Chapter 29

As the news of the gruesome discovery spread like wildfire, reporters descended upon the scene, eager to capture every grisly detail for the evening broadcast.

"Good evening, everyone. This is Emily Parker reporting live from the scene of a shocking and brutal crime," a news anchor announced, her voice tinged with gravitas as the camera panned over the chaotic scene behind her.

"In a quiet park on the outskirts of town, police have made a horrifying discovery—a body, brutally mutilated in what can only be described as a heinous act of violence."

As the camera zoomed in on the police tape cordoning off the area, viewers at home caught a glimpse of the crime scene—a gruesome tableau of bloodstains and scattered debris, with officers combing the area for clues.

"While details are still scarce, sources tell us that the victim, identified as twenty-eight-year-old Victor Hayes, was found with his head severed from his body, sending shockwaves through the community," Emily continued, her voice steady despite the grim subject matter.

"Witnesses report hearing screams in the night, followed by the sound of a struggle, but so far, police have been unable to determine a motive or identify any suspects."

As the camera panned to a somber-faced detective addressing a throng of reporters, speculation ran rampant about the identity of the killer and the chilling circumstances surrounding the crime.

"With the investigation still in its early stages, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice," Emily concluded, her voice tinged with urgency as the broadcast cut to footage of officers scouring the crime scene for evidence.

In living rooms across the city, viewers watched in stunned silence as the shocking news unfolded before their eyes, leaving them to grapple with the chilling reality of a killer on the loose.

Eric's reaction to the news was anything but typical. With a twisted grin spreading across his face, he leaned back in his chair, his eyes alight with a mixture of amusement and excitement. Benji, on the other hand, sat beside him, frozen in fear, his heart pounding with dread at the realization of who he shared his life with.

"Isn't this just fantastic?" Eric exclaimed, his voice laced with dark amusement as he glanced over at Benji, who remained silent, his eyes wide with horror.

"It's like something straight out of a movie," Eric continued, his tone almost gleeful as he relished in the chaos unfolding on the screen. "The panic, the fear—it's all so exhilarating."

Benji shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting nervously between Eric and the television screen, unsure of how to respond to his partner's macabre fascination with the violence on display.

"You're not scared, are you, furball?" Eric asked, his voice dripping with mockery as he reached out to playfully ruffle Benji's hair.

Benji flinched at the touch, his mind racing with a thousand unspoken fears and doubts. How could he ever feel safe with someone who found pleasure in the suffering of others? How could he continue to pretend that everything was normal when he lived in the shadow of such darkness?

As the news continued to unfold, Benji's sense of unease only grew, his stomach churning with a sickening mix of dread and disgust. How long could he keep up the charade of normalcy before the truth came crashing down around them?

But for now, all he could do was sit in silence, his heart heavy with the weight of secrets too dark to share, and pray that one day, he would find the courage to break free from the grip of the monster he called his partner.

Two months had passed since Benji's pregnancy had been confirmed, and so far, everything was going smoothly. Benji's belly had begun to swell with the promise of new life, a tangible reminder of the future they were building together. However, amidst the joy and anticipation, there lingered an undercurrent of unease—a silent fear that threatened to overshadow their happiness.

One evening, as they sat together in the dimly lit living room, Eric dropped a bombshell that shattered the fragile peace they had managed to carve out for themselves. He announced that he had secured a job interview at a prestigious IT company, where he would potentially be hired as the accountant manager.'' I'm going for a job interview and send manager accountant of IT company'

Benji's head snapped up at the news, his expression a mix of disbelief and apprehension. "Eric, please," he pleaded, his voice trembling with fear. "Promise me you won't... you won't hurt anyone there."

Eric's gaze hardened at Benji's plea, his eyes flashing with a familiar intensity that sent a shiver down Benji's spine. "I only kill those who deserve it," he stated matter-of-factly, his voice low and resolute. "If I had wanted to harm you, I could have done it the day you walked into that room. Don't you remember?"

Benji's heart sank at Eric's words, the memory of that terrifying encounter flooding back with painful clarity. He remembered the fear that had gripped him as Eric loomed over him, his eyes dark with malice and his hands stained with blood. It was a moment he could never forget, a moment that had forever changed the course of his life.

"I remember," Benji whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he struggled to contain the rising tide of panic within him. "But that doesn't make it right, Eric. Killing is never the answer."

Eric's expression hardened at Benji's words, his jaw clenched in frustration as he turned away, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the walls of their home.

"You don't understand," Eric muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't know what it's like to live with the darkness inside you, to feel it clawing at your insides, begging to be set free."

Benji reached out tentatively, his hand hovering in the air between them as if unsure whether to touch Eric or keep his distance. He wanted to offer comfort, to ease the burden of Eric's pain, but he knew that some wounds ran too deep to be healed with a simple touch.

"I may not understand everything," Benji admitted, his voice gentle with compassion, "but I know that you're not alone, Eric. Whatever darkness you carry, whatever demons haunt your past, I'm here for you. We'll face them together."

Eric's shoulders sagged at Benji's words, a mixture of relief and resignation flickering across his features. For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their shared secrets hanging heavy in the air between them.

"Thank you, Benji," Eric murmured finally, his voice barely a whisper. "I don't deserve your kindness, but I'm grateful for it nonetheless."

Benji smiled softly, his heart aching with love and understanding for the man beside him. He knew that their journey would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but as long as they faced them together, he believed they could overcome anything.

"We'll get through this, Eric," Benji said, his voice steady with determination. "Together, we can find the light in the darkness and build a future worth fighting for."

And with those words hanging in the air like a promise, they turned to face whatever lay ahead, their hearts united in a bond stronger than any darkness could ever hope to break.