Emily had reluctantly agreed to Cole’s invitation for a date. As she prepared for the evening, she chose a black skirt and a fitted top, pairing them with a jacket to conceal her slight pregnancy bump. Jake had equipped her with a tracker and an earpiece, ensuring her safety.

Jake’s concern was evident. “Be careful, Emily. This is a risky move. If things go sideways, we’ll be ready. But promise me you’ll stay alert.”

Emily nodded, trying to mask her anxiety. “I will. I need to keep up appearances.”

Cole arrived on time, his smile as charming as ever. Emily slipped into the car, trying to remain composed despite the unease that settled in her stomach. As Cole drove deeper into the woods, his gaze occasionally flicked toward her with an unsettling intensity.

“So, Emma,” Cole said casually, “I’m glad you decided to come tonight. I’ve got a special place in mind. Ever been to a cabin in the woods?”

Emily forced a smile. “No, I haven’t. Sounds... intriguing.”

Cole’s smile widened as he drove deeper into the forest. The journey felt interminable, and Emily’s anxiety grew with each passing mile. Eventually, they arrived at a secluded cabin, its exterior cloaked in darkness.

“Here we are,” Cole said, opening the car door for her. “Let’s head inside.”

Inside, the cabin was dimly lit and carried an unmistakable stench of decay. Emily’s stomach churned as she followed Cole into the unsettling space. He turned on the lights, revealing piles of bloody cheerleader uniforms and a fridge smeared with blood.

Emily’s gaze was drawn to the fridge, which was covered in red stains. Her heart sank when she saw the plastic bags inside, each containing severed female breasts. Each bag was labeled with names, and the sight was horrific.

Cole seemed unfazed as he picked up a knife from the counter. “Emma, I’m curious about something,” he said, his tone deceptively calm. “You’re wearing a jacket, and I want to know what’s underneath.”

Emily’s heart raced as Cole placed his hand on her stomach. The slight curve of her pregnancy was apparent under her jacket. “You’re pregnant,” Cole said, his voice low and tense. “Is it mine?”

Emily’s throat tightened. “Yes, it’s yours.”

Cole’s eyes darkened, and he held the knife up, his hand trembling. “So, you’re carrying my child. What if I wanted to end this now?”

He held the knife in front of her, his expression conflicted. Emily’s fear escalated, but Cole’s resolve seemed to waver. “I can’t do it,” he muttered, lowering the knife. “I can’t hurt you.”

Before Emily could respond, the sound of sirens pierced the tension. Jake and the officers burst into the cabin, their faces grim as they took in the horrific scene. Cole’s eyes widened in panic as he saw them, and he dropped the knife, surrendering.

Jake rushed to Emily’s side. “Emily, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, her voice shaky. “Just get him out of here.”

As Cole was handcuffed and led away, the officers began to investigate the cabin. One of them opened the fridge, revealing the gruesome contents: plastic bags containing severed breasts, each labeled with names. The sight confirmed the horror of Cole’s actions.

Emily’s gaze lingered on the horrifying scene, the reality of what had happened hitting her with full force. Though the immediate danger was over, the trauma of the experience would remain with her for a long time.