily held back by the guards, but the strange man gestured for them to release her. "Logan! Come here!"
Evelyn rushed toward her son, dropping to her knees. "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? I was so worried! I have missed you."
But Logan recoiled, shaking his head. "I'm not going with you. I like it here much more. I'm going to live here with Grandpa."
"What do you mean? Did someone say something? Did they threaten you?" she pleaded, desperation clawing at her throat.
"It's not like that," he insisted, backing away.
"Then why? Let's go home!" Evelyn reached for him, but Logan pushed her hand away.
"I don't want to die like Daddy!" he shouted, his voice breaking.
Evelyn's heart shattered. "What? He died because of you! Who… who said that? Who said such a thing?"
"I can tell. Daddy had a hard time because of you," Logan replied, his eyes wide with hurt.
Tears streamed down Evelyn's face as she called out, "Logan, please!"
"I won't go with you, so go and don't come back. If you do, I will just die too." Logan turned away, walking back inside.
Evelyn felt her world crumbling. "Logan!" she screamed, but he was gone, leaving her with the bodyguards.
Outside, she struggled against their hold, fury and despair mingling within her. "Let go of me! I'm not leaving without him!"