Tangled Secrets: The Bloody Tulip – Part 3

In Part 2 of “The Bloody Tulip,” Gabriel survives his surgery, but the emotional stakes skyrocket. As he recovers, a passionate and secretive connection with Dr. Hartman emerges, leaving Olivia heartbroken and questioning her own feelings. Dr. Hartman’s growing attraction to Gabriel threatens to unravel her carefully constructed life. Secrets, heartache, and tangled emotions set the stage for an explosive next chapter. What will unfold next?

New Beginnings and Hidden Tensions

Gabriel was finally released from the hospital after days of tests and recovery. As he gathered his things, Olivia walked into the room, sensing she narrowly missed catching Gabriel and Dr. Hartman in a compromising position.

“Hey, Gabriel,” Olivia greeted, trying to hide her suspicion. “Ready to go?”

Gabriel and Dr. Hartman, now back to a professional distance, masked their earlier interaction with practiced ease. “Yes, Olivia. I’m glad you’re here,” Gabriel replied, his voice slightly shaky.

Dr. Hartman stepped forward, her gaze meeting Gabriel’s. “Now take it easy, Mr. Night.”

Olivia turned to the side, rolling her eyes.

“Follow the instructions I gave you for your discharge and recovery. And please, don’t hesitate to call if you have any concerns or questions.”

Gabriel nodded, his eyes flickering between Dr. Hartman and Olivia. “Thank you, Dr. Hartman. We appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t be walking out of here alive if it wasn’t for you.”

Dr. Hartman smiled warmly, masking her own internal conflict. “It was a team effort; you’re a strong fighter.”

“Now, take care of yourself, and make sure he does, Olivia.”

“I will,” Gabriel and Olivia said in unison. “Jinx,” they added, chuckling like five-year-olds transported back into a memory.

Ayuna looked on, observing this innocent moment between Gabriel and Olivia as the two walked out of the room. A pang of jealousy sparked inside her.

Walking out of the hospital, Gabriel and Olivia took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of the city and a new beginning.

Whispers of Danger

For Gabriel, the world outside felt new and different to him. The evening air brushed against his face as he stood outside the hospital, appreciating the cool South Florida winds of February. It was a moment of gratitude, knowing that he had survived the risky surgery.

He turned to Olivia, his voice filled with gratitude. “Liv, I can’t thank you enough for being here for me. Through everything.”

Olivia smiled, brushing off his gratitude. “You don’t have to thank me, Gabriel. I’m just glad you’re okay. And hey, I saw you two kissing earlier, so no need to hide it.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I… I didn’t mean for you to see that. I’m sorry, Liv.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “No need to apologize, Gabe. Just as long as she knows I was here first,” Olivia teased, trying to lighten the mood.

They walked towards Olivia’s car, the silence between them momentarily broken by the sound of passing traffic. Olivia decided to share something she had heard on the news earlier, hoping to distract Gabriel from his conflicting emotions.

“Oh, by the way, did you hear about the serial killer they’re calling The Bloody Tulip?” Olivia asked, her tone casual.

Gabriel furrowed his brows, intrigued by the mention of a serial killer. “No, I haven’t. The Bloody Tulip? That sounds oddly sexy. What’s the story?”

Dark Shadows and Deadly Secrets

Olivia shook her head in amused disbelief and continued, her voice lowering to a hushed tone. “Apparently, they use the victims’ blood to paint tulips. They haven’t killed in like seven years, but now she’s back. It’s pretty gruesome. They think it’s a woman behind it all.”

Gabriel shivered at the thought, a chill running down his spine. “Okay, that’s terrifying. Why would someone do something like that?”

Olivia shrugged, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. “Who knows, Gabe? People are capable of the unimaginable. Now it’s in our backyard; it happened less than an hour away in Miami. Just be careful out there. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows.”

Gabriel nodded, his mind consumed by the news of the Bloody Tulip, and here in Miami?

Little did he know that Dr. Hartman harbored her own deadly secret, one that would soon intertwine their lives in unimaginable ways.

As Olivia turned on the radio, the sound of a popular song filled the car, momentarily drowning out their thoughts. But the mention of the Bloody Tulip lingered, casting a dark shadow over their journey home.

The story was far from over, and the lines between truth and fiction were about to blur in ways they couldn’t yet comprehend.

….

» Brace Yourself for Part 4 “Edge of Survival” in The Bloody Tulip Series!

Don’t miss out on the next thrilling chapter of “The Bloody Tulip.” Secrets deepen, and danger escalates.

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