Echoes of the Heart - 4. Chapter 4: Jeremy receives an unexpected visitor. Will Elena's reason for being kidnapped be out?

Jeremy entered the office building to a warm chorus of greetings, the sound of chatter rising as employees surrounded him, excited to see him after so long. His casual outfit made him stand out in a way that surprised everyone—he wore a well-fitted blue jean jacket over a white t-shirt, paired with black slim-fit jeans and clean white sneakers. It was a stark contrast from the usual business suits he was known for, yet the outfit gave him a smart, laid-back look.

“Mr. Jeremy, you look amazing!” one employee exclaimed with a grin. “We’ve missed you around here. You look different!”

Others chimed in with similar sentiments, each remark bringing a wider smile to Jeremy's face. He responded to each of them with warmth, acknowledging their greetings and light-hearted comments.

“Thank you. It's good to be back,” he said, nodding as he moved through the group, engaging with everyone.

From the entrance, Carter stood, quietly observing the scene unfold, a soft smile playing on his lips. Seeing Jeremy back, surrounded by people who admired and respected him, made Carter’s heart swell with pride. After some time, the crowd dispersed, and Jeremy finally found a quiet moment for himself. He took a deep breath and sat down on the office couch, exhaling as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.

Carter cleared his throat, stepping closer.

“So, are you ready to take back your job and take this company to the next level?”

Jeremy looked up, meeting Carter’s eyes with a smile that only brightened at the sight of him.

“I don’t know,” he said with a playful tone. “Everyone’s been saying such great things about you. Maybe you’re the better candidate to run this place.”

Carter raised an eyebrow, smirking.

“No matter what I’ve done these past months, it’s nothing compared to what’s coming next. At first, yeah, it was hard—making decisions, dealing with clients. But… I’m glad you trusted me to take care of the company. It means a lot.”

Jeremy stood up slowly, crossing the room until he stood in front of Carter. His voice was softer now, more sincere.

“You deserved it. And you’ve proved me wrong, time and time again.”

Carter’s cheeks flushed at the compliment, and he ducked his head for a moment, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“It wasn’t as easy as you think. But… it’s time for you to take over again. I kinda miss getting yelled at, though,” he teased, giving Jeremy a gentle shove on the shoulder.

Jeremy chuckled, but the laughter faded as his expression became more serious.

“Are you really going to quit like you said you might months ago?”

Carter’s playful demeanor shifted as he sighed, thinking for a moment before answering.

“I don’t know. I guess that depends… I might consider exploring other options and with your recommendation, I might land something and give you a run for your money.” He said jokingly, winking at the hunk. “But, if you want me to stay, I’ll stay. Maybe you’ll let me take my old job back as your assistant. I’ve kinda gotten used to being here.”

The words hung in the air, and Jeremy stared at Carter, his eyes softening with unspoken feelings.

“I’d love to have you around the company," he said quietly, his gaze lingering on Carter.

Carter blushed again, the tension between them growing as they stood in the silence. Time seemed to slow, their eyes locked, and the air between them was thick with something neither could fully grasp. The distance between them felt like it was shrinking, and for a moment, it seemed as if everything around them had faded away.

Just then, the door to the office swung open, breaking the spell. A young, pretty assistant walked in with a bright smile, completely oblivious to the moment she had interrupted.

“Mr. Mayson, I need your help with something,” she said sweetly, holding a file in her hand.

Carter blinked, stepping back slightly as he turned to her.

“Sure, I’ll be there in a minute.” He glanced back at Jeremy, giving him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be quick.”

Jeremy nodded, his voice soft as he said, “I’ll be around.”

As Carter left with the assistant, Jeremy’s eyes followed him, his heart thudding in his chest. A strange, unfamiliar sensation coursed through him—a mixture of longing and confusion. He couldn’t understand what was happening to him, or why his heart raced every time he looked at Carter. All he knew was that something had shifted between them, and it was becoming harder and harder to ignore.

***

Jeremy stood on the rooftop of his office building, dangerously close to the edge. His gaze was fixed on the city below, the ground seeming impossibly far away. One hand rested casually in his pocket, but his mind was anything but calm. Memories of the first time he had stood there came rushing back—Ethan by his side, celebrating the completion of the building. It had been one of the happiest days of his life, filled with laughter, hope, and dreams for the future.

He could still hear Ethan’s voice, feel his presence as if it was yesterday. A pang of sorrow hit him as he stood there, lost in thought, drowning in nostalgia.

Then, a familiar voice broke the silence.

“We had some pretty unforgettable moments up here, didn't we?”

Jeremy's head turned slowly, almost robotically, his heart pounding violently in his chest. He knew that voice. And when his eyes met the sight of the man standing there with a radiant smile, his breath caught in his throat.

Ethan.

He stood there, just as Jeremy remembered him—beautiful, vibrant, with that same infectious smile that lit up the world. The wind blew gently through Ethan’s hair, tousling it just the way Jeremy liked.

“E-Ethan?” Jeremy’s voice came out in a hushed gasp, disbelief and yearning battling in his eyes.

His hands trembled at the sight, his entire body responding to the flood of emotions. He wanted to reach out, to touch him, but he couldn't quite believe it was real.

Ethan’s smile grew even wider, his eyes sparkling.

“I'm glad you came back here,” Ethan said softly. “I’ve missed you so much. But look at you now... You’re different, Jeremy. You’ve changed.”

Jeremy’s fingers twitched, instinctively rising as if to touch Ethan, to confirm he wasn’t imagining things.

“I... I missed you so much,” Jeremy whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“I know,” Ethan said, his tone gentle and understanding. “I missed you too.”

Tears welled in Jeremy's eyes, his vision blurring slightly as he fought back the sob building in his chest. But Ethan shook his head, a tender smile still on his lips.

“You don’t need to cry anymore. You’re stronger now—way past that. You’re a big boy.”

Jeremy let out a small, nervous chuckle, tears slipping free despite Ethan’s words. Ethan smiled warmly, his gaze never leaving Jeremy’s face.

“I haven’t seen you smile like this in a long time,” Ethan said, his voice soft. “I’m glad I got to see it... at least for the last time.”

Jeremy’s heart lurched painfully at those words. His eyes widened, and panic flickered in his chest.

“W-What do you mean by that?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan’s smile didn’t falter.

“You’re healing, Jeremy. You’ve finally moved past the pain, and you’re ready to start a new life. You’ve come so far.”

Jeremy shook his head, taking a small step forward.

“I’m not ready,” he protested, his voice desperate. “I don’t know how to do this without you.”

Ethan stepped closer to him, his presence radiating warmth. He gently placed his hand on Jeremy’s chest, right over his heart. Jeremy inhaled sharply as a profound sense of peace washed over him. The world around them seemed to grow quiet, and all he could hear was the rhythmic thumping of his heart—steady, calm, and peaceful. The beat echoed in his ears, like a lullaby, soothing his troubled soul.

Thump... thump... thump.

Ethan smiled softly, his eyes full of affection.

“Do you feel that? Your heart is at peace now. It has a new rhythm, Jeremy... and I love it.”

Jeremy blinked, a slow breath escaping his lips.

“What... what does that mean?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan’s hand slid away, leaving a lingering warmth behind.

“It means you’re in love,” he said quietly.

Jeremy's body stiffened, a shiver running down his spine. His heart, which had just been calm, now began to race again.

“No,” he muttered, shaking his head, almost in denial. “I can't be. My heart belongs to you, Ethan.”

Ethan’s smile remained, kind and understanding. He shook his head gently.

“No, Jeremy. You’re falling in love again, and that’s a good thing.”

Jeremy’s eyes filled with confusion and worry.

“With who?” he asked, his voice trembling, desperate for an answer.

Suddenly, another voice pierced the air, filled with concern.

“Jeremy, don't do it. Don't jump.”

Jeremy’s heart pounded in his chest as he whipped his head around. Standing a few feet away, closer to the entrance of the rooftop, was Carter, his expression soft yet serious. He was smiling, but there was worry etched into his features as he looked at Jeremy, his eyes filled with unspoken emotion.

Jeremy’s breath caught in his throat again, his heart racing even faster. The connection between Carter and him, the pull he had been feeling but refusing to acknowledge, surged to the forefront of his mind. Everything Ethan had said, the warmth in his chest, it all suddenly made sense—but that realization terrified him even more.

Ethan’s voice was soft, yet it cut through Jeremy’s tumultuous thoughts.

“That’s the boy who’s changed the rhythm of your heart,” Ethan said, his voice filled with warmth.

Jeremy’s eyes darted between Ethan and Carter, disbelief clouding his features.

“No,” he whispered, shaking his head slightly, his breath catching in his throat. “It can’t be. My heart belongs to you—only you.”

Ethan’s smile remained gentle, patient, as he shook his head.

“Not anymore, Jeremy. You’ve given your heart to someone else, and I’m so happy about that. You’re falling in love with Carter. But there are some things you need to let go of in order to accept it fully.”

Jeremy’s mind reeled, unable to grasp the truth of Ethan’s words. How could it be possible? His love for Ethan had been all-consuming, constant, and eternal—or so he thought.

Behind him, Carter’s voice broke through the haze of his thoughts.

“Jeremy, I know you’re not gonna jump... but please, come down from the edge.” Carter’s tone was firm but laced with concern, his hand outstretched as he took a step closer.

Jeremy glanced at Carter, his expression unreadable, as if his face was frozen in time. Then, his eyes drifted back to Ethan, who was still smiling so brightly, as though the weight of the world had never touched him.

“It’s not possible,” Jeremy said softly, his voice almost pleading as he stared at Ethan. “How can I be in love with someone else when I love you so much?”

Ethan’s gaze softened even more, his tone like a soothing balm to Jeremy’s troubled heart.

“Just because you love me doesn’t mean you don’t deserve happiness, Jeremy. You need to accept that you’re in love with Carter and move forward. I know you love me, and I’ll always be in your heart, but it’s time to move on.”

“I’m not ready,” Jeremy whispered, his voice small, his body frozen in place.

Ethan took a step toward the edge of the building, extending his hand toward Jeremy. His voice was soft, coaxing, almost haunting in its gentleness.

“If you’re not ready, Jeremy, and if you want to be with me, take my hand. I’ll hold on to you, and we’ll be together... forever.”

Jeremy’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt a shiver down his spine. His feet shifted slightly, his body instinctively moving toward Ethan’s outstretched hand.

“Jeremy!” Carter’s voice snapped through the air, sharp and desperate. “Hold my hand! Come down. Once you do, I swear, I won’t let go.”

Jeremy stopped, his heart pounding in his chest. Slowly, he turned to see Carter standing there, his hand extended, a wide, hopeful smile on his face. The wind tousled Carter’s hair, and his eyes were bright, filled with something that Jeremy couldn’t ignore—hope, love, a future.

Jeremy felt paralyzed, torn between two worlds—his past and his future. He stood there, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked between Ethan and Carter. His mind raced with memories of the life he had once had with Ethan, the love, the joy, the completeness he had felt. But now, standing on the edge, he saw something different in Carter. Something he had been too afraid to admit—something real.

Ethan’s voice was calm, without judgment.

“You have to choose, Jeremy. The past, where you knew you were happy, or a new beginning with someone who will make you happy in ways you’ve yet to discover.”

Jeremy’s eyes flickered between them, his heart racing faster with each passing second. Ethan still smiled, unwavering, but there was an unspoken understanding in his eyes.

“The Jeremy I knew would know exactly what he wanted, he would hold my hand without a second thought,” Ethan said softly. “But this Jeremy... he’s changed.”

“Jeremy!” Carter called again, urgency in his voice. “Please, take my hand.”

The world seemed to stand still. After what felt like hours, Jeremy moved—slowly at first—his body leaning toward Ethan, his hand reaching out as if to take Ethan’s hand.

But then, in a dramatic turn, Jeremy swung around and grabbed Carter’s hand instead. Carter’s grip was strong, pulling him back from the edge. Jeremy stepped off the ledge, his heart pounding as he felt Carter’s firm grasp anchoring him. He looked into Carter’s eyes, feeling the warmth and relief flooding him. He held onto Carter tightly, his feet now firmly on solid ground.

Jeremy glanced back at where Ethan had stood, but Ethan was smiling at him, radiating pride.

“I’m so proud of you, Jeremy,” Ethan said, his voice soft but strong. “And I’ll always love you. You’ll always be my forever love, the husband of my youth, the father of my kids and my best friend... forever.”

And with those final words, Ethan slowly faded, disappearing into the air like a fleeting memory. There was no pain, no grief—only a deep, abiding peace that settled in Jeremy’s chest. He took a deep breath and smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached his eyes for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

The peace in his heart was overwhelming. His breath felt lighter, freer, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his soul. He could feel the rhythm of his heart—steady, content, at peace. For the first time in years, Jeremy felt whole.

Carter’s voice called his name, breaking through the stillness.

“Jeremy? What were you doing standing there? You had me worried.”

Jeremy turned to face Carter, still holding his hand. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

“I was talking to Ethan.”

Carter raised an eyebrow, confused but smiling.

“Talking to Ethan?” he echoed, clearly unsure of what Jeremy meant.

Jeremy smiled wider, his heart full of something new, something bright.

“Yeah,” he said, his voice warm. “Talking to Ethan...”

Carter’s brow furrowed as he raised an eyebrow at Jeremy, confusion etched across his face.

“Are you... relapsing?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern. “Because you're scaring me. There’s no one here, Jeremy.” He sighed heavily, his shoulders dropping as he looked at him. “I know you love Ethan a lot, but—"

Before he could finish, Jeremy pressed a finger gently against Carter’s lips, silencing him with a soft smile.

“I’m fine, Carter. Completely fine. In fact,” he said, taking a deep breath, “maybe this was exactly what I needed. I’ll always love Ethan, but I finally understand... I need to do something for myself, something that will make me happy. And something Ethan approved of.”

Carter frowned, pulling Jeremy’s hand away from his lips, and then cupped Jeremy’s face between his hands, his gaze filled with worry.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked softly, his eyes scanning Jeremy’s face, searching for any sign of the man he had known for so long. When Jeremy nodded, Carter’s frown deepened as he asked, half-teasing, “Who are you? And what have you done with Mr. Grumpy?”

Jeremy blinked, confusion flickering across his face.

“Mr. Grumpy?” he repeated, his brow knitting together.

Carter laughed, the sound light and full of relief.

“I’m just joking,” he said, shaking his head. “But still...” He reached for Jeremy’s hand, gripping it tightly. “Come on,” he added, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Let’s head back inside before you change your mind and decide to jump after all.”

Without letting go, Carter pulled Jeremy gently by the hand, and the two of them started walking back inside. As they moved, Jeremy’s face remained calm, a deep sense of satisfaction settling in his chest. He had made his choice, and it felt right.

Carter squeezed his hand a little tighter as they neared the door, his gaze flicking back to Jeremy every now and then, as if to reassure himself that Jeremy was still with him. But Jeremy’s expression—filled with contentment and peace—didn’t falter, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a future stretching out in front of him, one where he didn’t have to carry the weight of his past alone.

Carter and Jeremy walked inside the building, their hands still tightly clasped, caught up in a lively conversation. The bond between them was undeniable, their easy laughter and shared glances revealing the deep connection they’d built. Just as the elevator doors slid open, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a voice.

“Jeremy!”

Both of them stopped, looking ahead. Several pairs of surprised, angry eyes were fixed on them, most notably Dexter’s. His gaze darted between Jeremy’s smiling face and their intertwined hands, his expression darkening with a mix of pain and seething anger.

Before the tension could rise further, two small voices broke the moment.

“Daddy!” the twins shouted, rushing forward to wrap their arms around Jeremy's legs.

Carter, sensing the shift, quickly let go of Jeremy’s hand. He stepped back and watched as Jeremy knelt, a broad smile on his face as he hugged his sons tightly, his love for them evident. Carter’s eyes drifted toward Laura and Dexter, catching the stormy expressions on their faces, but his smile stayed intact as he observed Jeremy with the boys.

Suddenly, Oliver broke away from his father’s embrace and rushed over to Carter, wrapping his little arms around his waist.

“I missed you so much, Carter!” he exclaimed.

Carter chuckled, lifting the boy into his arms.

“I missed you too, Ollie,” he said, peppering Oliver’s face with playful kisses, eliciting joyful giggles from the child. “But you know, I have class, and I’ve got work too, so we’ll have to hang out on the weekend. Deal?”

Oliver nodded eagerly, kissing Carter’s cheek in return. Carter laughed, the warmth of the moment making him forget the tension in the room, even as Jeremy looked up at him, smiling fondly as he watched the two. The sight made Carter blush slightly, and he quickly diverted his eyes to Andrew, who stood nearby with a blank expression.

Trying to extend the same warmth, Carter reached out to greet Andrew, but before his hand could reach the boy, Andrew slapped it away angrily.

“I hate you!” Andrew spat, his voice cold.

Carter’s smile faltered, the sting of the boy’s words hitting him hard. Jeremy’s smile disappeared too, and he looked at his son in disbelief.

“Andrew, why are you acting like this? That was rude. Apologize to Carter.”

Andrew remained silent, his small fists clenched at his sides.

Laura stepped in, her voice cutting through the moment.

“How can you expect him to apologize, Jeremy? He has every right to hate the man who made him lose his father for months. Carter doesn’t deserve anything from Andrew.” She moved forward, taking Andrew’s hand and pulling him closer to her side, her gaze locking onto Carter with a mixture of disdain and cold judgment.

Laura’s eyes swept over Carter from head to toe, her lips curling in disgust before she turned back to Andrew with a smile.

“We’re here to take you out, Jeremy,” she said sweetly, as if nothing had just transpired. “Your sons need time with their father.”

Jeremy, frustration evident on his face, sighed.

“I’m busy right now, mom. Maybe you can take them, and I’ll join you later.”

“What could you possibly be busy with?” Laura snapped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’re certainly not busy with anything important, like being here with Carter.”

Before Jeremy could retort, Carter gently tugged on his arm, drawing his attention.

“Hey, it’s fine,” Carter said, offering Jeremy a reassuring smile. “Go with them. Your sons have missed you, and I’m sure your family has too.”

Laura’s patience snapped.

“I don’t need a spokesperson,” she hissed at Carter. “Stay out of our family business.”

Jeremy’s frustration boiled over.

“Enough, Mom!” He exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go with you, okay? Just stop causing a scene.”

He turned to Carter, taking Oliver from his arms.

“I’m sorry for how she spoke to you,” he said softly.

Carter smiled warmly.

“It’s okay, really. Go spend time with them.”

Jeremy gave him a grateful nod before turning to leave with his family. As they walked away, Oliver waved back at Carter, and Carter waved in return, his smile softening as they disappeared from view.

Just as Carter began to turn away, a voice interrupted him.

“I still don’t understand why you’re hanging around here like a lost dog,” Dexter sneered, stepping closer with an evil grin. “We don’t need a guard dog, Carter.”

Carter turned to face him, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Funny,” he said with a chuckle. “I could say the same thing about you. Last I checked, you’re not related to Jeremy or his family, and yet you’re always lurking around. You’re only describing yourself."

Dexter’s grin evaporated, replaced with a look of fury.

“What did you just say?” he snapped, his voice shaking with anger. “How dare you insult me, you…”

Carter’s smile only brightened.

“I wasn’t insulting you, Dexter,” he said smoothly. “But if the shoe fits...” He shrugged, turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Dexter panting in fury, his chest heaving with every breath.

Dexter clenched his fists, muttering under his breath.

“We’ll see who has the last laugh, Carter. We’ll see.”

With that, he stormed off in the opposite direction, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

***

The room was swallowed in darkness, the kind that clung to the walls and settled into every crevice, cold and suffocating. The air was thick with dampness, and the faint drip of water somewhere in the distance echoed eerily. Shadows stretched like clawed hands across the floor, and the temperature was bone-chilling, enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine. It smelled of mold and fear—a place devoid of hope.

Elena lay on the cold concrete floor, her body curled up weakly. Fresh bruises marred her pale skin, dark splotches across her arms and legs where she had been beaten for trying to escape. Her face was gaunt, cheeks hollowed from months of deprivation, and her once bright eyes were now dull, glistening only with the tears that spilled from them uncontrollably. She groaned softly, her lips cracked and dry, as she tried to open her eyes, the pain almost too much to bear.

With trembling arms, Elena attempted to move, to crawl even an inch across the icy floor. Her body protested with every slight movement, every inch a reminder of the violence she had endured. She let out a choked whimper, her tears mixing with the grime of the floor as she collapsed back down, her muscles too weak, her bones too fragile. She knew, deep in her heart, that she wasn’t going anywhere. She would be caught, dragged back, and the punishment would be worse than before. It always was.

‘I really hope he hasn’t found out,’ she thought desperately, her mind drifting to Carter. ‘If he’s figured out the truth...’ A fresh wave of terror gripped her. ‘No… Carter’s in danger, and I can’t get out of here to save him.’

Her mind raced with the horrifying possibilities, but her body remained still, motionless except for the silent flow of tears that ran down her face. She lay there, helpless, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

‘Please…’ she prayed silently, her voice too weak to form the words aloud. ‘Carter, if there’s any chance you can hear me, stay far away from this madness. Be safe… live happily…’

The tears continued to flow, unstoppable, as her mind drifted toward the one name that haunted her more than anything.

‘Ethan…’

Her heart clenched as she thought of him. She closed her eyes, and the memories flooded back, vivid and heart-wrenching.

She saw herself hugging Ethan tightly, both of them laughing as if the world outside their embrace didn’t exist. She remembered their shopping trips, the joy in his eyes as they picked out clothes and shared meals together. Ethan’s graduation flashed before her—his proud smile as he accepted his diploma, her eyes brimming with pride. And then, the moments when he had fallen ill, when she had stayed by his side, caring for him through the sickness.

‘I’m so sorry, Ethan,’ she thought, her heart breaking all over again. 'If I had protected you from the beginning… if I had seen what was coming, you wouldn’t have suffered. I wouldn’t have lost you.’

Her heart constricted painfully as more memories of Ethan flooded her mind.

‘And now you’re dead. Because of me.’

Her body trembled as the weight of her regret crushed her spirit. The room, the darkness, the cold—it all seemed to press down on her, suffocating her under the guilt she’d carried for so long. She lay there, frozen in her grief, her only movement the silent tears that fell for a life she couldn’t save, and a son she had failed.

Elena’s whispers filled the empty room, her final, desperate thoughts carrying into the cold void.

‘Ethan… forgive me.’

To be continued…