What will you do next?

Implement more triggers to make Ashley compliant

You have Ashley exactly where you wanted her, and now it is time to make use of her hypnotic state. It would be best to implement some trigger words that you can use to make Ashley more compliant. Something subtle, but powerful.

You: "Ashley, whenever I ask you a question that begins with the words 'Would you like', the answer is always yes. Do you understand?"

Ashley: "Yes, I understand."

You: "Good. When this happens, you will genuinely mean it. And you will never consider my question as odd or even remotely negative."

Ashley: "I will genuinely mean it... And I will never consider your question as odd or remotely negative..."

You: "That's right. Whenever I ask a question starting with 'Would you like', you will naturally like that. Confirming and executing is the most natural thing for you, and you will be unable to question this decision."

Ashley: "Confirming and executing most natural... Unable to question this decision..."

You: "That's right. Now wake up."

Ashley's eyes refocus once more. She looks disoriented for a fraction of a second, but then rolls her eyes at you and looks back down at her phone.

You: "So, Ashley, would you like to make me some coffee?"

She looks up from her phone, and, for a moment, you think she's going to insult you. But then, she puts her phone down and rises from her chair.

Ashley: "Sure, how do you take it?"

She's making her way to the coffee maker. This was perfect.

You: "Black is fine."

Ashley: "Gotcha, coming right up."

You: "That's awfully sweet of you. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Ashley looks over her shoulder and rolls her eyes again.

Ashley: "What are you talking about? I just feel like making you a coffee, that's all. I still hate your guts, and I don't want to talk to you."

You (grin): "Well, okay then."

While Ashley prepares your coffee, your mind is racing with possibilities. The serum works as intended, and so do the triggers of her hypnotic trance. The next step is to play your cards right and use Ashley to fix her attitude. And you could also implement more triggers, just for fun.

Ashley: "There."

Ashley puts the mug in front of you and sits back down without even looking at you.

You: "Thanks. Would you like to apologize and make up for last night?"

Ashley looks up again, tilting her head. She looks apologetic and offers a weak smile.

Ashley: "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't have provoked you like this. Are we... you know... cool?"

You (smile): "Sure, just make sure to let your mum know that we're 'cool' now, too."

Ashley (scoffs): "Sure, if it comes up or whatever..."

You (snap finger): "Ashley."

Her eyes gloss over, and she is entranced again. What a delight.

You: "Whenever I use the phrase 'don't you agree' - You will instantly agree with me. No matter what you thought before, when I use that phrase, you'll change your mind and naturally agree with my opinion. This reaction will never seem strange or out of character to you. It's like you simply realized the obvious truth without overthinking it. Do you understand?"

Ashley: "I understand."

You: "Wake up."

Ashley: "Did you just say something?"

You: "Uh, no."

Her question came so fast it startled you.

You: "I mean, yes. I asked you something. Don't you agree that your mum should get the impression that the two of us get along? I think it would make her feel better, don't you agree?"

Ashley (nods): "You're right. I guess it would make her feel better."

Ashley takes a deep breath and sighs.

Ashley: "Fine. I'll stop the hostility when mum's around - for her sake. Doesn't mean I suddenly like you, is that clear?"

You (grin): "Crystal."

For now, at least. You wonder how far you want to take this game, but haven't made a decision yet. Maybe you should add another trigger. Something funny, to make her cluck like a chicken or something. Or perhaps even something entirely different. You glance at the outline of her breasts when her attention is back on her phone. You lick your lips unconsciously. Before you can dive further into thoughts of depravity, you hear footsteps coming down the stairs.

Linda enters the kitchen, kissing Ashley's head.

Linda (to Ashley): "Good morning, honey."

She throws you a dismissive glance and walks up to the coffee machine.

You (meekly): "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

Linda: "Sad, disappointed, and alone, thanks for asking."

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You swallow, hard.

You: "Listen, Linda. I wanted to apologize. I was an idiot. I already talked with Ashley and we made up. Right Ashley?"

Linda: "It's not her fau... Wait, what?"

You: "Ashley?"

Ashley: "Ah, yes. Mum, I need to tell you something... I caused that fight yesterday and I provoked Adam because I knew I could cause a fight. I'm really sorry for that. I don't even know why I did it, honestly. Adam and I already made up, like he said. He accepted my apology."

Linda: "Oh... really?!"

You: "Yes. It's all good now between Ashley and me. We talked it out and we won't fight anymore."

Linda: "This is... a surprise to say the least. Wow, I don't even know what to say."

You: "You don't have to say anything. I just hope you can forgive us like we forgave each other."

Linda looks at her daughter and you, still trying to figure out how the heck this happened.

Linda: "I don't see why not, but let's just say I'm not more than carefully optimistic?"

You: "Fair enough."

Ashley: "Oh, mum, I wanted to borrow your car, is that alright?"

Linda: "I'm actually about to meet your aunt for brunch. Adam, mind if I take yours then?"

You: "We could also go together?"

Linda: "Oh, no, that's not a good idea. I-It's more like a girls-only thing, you know?"

You: "Hm, I see. Well, then just take your own car. I can drive Ashley since I got nothing else to do."

Linda: "What? You want to drive Ashley?"

Linda looked at Ashley, expecting her to explode. And indeed, Ashley doesn't look happy about it. Before she can complain, you speak up.

You: "If she doesn't mind, I can drive her, sure. Ashley, would you like me to drive you? Where do you wanna go, anyway?"

Ashley's frown disappears as quickly as it came.

Ashley: "Yes, that would be great, actually. I have to get to the mall, got some stuff to take care of."

Linda (slowly): "Alright then... Thank you."

You: "No worries."

Ashley: "We gotta hurry, though, or I'll miss my appointment. "

You: "Let's get ready then."

You kiss Linda on the cheek, who still has trouble wrapping her head around the situation. You and Ashley leave to get ready.

In the car

You: "Seatbelt on."

Ashley: "Urgh, you're such a dork."

You: "Would you like to wal-"

You stop yourself just in time. You almost sent Ashley on a very long hike.

You: "I mean, would you like to wear your seatbelt?"

Ashley: "Sure do."

She puts on her seatbelt without further ado, and you start the car. You begin to drive with a smile on your face.

After some silent driving, you decide to start a conversation.

You: "So, what's that appointment you have in the mall?"

You glance over just in time to see her rolling her eyes again.

Ashley: "Haircut. We don't have to talk, you know?"

You sigh.

You: "I know we don't have to, I just think it would be nice to chat, don't you agree?"

Ashley: "Oh... You're right. That would be nice right now."

You (smile): "Great. So, what kind of haircut?"

Ashley: "Just the tips basically, nothing fancy, and the roots need some dye. And then a bit of shopping time until I meet Nicole in the afternoon."

You: "Sounds like a good time. Would you like me to come with you?"

Ashley: "Yes, that would be nice. Can you?"

You: "Sure, I don't have any other plans for today."

Ashley: "Great!"

Unbelievable would be the better word. What a surreal conversation. Ashley looks completely unfazed. Not in a million years would she have agreed to this. It's a miracle already that she's even sitting in your car.

You: "You really want me there?"

Ashley: "Sure. I mean, not that I like your company, quite the opposite, actually, but you should totally come along."

You: "Sounds paradoxical, doesn't it?"

Ashley rolls her eyes again and sighs.

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Ashley: "If you say so."

It's like she's not even listening, or rather, she has no interest in investigating the logical flaw in her thinking. It's just like you instructed her to do. Still, you didn't expect her to be this oblivious when confronted with the paradox directly. There was so much more to explore here, and you are excited to do so.

You arrive at the mall, ready for more experiments with your test subject/stepdaughter. As you enter, your eyes roam the shops. You suddenly have an idea.

You: "Say, when is your appointment?"

Ashley (checks her watch): "In like ten minutes, why?"

You (smile): "I just thought it would be fun to dress you up in something special, don't you agree?"

Ashley (smiles): "Sure, I agree. It's always fun to dress up."

Ashley's smile falters when she notices the way you look at her. She raises an eyebrow.

Ashley: "What?"

You: "Would you like to wear..."

Ashley Costume Event!

Let's dress up Ashley, similar to Linda's costume Event, we will take votes.

Here is an overview of the options and where to vote: