Echoes of the Heart - 18. Chapter 18: Carter's search for answers leaves even more devastated as he fears losing Jeremy.

Echoes of the Heart Ch. 10

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***

Carter sat on the cold floor, his back against the wall, staring at the large portrait of his father hanging above the dresser. The man in the photograph wore his usual warm smile, the one Carter remembered so well, the one that had always filled him with a sense of comfort and hope. But now, it only brought a fresh wave of tears to his already swollen eyes. His head throbbed with a relentless ache, his heart weighed down by a pain so heavy he could barely breathe.

His father’s eyes seemed to look straight into him, a silent reassurance that felt cruel in the face of everything Carter was feeling. He blinked, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks as he whispered hoarsely,

“You always told me to be strong, Dad… but look at me now. I’m at my weakest.” His voice cracked, the raw emotion breaking through every word.

He wiped his face with his trembling hands, though it did nothing to stop the tears from falling.

“All this time, I was searching for the truth, chasing ghosts, and it was right here, staring me in the face. I was too blind to see it.”

His breath hitched as the memories of his first encounter with Jeremy played vividly in his mind.

He could still see Jeremy’s face, the way his eyes had lingered on him with an expression Carter hadn’t understood at the time. It was a mixture of pain, longing, and something else he couldn’t quite name. And then there was Jeremy’s son, trailing after him, calling him papa like it was the most natural thing in the world. It all made sense now. He had Ethan’s blood in him. They weren’t just strangers—they were twins, bound by blood, by history, and by a past that Carter had never even imagined.

Sniveling, Carter clutched his knees to his chest. His voice broke as he said, “I’ve lost it all, Dad. I haven’t kept my promise. I said I’d find our family, and I failed. Ethan is gone. Elena… she’s gone too. Mom, she’s…” He stopped, his chest heaving with silent sobs. “And now I have so many questions, but no one left to give me the answers.”

He stared at the portrait, barely blinking, his vision blurry from the tears that wouldn’t stop.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” he whispered. “I’m so, so sorry. I hope you can forgive me for failing you, for failing everyone. I don’t know how to fix this… I don’t know if I can.”

Time felt meaningless as he sat there, staring into his father’s smiling eyes. It felt like an eternity, a stretch of hours where the pain and guilt gnawed at him, hollowing him out. The light filtering in through the window shifted, growing brighter, and only then did Carter realize it was morning.

A sharp knock on the door broke through his trance, making him flinch. Sheila’s voice called from the other side, her tone tinged with concern.

“Carter, you’ve been in there all morning. Whatever work you’re doing can wait! Come out already!”

Carter turned his head toward the door but didn’t move. How was he supposed to face her? How could he tell her what he had just uncovered, what he had found out about his past, about Ethan, about everything? His throat felt tight, the words he needed to say trapped in a tangle of grief and fear.

Sheila’s voice came again, louder this time.

“Carter, are you even listening? Jeremy and the kids are here to pick you up. Don’t keep them waiting! You’re supposed to be taking the kids out today.”

The mention of Jeremy’s name sent Carter’s heart racing. His chest tightened, and his hands instinctively moved to wipe away the tears on his face. He shouted back, his voice strained but steady.

“I’ll be out in a sec! Just need to shower quickly.”

“Hurry it up!” Sheila’s reply was muffled but insistent.

Carter took a deep, shaky breath and turned back to the portrait. His voice was soft, almost pleading, as he whispered, “I need to talk to him, Dad. I need to tell him the truth… about everything. Please… give me your blessings. Help me get through this.”

The smile in the portrait seemed to hold steady, unchanging, yet Carter felt a flicker of courage stir within him. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Brushing his damp cheeks with trembling fingers, he forced himself to his feet. His legs felt unsteady, as though the weight of his emotions had sapped his strength, but he managed to straighten up.

With one last glance at the portrait, Carter murmured, “Thank you, Dad,” before heading toward the bathroom to ready himself for what he knew would be one of the hardest conversations of his life.

***

The sun was shining warmly over the park, children’s laughter filling the air as they ran, jumped, and screamed in delight. Jeremy sat on the bench next to Carter, his eyes lighting up every time Oliver or Andrew came into view. His sons were a whirlwind of energy, racing through the play area and occasionally stopping to shoot foam balls at one another in a makeshift battle.

Jeremy chuckled softly, his gaze softening with pride and joy. He looked alive, fulfilled—his happiness radiating like sunlight. This was what he lived for, these moments with his kids and, of course, the man sitting beside him.

But as his eyes shifted to Carter, the warmth in his expression faltered. Carter was distant, his gaze fixed on the children but not really seeing them. His jaw was tense, and there was a weight to his features that Jeremy couldn’t ignore. The redness around his eyes, the slight puffiness… Jeremy’s heart twisted. Something was wrong.

Reaching over, Jeremy slipped his hand into Carter’s, gently squeezing it.

“Baby,” he called softly, his voice laced with concern. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been quiet all morning. You look…” He paused, searching Carter’s face. “You look tired. And… I don’t know. What’s wrong?”

Carter blinked and turned to him, a sheepish smile forming on his lips, though it did little to mask the turmoil in his eyes.

“I… I didn’t sleep much last night,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. “I was working the whole night, and I guess it’s catching up to me.”

Jeremy sighed, shaking his head as he wrapped an arm around Carter’s shoulders, pulling him close.

“Then you should’ve told me,” he murmured, his lips brushing the side of Carter’s temple. “We could’ve rescheduled. Stayed in bed all day. I wouldn’t have minded having you all to myself.”

Carter shook his head abruptly, sitting up a little straighter.

“No, no, I’m happy. Seeing the kids playing like this… it makes me happy.” He smiled faintly but quickly glanced away, his heart pounding as the weight of what he needed to say pressed down on him. His palms were damp, his breath uneven. Gathering his courage, he took a deep breath and spoke, his words hesitant and shaky.

“But… Jeremy, there’s… there’s something I need to tell you. And ask you, too.”

Jeremy arched a brow, his expression softening into curiosity as he turned his full attention to Carter.

“Go ahead,” he said with a smile, leaning back on the bench. “Shoot.”

Carter’s heart raced. His throat felt tight as he tried to form the words.

“The other day… I, um, I asked Jeff to tell me more about you. About your life. And… and Ethan,” he admitted, his voice faltering. “I wanted to know more about him. About both of you. I’m sorry.”

Jeremy laughed softly, his hand resting on Carter’s knee.

“You don’t have to be sorry about that, baby. If you wanted to know, you should’ve just asked me. I would’ve told you anything. I want you to know everything about me—every bit of my past. That’s how much I love you.”

Carter sighed, his shoulders slumping as relief and anxiety clashed within him.

“I know,” he said, barely above a whisper. “But… one thing that came up when we were talking was your father. And your younger brother.” His voice grew quieter with every word, his gaze fixed on his lap. “I… I didn’t mean to bring it up, but Jeff mentioned…”

Jeremy’s smile faltered, his jaw tightening as his gaze darkened. He stared at Carter in silence, his mind drifting to the memories he tried so hard to suppress. The images of his father and younger brother came rushing back—warm smiles, laughter, and then… the cold, hollow pain of loss. His fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms.

“I didn’t mean to make you remember all that,” Carter stammered, his voice trembling with guilt. “But Jeff told me… that the man who did it is still in prison.”

Jeremy nodded stiffly, his jaw clenching tighter.

“His name is Leonardo Parker,” he said, his voice low and filled with venom. “And whenever I hear that name, my blood boils. No amount of suffering will ever make that man pay for what he did to my father. And my brother…” His voice broke, tears welling in his eyes. “My little brother… He would’ve been done with school by now. He wanted to be a doctor. He might’ve been married, maybe with kids of his own. But all of that was taken from him. From us.”

Carter’s throat tightened, his own eyes glassy as the weight of Jeremy’s pain pressed down on him. The wounds were still fresh, raw and bleeding, no matter how much time had passed.

“I’m so sorry,” he murmured, his voice cracking.

Jeremy turned to him, taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for,” he said softly, though his voice carried the sharp edge of pain. “That man… he’s the one who should be sorry. Him and his family.”

Carter’s heart sank at those words, an icy fear crawling down his spine. His mind screamed at him,

‘How am I supposed to tell him? How am I supposed to say there’s a possibility I’m that man’s son?’

His stomach twisted, and his hands trembled slightly.

“What… what happened to his family?” he asked cautiously, his voice barely steady.

Jeremy sighed, his gaze hardening.

“Luckily, he didn’t have any,” he said firmly. “We looked into him—everything about him. He didn’t have a wife, no kids. And thank God for that. Because honestly…” He paused, his jaw tightening. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if he did. I don’t know if I could’ve spared them.”

The words hit Carter like a physical blow, his heart plummeting to the floor. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his breath came in shallow gasps.

“What… what do you mean?” he asked, his voice trembling. “If he did have family… what would you have done?”

Jeremy’s expression darkened, his voice calm but chilling. “I would’ve made sure they knew the kind of monster he was,” he said. “I don’t know if I’d have been able to forgive them for sharing his blood, his legacy. How could I look at them and not see him?”

Carter’s chest constricted, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. His wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto Jeremy’s face, searching for any trace of the man he loved amidst the cold resolve. It was like looking at a stranger. The words echoed in his mind, louder and louder, until they drowned out everything else.

‘How can I tell him now?’

Carter’s heart raced uncontrollably, his thoughts spiraling into dark corners he didn’t want to visit. Jeremy’s words replayed in his mind like a haunting melody: “How could I look at them and not see him?” His breaths came in shallow gasps as the weight of Jeremy’s anger pressed heavily on his chest.

Jeremy noticed the faraway look in Carter’s eyes, the trembling of his hands. He sighed deeply and wrapped an arm around Carter, pulling him close. His voice softened, though the frustration in it lingered.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his thumb gently rubbing circles on Carter’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean to sound like that. It’s just… that man…” His jaw tightened briefly. “He brings out the worst in me. Every time I think about what he did, about my father and my little brother… I feel like I’d do anything to make him suffer. Him and anyone who shares his blood.”

Carter’s stomach turned, and he quickly looked away as a tear slid down his cheek. He wiped it hurriedly, hoping Jeremy wouldn’t notice.

His voice was barely audible as he said, “I get it. I really do. But… his family, if he has any, they’d be innocent, right? They wouldn’t be part of what he did.”

Jeremy let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head.

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you?” His voice dropped, and his expression darkened. “But the thing about people like that man is… their evil runs deep. It’s in their blood. It infects everyone connected to them. Maybe his family didn’t pull the trigger, but that doesn’t mean they’re clean. They’d carry his legacy, Carter. They’d be living reminders of the pain he caused. Sometimes…” Jeremy hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Sometimes, I think people like that shouldn’t have a family. It’s better for everyone.”

The words hit Carter like a punch to the gut, and his mind went blank with shock. The world around him faded, Jeremy’s voice echoing in his head.

‘Their evil runs deep… It’s in their blood… People like that shouldn’t have a family.’

His chest tightened painfully, and his hands clenched on his lap, nails digging into his palms as he tried to steady himself.

Tears welled in Carter’s eyes, blurring his vision. He stared at Jeremy, his lips trembling as he tried to form words.

‘This is why Ethan never told him…’

The realization hit him like a tidal wave.

‘He was protecting him from this… from Jeremy’s anger, his hatred…’

And now, Carter had inherited the truth, a truth that felt like a curse. How was he supposed to tell Jeremy that the blood he hated so much ran through Carter’s veins?

“Carter?” Jeremy’s voice broke through his daze, his brows furrowed with concern. “Hey, you okay?”

Carter nodded slowly, forcing himself to meet Jeremy’s gaze even as tears spilled over. His voice was hoarse as he said, “Yeah. I understand.” His words felt hollow, like they didn’t belong to him. “They probably deserve to suffer… for what they did.”

Jeremy’s expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Carter’s lips, lingering there for a moment before pulling back to rest their foreheads together.

“I knew you’d get it,” he said softly, his hand coming up to caress Carter’s cheek. “That’s why I love you so much. You’re always on my side.”

But Carter’s mind was spinning with endless questions, doubts, and fears. What would Jeremy do if he knew? If he found out the truth? The man who held him so lovingly now… could he ever forgive him? Or would Carter become the very thing Jeremy despised?

Jeremy tilted his head slightly, studying Carter’s face.

“You’re still in your head, aren’t you? What’s really going on, baby?”

Carter forced a shaky smile, his voice cracking.

“It’s just… a lot. Thinking about your dad and brother, what happened to them… It’s heartbreaking.”

Jeremy sighed and kissed Carter’s temple.

“It is,” he murmured. “But having you here, it makes it bearable. You’ve brought so much light into my life, Carter. Don’t ever forget that.”

Carter’s throat tightened, and he blinked back the fresh wave of tears threatening to spill. He nodded, leaning into Jeremy’s touch even as the pain inside him twisted like a knife. He wanted to believe Jeremy’s words, wanted to believe that his love was strong enough to withstand anything. But deep down, he was terrified that the truth would destroy everything.

Jeremy pulled back slightly, giving him a warm smile.

“Come on,” he said, nodding toward the kids. “Let’s enjoy the day. The boys are having so much fun, and I want you to be a part of it.”

Carter nodded again, his heart heavy as he tried to push his fears aside.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Let’s enjoy the day.”

But as Jeremy turned his attention back to the kids, Carter couldn’t shake the nagging thought in his mind.

‘How long can I keep this secret? And what will happen when it finally comes out?’

***

Carter’s fist pounded desperately against the wooden door, the sound echoing down the quiet hallway. His knuckles stung from the force, but he couldn’t stop himself. His breath came in sharp, uneven gasps, his chest tightening with every passing second. He knocked again, harder this time, his voice trembling as he whispered, “Please… please open up.”

Finally, the door swung open, revealing Eric standing there in a fitted black t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d just gotten out of bed. His handsome face, usually calm and collected, immediately shifted into a frown the moment he saw Carter’s tear-streaked face.

“Carter?” Eric asked, his tone sharp with confusion and a hint of annoyance. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Carter’s lips quivered, his breath hitching painfully.

“I didn’t… I didn’t know where else to go,” he stammered, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his cheeks. “I didn’t know who to talk to…”

Eric’s frown dissolved into worry as he stepped closer, his eyes scanning Carter’s face for answers.

“Jesus,” he muttered, his tone softening. Without another word, he stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Carter’s trembling shoulders. “Come inside.”

Carter let himself be guided into Eric’s apartment, his body stiff and unsteady. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Eric turned to him, his brow furrowed with concern.

“What’s going on with you?” he asked, his voice gentle but firm. “You look… you look like you’ve been through hell. Did something happen? Did Jeremy—?”

“No!” Carter interrupted, shaking his head violently as he sniffled, his tears falling faster. “No, it’s not Jeremy. He didn’t do anything.”

“Then what is it?” Eric pressed, stepping closer. His hand lingered on Carter’s arm, grounding him. “Talk to me.”

Carter’s knees buckled, and he dropped to the floor, his hands covering his face as a fresh wave of sobs tore through him.

“I’m so sorry,” he choked out, his words muffled. “I’m sorry for everything, Eric. If… if I ever made you think… if you ever thought I led you on…”

“Hey, hey, stop,” Eric said quickly, kneeling down beside him. His hands found Carter’s back, rubbing soothing circles as his voice softened. “Forget about that, okay? That’s not important right now. What’s important is you. What’s wrong, Carter? Why are you like this?”

But Carter couldn’t stop crying. His chest heaved, and his sobs grew louder, rawer, as if the weight of the entire world had collapsed onto him. Eric’s worry deepened as he pulled Carter closer, his arms encircling him protectively.

“Breathe, Carter,” Eric whispered, his voice steady despite his growing panic. “Just breathe, okay? I’m here. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. You’re safe.”

But Carter’s tears only intensified, his emotions spilling out uncontrollably.

“I can’t,” he cried, shaking his head against Eric’s shoulder. “I can’t… it’s too much. I don’t know what to do…”

Eric held him tighter, his heart aching at the sight of someone he cared so deeply for falling apart in his arms. He didn’t push Carter to explain, didn’t demand answers. Instead, he stayed there on the floor, holding him, letting Carter’s anguish run its course.

“It’s okay,” Eric murmured, his voice soft and soothing. “Let it out. I’m not going anywhere.”

*

Eric placed the glass of water in Carter’s trembling hands and sat beside him on the couch, watching him with an expression that was a mix of concern and quiet patience. Carter’s fingers gripped the glass tightly, the rim trembling slightly as he brought it to his lips and took a slow sip. His breathing had steadied now, and although his eyes were still red and swollen, his body seemed less tense.

He set the glass down on the coffee table and looked at Eric with a faint, weary smile.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “For being here… for being a friend when I needed one. Just like old times.”

Eric smiled, the kind of warm, reassuring smile that had always made Carter feel safe. Without hesitation, he knelt before Carter, taking one of his hands into both of his. His grip was firm yet comforting, and he gazed up at Carter with genuine care in his eyes.

“How could I not?” he said gently. “We were friends before anything else, Carter. And I care about you. Probably more than anyone else ever could.”

Carter’s lips twitched into a ghost of a smile, but his eyes remained clouded with uncertainty. Eric’s thumb brushed over his knuckles as he continued, his voice steady but tinged with sadness.

“It just… it kills me to see you like this. I know how much you love Jeremy—anyone can see it. But I also know how scared you are of what the truth might bring. And you should be, Carter. The truth is rarely kind. But you have to tell him. No matter what.”

Carter’s hand trembled slightly in Eric’s grasp, and he lowered his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m scared, Eric,” he admitted, his words trembling as much as his body. “You heard what he said… the way he talked about that man. I don’t know if I can do it. What if he—what if he hates me?”

Eric reached up, gently tilting Carter’s chin so their eyes met.

“You’re stronger than you think,” he said softly. “And Jeremy… Jeremy loves you. But even love can’t survive lies. You owe him the truth, Carter. And I’ll be right here to help you through it.”

A tear slipped down Carter’s cheek, but this time, it wasn’t from fear—it was from gratitude. He squeezed Eric’s hand tightly, his voice thick with emotion.

“I need your help, Eric,” he said. “I can’t… I can’t do this on my own.”

Eric nodded, his expression resolute. “Whatever you need.”

Carter took a deep, shuddering breath and placed his other hand over Eric’s, gripping it tightly.

“I need to confront the truth,” he said, his voice steadying despite the storm in his heart. “I need to know if he’s my father.”

Eric’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Who?”

“Leonardo Parker,” Carter whispered, the name feeling like a sharp knife on his tongue. He saw Eric’s eyes widen in shock, and the man instantly pulled back slightly.

“What?” Eric gasped, staring at him like he had just suggested walking into a lion’s den. “Carter, are you crazy? You want to confront him? The man’s a murderer!”

“I have to,” Carter said firmly, though his voice trembled with the weight of his words. “I need to know if he’s my father, Eric. Sitting here, wondering, not knowing—it’s tearing me apart. I can’t live like this anymore.”

Eric shook his head, his hand flying to his forehead as he let out a deep, exasperated sigh.

“Carter, think about what you’re saying. How are you going to stare that man in the face and not break down? You’re barely holding it together right now.”

Carter’s hands balled into fists, his voice breaking as he pleaded, “I don’t care, Eric. I need answers. I can’t keep living in this limbo, pretending like everything’s fine when it’s not. Please… I’m begging you. Help me find him.”

Eric stared at him, his lips pressed into a thin line as he debated internally. The room was heavy with silence, the only sound being Carter’s shaky breaths as he waited for a response. After what felt like hours, Eric let out a resigned sigh.

“It won’t be easy,” he said finally, his voice low and hesitant. “But… I can make a few calls. We might be able to find out where he is by the end of the day.”

Carter’s eyes welled with tears again, but this time they were tears of relief. He grabbed Eric’s hands tightly, his voice trembling with gratitude.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you, Eric. I’ll never forget this—I’ll be indebted to you forever.”

Eric looked at him with a mixture of worry and determination.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he said. “Because once we find him, Carter, you need to be ready. Ready for whatever truth you’re going to uncover. Are you sure you can handle that?”

Carter’s smile faltered, and he fell silent, lost in his thoughts. Was he ready? Could he really confront a man like Leonardo Parker and hear the truth about his past? The questions swirled in his mind like a storm, and for a moment, he felt paralyzed by the enormity of what he was about to do.

“I don’t know,” he admitted softly. “But I have to try.”

Eric sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

“Alright, Carter. I’ll help you. But promise me one thing.”

“What?”

Eric’s eyes met his, filled with an intensity that made Carter’s chest tighten. “Promise me that no matter what you find out, you’ll come back to me. Don’t shut me out. Don’t do this alone.”

Carter nodded, his voice steady despite the whirlwind in his mind.

“I promise.”

Eric gave him a small, sad smile. “Alright. Then let’s find your answers.”

But even as he sat there, watching Eric dialing a number, he was scared. But he definitely needed to know the truth.

***

The door creaked open as Carter stepped into his apartment. He looked utterly drained, his eyes rimmed with redness, his grip tight on the folder in his hands. His movements were robotic, his gaze distant, as though his body had carried him home while his mind was still lost somewhere else.

“Carter?” Sheila’s voice broke through the silence as she hurried out of the kitchen, the sight of him stopping her in her tracks. Her concern deepened instantly. “Carter, what happened? You look terrible!”

She rushed to him, her small, warm hands encircling his cold, trembling one.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice thick with worry as she gazed into his disoriented eyes. “I could tell something was off this morning, but now… it’s worse. What’s going on? And don’t even think about saying it’s nothing!”

Carter’s lips quivered as he looked at Sheila, her face brimming with concern. Slowly, he lifted the folder and placed it in her hands, his movements heavy, as though the file itself carried the weight of the world. Sheila frowned, her eyes darting between Carter and the folder.

“What’s this?” she asked softly, her fingers brushing over the edges of the worn manila cover.

Carter took a deep breath, his voice low and strained.

“It’s… information. About my… alleged father.”

Sheila’s brow furrowed in confusion, her grip tightening on the file.

“What?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper. “Carter, what are you talking about?”

Carter didn’t answer. He simply motioned for her to open the folder. Hesitant but driven by worry, Sheila flipped it open.

Her eyes fell on the contents—a picture of a man, stern and imposing, his name in bold letters underneath: Leonardo Parker. Sheila’s breath hitched. As she read further, the details began to unravel: criminal charges, accusations of murder, and a history that made her skin crawl.

“What… what is this?” Sheila stammered, her voice trembling as her head shot up to look at Carter, her face pale with shock.

Carter’s eyes welled up with tears as he gestured toward the folder.

“That man… he might be my father, Aunt Sheila. Does he look familiar to you?” His voice cracked as he spoke, his pain spilling over in each word.

Sheila shook her head vehemently, her heart racing in her chest.

“No, Carter,” she said, her voice almost pleading. “I’ve never seen this man before. Why… why would you think this? Why would you even have this?”

Carter’s throat tightened, a lump forming that made it almost impossible to speak. He clenched his fists, his gaze dropping to the floor.

“Because,” he began shakily, “I… I found out who my mother was.”

Sheila’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst. She moved closer, gripping his arm tightly.

“You… you found Grace?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Carter nodded, tears spilling freely down his cheeks.

“Only… she’s not Grace anymore. She changed her name.” He paused, his voice breaking as he struggled to get the words out. “She’s… she’s Elena. And she’s dead. She died in my arms, and I didn’t even know she was my mother.”

The folder slipped from Sheila’s hands and hit the floor with a soft thud. She stumbled back slightly, her face going pale as her mouth fell open.

“Elena?” she gasped, her voice filled with disbelief. “Jeremy’s mother-in-law? That Elena?”

Carter nodded again, wiping at his tears with the back of his hand.

“Yes,” he whispered, his voice heavy with grief. “That Elena. And now… now I need to confront him. Leonardo Parker.”

Sheila’s eyes widened in horror.

“Carter, no,” she said, shaking her head. “You’re talking about confronting a murderer. Why would you even want to do that?”

Carter’s hands trembled as he knelt to pick up the fallen folder, his voice thick with desperation.

“Because I need to know the truth,” he said, looking up at her. “He… he murdered Jeremy’s father. And if it’s true—if he really is my father—then…” His voice broke, and a sob escaped him. “Then I’m the person Jeremy will hate the most in this world.”

Sheila’s knees buckled, and she sat heavily on the couch, her hands clutching at her chest as if trying to steady the wild beating of her heart. Her own tears began to flow as she stared at her nephew, her voice barely a whisper.

“Oh, Carter… no… no…”

Carter’s tears streamed down his face unchecked, his pain raw and unfiltered.

“I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, his voice shaking. “But I need to find out the truth. I need to know who I am, Aunt Sheila, even if it destroys everything I have left.”

Sheila reached out, gripping his hands tightly as her own tears fell freely.

“You’re my son,” she said firmly, her voice breaking but resolute. “You’re Carter, and no matter what happens, no matter what you find out, you’ll always be my Carter. Do you hear me?”

Carter nodded, but the torment in his eyes remained. The weight of the truth, the fear of losing everything—especially Jeremy—pressed down on him, suffocating and relentless.

To be continued…