Echoes of the Heart - 13. Chapter 13: Jeremy isn't giving up. Will he get through to Carter?

Carter pushed the door open to his office, his steps slow, almost hesitant, as if he'd forgotten where he was. His dark hair, pulled into a high ponytail, left his face in full view, strikingly handsome yet vulnerable, every feature exposed to the world. The black shirt tucked into matching jeans, paired with white sneakers, gave him a crisp, polished look—though his mind was a tangled mess, replaying every moment from the night before. The confession. The kiss. The sleepless night that followed.

Then he looked up, freezing in place when his gaze locked onto Jeremy’s. The man stood before him, looking ruggedly smart, his eyes soft yet sharp, filled with a rare mix of yearning and uncertainty. Carter's heart kicked up a frantic beat, a cold shiver skating down his spine. For a fleeting moment, he debated turning around, slipping away unseen. But Jeremy was faster; he reached out, his hand warm and steady as he caught Carter’s arm, pulling him gently back.

“Why are you avoiding me, Carter?” Jeremy’s voice was low, a little too gentle, and Carter felt a twist of guilt. “I've been calling you all morning... I just wanted to talk.”

Jerking his arm free, Carter took a half-step back, his expression firm.

“I'm not avoiding you, Jeremy. I’m just busy.”

“Busy?” Jeremy’s eyes darkened with something that looked like hurt. “You've never ignored my calls before. You know this is about last night.”

Carter took a shaky breath, determined to keep his composure.

“There's nothing to talk about, Jeremy. I'd rather just forget it.”

Jeremy’s voice softened, a hint of steel beneath.

“But I can't just forget it, Carter. I know you’re acting this way because you're scared—scared of what you feel.”

At Jeremy’s words, Carter felt his defenses start to crumble. His breathing grew shallow, his fingers trembling as he clutched the file in his hands. He looked down, but Jeremy wasn’t done.

“You’re scared of listening to your heart, of letting yourself feel again,” Jeremy said gently, his gaze never wavering. “I’ve been there. Do you remember how I used to act around you before I left? Shouting at you, trying to push you away… and yet, I'd follow you anywhere, even when it was dangerous. I didn’t understand it then.”

Carter’s eyes flicked up to meet Jeremy’s, confusion and vulnerability battling within him, as Jeremy stepped closer, his voice raw with honesty.

“Part of the reason I left was to figure that out, to understand what you meant to me. And when I did…”He trailed off, his voice breaking, “...I realized that I loved you.”

Carter’s breath caught, his throat tight as his vision blurred. Jeremy’s expression softened, sincerity shining through every word.

“The truth is, I was terrified. You’d become my best friend. And I was scared I was betraying Ethan, betraying myself. I thought if I ran, those feelings would fade. But they only got stronger, pulling me back here, back to you.”

Carter’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, his heartbeat loud in his ears, his confusion deepening as the flood of emotions nearly overtook him. Jeremy’s eyes softened further, filling with warmth.

“I know you’re scared. But it’s time to let go of those fears, to let yourself feel again. You’re safe with me.”

For a moment, Carter let himself be swept up by the tenderness in Jeremy’s gaze. But as Jeremy drew closer, Carter’s heart clashed with another memory, of Elias—of a past that had shattered him, leaving scars he hadn’t yet healed. Panic flared, and he flinched as Jeremy raised a hand to his cheek.

“I know what happened with your first love left you scared, terrified to open up again,” Jeremy murmured, his hand a warm, steadying presence. “But if you keep letting fear rule you, you’ll make decisions you’ll regret. I don’t want that for you.”

A shiver ran down Carter’s spine as he felt the warmth of Jeremy’s hand, his pulse racing with a yearning he’d fought to bury. As Jeremy’s gaze drifted to his lips, a pang of desire pulsed within Carter, so intense it felt like a spark. His eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the moment. But as Jeremy’s lips brushed against his, Carter's eyes snapped open.

He gasped, shoving Jeremy back, his breaths coming fast and shallow as he looked at him with wide, panicked eyes. A single tear slid down his cheek as he struggled to catch his breath, the weight of everything crashing down on him, so heavy he could barely stand.

Carter took a shaky breath, his finger trembling as he pointed at Jeremy, his voice broken and hesitant.

“You’re lying. You’re a liar, Jeremy…you’re lying.”

He tried to bolt, the need to escape growing desperate, but Jeremy’s hand caught his wrist firmly, halting his steps. Carter gasped as his files slipped from his hands and scattered across the floor. Jeremy’s grip was strong, grounding him as his deep voice rolled through the tense silence.

“I’m not a liar, Carter,” Jeremy said, his tone steady, resonant. “But you are. You’re lying to yourself.”

Jeremy pulled him closer, and their noses brushed, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them. Carter’s eyes darted over Jeremy's face, trying to remain unaffected, but his pulse betrayed him, quickening as each second passed. He needed to get away, to break free somehow.

“Carter, calling me a liar won’t change what I feel,” Jeremy murmured, his words cutting through Carter’s defenses. “It won’t change the fact that I know you feel something for me too. I saw it in the way you kissed me last night. I see it in the way you’re looking at me now… the fear in your eyes.”

“Let go of my hand,” Carter whispered, his voice barely holding steady.

But Jeremy’s eyes, intense and unwavering, bore into his.

“I’m not letting go, Carter. Not now. Not ever. Even if it takes a thousand years, I’ll keep holding on. To your hand, to this moment… to us.”

Fury and panic ignited within Carter, and he wrenched his hand from Jeremy’s grip, shouting, “Holding my hand or saying these things doesn’t mean anything to me, Jeremy!”

But Jeremy’s hand found his again, relentless yet gentle, his eyes still locked on Carter’s.

“And if I left? If I went away—are you saying it wouldn’t make a difference?”

Carter’s breath hitched. He shook his head, looking away, but his heart ached as he struggled to believe his own lie.

“When I was hurt, you were always there,” Jeremy continued, his voice softening with raw vulnerability. “Even when I was lost, you found a way to bring me back. You were ready to face the world for me—doesn’t that mean something?”

Carter’s face contorted in pain as he forced himself to reply, “No, Jeremy. It doesn’t.”

Jeremy leaned in, his eyes searching Carter’s, trying to reach the heart he knew was barricaded behind walls.

“When I was injured, you dropped everything to help me, to take care of me. Doesn’t that mean anything?”

A tear slipped down Carter’s cheek. His voice was tight as he whispered, “No, it doesn’t.”

Jeremy’s voice softened further, laden with the weight of emotions he’d held back.

“Not too long ago, you were trapped in a marriage with someone who never loved you, Carter. And I’ve come to realize that you deserve love, real love, just as much as I do. You deserve happiness too.”

Carter met his gaze, and for a timeless moment, they stared at each other, Jeremy’s words lingering in the space between them. Slowly, Jeremy’s hand loosened, his touch falling away as he took a step back, his eyes filled with unspoken hope.

“I don’t want to push you, Carter. I just want you to give me a chance,” Jeremy said, his voice tender, pleading. “A chance to show you the love you deserve.”

Carter’s heart ached, and for a split second, he wanted to stay, to let himself believe in the possibility. But his mind snapped back, and he quickly wiped his tears away, his face hardening.

“I don’t love you, Jeremy.”

With those words, he turned and walked out, his footsteps heavy, echoing down the empty hallway as he left Jeremy standing alone, the silence pressing in on him, drowning him in a sense of loss.

***

Carter sat on the edge of the couch in the dimly lit living room, his laptop glowing in his lap as he mindlessly tapped the keys. Every thought, every image from nights before blurred across his mind, making it impossible to concentrate on the report he was trying to finish. The weight in his chest felt unbearable, like his emotions were fraying at the seams.

From across the room, Sheila had been watching her son, her brow creased with worry. She finally walked over, settling beside him on the couch, her warm presence both familiar and grounding. Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, she saw Carter jump slightly, startled from his reverie. He gave her a sheepish smile, pretending to refocus on his laptop, fingers flying over the keyboard as though the world was hanging on his next sentence.

She raised an eyebrow, her eyes never leaving his.

“What’s going on with you, honey?” she asked softly. “For days now, you’ve been…different. You seem restless, preoccupied. Is it work? Or maybe it’s something more personal?”

Carter paused, swallowing hard as he turned to her, trying to put on a reassuring smile, though he felt it slipping. He knew his mother could see through him, her gaze soft but piercing.

“You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” she continued, her voice gentle. “You’re my son, my only family. You don’t have to carry things alone.”

At her words, his smile faltered, his eyes becoming glassy as the ache in his chest swelled. His heart thudded painfully, and he took a shuddering breath, struggling to keep his voice steady.

“Aunt…my heart feels…troubled. It’s like history is about to repeat itself, and I’m terrified of facing it.”

Sheila’s brows knitted as she watched his face closely.

“What do you mean, Carter?”

Before he could respond, a voice filled the room, interrupting the quiet moment.

“He’s afraid of what he feels,” the voice said calmly.

Carter’s head snapped up, his body going rigid as he saw Jeremy standing at a short distance, his eyes focused intensely on Carter. A cold shiver ran down his spine, and his breaths caught in his throat as he watched Jeremy walk closer, his hands folded respectfully in front of him. Jeremy’s gaze then moved to Sheila, and he bowed slightly in acknowledgment.

“Apologies for coming in unannounced,” he said politely. “The door was open, and I…needed to talk to Carter.”

Sheila stood, her hand falling away from Carter’s shoulder as she sized up the man before her, recognizing him instantly as Jeremy Rivers, Carter’s boss. She nodded in acknowledgment, though her gaze was cautious, flicking between Jeremy and her son.

Jeremy’s eyes returned to Carter.

“I’m here because Carter’s heart is troubled. He’s scared of facing his feelings, scared of history repeating itself. And if he lets that fear control him, I know he’ll end up making a mistake he won’t forgive himself for.”

The room fell silent as Carter sat there, frozen, staring at Jeremy with wide eyes.

Jeremy took a steadying breath.

“I’m in love with Carter,” he confessed, his voice calm but vulnerable. “And I’m convinced that, somewhere deep down, he feels the same way. But I know that his past—his history—is standing between us. And I don’t want him to let that fear stop him from being happy. Not again.”

Sheila’s gaze darted back to Carter, who hadn’t moved a muscle. His face was ashen, his body rigid, as though he could hardly process the words being spoken.

“Carter?” Sheila’s voice was soft, coaxing. “Is this true?”

She waited for a response, but he sat there, motionless, his silence louder than any words could have been.

She asked again, her voice a little firmer, “Are you in love with him?”

Still, Carter didn’t reply, his eyes glued to the floor as Jeremy’s words hung in the air. Jeremy shifted his weight, his voice quiet but unyielding.

“He won’t admit it. That’s why I came to you instead. You’re his mother—you deserve to know. I’m asking you to please not let him make a mistake. Don’t let him go through with agreeing to Eric’s proposal. Carter deserves more than that. He deserves real happiness.”

Jeremy’s gaze softened as he glanced at Carter, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

“I love him. And while it took me a long time to realize it, I know he’s scared because he’s been hurt before. And I don’t blame him for that. But all I’m asking for is a chance—a chance to show him that my love is real, that it’s different.”

Sheila listened intently, her face unreadable as she took in every word. Her gaze flickered to Carter, who looked stricken, lost in a swirl of emotions he was trying to keep bottled up. After a moment, she turned to him, her expression softening.

“Carter,” she murmured gently, “just a few days ago, you told me that following your heart once led to the biggest mistake of your life. Is this what you are scared of?”

Carter’s gaze lifted to meet hers, his eyes glassy with unshed tears, and he gave the smallest of nods, a single tear escaping down his cheek. Sheila’s expression softened, and she moved closer to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. She placed a warm hand on his cheek, offering a comforting smile.

“Sweetheart, I can see that you’re afraid. But you don’t have to be. Whatever happened in the past doesn’t mean you’re destined to repeat it. You deserve happiness, Carter, and I’m here for you no matter what you decide.” She squeezed his shoulder, brushing her thumb gently over his cheek. “Talk to him. Resolve what’s in your heart once and for all.”

With a final, reassuring smile, she stood, leaving him with a lingering touch on his cheek before stepping out, closing the door softly behind her.

Carter sat there, his heart pounding as he looked up at Jeremy, who hadn’t moved, waiting patiently, his gaze still as intense as ever. The air between them was heavy, laden with emotions that had gone unspoken for far too long. Carter’s hands trembled as he took a steadying breath, feeling the gravity of the moment. The silence stretched, but Carter could feel Jeremy’s presence, his sincerity like an anchor.

Jeremy looked down at Carter, his expression intense but filled with tenderness. He drew a deep breath, his gaze never leaving Carter’s as he whispered,

“I know you're hesitant, Carter. I know you're scared… and maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, but watching you slip away—I couldn’t just stay quiet. Not anymore.”

Carter’s lips trembled, his words escaping in a shaky whisper.

“Jeremy, I’ve been hurt before—heartbroken so deeply, it felt like a part of me was ripped away. Don’t… don’t give me dreams that could shatter all over again. I don’t think I can survive it twice.”

Jeremy leaned closer, gently taking Carter’s hands in his own, his touch warm and reassuring.

“Then let me hold your hand through it all, Carter. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

His words were steady, but there was a vulnerability in his eyes that softened his confidence, his thumb brushing over the back of Carter’s hand as if he could calm the storm within him.

Carter shivered, and his gaze fell back to their joined hands.

“What if this…what if this is just a phase, Jeremy? What if one day you wake up and realize you made a mistake?” He looked up at him, his eyes searching Jeremy’s, pleading for an answer that might soothe his fears.

Jeremy gave a slow, resolute shake of his head.

“Carter…when I hear your name, my whole body reacts. Whenever I touch you, my breath catches, and I feel…alive in a way I never thought I could. And every time I think of you, my heart stops. It’s you—there’s no mistaking it.”

He reached up, cradling Carter’s face gently, his fingers warm as they brushed against his skin.

“I used to think I was running from you, but the truth is, I was running from myself. And now? The thought of losing you scares me more than anything else.”

Carter looked up, his body shivering as the words washed over him, the warmth in Jeremy’s touch grounding him.

“Jeremy, I…” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m so scared.”

Jeremy pulled him closer, leaning his forehead against Carter’s, his eyes closed as he spoke, his voice barely above a murmur.

“Do you love me?”

Carter let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes and giving a small, fearful nod.

“Yes. I know I have feelings for you. I tried to ignore them, thinking if we just stayed friends, I could bury them deep. But when you told me how you felt…I got scared. I panicked.”

A gentle laugh escaped Jeremy, and he pulled back just slightly, his thumb brushing along Carter’s jaw as he gave him a reassuring smile.

“We’ll face it together, Carter. No more hiding. We’ll figure this out. I want to be the one you lean on, the one who can make you feel safe and loved.” His gaze softened as he continued, “If you say yes, I’ll make sure my happiness is yours too, that we share every dream and every moment. I’ll be there for your pain, your loneliness, your peace.”

Carter’s breath hitched as a tear escaped down his cheek, and he closed his eyes, his hand reaching up to cradle the back of Jeremy’s head. His fingers tangled in Jeremy’s hair as he sobbed softly, his shoulders shuddering as the weight of his fears and desires collided within him.

“Carter,” Jeremy whispered, his voice gentle but filled with emotion, “say yes. Let’s give this a chance.”

Carter felt his whole body shake as his eyes stayed closed, his mind swirling.

What should he do?

The fear, the longing, the love—all were mixing, leaving him raw and aching. He held onto Jeremy, a thousand questions in his heart, each one pulling him in a different direction. The warmth of Jeremy’s arms, the softness of his voice…was he brave enough to let himself want it?

To let himself say yes?

***

Laura hummed softly as she placed a vase filled with fresh flowers in the center of the table, arranging the bright petals with a careful touch. She set out a tray of Jeremy’s favorite snacks—mini sandwiches, slices of homemade cake, and fresh fruit—all arranged just the way he liked. She had been eagerly preparing for this evening, convinced that now, after Elena’s burial and the end of the mourning period, it was finally time to bring joy back into Jeremy’s life. With Elena gone, she intended to erase the dark memories, to rebuild happiness with her son just like old times.

As she adjusted a plate, a cheerful voice spoke from behind her.

“Well, someone’s in a good mood.”

Startled but pleased, she turned and saw Dexter standing behind her, smiling warmly at her. She returned the smile, her expression brimming with contentment.

“What’s there not to be happy about, Dexter?” she said brightly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “All the dark clouds and bad omens have been lifted from this house. It’s time for happiness again.” She waved her hand over the snacks and the flowers. “I’m planning a night with Jeremy, just like the old days—watching one of our favorite movies. We’ve been through a lot together, and it’s time to make things right again, to bond.”

Dexter took a slow breath, a shadow of thought crossing his face.

“Well, I have a few things planned myself to bring Jeremy closer to me. To… bond.”

Laura stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his. Her voice softened with gratitude. “Thank you for always being there for Jeremy. You’ve been by his side since you were young, and I promise you, Dexter—you’re going to be a part of his life very soon. I’ll make sure of it.”

Dexter’s eyes met hers with a tender, unspoken understanding, a moment stretching between them as their smiles deepened in silent communication. But just as the warmth settled, a voice interrupted them.

“Mom?”

Laura’s heart leapt, recognizing Jeremy’s voice. She turned, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. But when she fully took in the sight before her, her smile faltered. Jeremy stood a short distance away, his expression serious, though his eyes softened as he glanced at the man beside him. Carter, standing there with a tense look, shifted under Laura’s sharp gaze. But when Jeremy took Carter’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze, Carter looked at him and broke into a sheepish smile. Jeremy’s face lit up with a happiness Laura hadn’t seen in years.

Her eyes snapped to their intertwined hands, her chest tightening as anger began to build. She could feel Dexter shift beside her, his own face transforming into a stunned mask of disbelief, his eyes wide with shock.

“What… what is this?” Laura’s voice trembled as she took a step forward, trying to comprehend. “What is he doing here?” Her voice turned sharper, demanding answers.

Jeremy’s face softened as he turned to her, his voice calm and steady.

“Mom, Carter is here because he’s with me now. We’re together.”

Dexter’s face drained of color, his body going rigid as the words sank in. His heart pounded painfully, each beat resonating with a gut-wrenching sense of betrayal. The world around him spun as he gripped the edge of the table, struggling to hold himself upright. His dreams, his quiet hopes, shattered in an instant, each one hitting him like a blow to the chest. His expression fell, his gaze fixed on the floor as he fought to stay steady.

Meanwhile, Laura’s face paled as she took in her son’s words.

“Is this… is this some kind of joke, Jeremy?” Her voice cracked, disbelief giving way to anger.

Jeremy shook his head firmly.

“It’s not a joke, Mom. I’ve spent too long hiding my feelings. I told Carter how I feel, and he feels the same way. He’s going to be part of this family. He’ll be your son-in-law.”

Her hands shook as the cup she had been holding slipped from her fingers, crashing onto the floor with a sharp clatter. She didn’t even flinch. Her gaze locked onto Jeremy, the tears of fury welling in her eyes.

“Tell me this isn’t true,” she demanded, her voice choked. She pointed an accusing finger at Carter. “What is he doing here? Do you think this is funny, Jeremy? If so, it’s a cruel joke.”

But Jeremy simply glanced back at Carter, his smile undiminished, radiating a fierce determination. Nothing, not even his mother’s anger, could dampen his joy.

“It’s true, Mom. I love him,” he said, his voice unwavering. “We love each other.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, each word still hanging in the air like a tension stretched too tight, waiting for the breaking point.

Laura’s gaze softened as she looked at Jeremy, her expression filled with both pain and disbelief.

“Do you even care about me, Jeremy?” Her voice trembled, her eyes glistening as she blinked back tears. Then, as though something dark took hold of her, her face hardened, her gaze swinging toward Carter with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.

“I knew it!” she yelled, her voice sharp and scathing. “I knew you were trouble from the moment I saw you! This was your plan all along, wasn’t it? To trap my son!”

Carter shook his head, his lips parting in shock. But before he could speak, Jeremy’s voice cut through the tension.

“Mom!” His tone was firm, rising above hers. “I brought him here. Don’t blame him for this.”

Laura chuckled bitterly, her voice low and edged with anger.

“Jeremy, you’re too innocent to see what’s happening. Can’t you see? He’s playing you! Taking advantage of you—he’s nothing more than a gold digger!”

The harshness of her words made Jeremy’s patience snap.

“Enough.”

His tone was colder than she’d ever heard, his voice a solid wall of defiance.

“I won’t stand here and let you insult Carter like that. I came here to tell you about us, not to ask for permission.”

Laura froze, his words a slap in the face. A tear slid down her cheek, but she quickly rubbed it away, her anger directed back at Carter. She glared at him with an intensity that could burn, her hands balled into fists.

“Are you happy now?” she spat, her voice wavering. “Are you satisfied? You walk into our lives and create a rift between mother and son in a single night.”

“There’s no rift,” Jeremy said, his tone unwavering. “Unless you choose to make one.”

Laura let out a hollow, angry laugh.

“Fine. Then choose. It’s him or me.”

Carter’s heart sank, his face paling. He looked down, swallowing the hard lump in his throat. This was all spiraling too fast, and he couldn’t help but feel that it was his fault. He tried to pull his hand from Jeremy’s, but Jeremy tightened his grip, pulling him closer. He met his mother’s shocked gaze, defiance blazing in his eyes.

Laura rubbed furiously at her tears, her shoulders shaking as she looked at him, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Fine. You’ve made your choice.”

With a furious spin, she stormed out of the room, muttering angrily under her breath. Dexter, stunned and hurt, looked at Jeremy, his face pale, his eyes brimming with disappointment. He took a few stumbling steps back before leaving the room in silence, his heart clearly heavy with grief.

Once they were alone, Carter looked up at Jeremy, his face etched with worry.

“I… I didn’t mean for this to happen. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”

Jeremy cupped Carter’s cheeks gently, his smile softening.

“It was going to happen eventually. She’s stubborn, but I’ll talk to her once she calms down.” He searched Carter’s eyes, his own filled with warmth. “Right now, I’m too happy to let anything ruin this.”

Carter’s lips curved into a shy smile, but a weight sat in his chest. As he looked at Jeremy, he couldn’t help but wonder if there were even rougher days ahead. Had he made a mistake in allowing himself to hope for this happiness?

***

Jeremy strolled down the hallway, phone pressed to his ear, his heart swelling with happiness as a wide smile played on his lips. It had been ages since he felt this light, this content. A soft chuckle escaped him.

“I already miss you, you know that? You should’ve spent the night, Carter.”

On the other end, Carter’s laughter came through, warm and infectious.

“Jeremy, we just got together. Can you imagine how weird that would’ve looked?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time, would it?” Jeremy teased, his voice a gentle murmur.

Carter sighed playfully. “Yeah, but we were literally just together a few minutes ago.”

“That wasn’t enough,” Jeremy murmured, his voice softer now. “I want to be with you all the time now. No more holding back or hiding. You’re my gorgeous boyfriend.”

Carter’s laughter softened, a hint of nervousness woven in.

“That time will come soon. I just… I need you to talk to your mom first. Maybe if she sees me as less of a threat—”

“Don’t worry about her,” Jeremy interrupted, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’ll handle it. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Alright,” Carter said, his voice just as soft. “I love you, Jeremy. I can’t wait for us to be together, always.”

Jeremy’s heart fluttered at his words.

“I love you, too. And soon, I’m going to call you my husband. Forever.”

Carter’s voice was a whisper, the emotion clear. “Can’t wait for that.”

Jeremy sighed happily, blowing playful kisses into the phone. “See you soon, love.”

After ending the call, he lingered at his bedroom door for a moment, his smile wide and unabashed, almost goofy. He felt like a lovestruck teenager. With a deep breath, he opened the door, only to be greeted by darkness. He flipped the switch, and to his surprise, the light revealed Dexter sitting on the couch, his face shadowed and eyes glassy with unshed tears.

Jeremy’s smile faltered as he moved closer, his brow furrowing.

“Dexter? What… what are you doing here?”

Dexter rose slowly, his face etched with an emotion Jeremy couldn’t decipher. With a hint of sadness, he moved closer, his gaze meeting Jeremy’s with intensity.

“Look, Jeremy… I know not everyone can win in a race. But everyone deserves a participation prize, right?”

Jeremy blinked, confusion swirling in his mind as he tried to understand Dexter’s words.

Dexter’s voice softened, an almost wistful quality in his tone.

“Since we were kids, I’ve always been there for you, haven’t I? Even when you decided to marry Ethan, I never left. When he passed, I was there, helping you, raising the twins… never once did I let you feel alone or unimportant.”

He took a shaky breath, his voice barely a whisper.

“I thought I was supposed to win something, Jeremy.”

A heavy silence settled between them as Jeremy tried to make sense of Dexter’s words, his frown deepening.

“Dexter, what are you talking about?”

A flicker of anger flared in Dexter’s eyes, but he quickly brought his voice back under control.

“I had dreams, Jeremy. I had hopes that maybe, one day, I wouldn’t have to stay in the shadow of just being your friend. But I was okay with that as long as I could be close to you.” His face contorted with anguish as he stepped nearer. “You promised me once. After Ethan… you said you weren’t going to be with anyone else. But then… you met him.”

Jeremy’s eyes widened, his heart beginning to race. Dexter’s voice grew louder, his frustration spilling over.

“I told you then that I wouldn’t accept it. And I don’t now. I don’t see you as just a friend, Jeremy. I never did.”

The weight of Dexter’s words hit Jeremy, his face draining of color as he stared at his friend, his expression stricken.

“You said you wouldn’t love again after Ethan. You told me you wanted to be alone, to focus on your family.” Dexter’s voice cracked. “But you let him in. You told me you were broken, but you gave Carter the right to put you back together,” Dexter continued, his voice shaking. “That was supposed to be me. I deserve that, Jeremy. No one else has that right.”

Jeremy’s mouth parted, shock and disbelief washing over him as he stammered, “Dexter… what are you saying?”

Dexter's voice shot through the room, his tone raw and searing with hurt. “I’m not going to accept being your second choice, Jeremy! I won’t be a consolation prize!”

Jeremy recoiled, utterly taken aback.

“Consolation prize? Second choice? Dexter, there’s no choice here.” He shook his head, his voice laced with bewilderment. “You’re my friend.”

Dexter’s heart shattered at those words, jagged pieces of his pride and hope breaking loose.

“I used to be your friend,” he yelled, voice thick and desperate, “but I don’t want to be anymore.” In one impulsive move, he grasped the back of Jeremy’s head, pulling him close, his grip trembling. “I love you, Jeremy. I love you more than you could ever understand.”

Jeremy pulled back, shocked, his wide eyes locking with Dexter’s, trying to grasp the depth of what he’d just heard. After what felt like an eternity, he finally managed to speak, his voice low.

“Dexter… whatever you’re saying right now doesn’t make any sense.”

“It’s supposed to be me, Jeremy!” Dexter’s voice wavered, desperation bleeding through each word. “I should be the one you’re introducing as your future husband—not some boy you just met!”

“Stop!” Jeremy’s shout cut through Dexter’s words, leaving a silence that was somehow deafening. Jeremy’s expression had hardened, his gaze steely and unyielding. “I don’t love you, Dexter. And I never… never… gave you any reason to think otherwise.”

Dexter’s face crumpled, tears flowing freely as his heart twisted with a pain so sharp it felt like he was being burned alive. He stared at Jeremy, shaking his head in disbelief, as if every word was a knife plunging deeper.

“All this time…” His voice cracked.

“We’re friends, Dexter,” Jeremy replied, his tone softer but resolute. “You’re Ethan’s brother, and I’ve always thought of you like family. Like a brother.”

“I don’t want to be your brother!” Dexter’s voice rose again, choking on emotion. “I want to be yours. I want to wake up next to you, to call your name, to kiss you—”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Jeremy said, sighing in frustration, his eyes shutting briefly as he tried to compose himself. “This isn’t a joke, Dexter, and I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.”

Dexter’s gaze dropped, his expression caught somewhere between anger and heartache, but Jeremy’s voice interrupted him before he could muster a response. Jeremy stepped closer, eyes fixed on him, words cold but steady.

“Since we were young, I’ve only ever thought of you as my friend. As Ethan’s brother. And that’s all you are to me now.”

Jeremy paused, his tone softening slightly as he continued, “As for Carter… he’s the one who helped me through my darkest moments. He understood my pain, let me cry without judging me. And in that… I fell in love with him.”

Dexter opened his mouth, a plea hanging on his lips, but Jeremy raised a hand, stopping him instantly.

“I don’t want to have this conversation again. If our friendship means anything to you, you’ll drop this. Otherwise… I don’t want to see you anymore.”

It took Dexter a moment to register what Jeremy had said, each word echoing in his mind like a bell tolling the end. His shoulders sagged as the weight of it settled, more tears streaming down his face as he covered his mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to break free. With one last shattered look at Jeremy, he turned and bolted out of the room, the pain too much to bear.

Jeremy stood there in the empty room, rooted in place, his thoughts swirling as he struggled to process what had just happened, his heart torn between the joy he’d found with Carter and the shocking revelation.

To be continued…