Echoes of the Heart - 21. Chapter 21: Carter is forced to make a huge decision that might leave him broken.

Carter lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The room was dark, save for the faint morning light peeking through the edges of the curtain. His mind felt like a maze, looping endlessly with questions that had no clear answers. His chest was heavy, weighed down by fears he couldn’t escape. Did he make the right decision? Could he really protect Leonardo? What if he was wrong?

What if Leonardo had killed Jeremy’s father?

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to quiet the noise in his head, but it was useless. Slowly, he turned onto his side, his gaze falling on the man lying beside him. Leonardo was sprawled out on the bed, his face soft in sleep. His breathing was slow and even, with the occasional faint snore escaping his lips—a sound that spoke of exhaustion, of a man who hadn’t known peace in a very long time.

For a brief moment, Carter felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. He studied the lines on Leonardo’s face, the weariness etched into his features even in rest. He looked so vulnerable, like someone who had been running from shadows his whole life and finally found a moment of reprieve.

But the smile didn’t last long. It vanished as quickly as it had come, replaced by the familiar weight of doubt pressing down on Carter’s chest. His heart began its relentless questioning again.

What if this was all a mistake? What if helping him was the wrong thing to do?

He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat almost choking him. It didn’t matter anymore. A decision had been made, and there was no going back. Whatever the consequences were, he would have to face them.

Carter took a deep, steadying breath and ran his fingers through his messy hair, tugging at the strands as if that could somehow calm him. The sheets rustled softly as he shifted, sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He glanced back at Leonardo one last time before getting up.

The cold floor sent a shiver through his bare feet, grounding him. Clad only in his pajamas, he padded toward the door, opening it as quietly as he could so as not to disturb the man. With a soft click, he closed it behind him and walked down the hallway, his heart still racing.

In the kitchen, the dim light from the stove illuminated the room just enough for Carter to navigate. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of cold water, his fingers trembling slightly as he unscrewed the cap. He leaned against the counter, tilting his head back to take a long sip. The cool liquid was refreshing, but it did little to calm the storm inside him.

“Why are you up so early?”

The voice startled him, making him nearly drop the bottle. He turned quickly to see Sheila leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest and a worried look on her face.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Carter admitted with a sigh, setting the bottle down on the counter.

“Why not?” Sheila stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Could it be because you’re housing a wanted man?”

Carter bristled at her words but kept his tone calm.

“Leonardo isn’t a wanted man, Aunt Sheila,” he said quietly. “He was released on parole. Laura and Jeremy’s family just… they want him back. And not for justice. For revenge.”

Sheila let out a bitter chuckle, shaking her head.

“And you thought it was a good idea to bring him here? Carter, do you realize what you’ve done? If Laura finds out, she’ll rip you apart. And Jeremy…” She paused, her voice softening as she stepped closer, her eyes searching his. “Jeremy loves you, Carter. After everything he’s been through, he found happiness with you. Are you really ready to throw that away for a man who wasn’t even there for you?”

Carter’s eyes softened, and he reached out to take her hands in his. His touch was gentle, his thumbs brushing over her knuckles.

“Aunt Sheila,” he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “When my dad was alive, he always told me something. He said that family isn’t just about blood. It’s about the ties that bind us, the love we share, and the lengths we’re willing to go to protect each other.”

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.

“Leonardo is my father. Maybe not in the way I always wanted, but he’s still my father. And I believe he’s innocent. I can’t just stand by and let Jeremy’s family destroy him without even giving him a chance. Look at what they’re doing. Jeremy’s so consumed by anger that he doesn’t even care if Leonardo is guilty or not. He just wants someone to pay. And I… I can’t let that happen. I can’t lose another father.”

Sheila’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at him, her heart aching for the weight he was carrying.

“But is it worth it?” she asked softly.

Carter opened his mouth to respond, but a voice cut through the silence.

“Maybe it’s not.”

Both Carter and Sheila turned toward the doorway, where Leonardo stood, his face etched with guilt and confusion. He stepped into the kitchen, his bare feet silent against the floor.

“I’m sorry for eavesdropping,” he said, his voice low. “But I’m glad I heard you talking.”

Leonardo’s gaze shifted to Carter, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

“Carter, I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re helping me, that you’ve risked so much for me. But maybe your aunt is right. You shouldn’t have to give up your happiness for me.”

“No,” Carter said firmly, shaking his head. “I’m not going to let them take you, Leonardo. We’ve worked too hard to hide you from the Rivers. You’re not guilty. You were released on parole. They don’t have the right to send you back.”

Leonardo let out a soft, humorless laugh.

“Carter, the justice system works differently for the rich. All they have to do is snap their fingers, and I’m back in prison. And trust me, if they find me, they’ll make sure I never see the light of day again. I don’t want to involve you in this.”

Carter’s jaw tightened, his eyes glistening with determination.

“I know they’ll find you eventually,” he said, his voice quieter now. “That’s why…” He took a deep breath, his chest heaving as he forced the words out. “That’s why I’m going to get you out of the city tonight.”

Sheila and Leonardo both froze, their eyes widening in shock.

“What?” they exclaimed in unison.

Carter held up a hand to silence them, his voice steady but firm.

“I’m going to make sure you leave the city tonight, Leonardo. It’s the only way to keep you safe.”

Sheila stepped forward, her voice rising in panic.

“Are you insane? Do you even realize what you’re saying? If they catch you, they’ll charge you with aiding a criminal’s escape!”

Carter’s eyes shone with unshed tears, but his voice didn’t waver.

“He’s not a criminal, Sheila. He’s on parole. And I’m not breaking any rules. He’ll still be in the same state, just not in the city. I’ve already lost one father. I’m not going to lose another.”

Leonardo’s expression softened, his eyes filling with emotion as he reached out to place a hand on Carter’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to do this for me,” he said, his voice trembling.

“I do,” Carter replied firmly. “Because I can’t stand by and let them destroy you. Not when I have the power to help.”

Sheila’s voice broke as she pleaded with him.

“What about Jeremy, Carter? What will this do to him? Both of you have fought so much just to be together. Are you gonna throw all that away?”

Carter took a shaky breath, the pain in his chest so sharp it felt like it was cutting him open.

“I’ve thought about Jeremy,” he said softly. “I love him more than anything. And because I love him, I’m going to do this for him too. I’m going to send the man he hates far away, so he doesn’t have to live in pain anymore.”

Tears spilled down Sheila’s cheeks as she looked at him, her heart breaking for the man who stood before her, so resolute yet so clearly hurting. Carter smiled at her, his expression soft but tinged with sorrow.

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “I’m not going to do anything that will cause Jeremy pain. I’m going to see him this afternoon, just before helping Leonardo. I’ll talk to him, make him understand. I’ll make sure he’s okay.”

Sheila wiped at her tears, her voice shaky as she said, “I hope you know what you’re doing, Carter.”

“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life,” he replied, though deep down, the weight of his decision felt like it might crush him.

He smiled at her, but behind it was a storm of pain and fear he couldn’t hide. Yet, for the sake of the people he loved, Carter knew he had to keep going, no matter the cost. The question was, what was he going to tell Jeremy?

***

Jeremy paced the length of his room, his voice sharp and brimming with frustration as it echoed off the walls. The phone trembled in his grasp, his knuckles white from the force with which he held it.

“No! No, that’s impossible!” Jeremy shouted, his tone laced with disbelief. “A man like him doesn’t just vanish into thin air! There has to be a trail—something, anything! He’s not a ghost, for God’s sake.”

He stopped in his tracks, running a hand through his disheveled hair, his breaths heavy and uneven.

“If someone helped him, then find them! Arrest every single one of them! I don’t care what it takes. I want him found.”

With a sharp exhale, Jeremy yanked the phone away from his ear and ended the call, throwing it onto the floor with a loud thud. He stood there for a moment, his chest heaving as he stared at the device, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. Frustration coursed through him, hot and unrelenting. He resumed pacing, his hands gripping his head as though trying to steady the storm raging within.

But then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of movement. His head snapped toward the door, and he froze. Carter stood there, his figure framed by the doorway, his face blank, unreadable. He hadn’t knocked, hadn’t announced his presence. He was just... standing there, watching him.

For a moment, Jeremy didn’t move, his anger melting into something softer—a mixture of surprise and relief. He let out a long, shaky breath, his shoulders sagging slightly as he took a step toward Carter.

“Babe,” he murmured, his voice softer now, almost tender. He moved quickly, closing the distance between them in a few strides.

Carter blinked, his expression unreadable as he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to barge in. I should have knocked.”

Jeremy shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the tension still etched into his features.

“You don’t need to knock. You’re always welcome here.”

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Carter’s waist, pulling him into a tight hug. He buried his face in Carter’s shoulder, his breath warm against his skin as he exhaled deeply.

“God, I missed you,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with raw emotion. His arms tightened around Carter as if he feared letting go. “I missed you so much.”

Carter stood stiffly for a moment before slowly raising his arms to return the embrace. Jeremy pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, his hands sliding up to cup Carter’s face. He leaned in, pressing a soft yet fervent kiss to his lips, as though trying to pour all his unspoken feelings into that single moment.

When he finally broke the kiss, he grabbed Carter’s hand and gently led him inside, closing the door behind them.

“I’m sorry,” Jeremy said, his voice tinged with guilt as he rubbed the back of his neck. “There’s just… there’s a lot going on. It’s about my father’s killer. We still haven’t found him, and now we’re almost certain someone’s helping him hide.”

Jeremy’s eyes darkened as he continued.

“We’re doing everything we can to find him and anyone involved, but it’s like hitting a brick wall at every turn. It’s…” He trailed off, shaking his head in frustration before looking back at Carter. “I shouldn’t even be telling you this. I’m sorry for dumping it all on you. I just… I’m so glad you’re here. Maybe you can make me feel like everything’s going to be okay.”

Jeremy smiled faintly, his hand tightening around Carter’s as if drawing strength from him. But Carter’s face remained blank, his eyes distant. The silence between them grew heavy, the air thick with unspoken words.

Carter swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat as he stared at Jeremy. The knot in his chest tightened, each beat of his heart a painful reminder of the truth he was hiding. He wanted to tell Jeremy everything, to confess that he was the one sheltering the man his family was hunting. But the words refused to come. How could he shatter the life of the man he loved?

Carter took a deep breath. “I don’t even know where to begin.” He said, his heart racing a million miles.

“What are you talking about?” Jeremy frowned.

Slowly, Carter pulled his hand away from Jeremy’s. His movements were shaky, his breaths uneven.

“I can’t do this anymore,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jeremy froze, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What are you talking about?” he asked, his tone tinged with worry.

Carter’s eyes glistened as he raised them to meet Jeremy’s gaze. His voice trembled as he spoke.

“Us. I can’t… I can’t be with you anymore.”

Jeremy blinked, stunned. The words hung in the air like a blow, leaving him momentarily speechless. Then he shook his head, his voice rising slightly.

“What? Carter, what the hell are you saying? You can’t just drop this out of nowhere. Did I… did I do something? Did I hurt you? Is this some kind of payback?”

Carter shook his head, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

“It’s not that,” he said, his voice cracking. “It’s just… everything is so complicated.”

“Complicated?” Jeremy repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief. “Since when has that ever stopped us? We’ve faced complicated before, Carter. We’ve faced impossible. Don’t do this. Don’t push me away.”

Carter turned away, his back to Jeremy as he stared at the floor. His shoulders trembled as he forced the lie past his lips.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. And I realized… I don’t think we’re right for each other.”

Jeremy let out a hollow laugh, the sound sharp and bitter.

“That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard. We’re right for each other, and you know it. Don’t do this, Carter. Whatever’s going on, we can fix it. Just talk to me.”

Carter squeezed his eyes shut, his tears falling silently.

“There’s nothing to fix,” he said, his voice colder now, forced. “I’ve changed. I don’t feel the same way anymore.”

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

Jeremy stood frozen, staring at Carter as if the words had physically knocked the air out of his lungs. His hands trembled at his sides, clenching and unclenching into fists as he struggled to process what was happening. His lips parted, but no words came out at first. He looked at Carter with a mixture of heartbreak, disbelief, and raw, unfiltered pain.

“No,” Jeremy finally said, his voice cracking. “No, I don’t accept this. You don’t get to walk in here and tell me you don’t love me. I know you, Carter. I know how you look at me, how you touch me. I know you love me. So stop this. Stop lying to me.”

Carter forced himself to hold Jeremy’s gaze, even though it felt like his soul was shattering under the weight of it. His hands curled into fists, his nails biting into his palms so hard it stung. He had to stay strong. He had to protect Jeremy. Even if it meant this.

“I’m not lying,” Carter said, his voice barely audible. “This… this is what’s best. For both of us.”

Jeremy’s laugh was bitter and hollow, filled with disbelief.

“For both of us? Are you kidding me?” He took a step closer, his movements sharp and desperate. “Do I look like I’m okay? Do I look like this is what’s best for me?”

Carter flinched but didn’t respond. He couldn’t.

“Talk to me!” Jeremy yelled, his voice breaking with the weight of his emotions. “Don’t just stand there and tell me it’s over without giving me a reason. You owe me that much, Carter!”

Carter’s resolve cracked, his tears falling freely now.

“I’m doing this for you!” he shouted, his voice trembling with anguish. “Don’t you see that? I’m doing this because I love you, Jeremy. Because I don’t want to hurt you anymore!”

Jeremy’s breath hitched, and he froze in place, his eyes widening.

“If you love me,” he whispered, “then why are you doing this? Why are you breaking us apart? What are you so afraid of?”

Carter opened his mouth to speak but quickly shut it again. How could he explain? How could he tell Jeremy that the man he and his family were hunting, the man they believed had taken everything from them, was hiding under his roof? How could he confess that he was risking everything—his life, his love, his future—to protect a man Jeremy hated?

Jeremy took another step closer, his voice softer now, though it still shook.

“Carter, please. Whatever it is, we can face it together. You don’t have to carry this alone.”

Carter let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his guilt.

“You don’t understand,” he said, his voice cracking. “This isn’t something you can fix, Jeremy. It’s bigger than us.”

“Bigger than us?” Jeremy repeated, his tone incredulous. “There’s nothing bigger than us, Carter. Don’t you get that? I don’t care what it is. I don’t care how bad it is. I’ll stand by you, no matter what. Just… tell me the truth. Please.”

Carter shook his head, his tears blurring his vision.

“I can’t,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I can’t.”

Jeremy’s face twisted with pain, his tears spilling over as he stared at Carter. For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of their ragged breathing. Then Jeremy took a shaky step back, his hands falling limply to his sides.

“You’re really doing this,” he said, his voice hollow. “You’re really ending us. After everything we’ve been through, after everything we’ve built together… you’re just throwing it away.”

Carter wiped at his tears, his chest aching with every breath.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “But this is how it has to be.”

Jeremy let out a shaky laugh, his tears falling faster now.

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “This isn’t how it has to be. This is a choice. Your choice. And I don’t understand why.”

Carter turned away, unable to bear the sight of Jeremy’s broken expression.

“I’m sorry,” he said again, his voice barely audible. “I wish things were different.”

Jeremy’s arms tightened desperately around Carter, clinging to him as if letting go would shatter his entire world. His voice cracked as he whispered, “Don’t do this to us, Carter. Please… I love you. I love you so much. Don’t leave me like this. I can’t lose you.”

Carter swallowed the sob rising in his throat, his hands trembling as he tried to push Jeremy’s arms away.

“Jeremy, please,” he pleaded, his voice shaking with barely suppressed agony. “Don’t make this harder for me than it already is. You don’t understand—I’m doing this for you.”

Jeremy’s hands refused to release him, his face buried in Carter’s shoulder.

“You’re not doing this for me!” he shouted, his voice filled with raw anguish. “You’re running away from something, Carter. Just talk to me, damn it! Whatever it is, we can face it together. Don’t walk away from us. Don’t walk away from me.”

Finally, Carter managed to pull himself free, taking a step back. He looked up at Jeremy, his chest heaving with the effort it took to hold himself together. His heart felt like it was being ripped apart, but he forced himself to speak.

“Jeremy…” He reached out, his fingertips brushing against Jeremy’s cheek, the touch so tender it almost undid him. “If, after everything… we still find our way back to each other, then my heart will still be yours. It’ll always be yours and yours alone.” His voice broke, the words trembling in the air. “I’m so sorry.”

Jeremy stared at him, tears streaming down his face as he shook his head in disbelief. “No… No, Carter, don’t—”

But Carter didn’t let him finish. With a sharp breath, he turned and walked away, his steps unsteady but determined. Behind him, Jeremy’s broken voice called out, “Carter! Stop! Please! Don’t do this—we can fix it! Carter, don’t go!”

Each word was a knife to Carter’s heart, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t. He stumbled down the stairs, his vision blurred with tears. His chest burned, the pain so raw it felt like he might collapse right there. He wiped at his face roughly, trying to regain some composure, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Jeremy’s voice echoed from above. “Carter, stop! We have to talk about this! You can’t just end things like this!”

Carter froze for a split second, his hand gripping the railing. The urge to turn around was overwhelming. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to run back into Jeremy’s arms, to tell him the truth, to fall apart in his embrace. But he didn’t. He forced himself forward, his footsteps heavy, each one taking him further from the man he loved.

Before he could reach the door, a sharp voice cut through the air like a whip.

“Carter!” Laura’s tone was sharp and biting. She stood in the living room, her phone still clutched in her hand. “What the hell is going on here?”

Carter slowed but didn’t stop. He tried to brush past her, but she stepped in his way, grabbing his arm. Her eyes were blazing, her voice loud and furious.

“Are you breaking up with my son?” she demanded. “How dare you? After everything he’s done for you, after everything we’ve done for you—how dare you?”

Carter shook his head, trying to free his arm.

“It’s complicated,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Just let me go.”

“Complicated?” Laura let out a bitter, mocking laugh. “No, you just love drama, don’t you? You couldn’t stand that Jeremy’s attention was elsewhere, so you decided to stir up trouble. You’ve always loved being the center of his world, haven’t you? You couldn’t stand that he had something more important to focus on than your pathetic insecurities!”

Carter froze, his face pale but his jaw tightening. Laura didn’t stop, her voice rising.

“Where were you when I warned Jeremy not to get involved with you? When I told him you’d bring nothing but trouble? Where were you when you almost tore our family apart? And now, after everything, you’re just going to walk away? You’re nothing but a selfish, opportunistic little—”

“Enough!” Carter’s voice rang out, cutting her off. He turned to face her fully, his eyes blazing with anger and pain. “You must be thrilled, Laura. This is what you wanted, isn’t it? You can finally shove me out of the way and force Jeremy to marry some perfect little doll you can control. That’s what you’ve been dreaming of, right? Well, congratulations—you got your wish.”

Laura’s mouth fell open, her face twisting in shock and rage.

“How dare you speak to me like that?” she hissed, raising her hand high into the air.

Before she could strike, Carter’s hand shot up, grabbing her wrist mid-air. He held it firmly, his grip strong and unyielding. Laura gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at him. Carter’s face was cold, his voice low and venomous.

“I only respect you because Jeremy loves you. But don’t think for a second that I’ll stand here and let you treat me like this. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have held back.”

He threw her hand aside, and Laura stumbled back, clutching her wrist as she stared at him in stunned silence. Before she could recover, Carter’s eyes flicked past her—and froze.

Jeremy was sitting weakly on the stairs, his head bowed, his hands clutching the railing as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. His eyes were red and swollen, his face streaked with tears. He looked utterly defeated, broken in a way Carter had never seen before.

Carter’s heart twisted painfully at the sight, but he couldn’t bear to look any longer. Without another word, he turned and walked out the door, leaving behind the shattered remnants of his love and the man who had been his whole world.

***

Carter leaned against the cold, crumbling wall of the alley, his hands stuffed deep into his jacket pockets, his head slightly bowed. His eyes were open but unseeing, staring blankly at the uneven ground ahead of him. He wasn’t truly there. His body was present, but his mind was miles away, trapped in a swirling storm of emotions he couldn’t make sense of. The pain in his chest was suffocating, a cruel reminder of the choice he had made—one he wasn’t even sure he had the strength to follow through with.

Every memory of Jeremy, every whispered promise, every moment of laughter played on a loop in his head. How had it come to this? How had love turned into this unbearable torture? He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms as if trying to ground himself. But nothing worked. The agony remained.

A gentle hand on his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts. Carter blinked rapidly, his gaze refocusing as he turned his head slowly. Standing before him was Leonardo, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and dark glasses that obscured much of his face. A small, knowing smile tugged at Leonardo’s lips as he gave Carter’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders,” Leonardo said softly, his voice calm but tinged with concern. “You really don’t have to do this, Carter. You’ve already sacrificed more than enough for me.”

Carter let out a small, bitter laugh and shook his head.

“I have to,” he murmured, his voice quiet but firm. “I need to make sure you’re safe, that you can start a new life. And honestly…” He paused, swallowing hard. “After everything that just happened between me and Jeremy, I need this too. I need to get away. I need to think.”

Leonardo tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly beneath the shadow of his hat.

“You really broke up with him?”

Carter nodded, forcing a small, almost unnoticeable smile onto his face.

“Yeah,” he said softly, his voice cracking ever so slightly. “I had to. If we stayed together, I’d just keep lying to him. I’d keep hurting him.” He exhaled shakily, his gaze dropping to the ground. “He deserves so much better than that. He deserves the truth… and I can’t give him that right now. Not with everything that’s happening.”

His lips quivered, but he pressed them into a thin line, trying to maintain his composure.

“I love him,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I love him so much it hurts. But love isn’t enough when all you’re doing is causing pain.” He laughed bitterly, a hollow sound that lacked any real humor. “I thought I was strong enough to handle this, but it turns out… I’m not.”

Leonardo sighed deeply, his guilt evident in his eyes.

“I still feel like this is my fault,” he muttered, his voice thick with regret. “If I hadn’t come into your life, none of this would’ve happened.”

Carter reached out, gently gripping Leonardo’s arm.

“Don’t,” he said firmly, though his voice was still soft. “Don’t go there. We can’t change what’s already happened. Right now, we just need to focus on getting out of the city, somewhere safe and hidden. And… we need to thank Eric for everything he’s done for us.”

Leonardo’s expression softened, and he reached for Carter’s hand, holding it tightly.

“You’re a good man,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t deserve this.”

Carter smiled faintly, his pain lingering beneath the surface of his expression.

“Let’s not think about that now,” he said, his tone gentle. “It’s time to go.”

They shared a long, silent look, their eyes conveying everything words couldn’t. It was a moment of understanding, of connection, even amidst the chaos. Just then, headlights pierced the dim alley, casting long shadows against the walls. The hum of an engine grew louder as a small, inconspicuous minibus pulled up in front of them.

The driver rolled down the window and leaned out, nodding at them.

“Eric sent me,” he said simply. “Let’s go.”

Carter gave him a small nod of gratitude before turning to Leonardo. “It’s time,” he said softly.

Leonardo nodded, squeezing Carter’s hand one last time before letting go. They climbed into the van, settling into the seats. As the vehicle began to move, Carter stared out the window, his chest tightening. He felt as though he were leaving a piece of himself behind, the life he had built, the love he had cherished, and the future he had once imagined. Everything felt so raw, so unfinished.

His thoughts churned as the city lights blurred past, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. Tears welled in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away, determined not to break down. But the ache in his chest was unbearable. He felt as though he were being torn apart, leaving behind not just Jeremy but the very essence of who he was.

Suddenly, the van screeched to a violent halt, jerking Carter forward in his seat. His hands shot out instinctively to brace himself as the sound of tires skidding echoed in the air. Heart pounding, he sat up and looked ahead, his voice unsteady.

“What’s going on?”

The driver didn’t answer, his hands tightening on the wheel as he stared ahead. Carter followed his gaze, his stomach dropping at the sight before him. Two sleek black cars had pulled up, blocking the road completely. Their headlights blazed, casting harsh beams into the darkness, illuminating the street.

Panic flared in Carter’s chest as he exchanged a tense glance with Leonardo. “What now?” he whispered, his voice filled with dread.

Carter’s chest tightened as he stared at the scene unfolding before him. His breath hitched as the van door swung open violently, and two men who looked like police officers stepped out, their guns trained steadily on the vehicle. The dim streetlight reflected off the barrels of their weapons, sending a chill down his spine.

“Get out! Now!” one of them barked, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Before Carter could process what was happening, the door to the van was yanked open, and Leonardo was dragged out with ruthless force. His hat and glasses were ripped away, exposing his face to the harsh light.

“No! Stop! What are you doing?” Carter shouted, scrambling out of the van after him.

He barely made it onto the pavement before one of the officers seized his arm in an iron grip and twisted it behind his back. The pain was immediate and excruciating, shooting up his arm and into his shoulder like wildfire.

“Agh!” Carter cried out, his voice raw and trembling.

He stumbled, his knees buckling under the sheer force of the man’s hold. His face contorted in agony as his free hand clawed desperately at the officer’s grip, but it was useless.

“Leave him alone!” Leonardo’s voice cracked as he struggled against the other officer restraining him. “He’s just a boy! Don’t hurt him—please, leave my son alone!”

Carter could hardly breathe through the pain, his vision blurring as tears sprang to his eyes. Just as he tried to regain his footing, another voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a whip.

“Son?”

Everything froze. Carter’s head snapped up despite the agony in his arm, his wide, tear-streaked eyes locking onto the figure approaching them. Laura. Her expression was a storm of rage, her chest heaving with each furious breath she took.

Behind her, Dexter followed like a shadow, his smirk triumphant and cruel. His gaze bore into Carter, dripping with malicious satisfaction. The sight of them together sent a wave of dread coursing through Carter’s veins. His body tensed involuntarily, every hair on his skin standing on end.

Laura’s fists were clenched at her sides as she stormed closer, her eyes narrowing like a predator locking onto its prey.

“Son?” she repeated, her voice thick with venom. “So it’s true.” She stopped mere feet away, glaring at Carter as if he were the embodiment of every wrong in her life. “That was supposed to be a surprise, but honestly, I’m not surprised. It’s you, after all. Of course, it’s you.”

Carter’s lips parted, but no sound came out. His throat felt like it was closing, his heart pounding erratically in his chest.

“All this time,” Laura continued, her voice rising with fury, “messing with my family. First, you made my son disappear. Then you weaseled your way back into our lives, into his life—breaking his heart, destroying his peace. Was it all for revenge?!”

“No, no, you don’t understand—” Carter began, his voice shaking.

“Understand?!” Laura shrieked, her voice echoing off the walls of the alley. “What is there to understand? I was right about you all along! You’re nothing but trouble. And now, the truth is out. You’re Leonardo’s son. A liar, a manipulator, and a danger to my family.”

Carter’s eyes flicked to Dexter, who stood smugly behind Laura, his arms crossed. That smirk of his only deepened, as though savoring every second of Carter’s downfall.

“Yes,” Carter said finally, his voice breaking as he forced himself to meet Laura’s furious gaze. “I’m Leonardo’s son. But I swear, I didn’t mean to hurt anyone—especially not Jeremy. I love him. We just wanted to leave the city, away from all of this. That’s all I’m asking for. Please…”

Laura’s expression darkened, her body trembling with anger. Without warning, she raised her hand and struck Carter hard across the face. The impact sent his head snapping to the side, the sharp sting reverberating across his cheek.

Leonardo screamed, struggling desperately against his captors.

“Don’t you dare touch him!” he roared. “He’s done nothing to you! If you want revenge, take it out on me! Hurt me, kill me if you have to—but leave him alone!”

Laura’s laughter was cold and bitter as she turned back to Carter, her eyes burning with hatred.

“Oh, don’t worry, Leonardo,” she spat. “I’ll deal with you. But your son here?” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sinister whisper. “He’s going to suffer. He’s going to wish for death when I’m through with him. And do you know who’s going to deliver that punishment?” She smiled, the cruelty in her expression cutting deeper than any blade. “Jeremy.”

Carter’s breath hitched, his face pale with disbelief. “Laura, please—”

But she silenced him with a wave of her hand.

“Enough. Arrest them both,” she ordered, her voice cold and unrelenting. “Throw them in jail. And this time, they won’t see the light of day. I’ll make sure of it.”

The officers didn’t hesitate. One of them wrenched Carter’s arm further behind his back, snapping cold metal cuffs around his wrists. The pain was unbearable, but Carter bit down hard, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing him break.

Leonardo’s screams echoed in the narrow alley as he was cuffed as well, his voice hoarse from pleading.

“Laura, please! Please, I’m begging you—don’t do this to him! He’s just a boy!”

But Laura didn’t even glance his way. Her gaze remained fixed on Carter, her hatred burning like a wildfire.

The officers forced Carter and Leonardo into the back of one of the black cars, their hands rough and unyielding. Carter stumbled, nearly falling as they shoved him forward, but he caught himself, refusing to look back at Laura or Dexter.

As the door slammed shut behind him, Carter finally allowed a tear to slip down his cheek. The pain in his chest was unbearable, a gaping wound that felt as though it would never heal.

***

The room was barely lit, shadows creeping across the walls like silent witnesses to the storm within Jeremy. He was seated on the cold floor, his legs folded beneath him, his back hunched as if the weight of his emotions was too much to bear. The dim light cast jagged streaks across his tear-streaked face, his eyes red and swollen, his jaw trembling with the effort to keep it all inside. His chest heaved, every breath labored and raw, as if it hurt to even exist.

His fists were clenched, his knuckles white with tension, and in one hand, he gripped Ethan’s diary so tightly it seemed as if he wanted to crush it into oblivion. His fingers trembled against the leather-bound cover, the faint smell of old ink and paper filling the air—a cruel reminder of the words inside. Words Ethan had written, words Jeremy was supposed to cherish. But now… now they burned like poison in his hand.

Jeremy’s head moved slowly, almost robotically, as his gaze lifted to the portrait on the wall. Ethan. Smiling, radiant, perfect Ethan. The sight of him—the warmth in his eyes, the tenderness in his expression—should have comforted Jeremy. But all he could see now was betrayal. A betrayal so deep it clawed at his soul, tearing at the fragile pieces of him that had barely held together after Ethan’s death.

“Why?” Jeremy’s voice cracked, barely above a whisper, a ghost of sound that vanished into the heavy silence of the room. His throat ached from crying, from screaming, but his torment demanded more. “Why, Ethan?”

The diary in his hand seemed to mock him, its pages heavy with secrets he didn’t want to uncover but couldn’t ignore. His hand shook violently as he stared at it, his vision blurring with tears. It was too much. Too much pain. Too much anger. Too much everything.

And then, something inside him snapped.

With a guttural growl that sounded more animal than human, Jeremy hurled the diary across the room with all his strength. It collided with the portrait on the wall, the sound of impact ringing out like a gunshot. The frame tilted, the glass shattering into jagged shards that rained down onto the floor.

Jeremy shot to his feet, his breaths coming in sharp, erratic gasps, his chest rising and falling as though he’d been running for his life. His eyes locked onto the broken portrait, his face twisted in a mixture of rage and anguish. His hands shook at his sides, his fists clenching and unclenching as he struggled against the tidal wave of emotions threatening to drown him.

“Everything…” he hissed, his voice low and venomous. His breathing was loud, uneven, like the hounds of hell were snapping at his heels. “I gave you everything, Ethan. My heart. My soul. And this—this is what I get?”

He took a step toward the wall, his bare feet crunching against the shards of glass scattered across the floor, but he didn’t flinch. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony tearing him apart inside.

“You lied to me,” Jeremy spat, his voice rising, shaking with the force of his fury. “You lied to me, Ethan! How could you? How dare you?!”

He raised his hands to his head, clutching at his hair as if trying to pull the thoughts from his mind, his nails digging into his scalp. His knees buckled slightly, and he staggered backward, hitting the edge of the bed. He sank to the floor again, this time curling in on himself, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his sobs.

“I trusted you…” he whispered hoarsely, his words barely audible. “I loved you…”

The room seemed to close in around him, the walls pressing tighter, the air growing heavier. He felt like he was suffocating, drowning in the sea of his own despair. His tears dripped onto the cold, hard floor, pooling beneath him as his body shook uncontrollably.

The shattered portrait stared back at him, Ethan’s face fractured and distorted beneath the cracked glass. It was a cruel reflection of Jeremy’s own heart, broken beyond recognition, splintered into pieces he couldn’t begin to put back together.

To be continued…