Lucas and his friends strolled down the street, their conversation drifting toward the one topic no one could seem to escape these days—androids. Practically everyone had one now. Sleek, humanoid machines built to serve any purpose imaginable: butlers, caretakers, managers, even family members. They could be children, siblings, lovers, or lifelong spouses. Each came in countless models with endless customization options, tailored to the desires—and the wallets—of their owners.

Lucas, however, had never taken the plunge. His friends had been nagging him for months to buy one, but the price tags were staggering—more than most cars cost. To him, it seemed hard to justify that much money for… well, a machine. If he was honest, the only real temptation was just to shut his friends up.

Duke waved a glossy magazine under his nose, grinning wide. “Oooh, you’ve gotta check out the Amora line. Girlfriend models. I picked one up myself.”

Jeremy barked a laugh, shaking his head. “Forget girlfriends. Go big, man. The Spouse Line is where it’s at. Full-on wives. Why settle for less?”

Lucas exhaled, scanning the slick photos as they walked. “I don’t know, guys… seventy grand? Ninety-eight? These things cost a fortune.”

Before he could hand the magazine back, a sharp voice cut through the street noise.

“Excuse me, young man!”

A salesman practically sprang from nowhere, his suit crisp but a little too shiny, his grin a little too eager. “Did I hear you talking about androids? Then you’re in luck! No need to waste your money on overpriced models—step right up to Alaric Robotics. Finest androids in the city, and for prices that won’t bleed you dry!”