Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life novel Chapter 1973

Cyborgs never really got to choose how—or when—their stories ended.

Fiona was just stating the obvious. Grace might have had thoughts of her own, might have understood every word, but that was just a side effect of her programming.

“You can upload what I’m saying to the Country M research lab,” Fiona said, her smile sharp and cool, “or you can keep it to yourself forever. Your call.”

Almost immediately, a strange red light flickered across Grace’s eyes—like a warning signal.

Fiona stood up from the couch and gently patted Grace’s shoulder. “You don’t have much time left. Still not going to talk?”

Grace hesitated. She knew it was over for her. But the chip burning in her skull was wired not to let her spill any secrets.

“All I know is they want cyborgs to replace humans, to build their own empire. That’s it. I don’t know anything else. I don’t even know if Jackson’s parents are at the lab. Ever since I was created, I’ve been locked away in some sterile white room. Then, over ten years ago, they sent me here and I became Amy.”

As she spoke, the detonator inside her sped up, and the red light in her eyes pulsed wildly.

“First-generation cyborg Grace: self-destruct order received. Initiating full-body scan. Detonation will follow upon completion.”

“Scan complete.”

“Beginning countdown.”

“Ten, nine, eight, seven—”

“Countdown finished. Self-destruct engaged.”

A dull boom echoed through the room.

When a cyborg self-destructed, they were programmed to make sure no one else got hurt.

The house was a disaster, every light blazing, not a single servant around.

By the time Amy’s parents came home, one after the other, they noticed right away that the villa was strangely empty. Lucy frowned, but brushed it off.

“It’s late,” she said. “Let’s have her contact the Country M people tomorrow. No need to bother her tonight.”

Bentley nodded and pushed the door open.

He stopped dead at the sight inside.

Amy was sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, her body cut and bruised, a half-pomegranate still in her hand. Next to her was a pile of disturbingly lifelike synthetic skin.

Lucy let out a bloodcurdling scream. She shook uncontrollably, staring at the nightmare in front of her.