Echoes of the Heart - 22. Chapter 22: Jeremy confronts Carter. Will this be the end for Carter and Jeremy?

Carter hit the cold, filthy floor of the cell with a sickening thud, his entire body recoiling in pain. A sharp wince escaped his lips as he curled slightly, clutching his side, every movement a cruel reminder of how violently he had been thrown in. Above him, the clang of the cell door echoed through the dim, musty space, and he looked up to find the policeman who had tossed him inside grinning wickedly through the bars. The man’s sneer made Carter’s blood run cold, and his stomach twisted into tight knots.

“Get comfortable,” the policeman mocked, his voice dripping with malice. “You’ll be here for a long, long time.”

But before Carter could process his words, a loud grunt came from the cell opposite his. His eyes darted over, just in time to see Leonardo being slapped so hard across the face that the sound reverberated through the corridor. Carter’s heart dropped as he watched his father stumble before being unceremoniously thrown to the ground like a ragdoll.

“No!” Carter screamed, his voice cracking as he scrambled to his feet, his fists trembling at his sides. “You can’t do this! We don’t deserve to be here! We didn’t do anything wrong!”

The policeman turned from Leonardo’s cell, brushing his hands as though dusting them off after handling something disgusting. He shot Carter a mocking glance before locking Leonardo’s gate, leaving the older man groaning on the floor. Carter’s throat tightened as his eyes fixed on Leonardo, noting the angry red handprint blooming on his father’s cheek and the way he struggled to push himself up. Tears prickled Carter’s eyes, spilling over as guilt and helplessness washed over him in crushing waves.

“Leo,” he choked out, his voice shaking as he gripped the bars of his cell. “Leo, are you okay?”

Leonardo lifted his head slightly, his expression etched with both pain and exhaustion. Before he could respond, a voice interrupted, sharp and venomous.

“No need to ask if he’s alright,” it drawled. “You should be more worried about yourself.”

Both Carter and Leonardo turned toward the sound, and Carter’s stomach lurched. Laura was approaching, her heels clicking ominously against the grimy floor, her eyes gleaming with malice. Beside her, Dexter walked with his usual smug confidence, his arms crossed and a triumphant grin plastered on his face. Laura’s fists clenched at her sides, her chest heaving with suppressed rage, but her lips curled into a cruel smile as she locked eyes with Carter.

“Welcome to your new home, Junior Leo,” she sneered, her voice dripping with venom.

Carter’s lips parted, but no words came. His throat felt dry, his pulse hammering in his ears.

Dexter let out a low chuckle, his gaze sweeping over Carter like a predator circling its prey.

“Hope you like it here,” he jeered. “Criminals like you? This is where you belong. Forever.”

Carter’s fists tightened around the bars, his fear replaced momentarily by defiance.

“I’m not a criminal,” he shot back, his voice rising. “I didn’t do anything wrong!”

Laura arched a skeptical brow, feigning surprise.

“Oh, really? Is that what you think?” She moved closer, her voice growing sharper with each word. “Fraud, fake identity, murder… should I go on? And let’s not forget leading my son on and breaking his heart. Quite a résumé you’ve got there, Junior Leo.”

Carter shook his head furiously. “You don’t understand—”

“I don’t understand?!” Laura’s voice exploded in fury, her face contorted with rage. “What exactly am I supposed to understand? That you wormed your way into my family, destroyed my son, and brought this”—she gestured toward Leonardo, who was slowly sitting up—“into my life?”

Leonardo’s voice broke through, desperate and pleading.

“It’s all me,” he cried, rising unsteadily to his feet. “I did everything! Carter is innocent. Please, Laura, let him go. Punish me, not my son. Please…” He clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his face.

Laura threw her head back and laughed bitterly, the sound hollow and chilling.

“Oh, Leonardo,” she spat, her tone mocking. “That’s where you’re wrong. Letting Carter go? No. He’s going to suffer twice as much as you. That’s the only way I’ll ever see you broken.” Her eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a hiss. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and a son for a son.”

Carter swallowed hard, his chest tightening at the venom in her words.

“You’re insane,” he muttered bitterly, his voice shaking. “Telling you anything is as useless as you are.”

Laura’s eyes widened, her lips parting in stunned silence before her face twisted in rage.

“How dare you insult me?” she snapped, stepping toward his cell.

Carter stared her down, his voice flat. “I’m not insulting you. Just stating facts.”

Leonardo’s hand gripped the bars of his cell tightly, his eyes darting between Laura and Carter.

“Carter, don’t…”

But Carter kept going, his voice calm despite the storm brewing around him.

“We’re not going to break, no matter how hard you try. That’s what you want, right? To see us shattered, scattered, to lose hope? It’s not going to happen.”

Laura’s laughter cut through the tension like a blade.

“Oh, but it already has,” she said coldly. “And just to prove it…” She snapped her fingers sharply, and Carter’s stomach dropped as the sound of heavy boots filled the corridor.

One by one, seven men stepped into view, their bodies massive, their arms covered in tattoos that wound up their necks. Their faces were hardened, scarred, and twisted into menacing grins that sent a chill down Carter’s spine.

The policeman at their side smirked.

“Meet your guests for the night.”

Carter barely had time to process the words before his cell door creaked open. His body tensed as a policeman entered and cuffed his hands behind his back.

“What are you doing?” Carter demanded, his voice trembling.

Two of the thugs entered his cell, their eyes glinting with malice as they closed in on him. One of them grabbed a fistful of Carter’s hair, yanking him back so hard he cried out in pain.

Across the corridor, Leonardo screamed.

“Leave him alone!”

Before Carter could respond, he was forced against the bars, his face pressed painfully into the cold metal. His eyes darted to his father’s cell, where five men surrounded Leonardo like wolves circling their prey.

“No!” Carter shouted, struggling against the grip holding him.

One of the men threw a brutal punch to Leonardo’s stomach, sending him crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth as the men continued their assault, kicking, punching, and stomping on him without mercy.

Carter’s heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest as he watched.

“Stop it!” he screamed, his voice breaking. “Leo! Stop!”

But the men didn’t stop. They laughed as they beat Leonardo mercilessly, their laughter mingling with Laura’s as she stood watching, her arms crossed and a satisfied smile on her face.

“Enjoy the night,” she sneered at Carter, her voice dripping with malice. “I’ll see you soon.”

Carter’s knees buckled as he was yanked backward, one of the thugs slapping him hard across the face. Stars danced in his vision as he stumbled, his head snapping to the side.

Before he could recover, another thug grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms as a third stepped forward with a pocket knife. The blade glinted ominously in the dim light as the man held it up to Carter’s face, a twisted grin spreading across his lips.

“Pretty boy,” he drawled, his voice low and menacing. “What do you think happens if I mess up that face of yours?”

Carter’s breathing quickened, his chest rising and falling in panicked gasps as the knife came closer. He could barely hear his father’s desperate pleas over the rush of blood in his ears.

“Don’t hurt him!” Leonardo’s voice cracked, filled with anguish. “Please! Don’t hurt my son!”

Carter’s eyes squeezed shut, his entire body trembling as the blade hovered inches from his skin.

***

The violent rain poured mercilessly as Sheila stood before the massive oak doors, her fists hammering against them with desperate urgency. Each bang echoed through the storm, her cries drowned out by the thunder rolling in the distance. Her soaked hair clung to her face, her trembling lips muttering prayers as tears merged with the rain streaming down her cheeks. She was about to knock again when, with a loud creak, the door flung open.

Laura stood there, her face twisted with anger, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she glared down at Sheila.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she snapped, her voice cold and biting. “Who even let you into my compound? Those idiots I call guards must be completely useless. I swear, I’m firing every last one of them!”

Sheila barely flinched under Laura's harsh tone. She pressed her hands together, pleading.

“Please… I need to see Jeremy," she begged, her voice trembling. "It's about Carter. I…”

Laura’s eyes narrowed, her brows furrowing deeply as she interrupted.

“Jeremy? What makes you think he has anything to say to you?” Her words dripped with venom. “Hasn’t your family done enough damage already? Two of your precious nephews have ruined my son’s life. You should be grateful I’m even allowing you to stand on my property without being dragged away by the police.”

Sheila’s knees wobbled, but she held her ground, her voice breaking as she continued.

“Carter’s been arrested, Laura. I tried to see him, but the police wouldn’t let me. They said…” She paused, her tears choking her words. “They said your family gave orders not to allow anyone near him. Please… I’m begging you…”

Before Sheila could finish, a booming voice interrupted her.

“Of course, they didn’t let you!” Dexter emerged from behind Laura, his face contorted with rage. His eyes burned as he pointed an accusatory finger at Sheila. “Because criminals don’t get privileges like that! In fact, maybe we should arrest you too since you’re so desperate to see him!”

Sheila shook her head frantically, her voice breaking into a sob.

“No, you don’t understand! Carter is innocent—he had no hand in any of this! He…”

“LIES!” Dexter’s roar was deafening, his entire frame trembling with fury. “He’s as guilty as Leonardo! Do you think I don’t know why he came into our lives? He came to destroy us—just like the rest of you! But it didn’t work, and now he’s going to pay for it. I’ll make sure he suffers for every single thing he’s done!”

Before Sheila could respond, she caught movement behind Laura. Her breath hitched when she saw Jeremy standing at the end of the hallway, his piercing gaze fixed on her. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression a mix of fury and anguish, as though her presence reopened a wound that had barely begun to heal. Beside him stood Jeff, who looked on with a mix of pity and unease.

“Jeremy!” Sheila screamed, her voice raw and desperate.

She tried to move past Laura, but the woman grabbed her arm and shoved her back with surprising force.

“Don’t you dare!” Laura hissed, her eyes wild. “If you try to approach my son again, I’ll have you thrown out of here like the pathetic dog you are!”

Sheila’s resolve hardened, her desperation outweighing her fear. She struggled free of Laura’s grip, tears streaming down her face as she cried out,

“Jeremy, please! I’m begging you! Let me see my son. I don’t even know how he’s doing. He could be hurt—” Her voice broke. “Please… for the love you shared once…”

At her words, Jeremy froze. His jaw tightened, the muscles twitching as his chest rose and fell rapidly. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his entire body trembling with barely contained emotion. His eyes bore into Sheila, and for a fleeting moment, there was a flicker of something—pain, perhaps, or regret.

But before Jeremy could respond, Laura stepped in front of Sheila, blocking her view of him.

“What love?” she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. “That boy—your precious nephew—did nothing but manipulate his way into my home, into my son’s life! He’s a liar and a fraud, just like the rest of your family!”

“That’s not true!” Sheila screamed, her voice hoarse from crying. “Carter didn’t know Leonardo was his father until days ago! He’s not responsible for any of this mess. And as for what happened…” Her voice wavered, but she pushed through. “It was all a disaster he couldn’t escape from!”

She turned her tear-filled eyes to Jeremy, her voice softening as she pleaded, “Carter still loves you, Jeremy. That’s why he left—to protect you from the pain, just like Ethan did when he kept the truth from you. If you ever loved Carter, even for a moment, please… give him a chance to explain. He doesn’t deserve this.”

Jeremy’s fists tightened further, his knuckles whitening as his breathing grew heavier. His chest heaved, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he stared at her. But just as Sheila thought he might respond, he turned on his heel and began walking back into the house, his movements stiff and deliberate. Jeff followed close behind, casting Sheila a sympathetic glance before disappearing after him.

Seeing this, Laura threw her head back and laughed cruelly.

“There’s your answer,” she taunted, her voice filled with triumph. “Jeremy doesn’t want anything to do with that wretched boy of yours. In fact, he wants him to suffer. Suffer so much that he’ll beg for death—and even then, it won’t come.”

Sheila’s legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the wet ground, her sobs wracking her body. The rain continued to pour, drenching her completely as she buried her face in her hands. Her cries were muffled but heartbreaking, the sound of a mother’s anguish echoing in the storm.

Laura loomed over her, her lips curled into a sneer.

“Get off my property,” she spat. “Or I’ll have you dragged out like the pathetic dog you are.”

But Sheila didn’t move. She remained on her knees, her shoulders shaking as she cried into the storm.

***

The office door creaked open, revealing Sheila, her face pale and her hands trembling as she stepped inside. Her breath hitched when her eyes landed on Carter, slumped in a chair, his wrists resting on his knees. A stern-looking policeman stood behind him, arms crossed, watching silently.

Carter's head was lowered, his hair disheveled and wet as though he’d been caught in the same merciless storm. When he heard the sound of footsteps, he raised his head slowly. His eyes, red and glassy, locked onto Sheila, and for a moment, he seemed frozen in disbelief. Then, his lips trembled, and he choked out her name.

“Aunt Sheila...” His voice broke as he stood abruptly, his chair screeching against the floor.

Sheila rushed toward him, tears spilling from her eyes as she enveloped him in a tight embrace. "Oh, Carter!" she cried, her voice quivering with anguish.

“How are you? What have they done to you?”

Carter sobbed into her shoulder, gripping her tightly as if she was his last tether to the world. But then he gently pulled away, his tears still streaming. Sheila’s hands rose to his face, cupping his cheeks tenderly. Her heart shattered as she took in the sight of him—faint bruises marred his pale skin, and there were angry red marks on his neck. Dried blood stained the corner of his mouth.

“Carter,” Sheila whispered, her voice trembling as her fingers ghosted over the bruises. “What have they done to you? Are you okay? Please, tell me…”

“I’m fine,” Carter said, his voice shaky and unconvincing. He avoided her gaze as fresh tears slipped down his cheeks. “But Leonardo—he’s in worse shape. They… they’ve hurt him a lot. And it’s my fault.” His voice cracked as he lowered his head, his shoulders trembling. “I failed him. I promised I’d get him out of this mess, and I’ve only made things worse.”

Sheila shook her head firmly, her tears matching his.

“No, Carter. This isn’t your fault. You’ve done everything you could—more than anyone else would’ve. You’re up against powerful people, Carter, people who don’t care about justice or fairness.”

Carter sniffled, wiping his face with the back of his hand.

“What about you?” he asked, his voice filled with concern. “Did they… do anything to you?”

Sheila’s face twisted with a mix of pain and frustration.

“They sent people to your apartment,” she admitted, her voice soft but laden with emotion. “They trashed the place, Carter. They took everything—and then they evicted me. Said the rent was their money all along.” Her voice broke, and she covered her mouth to stifle a sob. “I’m staying somewhere for now, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is getting you out of here.”

Carter’s face crumpled with guilt. His voice came out in a whisper.

“I’m so sorry, Aunt Sheila. I never wanted this for you… for anyone.”

Sheila placed her hands on his shoulders, her grip firm but comforting.

“Don’t you dare apologize, Carter. None of this is your doing. You’ve faced more than anyone should ever have to, and you’re still standing. You’re strong, Carter. And we’ll figure this out together.”

Carter stared at her for a moment, his lips quivering, before pulling her into another tight embrace. The two of them cried in each other’s arms, their shared pain and despair filling the room.

But then, the door creaked open behind them.

Carter’s body tensed as he pulled away from Sheila, his eyes snapping toward the doorway. When he saw who was standing there, his breath caught in his throat, and he felt as though he’d been plunged into a tank of ice. His heart thundered in his chest, and his legs felt weak beneath him.

Jeremy stood there, his tall frame outlined by the dim hallway light. His fists were clenched at his sides, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. His eyes, bloodshot and filled with rage, bore into Carter, freezing him in place. His gaze flickered briefly over Carter’s bruised face, the dried blood on his neck and mouth, and the torn, disheveled clothes. But instead of softening, Jeremy’s expression grew darker.

Carter’s lips trembled as he whispered, “Jeremy…”

Jeremy stepped forward, his boots thudding heavily against the floor as he closed the distance between them. His movements were slow, deliberate, each step radiating anger. Carter wanted to move, to step back, but he felt rooted to the spot, his fear paralyzing him. His mouth moved, but no words came out.

When Jeremy finally stopped in front of him, the tension in the room was suffocating. His voice, low and hoarse, broke the silence.

“Why?” he demanded, his words sharp as a blade. “Why did you do this to me?”

Carter’s eyes widened in confusion. “Jeremy, I…”

Jeremy raised a hand, cutting him off.

“No. Don’t. Don’t lie to me. All this time, were you just leading me on? Was it revenge? Was it some sick, twisted plan to hurt me?”

Carter shook his head frantically, tears spilling down his cheeks.

“No! Jeremy, please, just listen…”

“I said STOP!” Jeremy’s voice thundered, and Carter flinched. “All this time,” Jeremy continued, his voice trembling with rage, “you made me believe you loved me. You made me think you cared, that we had something real. But it was all a lie, wasn’t it?”

Carter’s sobs grew louder.

“It wasn’t a lie! I didn’t know about anything…”

Jeremy’s eyes burned as he stared into Carter’s tear-filled gaze.

“You’re Ethan’s twin brother, yes or no?”

Carter’s lips parted, his voice barely a whisper.

“Yes, but…”

“And you’re both sons of Leonardo,” Jeremy said, his voice cracking with raw emotion. “The man who murdered my father and my brother. Yes or no?”

Carter swallowed hard, his throat tightening. “Yes, but I didn’t know…”

Jeremy’s face twisted with pain, his voice rising.

“You knew, Carter! You knew and you didn’t tell me. You kept me in the dark and led me on. For what? To hurt me? To make me suffer?”

“No!” Carter sobbed, shaking his head. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to hurt you! I know how much you hate Leonardo, how much pain he’s caused. I didn’t want to make it worse…”

“Bullshit!” Jeremy snapped, his voice breaking. “You think I’m that weak? That I can’t handle the truth? You’ve betrayed me, Carter. You’ve betrayed me in the worst way. How am I supposed to look at you now? How am I supposed to even talk to you?”

Carter felt something shift inside him—a deep, burning ache that felt like it was consuming him from the inside out. His trembling stopped, and he stared at Jeremy, his expression unreadable. His chest felt tight, as though something heavy was pressing down on him, suffocating him.

Jeremy’s voice was cold as he delivered the final blow.

“If this how you save me, Carter then how are you going to destroy me?”

Carter’s voice, usually calm and controlled, now echoed through the room, rising with a fury Jeremy had never seen before.

“I did it for you!” Carter bellowed, his chest heaving as he glared at Jeremy with fiery eyes. “I did it for us. For our love. And you’re standing here saying I betrayed you?”

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. His voice was equally sharp as he shot back, “Yes, Carter! I would still say you betrayed me! How am I supposed to believe you weren’t part of Leonardo’s twisted plan to destroy my family? How am I supposed to believe that this isn’t some elaborate scheme when you and Ethan—twins—both ended up in my life and both hurt me? How is that a coincidence?”

Carter’s lips trembled as his face contorted in a mix of anger and disbelief. He stared at Jeremy for a moment, his chest rising and falling rapidly, before stepping closer to him.

“You want proof?” he asked, his voice low and deadly calm, but it quickly rose into a shout. “You want proof Ethan loved you? Proof I loved you?”

The veins on Carter’s temples bulged, and his mouth trembled with barely restrained fury. He raised a shaking finger and pointed it at Jeremy, his words lashing out like a whip.

“Ethan suffered every day of his life since he found out the truth! Every. Single. Day! And yet, to protect you, to protect the man he loved, he kept it to himself. He lived with the burden of knowing who he was and what it could do to you. He was terrified, Jeremy. He didn’t want to lose you! Even when he was battling cancer—cancer! —he never said a word. He kept it all locked inside because all he cared about was your happiness.”

Jeremy’s face paled as Carter’s words slammed into him. His lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. He looked like he’d been struck, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“And me?” Carter continued, his voice shaking with raw emotion. “Despite how much I loved you, I decided to give it up! I decided to let go of everything I felt for you because I wanted to spare you the pain and the torture. And now you stand here—here—asking me for proof? Screaming at me like I’m some kind of criminal?!” Carter’s voice cracked as he let out an anguished cry.

Jeremy stood frozen, staring at Carter as though seeing him for the first time. To say he was shocked would have been an understatement. His mind raced, struggling to process Carter’s words. He’d never seen him like this—so angry, so unfiltered. It felt as though someone had slammed a mace into his chest. His throat tightened as tears welled up in his eyes, but he quickly rubbed them away, refusing to let them fall.

“You’ve known me for so long, Jeremy,” Carter continued, his voice quieter now but no less intense. “You know my history. You know who I am. And instead of thinking back to all those moments, to everything we’ve shared, you’re standing here, asking me stupid questions? Doubting me?!” His voice rose again, raw and filled with frustration.

Sheila, who had been standing silently, gasped.

“Carter,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern.

But Carter held up a hand to stop her, his gaze never leaving Jeremy’s face.

“No,” he said firmly. “If Jeremy wants to split hairs, then so can I.” His tone was biting, his words sharp.

Jeremy’s eyes widened, and a flicker of confusion crossed his face. “What…”

“I’m not surprised you’re acting like this, Jeremy,” Carter said, his voice dripping with bitterness. “You’re your mother’s son. Laura’s son.”

The mention of his mother’s name hit Jeremy like a slap across the face. Tears welled up in his eyes, and this time, despite his efforts, a few slipped down his cheeks. He furiously wiped them away, his jaw clenching as he glared at Carter.

“And yes,” Carter continued, his voice unwavering. “Ethan and I might be Leonardo’s kids. But let me tell you something. One thing I’m proud of is that Ethan and I were raised to be good men. We had a good upbringing. We’re strong, kind, and loving. And you know what’s sad? The man we both fell for is just a weakling with his head so far up his mother’s ass that he can’t tell left from right.”

“Enough!” Jeremy’s voice cracked as he shouted, his face contorting with a mix of anger and pain.

His chest rose and fell heavily as he stared at Carter, his vision blurred with tears.

Carter’s chest heaved as he stood there, staring Jeremy down with eyes that no longer held love, only heartbreak and anger. He raised a trembling finger, pointing it at the man who had once been his world. His voice was low, tight with restrained fury, but the pain beneath it was unmistakable.

“Perhaps both Ethan and I were too blinded by love to see just how weak you really are,” Carter said, his tone cutting like glass. He took a slow step forward, his finger still aimed at Jeremy. “Maybe we thought that beneath all that anger and all those walls, there was strength. But I see it now, Jeremy. I see that you’ve always been ruled by her. By Laura.”

Jeremy’s breath hitched, his lips trembling as if he wanted to respond, but no words came out.

Carter tilted his head slightly, his face twisting with sorrow and bitterness.

“So go ahead. From now on, do whatever your mother tells you to do. Live your life as her puppet. After all…” He let out a humorless laugh that came out as a choked sob. “It’s what you’ve always done.”

Jeremy’s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as Carter continued.

“As for us?” Carter’s voice cracked, but he pressed on, swallowing back the lump in his throat. “Whatever we had is over. I’ve already come to terms with that. But let me tell you something, Jeremy…” He stepped closer, his eyes locking with Jeremy’s, his voice dropping to a hoarse whisper. “I will find evidence to prove my father’s innocence. One way or another.”

Jeremy’s face contorted, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he struggled to keep his composure. His lip quivered, and for a moment, it looked like he might say something. But Carter, his voice breaking with anguish, delivered the final blow.

“We’re done here. I’m sure your mother’s looking for you. Wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.”

Jeremy’s breath hitched audibly, his tears now falling freely despite his clenched jaw. With one last look at Carter, his eyes a mixture of rage and heartbreak, he spun on his heel and stormed out of the office. The door slammed behind him with a deafening bang that reverberated through the room like the final nail in the coffin of what they once had.

The sound of the door slamming was the only thing holding Carter together, and as it faded, so did his strength. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor. The weight of everything—Jeremy’s words, his own anger, the heartbreak, and the sheer unfairness of it all—came crashing down on him like a tidal wave.

He cried. He cried harder than he ever had in his life, his body trembling with the force of his sobs. Tears poured from his eyes, blurring his vision, and his cries were raw, guttural, torn from the deepest parts of his soul. He clutched at his chest as if trying to hold himself together, but the pain was too much. The room around him felt cold, empty, suffocating, and his cries echoed back at him, mocking his brokenness.

“Carter…” Sheila’s voice was soft, gentle, a stark contrast to the chaos in his heart. She knelt beside him, her arms pulling him close, cradling him like a child. “I’m here, sweetheart. I’m here.”

Carter’s sobs only grew louder as he felt her warmth, her comfort. He clung to her like a lifeline, his hands gripping her tightly as if letting go would mean falling into an abyss.

“It hurts…” he choked out, his voice barely audible between sobs. “It hurts so much…”

Sheila stroked his hair, her own tears streaming down her face as she held him. “I know, Carter,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I know it does. Let it out, darling. I’ve got you.”

For what felt like an eternity, they stayed there on the floor, Carter sobbing in Sheila’s arms, and Sheila holding him as if her embrace could shield him from the world. Her heart ached for him, for the pain he was enduring, and for the love that had been torn apart so cruelly.

When Carter’s sobs finally began to quiet, replaced by ragged breaths and the occasional hiccup, Sheila pulled back just enough to cup his tear-streaked face.

“You’re going to get through this,” she said firmly, her thumbs wiping away his tears. “You’re strong, Carter. You’re so much stronger than you think.”

Carter’s red, swollen eyes met hers, and for a moment, he looked like a lost child.

“I don’t feel strong,” he whispered.

Sheila smiled sadly, brushing his hair back from his face.

“That’s because you’re carrying so much. But you’re not alone, Carter. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure this out together.”

Carter nodded weakly, his tears starting anew, but this time they weren’t as violent. He leaned into Sheila’s embrace again, allowing himself to take comfort in her presence. The storm inside him hadn’t passed, but for the first time, it felt like there was a break in the clouds.

***

Jeremy sat on his bed, his face buried in his hands, as Carter’s words echoed relentlessly in his mind. The anger, the pain, the bitterness—they all replayed like a haunting melody he couldn’t escape. The image of Carter, his face twisted with heartbreak and fury, was burned into his memory. Jeremy felt like he was trapped in a nightmare, one that he desperately wanted to wake up from. His chest felt heavy, his throat constricted, and his hands trembled as he rubbed them together absentmindedly.

The silence in the room was oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of his own unsteady breathing. Then, a voice—soft, soothing, almost like a whisper—pierced through the haze.

“You don’t deserve this,”

Jeremy’s head snapped up, his eyes wide and unfocused at first, until they settled on the figure standing before him. Dexter. Dressed in a silky nightgown, his hair slightly tousled, he stood there looking at Jeremy with an expression of pure sympathy. His brows knitted together, and his lips parted as if he were about to say something else, but instead, he stepped closer.

“Dexter…” Jeremy whispered, his voice cracking. He didn’t know what to say, didn’t know if he wanted to say anything at all.

Dexter didn’t wait for an invitation. He knelt in front of Jeremy, his hands reaching out to take Jeremy’s trembling ones. His fingers were warm, soft, as they gently rubbed circles on the back of Jeremy’s hands. His eyes, a deep pool of sincerity, locked onto Jeremy’s, and for a moment, it was as if the world outside that room didn’t exist.

“I’m so sorry,” Dexter began, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry you had to find out the truth like that. It wasn’t fair to you.”

Jeremy blinked, his eyes already stinging with tears he had been holding back.

“It hurts…” he said, his voice quivering. “It hurts so much, Dexter. I don’t want to feel this anymore. I want the pain to go away.”

Dexter’s lips curled into a soft, understanding smile. He reached up, his hand cupping Jeremy’s cheek tenderly. His thumb brushed away a tear that had escaped, and his touch lingered, warm and reassuring.

“That’s why I’m here,” he murmured. “To take away that pain. To show you what it really means to be happy.”

Jeremy’s lips parted slightly, his breath hitching.

“How?” he asked, his voice barely audible, a mixture of confusion and vulnerability.

Dexter’s smile deepened, turning into something more mischievous, more knowing. He brought a finger to Jeremy’s lips, silencing him.

“Let me show you,” he whispered.

Slowly, Dexter rose from where he knelt, his movements deliberate and graceful. Jeremy’s eyes followed him, his heart beginning to race as Dexter’s hands moved to the sash of his robe. With a single tug, the fabric parted, revealing the sleek, sexy brief he wore underneath. Dexter let the robe slide off his shoulders and fall to the floor, his lips curving into a seductive smirk as he bit his lower lip. His body moved with a fluid confidence, and Jeremy felt his breath quicken, his pulse pounding in his ears.

Dexter stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Jeremy’s. He placed one knee on the bed between Jeremy’s legs, leaning in just enough for Jeremy to feel the heat radiating from him. With a single, teasing finger, Dexter pushed Jeremy back onto the bed, his strength subtle but firm. Jeremy fell onto the mattress, his eyes wide as he stared up at Dexter, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

Dexter climbed on top of him, his movements slow and sensual. His hands found the buttons of Jeremy’s shirt, and one by one, he undid them, his fingers brushing against Jeremy’s chest with every motion. The touch sent shivers down Jeremy’s spine, and he found himself unable to look away as Dexter spread the fabric open, revealing the muscular planes of his torso.

“You’re so handsome,” Dexter murmured, his voice husky.

His hands splayed across Jeremy’s chest, his palms warm against his skin. He leaned down, his lips pressing soft, lingering kisses along Jeremy’s chest, each one more electrifying than the last. He worked his way upward, his lips grazing Jeremy’s collarbone, then his neck, and finally his chin.

Jeremy’s breath came in short, shaky gasps as Dexter hovered over him, their faces so close that he could feel Dexter’s breath, warm and intoxicating, against his skin. Dexter’s eyes fluttered closed, and then, like a flash, he closed the remaining distance between them. His lips captured Jeremy’s in a kiss that was deep, and consuming, as if the world itself had ceased to exist outside of that moment.

Dexter’s heart raced, his entire body alive with anticipation and desire. This was what he had been waiting for, dreaming of. Jeremy’s lips were soft, hesitant at first, but soon they responded, melting into the kiss. Dexter poured everything into it—his longing, his passion, his need. This was their first kiss, and he was determined to make it unforgettable.

Meanwhile, miles away, Carter sat alone in the cold, dark cell. His arms wrapped tightly around his legs as he rested his chin on his knees, his tears flowing silently. The sting of Jeremy’s words still lingered, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead consumed him. He felt so small, so lost, as he stared at the concrete floor, his mind a whirlwind of memories and questions.

To be continued…