Page 87 of Devil's Tulip

Here, there’s only Synthia, the AI that controls almost everything in the house, and the layers of security software I’m discovering were all created by Michael himself. And so far, they all seem foolproof.My husband is a genius.

I mean, he single-handedly founded HartSphere, one of the top three tech companies in the States. Despite myself, a glimmer of pride settles in my chest.

Nobody is getting in or out of our compound without someone inside approving it. Synthia detects any presence near the gates or along the fenced perimeter and sends alerts through a subtle beeping alarm to keep us aware of potential threats.

As I watch Gracie putter around the kitchen, I absently tug at the hem of Michael’s shirt, suddenly aware of how disheveled I must look—messy hair, his oversized clothes hanging off me… Yeah, I need to freshen up.

Pushing to my feet, I say, “I’ll be right back, Gracie,” I’m not sure where Elira is traveling from, but I should use the chance to take a quick shower and change into something of my own.

Back in my room, I neatly fold Michael’s borrowed clothes—fighting the urge to inhale his scent as I do—before tucking them into my drawer. Then I step into the shower, tilting my face into the warm stream, careful not to let the water soak my hair.

The rest of my anxiety drains from my body with the water sluicing down my skin. Now that there’s a solution in sight, I canbreathe again—enough to finally process what happened with Michael earlier.

I should be fucking terrified by how easily—and quickly—he got me under his spell.

He had me speaking in tongues and seeing God in a matter of minutes. Heck, he had me begging for a fucking child. Who does that? My husband is an absolute master of seduction.

And where the hell is he this late anyway?

Yes, I kicked him out—but only from the room, not the whole damn house. Is he angry with me? Is he out there sulking? I can’t picture that proud, composed man pouting in a corner, so I just shake my head, dismissing the thought.

I step out of the shower, wrap a towel around my body, and return to my room where I quickly pull on fresh clothes. I should probably do something about the shredded remains of my dress still scattered across his bedroom floor. If Gracie sees them and connects the dots, I might actually die.

Before I can decide, the little alarm starts ringing through the house.

Elira is here.

I bolt out of the room, practically flying down the stairs, reaching the Synthia panel by the front door at the same time as Gracie.

She side-eyes me with obvious suspicion, but I wave her away, tapping on the glass panel. A sleek, black SUV idles outside the gate. The back window rolls down, and Elira’s head pops out. She waves cheerfully, and I blow out a relieved breath as I unlock the gate for her.

Then I open the front door and go down the steps to wait for her there. It takes another couple of minutes—since the gate is far from the house—but soon enough, the SUV rolls up the driveway and eases to a stop in front of me.

The moment she climbs out, I rush towards her, grabbing her hand. “Thank you so much for coming all the way here.”

She gives me a warm smile. “It’s no trouble at all, Gia.”

I lead her into the house and up the stairs to my room. “Gracie is making some dessert if you’d like,” I offer as I close the door behind us.

She waves a hand. “I’m okay. I can’t stay that long. Here, have this first.” She takes out a pill from her pocket and hands it to me.

The sight of it makes my stomach knot with urgency. Without a second thought, I spin on my heel and hurry to the bathroom. Flipping the sink on, I cup my palm under the stream. It’s not much water, but it’s enough to swallow the pill.

No way in hell am I going downstairs for a glass—Gracie would ask questions.

As the pill slides down my throat, a wave of calm washes over me. Relief. Peace. And beneath it all, a bone-deep gratitude for Elira. She’s such a nice woman.

When I emerge from the bathroom, she’s absently twirling the tips of her red curls, studying the framed tulips on the wall. “Thank you so much, Elira,” I say, gaining her attention.

She smiles and hands me a complete package of additional pills. “I got these at a pharmacy on my way here. I’ve been on an implant for so long, I was worried the pills I had at home might have expired, so I got you fresh ones.”

“I could kiss you right now.” And I’m not even joking. I’m not usually a touchy person, but I’m so moved by her kindness that I step forward and wrap her in a tight hug. She returns the embrace, rubbing soothing circles on my back.

When we pull away, I stare at the floor, suddenly feeling shy. I’ve never had a girlfriend before. Did I overdo it?

But Elira just squeezes my arm. “I’m glad you called me, Gia, and if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

I nod gratefully and thank her yet again.

---