Echoes of the Heart - 14. Chapter 14: Jeremy is stuck between a rock and a hard place

Echoes of the Heart Ch. 08

Comments, critiques and tips are welcome!

***

Carter stood in his office, his gaze focused as he reviewed the documents in his hands. His assistant, a young woman with a brisk, efficient air, listened intently while he relayed his instructions. His dark hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, accentuating the refined angles of his face, the light glinting off his features as he spoke.

He wrapped up with a smile, nodding in approval as she quickly reassured him,

“I’ll take care of it, Mr. Carter.”

With a final nod, she left, the door clicking shut softly behind her. Alone in the quiet of his office, Carter’s expression softened, his gaze drifting out the window as memories from the previous night washed over him. A warm smile spread across his face, bright and genuine, as he recalled the moment Jeremy had taken his hand in front of everyone. They had finally dropped the weight of pretense, and now, he could scarcely believe it. He was dating Jeremy.

The smile lingered as he replayed the quiet moments they’d shared, the way Jeremy’s hand had felt in his, steady and sure. A soft warmth filled his chest as he remembered Jeremy’s whispered promises and the way they’d both laughed, giddy with the thrill of finally, openly being together.

Carter’s moment of peaceful reverie shattered the instant he heard his name called, the sound laced with venom. Turning, his smile faded as he saw Dexter standing a few feet away, his face pale and lifeless, eyes hollowed by something dark and unsettling. Dexter’s expression bore a hatred that Carter hadn’t seen before. Confused, Carter frowned, asking cautiously, “What are you doing here?”

Dexter took a slow step forward, a bitter sneer twisting his mouth. "I hate you," he hissed, each word sharpened with loathing. Carter blinked, his frown deepening. "Excuse me? Why are you telling me this?"

Dexter's voice rose, raw with fury. "I hate you so much, Carter. You ruined everything!" In a sudden, shocking move, Dexter’s hand lashed out, striking Carter’s cheek with enough force to send a sting rippling across his skin.

The impact stunned Carter, but he recovered, a bitter chuckle escaping as he locked eyes with Dexter.

“I've tolerated you for a long time, Dexter,” Carter said icily, his voice low. “But you’ve overstepped your boundaries.” Without another word, Carter retaliated with a sharp slap, sending Dexter stumbling back. Dexter touched his cheek in shock, anger flashing as he met Carter’s glare.

"You can’t just waltz in here and steal my man," Dexter spat, voice thick with hurt. “Everyone was happy without you here. You’re tearing us all apart!”

Carter shook his head, his voice calm but laced with irritation.

“What are you even talking about?” he said, voice steady but icy. “Jeremy and I were friends long before this. He’s not only single but capable of making his own choices, Dexter. You have no claim over him.”

But Dexter wasn’t listening. He was shaking his head furiously, his face twisted in pain and desperation.

“Jeremy is mine! No one else’s!” he cried, lunging forward and grabbing Carter’s hair, pulling harshly.

Carter grimaced, his hand reaching up to grip Dexter’s arm, struggling to loosen the brutal grip.

“Let go!” he spat, attempting to wrench himself free.

But Dexter’s hold was fierce, his anger fueling his strength as they struggled against each other.

Suddenly, Dexter was ripped backward and thrown to the ground with a heavy thud. Carter looked up, breathless, and his eyes met a pair of familiar, concerned ones. Jeremy was there, his face a mix of worry and fury as he cupped Carter’s cheeks, gently tilting his face up.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Carter swallowed, nodding.

“Yeah… I’m fine,” he said, his voice soft, the sting on his cheek a mere echo of the real hurt Dexter’s words had inflicted.

Jeremy turned sharply toward Dexter, who was slowly getting up, an expression of raw pain painted across his face.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Jeremy shouted, his anger ringing through the room. “How dare you lay a hand on Carter?”

Dexter’s voice trembled, his gaze dropping to the floor as he spoke.

“I wasn’t hurting anyone,” he muttered, his words desperate. “I was only telling him the truth.” He looked up, his eyes filled with anguish. “He came into our lives and stole you away from me. It was supposed to be me, Jeremy. You were supposed to be mine.”

Jeremy’s voice rose, his patience breaking.

“You’re being delusional, Dexter! I have never— never—given you any reason to think I liked you that way.” He took a step closer, his finger raised, anger blazing in his eyes. “I’m in love with Carter, and nothing you do or say is going to change that.”

Dexter’s face contorted with pain, and he shook his head, his voice trembling.

“You’ve changed, Jeremy. Back then, you’d never let anyone get close to me. Now, you’re the one pushing me away.” He furiously wiped at the tears spilling over, his hand shaking as he pointed accusingly at Carter. “And it’s all because of him. That good-for-nothing boy!”

The fury in Jeremy’s chest ignited, his fists clenching as he took a step forward. He was seconds away from lunging, the adrenaline coursing through his veins when Carter’s hand gripped his arm tightly, pulling him back.

“Jeremy,” Carter murmured, his tone low and calming. “Don’t… Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

Dexter let out a bitter chuckle, his lips curling into a spiteful smile.

“Why are you holding him back, Carter?” he sneered. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted all along? To turn him against me?”

Jeremy exhaled sharply, letting go of his fists and shaking his head in disgust. He turned his gaze back to Dexter, his expression cold.

“I thought you were my friend, but turns out you’re crazier than I ever realized.” He stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “I don’t want you near me. I want you as far away from me as possible.”

Dexter’s eyes widened, his mouth opening as if to protest, but he could find no words. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, and he staggered back, his eyes swimming with hurt and anger.

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, his voice a hard edge as he glared at Dexter.

“I don’t want you near my house. It’s time you left.”

Before Dexter could respond, a voice cut through the air like a knife, cold and commanding.

“Dexter isn’t going anywhere.”

They turned to see Laura standing there, her gaze piercing as she looked past Jeremy, her scorn directed squarely at Carter. She stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Dexter’s shoulder, her eyes narrowing with raw hatred.

“If there’s anyone who needs to leave, it’s that good-for-nothing boy standing right there,” she spat, her eyes fixed on Carter with unwavering contempt.

Carter’s heart pounded, but he held his ground, meeting her venomous gaze. Jeremy’s frustration was barely contained, his voice sharper than before.

“Mom, stop creating unnecessary drama in my life.”

“Drama?” Laura laughed bitterly, a humorless, hollow sound. “The drama started the moment you decided to propose to him. After everything he’s brought down on us, I won’t allow him in my home!”

Jeremy’s patience frayed, his tone steely.

“You’re not the one dating Carter. It’s my decision.”

Laura’s face twisted, and her voice dropped to a chilling resolve.

“Over my dead body will I sit and watch this boy become a part of our family.”

Jeremy opened his mouth, ready to retort, but Carter’s hand on his arm stilled him. Carter shook his head softly, his eyes calm yet determined. He turned to Laura, his gaze earnest and imploring.

“Mrs. Rivers,” he began, his voice smooth, almost gentle, “I understand your hesitation. You have every reason to feel the way you do, and I don’t want there to be any rift between you and Jeremy.” He clasped his hands together and took a step closer, his expression filled with sincerity. “All I ask is a chance—to prove myself, and to give our love a chance.”

Laura rolled her eyes, crossing her arms tightly.

“Love? What love?” Her voice dripped with disdain. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re just here for my son’s money. If you truly meant a word of what you just said, you’d leave us alone. Go as far away as possible.”

Jeremy’s face grew darker, his voice barely restrained. “That’s not happening.”

Carter turned to face Jeremy, his expression filled with a quiet sadness. “Jeremy, please. I don’t want to keep seeing you argue with your family because of me. Maybe it would be better if… I left.”

Before Jeremy could answer, Carter gave him a small nod and started to walk away. But Jeremy reached for his hand, threading their fingers together with a gentleness that made Carter pause. “Then I’m going with you.”

Without another word, both men walked toward the exit, their hands intertwined, ignoring Laura’s livid shouts of “Jeremy! Jeremy, come back here!” Her voice echoed furiously down the hallway, and her face flushed red as she stamped her foot in anger.

“They’ll see,” she muttered under her breath, fists clenched as she watched them disappear from view. “We’ll see who gets the last laugh.”

***

Carter smiled as they reached his apartment door, turning to Jeremy with a gleam in his eyes.

“Thank you for bringing me home,” he murmured, brushing his hand over Jeremy’s. “And for taking me out for ice cream. I needed that.”

Jeremy chuckled warmly, his face lighting up.

“It was my pleasure. I just wanted to make sure you had a good end to the day. And... I’m sorry for what my mother said, and for Dexter hurting you. You know I have nothing to do with his actions, right?”

Carter’s smile softened.

“Of course, Jeremy. I know you don’t have anything to do with what Dexter feels. He’s hurt because he thinks I stole you from him. But...” He leaned closer, gently caressing Jeremy’s cheek, his thumb brushing softly against his skin. “Please don’t worry about it. I can handle Dexter.”

He paused, sighing as his gaze flicked downward.

“But about your mom… I don’t like seeing the two of you arguing. I don’t want to come between you.”

Jeremy’s eyes softened as he cupped Carter’s cheeks in his hands.

“My mom and I are a lot alike, you know—stubborn and opinionated. But she’ll come around. I’m sure of it.”

Then, his voice dropped to a tender murmur.

“Now... I haven’t kissed my man today, and my lips are yearning for him.” He pulled Carter closer, holding him by the waist until no space remained between them.

Carter felt his cheeks flush as he looked up into Jeremy’s intense, passionate eyes.

“You know you can kiss me anytime,” he whispered with a smile. “I’m your boyfriend now.”

“Boyfriend?” Jeremy’s eyebrow arched playfully, a teasing frown touching his lips. “Is that all I am? Because I don’t just want that role anymore. I want more.”

With that, he eased Carter against the wall, his hand pressing to the wall beside Carter’s head, effectively caging him in. Carter’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “Mr. Rivers, what do you think you’re doing?”

Jeremy gave him a sly wink.

“I’m getting my kiss, just like you said.”

Then, with a smile, he leaned down, capturing Carter’s lips. The kiss started gentle, their lips moving together softly, savoring each brush and caress. But as they deepened the kiss, warmth blossomed between them, drawing them into a world where only they existed. The sweetness turned to something more consuming, a fusion of tenderness and need, leaving Carter’s heart pounding in his chest.

A voice cleared nearby, jolting them back. They broke apart quickly, looking in the direction of the sound to see Sheila standing in the doorway, her arms folded and an amused smile tugging at her lips. Jeremy leaped back, stiffening beside Carter as if he’d been called to attention.

“M-Ms Hayes... Hi!” he stammered, struggling to find his usual confidence.

Sheila raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between the two. “What’s going on here?” she asked, though a smile played at her lips.

Jeremy stammered, eyes darting as he searched for the right words. Sheila burst into laughter, her laugh light and genuine as she moved closer to them.

“You don’t have to look so scared, Jeremy. The last time you were here, you were so confident, asking me to ask Carter to date you on your behalf. And now that he’s yours, you’re the tense one?”

Jeremy chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. Sheila softened and patted him on the shoulder.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me, but maybe... don’t kiss my son in the hallway, alright? You’re always welcome here.”

Jeremy grinned, giving her a small, respectful bow.

“I just wanted to bring Carter home safe,” he explained, turning to Carter. “Guess I’d better get going.”

Carter gave him a warm nod. Jeremy leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek, then looked sheepishly at Sheila before slipping into the elevator. Carter waved at him as the doors closed, heart swelling as he watched Jeremy disappear from view.

“So,” Sheila said, her voice drawing him back, “I’ve never seen you this happy, Carter.”

Carter turned to her, his smile radiant.

“I haven’t felt this happy in such a long time. Being with Jeremy... it feels like everything is right. I don’t have to try to feel his love. It’s just there, in everything he does.”

Sheila reached out and took his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. “I’m here for you, Carter. Your happiness is all that matters to me.”

Carter’s smile widened, but then Sheila’s expression turned serious.

“There’s someone who wants to see you.”

The smile faded from Carter’s face, his brow furrowing. “Who is it?”

“Come with me,” she said, motioning him inside.

Carter followed, a sense of unease prickling at the back of his mind.

Carter stepped into the living room, his heart pounding the moment his gaze landed on Eric. Standing near the window with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, Eric’s expression was unreadable but tense, the usual warmth in his eyes replaced with something sharp and cold. The light streaming through the window cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the sternness Carter had never seen in him before.

Carter froze for a moment, a shiver running down his spine. He hadn’t anticipated this. Taking a steadying breath, he forced himself to move closer, each step heavy with apprehension. When he finally stopped a few feet away from Eric, Carter hesitated before speaking, his voice softer than usual.

“Eric...” he began, his tone laced with regret. “I... I know I owe you an explanation. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t mean for things to... to turn out like this.” His hands fidgeted at his sides, his nerves betraying him. “I know I should’ve told you sooner about Jeremy and me, but I wasn’t sure how to say it or… even if my feelings were that deep. It was only when he confessed his feelings when I became so confused and realized I liked him that much.”

Eric’s gaze didn’t waver as Carter spoke, his jaw tightening as he remained silent. Carter swallowed hard, searching for the right words.

“I never wanted you to feel betrayed,” he continued earnestly, his voice faltering. “You’ve been so good to me, Eric. Always there when I needed someone. I don’t take that for granted, and I hope you know that.” He took a cautious step closer, his eyes pleading. “Please believe me when I say this wasn’t meant to hurt you. I care about you—more than you know—but... my heart...” He hesitated, lowering his gaze briefly. “My heart belongs to Jeremy.”

The room was suffocatingly quiet. Eric’s lips pressed into a thin line, and his hands clenched in his pockets. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and measured, but there was an edge to it that made Carter flinch.

“You care about me?” Eric asked, his words deliberate. “That’s rich, Carter. You say you didn’t want to hurt me, but you let me pursue you, gave me hope that there could be something between us. Something real. And now, you’re telling me you’ve been in love with Jeremy all along?”

Carter shook his head quickly, desperation seeping into his voice.

“Eric, it’s not like that. I didn’t realize how I felt until recently. I swear I wasn’t leading you on.”

Eric let out a bitter chuckle, finally breaking his gaze to glance out the window.

“Do you even realize how much of myself I was willing to give to you, Carter? How much I—” He cut himself off, his voice shaking slightly as he looked back at him. “And now, you’re telling me this like it’s supposed to make everything okay? Like I’m supposed to just be... fine with it?”

Carter’s chest tightened at the pain in Eric’s voice. He took another step closer, his hand lifting as though to reach out, but he stopped himself, unsure if the gesture would make things worse.

“I don’t expect you to be fine with it,” he said softly. “I just... I wanted to be honest with you because you deserve that. You’ve always deserved that.”

Eric turned fully toward Carter, his expression hardening.

“Honest?” he spat, his voice rising slightly. “You’re too late for that, Carter. If you really cared about me, you would’ve told me the moment you felt something for him. Instead, you let me believe—” He stopped again, his voice cracking this time as he clenched his jaw.

Carter’s heart ached as he watched the storm of emotions flicker across Eric’s face.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice thick with guilt. “I know I’ve hurt you, and I’ll never forgive myself for that. But please... please don’t hate me.”

Eric stared at him for a long moment, the silence stretching between them like a chasm. Finally, he exhaled sharply, shaking his head as he turned back toward the window.

“Hate you?” he muttered, almost to himself. “I wish I could.”

Carter’s breath hitched, but before he could respond, Eric straightened and turned toward the door, his movements stiff and deliberate.

“I need time, Carter,” he said without looking back. “I can’t do this right now.”

With that, Eric walked out, leaving Carter standing there, the weight of his words settling heavily on his chest.

Carter’s voice echoed faintly in the room as he called out, “Eric, wait—”

But the sound of the door shutting was his only reply. He stood frozen, staring at the closed door as the weight of what had just happened pressed down on him. His chest felt tight, and a dull ache settled deep in his heart. Guilt twisted in his stomach, sharp and unrelenting.

He should have handled things differently. He should have talked to Eric sooner, explained everything before it came to this. Instead, he had hurt someone who had only ever shown him kindness.

Lost in his thoughts, Carter didn’t notice the soft footsteps approaching him until he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned, startled, to see Sheila standing beside him. Her eyes, filled with understanding, met his, and she gave him a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s going to be okay,” she said gently, her voice steady and soothing. “Eric’s just hurt right now. Give him some time, and he’ll come around.”

Carter’s lips twitched into a faint, almost bitter smile as he let out a sigh.

“That’s what I’m worried about, aunt Sheila. I shouldn’t have agreed to give him a chance in the first place.” His voice was heavy with regret, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I knew I didn’t feel the same way, but I let myself believe I could try. I thought I owed him that for everything he’s done for me... and now I’ve made things worse.”

Sheila’s hand moved from his shoulder to his back, her touch comforting.

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s me,” she admitted, her tone filled with remorse. “I convinced you to give it a shot. I told you it was worth trying, that it could lead to something good. I pushed you into it.”

Carter turned to her, shaking his head as his lips curved into a small, appreciative smile.

“You were just looking out for me,” he said softly. “You’ve always looked out for me. I don’t blame you, aunt Sheila. Not for any of this.”

Sheila’s gaze softened, and she returned his smile, though there was still a trace of sadness in her eyes.

“You’re a good person, Carter. That’s why this is hurting you so much. But Eric knows that, too. When he’s had time to process everything, he’ll see that you didn’t mean to hurt him.”

Carter nodded slightly, though the worry etched on his face didn’t ease. He glanced back at the door, his mind replaying the raw pain in Eric’s voice and the look in his eyes.

“I’ll talk to him once he’s calmed down,” he said quietly. “I’ll make him understand. I have to... because I can’t let things end like this between us.”

Sheila smiled and squeezed his shoulder again.

“That’s the Carter I know. Always ready to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is.”

But Carter didn’t return her smile this time. His gaze lingered on the door, his brows knitting together as a shadow of doubt crossed his face. “I just hope it’s enough,” he murmured, more to himself than to Sheila. “I hope I haven’t ruined everything.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, both of them lost in their thoughts. Sheila stayed by his side, her presence a quiet comfort as Carter wrestled with his guilt and uncertainty, the echoes of his confrontation with Eric still reverberating in his mind.

***

Jeremy stepped into the house, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he replayed the memories of the evening with Carter. The warmth of Carter’s laughter, the sweet taste of ice cream they’d shared, and the soft, lingering kiss before he left filled his thoughts. He couldn’t wait to see Carter again, to hold him, to lose himself in the love they shared.

But as he entered the foyer and looked up, his smile faltered. His heart dropped into his stomach at the sight before him. Laura, with a stormy expression etched across her face, was angrily dragging a large bag down the stairs, her steps heavy and her movements sharp. Behind her was Dexter, his face set in determination as he carried another bag.

“Mom?” Jeremy called, rushing to intercept her. His pulse quickened as he stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “What’s going on? Where are you going?”

Laura glared at him, her anger blazing.

“Move out of my way, Jeremy,” she snapped, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’m leaving. I can’t stay in this house anymore—not when I’m not valued here.”

Jeremy frowned, confusion clouding his face.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, his voice rising slightly. “This is your house, Mom. You built it. No one asked you to leave.”

A bitter laugh escaped Laura’s lips as tears welled in her eyes.

“Don’t call me your mother,” she spat. “You don’t even know what that word means. You stood there and defended that boy against me. Me! Your own mother! For someone you haven’t even married yet.”

Her words cut deep, and Jeremy felt a pang of guilt.

“Mom, please,” he said, putting his hands together in a pleading gesture. “For whatever I said that hurt you, I’m sorry. But you have to understand me too. I’ve never felt this way about anyone—not since Ethan—and I don’t want to lose Carter. He makes me happy.”

Laura’s eyes narrowed, her voice trembling with both anger and pain.

“That boy isn’t good for you. You used to listen to me, Jeremy. You cared about what I thought. But ever since he came into your life, you’ve ignored me. You even told Dexter to leave, knowing how much he means to me, knowing he’s the one I wanted for you.”

Jeremy shook his head, his frustration mounting. “Mom, I—”

She cut him off, her voice rising. “If you won’t listen to me, then it’s better I leave. I won’t stay in a house where I’m insulted.”

She turned to go, but Jeremy grabbed her hand, his voice breaking.

“Mom, no. Please don’t leave.” His grip tightened slightly as he added, “I’m sorry for making you feel this way. You’re not going anywhere. Promise me you’ll stay. Please. I’ll do anything that you ask of me.”

For a moment, Laura’s heart softened at the desperation in her son’s voice. A small, triumphant smile tugged at her lips as she looked up at him.

“Anything?” she asked, her voice quieter but no less firm. “Will you do anything for me, Jeremy?”

Jeremy nodded quickly, his eyes pleading. “Yes, Mom. Anything you ask.”

Laura took a deep breath, feigning hesitation.

“Then I don’t want to see that stupid boy in this house. Ever. Don’t bring him here, and don’t marry him. Can you do that for me?”

Jeremy stared at her, his world tilting on its axis. His chest tightened as emotions swirled within him—pain, love, guilt, and helplessness. Tears welled in his eyes as he wrestled with the impossible choice laid before him. Suddenly, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around her, burying his face in her shoulder.

“I love you so much, Mom,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “If that’s what you want, then fine. I won’t bring Carter here. I won’t marry him in this house. I promise.”

Laura hugged him back, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She stroked his back gently.

“Thank you, Jeremy. I knew you’d do the right thing.”

Jeremy pulled away, his face carefully neutral, and gave her a faint smile. Without another word, he turned and hurried upstairs. Laura stood there, her triumph complete, a victorious chuckle escaping her lips. She turned to Dexter, who had been watching silently, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Laura said, her voice brimming with satisfaction as she held his hands. “If it came down to it, Jeremy would always choose me. He loves me more than anything. Now all that’s left is to convince him to marry you, and everything will fall into place.”

Dexter grinned, a flicker of excitement lighting up his features.

“I thought it was over, but you’ve turned everything around. Now, I can finally have what I’ve always wanted.”

The two shared a quiet laugh, their plans solidifying between them. But as Laura glanced toward the staircase, her smug expression faltered. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Jeremy descending the stairs, one of the twins asleep in his arms, a large bag dragging behind him. Behind him was Jeff, cradling the other twin.

“Jeremy?” Laura’s voice wavered as she rushed to him, confusion and fear etched on her face. “What are you doing? Where are you going?”

Jeremy stopped at the bottom of the stairs, his face calm but resolute.

“This is your house, Mom,” he said evenly. “You’ve made it clear you don’t want to see Carter here. I’ll respect your decision. But you’ll respect mine too.”

Laura’s breath caught as Jeremy continued, his voice firm. “I love you, but I love Carter too. I’m not letting him go. Not for anyone, not even you. If Carter isn’t welcome here, then neither am I.”

The words hit Laura like a physical blow. She staggered slightly, her face losing all color. Beside her, Dexter paled, his jaw tightening as he stared at Jeremy in disbelief.

Laura turned to Jeff, desperate for support. “You’re letting him do this?” she asked, her voice trembling. “You’re supporting this... wrong decision?”

Jeff met her gaze with a stern expression. “For five years, I watched Jeremy suffer,” he said evenly. “Losing Ethan broke him, Mom. He was a shadow of himself. I prayed every day that he’d find happiness again. And now that he has, you’re trying to take it away. Do you love seeing him in pain? Because I don’t. I’m proud of him for following his heart, even if it means standing up to you.”

Laura’s strength seemed to leave her entirely. She stood frozen, watching as Jeremy looked at her one last time before walking past her, Jeff following closely behind. The sound of the front door closing echoed through the house, leaving Laura and Dexter in stunned silence.

***

Carter rushed to the door, hastily wiping his hands on his apron as the desperate knocking grew louder and more frantic. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of anxiety and confusion swirling within him. Who could it be at this hour, and why were they so insistent? His palms were slightly damp as he reached for the handle, and a cold unease crept into his spine as he opened the door.

The sight that greeted him was like a punch to the gut. Laura stood on the threshold, her face flushed with anger, her piercing eyes burning with hatred that made Carter’s breath hitch. She looked like a storm personified, and the intensity of her glare rooted him to the spot.

“Are you happy now?” she yelled, her voice sharp and dripping with venom. “Have you gotten what you wanted, Carter? You’ve destroyed my home! You’ve torn my family apart!”

Carter’s eyes widened in shock, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, frozen under her fiery gaze.

“W-what are you talking about?” he finally stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His stomach churned with unease, his hands gripping the edge of the doorframe for support.

Laura’s laugh was bitter and scornful.

“Oh, don’t play dumb with me!” she snapped, stepping closer, her finger pointing accusingly at him. “My family was fine, Carter. We were happy before you came into the picture. I tolerated you, I even kept my mouth shut when I knew you didn’t belong with my son. But now?” Her voice rose, trembling with fury. “Now, you’ve manipulated him to the point that he can’t even listen to me anymore! And because of you—” she jabbed her finger into the air toward him, “—Jeremy has left his home! My home!”

Carter gasped audibly, the words hitting him like a freight train.

“Jeremy… left the house?” he whispered, his voice cracking, disbelief washing over him. A cold shiver traveled down his spine, and his knees felt weak beneath him.

“Don’t act so surprised!” Laura shot back, her voice slicing through the air. “I know you know where they are—Jeremy and Jeff. Don’t you dare pretend otherwise. I’m warning you, Carter.” She leaned in closer, her finger nearly poking his chest. “You’ve taken enough from me. But if you think for one second that you’ve won, think again.”

Carter shook his head, his throat dry. “Aunt Laura, I—”

“No!” she interrupted, her voice shaking with the weight of her anger. “Listen to me, and listen well. You might have turned Jeremy against me, but I will not let you destroy him further. I’ll make sure you pay for what you’ve done. You will suffer for tearing apart my family. Do you hear me?” Her voice cracked slightly, but her resolve was unyielding. “I’ll make your life miserable if it’s the last thing I do.”

Carter stood there, stunned, his heart hammering against his ribs. Words failed him as he watched Laura’s face contort with pain and fury. He wanted to speak, to explain, but the intensity of her emotions silenced him.

With one final glare, Laura spun on her heels, her movements sharp and deliberate. She stormed towards the elevator, her heels clacking against the floor, and disappeared without looking back.

Carter stood in the doorway, the cool night air brushing against his flushed skin, his mind racing with disbelief and confusion. He leaned against the doorframe, his legs threatening to give out as he whispered to himself,

“Why is everything falling apart?”

His chest tightened painfully as he tried to make sense of what just happened, wondering how things had spiraled so far out of control.

To be continued….