Echoes of the Heart - 23. Chapter 23: Is it really the end for Carter and Jeremy?

Jeremy's lips pressed tightly together, his breath quick and uneven as Dexter kissed him fervently, his hand slipping lower, igniting sensations Jeremy wasn’t ready to confront. Suddenly, Jeremy’s eyes snapped open, and instinct took over. He gripped Dexter’s wandering hand, his fingers tightening with an unyielding strength as he shoved him off.

“Jeremy…”

Dexter barely had time to gasp before he hit the floor with a loud thud, pain shooting through his side as he winced. His wide eyes met Jeremy’s, a mix of shock and disbelief painted across his face. He pushed himself up slightly, one hand cradling his aching side.

“But why?” he croaked, his voice trembling with pain and heartbreak.

Jeremy stood abruptly, his hands fumbling to button his shirt as if to shield himself from the vulnerability he had momentarily displayed. His face contorted into an expression of anger, frustration, and something deeper—self-loathing.

“I wasn’t in my right frame of mind,” he said sharply, his voice laced with venom. “I don’t want to do something I’m going to regret.”

Tears welled in Dexter’s eyes, and his lips quivered as he stared at Jeremy.

“We’re two consenting adults, Jeremy,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I just wanted to make you happy… to make you forget.”

Jeremy ignored the plea in Dexter’s voice, finishing with the last button before pointing towards the door.

“Leave,” he ordered coldly. “And next time, don’t barge into my room uninvited. If you do, I’ll throw you out myself.”

A single tear slipped down Dexter’s cheek, and he quickly wiped it away, his face flushing with humiliation. He grabbed his discarded robe, wrapping it around himself like a fragile shield. For the first time, he felt exposed—not just physically but emotionally, as though he had laid his soul bare only to have it trampled. Without another word, he stumbled out of the room, moving as if the hounds of hell were at his heels.

The moment the door slammed shut behind Dexter, Jeremy let out a strangled breath. His knees wobbled, and he clutched at his hair, gripping it painfully as he screamed at the top of his lungs. The sound echoed in the silence of the room, raw and primal, a reflection of the chaos within him. He collapsed onto the edge of his bed, his hands still clawing at his scalp as if he could somehow tear the turmoil out.

The door burst open, and Jeremy’s head snapped up to see Jeff standing there, his face contorted with anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Jeff shouted, storming into the room. “How could you do this to Carter?”

Jeremy groaned in frustration, standing abruptly.

“Stay out of it, Jeff. I’m not in the mood.”

“Not in the mood?” Jeff echoed, his voice rising. “Jeremy, I know you’re angry, but this—this is too far. You shouldn’t have cheated on Carter!”

Jeremy’s eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing in confusion.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded.

Jeff gestured toward the door.

“I saw Dexter leaving your room, dressed inappropriately! If you did something with him, then you’re definitely in the wrong!”

Before Jeremy could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

“And why not?”

Laura’s authoritative tone silenced them both as she entered the room, her expression cold and calculating. Her heels clicked against the floor as she strode towards them, her presence commanding attention.

“That boy is a liar, a fraud, and a murderer,” she said sharply, her eyes narrowing as she spoke of Carter. “He’s done nothing but hurt and betray this family.”

Jeff frowned, shaking his head vehemently.

“That’s not true!” he argued, his voice trembling with emotion. “You don’t even know Carter, and yet you’re here, judging him so harshly. All you’re trying to do is poison Jeremy’s mind so you can manipulate him into marrying Dexter!”

Laura’s eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by her son’s defiance.

“Are you talking to me like that?” she demanded, her voice rising. “Your own mother?”

“You are my mother,” Jeff shot back, his voice steady despite the tears glistening in his eyes. “But I don’t agree with your ways. What has Carter done that’s so wrong that you had to send him to jail?”

Laura’s face twisted with fury.

“That boy’s father killed your father!” she snapped, her voice shaking with rage. “Did you forget that?”

Jeff’s jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering.

“I loved my father,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I miss him every day. But Carter had nothing to do with that. I hate the man who killed him, but that’s his sin, not his son’s. And instead of helping Jeremy, you’re taking advantage of this situation to further your own agenda. What kind of mother does that?”

Laura’s face contorted in anger, and before she realized it, her hand flew through the air, striking Jeff across the face with a sharp smack. His head snapped to the side, and a red mark bloomed on his cheek.

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension palpable. Jeff slowly turned his head back to face her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips as he raised a hand to touch his stinging cheek.

Laura’s expression shifted, a flicker of regret crossing her features.

“Jeff,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”

Jeff raised a hand, stopping her mid-sentence.

“Don’t,” he said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion. “Just… stay away from me.”

With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, ignoring her desperate calls for him to come back.

Laura let out a long, mournful sigh as she turned from the closed door where Jeff had stormed out. Her gaze fell on Jeremy, who stood by the window, his back to her. He looked so drained, his shoulders hunched, his hands gripping the windowsill like it was the only thing keeping him upright. The golden glow of the evening sun spilled across his face, highlighting the deep furrows of his brow and the hurt etched into his features. Laura’s heart clenched—not with empathy, but with a cold determination.

She approached him quietly, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor. Resting a hand gently on his shoulder, she offered him a practiced smile, one that she knew conveyed just the right amount of tenderness.

“Jeremy,” she said softly, her voice honeyed with concern. “Don’t let Jeff’s words weigh on you. He’s always been the sentimental one, too quick to believe in fairytales and false promises.”

Jeremy didn’t respond immediately, his gaze still fixed on the view outside. His chest rose and fell with a deep, labored sigh. Finally, he glanced at her, his eyes clouded with turmoil.

“I don’t know what to think anymore, Mom,” he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. “I’m so confused.”

Laura stepped closer, her hand rising to cup his cheek. She turned his face toward hers, her thumb brushing gently against his stubble as she looked into his eyes.

“Oh, my sweet boy,” she cooed, her voice rich with a motherly warmth that veiled her true intentions. “I know this is hard for you. But everything I’ve done—everything—has been for you. Because I love you, Jeremy. More than anything in this world.”

Jeremy’s lips parted, his breath shaky, but he said nothing. Laura took the opportunity to lean in, her voice dropping to an intimate whisper.

“All I’ve ever wanted is your happiness. And I could see, even when you couldn’t, how much pain people like Ethan and Carter brought into your life. They were snakes, Jeremy, slithering their way into your heart, trying to destroy you from the inside. I couldn’t stand by and let that happen.”

Jeremy blinked rapidly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I am sorry if I hurt you,” he whispered, his voice heavy with guilt. A single tear rolled down his cheek, and Laura’s smile grew brighter, triumphant.

“That’s all I wanted to hear,” she said sweetly, her hand moving to stroke his hair. “You see, Jeremy? It’s not your fault. Those people—Carter, Ethan—they share the same blood. They were born into deceit, raised in it. And Elena? She knew everything. She let it happen. She let them worm their way into our lives, into your heart. But now… now, you see the truth. And that’s all that matters.”

Jeremy sobbed softly, his body trembling.

“I’m so sorry, Mom.”

Laura’s smile widened as she drew him into a hug, her hands patting his back with calculated affection. Pulling back, she looked at him with a mixture of pride and relief.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart. What matters now is moving forward. Forgetting the pain. And luckily, you already have someone in your life who can help you do just that.”

Jeremy frowned slightly, stepping back.

“I’m not ready to have that conversation, Mom.”

But Laura wouldn’t let him retreat. Her hands gripped his arms firmly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she spoke, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Jeremy, please,” she begged. “I know you’re hurting. I know it feels like the walls are closing in on you. But that’s why Dexter is so important. He’s always been there for you, loving you from afar, waiting patiently for you to notice him. He’s good, Jeremy. So good. He loves you, truly loves you. And he would do anything to make you happy.”

Jeremy opened his mouth to argue, but she pressed on, her tears now spilling freely down her cheeks.

“Our family has suffered for so long, Jeremy,” she said, her voice breaking. “We deserve something good. Something pure. I just want to see you smile again. To see you happy. That’s why I’ve arranged a small party. Just family and a few close friends. A chance to celebrate, to forget all this darkness. You need to talk to Dexter, Jeremy. Make things right with him.”

Jeremy shook his head, stepping further away from her.

“Mom, I can’t. Not right now.”

Laura’s hand shot out, grabbing his and placing it over her heart.

“Please,” she whispered, her voice filled with desperation. “This is all I ask of you. Just this one thing. For me.”

Jeremy sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping.

“Fine,” he murmured. “I’ll… I’ll talk to him. But I need to take care of something first.”

Laura’s face lit up with joy.

“That’s all I needed to hear,” she said, her tears replaced by a radiant smile. “I’m so proud of you, Jeremy. And I can’t wait to see you happy. You’ll make me a mother-in-law very soon, I know it.”

Jeremy forced a weak smile, nodding slightly.

“Yeah. Soon.”

Laura leaned in and kissed his cheek before turning to leave.

“Don’t be sad anymore, my love,” she said as she walked out, her tone lighter now. “Everything will be alright.”

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Jeremy alone once more. The room felt heavier in her absence, the air thick with the weight of her words. He turned back to the window, his reflection staring back at him, haunted and broken. His fists clenched at his sides, his breathing shallow as he fought the storm of emotions threatening to consume him.

His mother’s words echoed in his mind, but instead of clarity, they brought more confusion. He pressed his forehead against the cool glass, his tears falling silently. He didn’t know what was right anymore. All he knew was that the sadness in his heart refused to let go.

***

Carter sat on the cold, unforgiving floor of the cell, his knees drawn up to his chest, his head leaning back against the iron bars. The silence around him was suffocating, broken only by the occasional murmurs from distant cells and the shuffle of boots across the tiled floors of the precinct. His mind was a storm—thoughts colliding violently, refusing to settle. He tried to piece together how things had spiraled so far out of control, but it was no use. Every time he thought he’d found some clarity, a fresh wave of confusion dragged him under again.

Suddenly, a loud, sharp banging echoed through the halls, startling him. His head snapped up, his pulse racing.

“Hey! Open this damn cell!” a familiar voice bellowed, filled with anger and desperation.

Carter turned, his breath catching in his throat as he saw Leonardo standing in the adjacent cell, gripping the bars tightly. His face was a mess—blood smeared across his cheek, fresh cuts and bruises marring his skin—but his eyes were blazing with fury as he glared in the direction of the officers.

“You idiots!” Leonardo yelled, his voice hoarse but unrelenting. “You’ve had my son locked in there for over twenty-four hours! What the hell are you waiting for? Release him now!”

Carter’s stomach churned as he saw the blood dripping from Leonardo’s temple, his father’s shirt torn and stained with sweat and dirt. He scrambled to his feet, clutching the bars for support as he called out, his voice shaky,

“Leonardo! Stop it! Please! Don’t yell at them—don’t make them come back!”

Leonardo turned to face him, his hardened expression softening as his eyes met Carter’s. For a moment, he looked utterly lost, as if the weight of everything had finally broken through his defenses.

“Carter…” His voice cracked, and he leaned his forehead against the bars, his grip loosening. “I’m so sorry… I’m sorry.”

Carter blinked, confusion flashing across his face.

“What are you apologizing for? This isn’t your fault. None of it. One way or another, we’d still have ended up here. Maybe even worse off.”

Leonardo shook his head, his shoulders trembling. Tears welled in his eyes, though he tried to blink them away.

“No, Carter. You’re hurt because of me. You’re locked up in this godforsaken place because of me. You should be out there… living your life, not wasting it here. I ruined everything for you.”

Carter managed a faint, almost sheepish smile, trying to lighten the moment despite the tightness in his chest.

“Leo, come on. It’s not that bad. It doesn’t even hurt that much.” He gestured vaguely to the bruises on his arm. “And we’ll get out of here. Eric is probably already working on it. He’ll figure something out.”

Leonardo sighed deeply, his eyes filled with pain.

“I don’t know what I was thinking,” he muttered, more to himself than to Carter. “Bringing me to your house, hiding me, trying to escape… I should’ve stayed outside the prison. If Laura had found me there, you’d be home right now. Safe. Sleeping in your own bed.”

Carter stepped closer to the bars, his expression serious.

“I’m not a kid, Leo. I knew what I was doing when I made the decision to come with you. I knew the risks. I thought… I thought this might be the best solution, but I was wrong. Still, I don’t regret it. I don’t regret helping you.”

They stared at each other then, the weight of unspoken words filling the silence between them. Neither spoke, their expressions void of emotion now, as if the exhaustion had drained them of everything they had left to give.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. Carter’s body tensed, his hands gripping the bars tightly as he glanced down the corridor. Moments later, three policemen appeared, their heavy boots echoing ominously against the floor. The man in charge, a stocky officer with a cruel smirk, stopped in front of Leonardo’s cell, clapping his hands mockingly.

“Hate to ruin this little father-son bonding moment,” he sneered, “but Leonardo, you’re needed elsewhere.”

Carter’s heart leapt into his throat.

“What? No! Where are you taking him?” he shouted, his voice trembling.

The officers ignored him, unlocking Leonardo’s cell and stepping inside. One of them grabbed Leonardo roughly by the arm, twisting it behind his back as they cuffed him. Leonardo winced but didn’t fight back, his eyes fixed on Carter.

“Wait!” Carter screamed, his voice breaking. “Where are you taking him? Tell me!”

The officers didn’t respond. They dragged Leonardo out of the cell, their grip firm and unyielding. The stocky officer chuckled darkly, shaking his head as if amused by Carter’s desperation.

“Stop!” Carter yelled, his hands shaking as he rattled the bars. “Please! Don’t take him! Where are you taking him?”

Leonardo turned his head slightly, his expression pained but calm. “Carter—”

“Dad! Don’t let them take you! Please!” Carter’s voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. He pressed himself against the bars, his chest heaving.

The officers only laughed as they pulled Leonardo further down the hall. Carter’s cries grew louder, more frantic.

“Tell me where you’re taking him! Please! Don’t take him!” His screams echoed through the precinct, raw and guttural, filled with a desperation that clawed at his soul.

But the men ignored him. They disappeared around the corner, their laughter fading into the distance.

Carter slumped to the floor, his body trembling violently as sobs wracked his chest. He clutched his knees to his chest, his fingers digging into his arms as if trying to hold himself together. His cries were quiet now, choked and broken, the sound of a heart shattered beyond repair.

The cell was colder than ever, the silence deafening. And for the first time, Carter felt truly alone.

***

Carter stumbled slightly as the door in front of him opened, a rough push urging him forward. The door closed shut behind, but he barely registered it. His gaze was fixed on the cold floor beneath his feet, his mind consumed with worry. His father had been gone for over an hour. No one had said a word about where they’d taken him or what was happening to him. The unknown gnawed at Carter’s insides, a twisting agony that refused to let him breathe.

He stood there, his arms folded tightly across his chest as though trying to hold himself together. His thoughts spiraled—what were they doing to his father? Was he being beaten? Tortured? Was he even alive? The questions clawed at his sanity, each one sharper than the last.

Then, a voice broke through his torment, freezing him in place.

“Carter.”

It was low, calm, and yet it sent an icy shiver down his spine. His head shot up, his breath catching in his throat. Standing just a few feet away was Jeremy. His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes fixed on Carter with an intensity that made his stomach churn.

For a moment, Carter couldn’t move. The sight of Jeremy, the man he loved so deeply, standing there after everything that had happened—it was too much. Then, a flood of anger surged through him, hot and blinding, shaking him from his daze.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice sharp, trembling with rage as he stormed toward Jeremy. His chest heaved as he stopped inches away, glaring up at him with eyes blazing. “Did you come to check if I’m still alive? To see if I’ve been tortured enough like your mother promised?”

Jeremy didn’t move, his expression remaining calm, but Carter didn’t care. He nodded bitterly, his hands trembling as he continued,

“Well, congratulations. I am being tortured, Jeremy. They took my father—God knows what they’re doing to him right now. Maybe he’s being beaten. Maybe worse. Maybe he’s…” His voice broke, and he furiously wiped away the tears spilling down his cheeks. He looked back at Jeremy, his voice sharp and accusing. “But you know that, don’t you? You already know what they’re doing to him, don’t you?”

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he couldn’t find the words. Finally, he nodded, his voice heavy with regret.

“I know where he is… and I know what’s being done to him.”

Carter’s eyes widened, the air around them growing colder.

“Then why are you here?” he spat, his voice cracking. “Why are you here, standing in front of me?”

Jeremy sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Because that’s not why I came here,” he said softly. “I came to check on you.”

Carter barked out a bitter laugh, taking a step back.

“Check on me? Don’t pretend like you care. Just get on with it.” His voice dropped, laced with venom. “We’re not together anymore, Jeremy. There’s no affiliation between us. Go back to your family. Go enjoy my suffering. Why are you even here?”

Jeremy’s gaze darkened, but his voice remained steady.

“You said a lot the other day,” he said quietly. “About my family, about my mother. That was your decision to make. I let you say your piece, Carter.”

Carter shook his head, laughing bitterly.

“And whatever you wanted to say, you already said it to me. You didn’t need to come here.”

He turned away, ready to leave the conversation behind, but Jeremy’s hand shot out, grabbing his arm. Carter gasped as Jeremy pulled him back, their bodies colliding. Jeremy’s other arm wrapped around his waist, holding him in place. They were so close now, their faces inches apart. Carter could feel Jeremy’s breath on his skin, and his heart pounded violently against his ribcage.

Jeremy’s voice was low, warning.

“Watch what you say to me, Carter,” he murmured, his dark eyes locking onto Carter’s. “I’m still your fiancé. I’m still the man you fell in love with. I’m not abandoning you over some trivial matter.”

Carter’s eyes blazed with fury.

“Trivial matter?” he hissed, his voice trembling. “You think this is trivial?”

Jeremy’s jaw clenched.

“I’m not interested in your opinion of our relationship or how bad you think it is,” he snapped. “My mother is back home, reliving every painful memory of how my father was killed. But I’m here. With you.”

Carter’s anger boiled over, and he shoved at Jeremy’s chest, though the man didn’t release him.

“Then stop wasting your time and go back to her!” he shouted. “Go back to your family, Jeremy! Go back to where you belong. Leave me alone.”

He tried to pull away again, but Jeremy tightened his grip, refusing to let him go. “If we’re really over,” Jeremy said, his voice dropping to a whisper, “then why are you still wearing my ring?”

The words hit Carter like a physical blow. He froze, his breath hitching as tears welled in his eyes. Slowly, he looked down at his hand—the ring still gleaming on his finger, despite everything. His lip trembled as he looked back up at Jeremy, their gazes meeting. All the pain, all the heartbreak, came rushing back, raw and unrelenting.

Jeremy’s eyes softened as he watched the tears spill down Carter’s cheeks. His grip loosened, but his hands remained on Carter’s arms, grounding him. “Carter,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “We can’t end like this.”

Carter swallowed hard, his throat tightening as he tried to gather the courage to speak. His chest felt like it was caving in under the weight of the words he had to say. His eyes flickered to Jeremy’s, his voice trembling as he said,

“We don’t have a choice, Jeremy. We have to end like this. There’s already been bloodshed. My father allegedly killed your father, and no matter what we do, that will always be there. It will always be a reminder.”

Jeremy’s brows furrowed deeply, and for a moment, his face twisted with a pain so raw that it made Carter’s heart ache. But then, Jeremy stepped closer, his eyes burning with determination.

“No, Carter,” he said firmly, his voice low but steady. “That wasn’t us. That wasn’t you or me. We didn’t make those choices. Why do we have to pay for what they did? Why do we have to lose everything because of their mistakes?”

Carter shook his head, but Jeremy kept going, his tone softening as he stepped closer still.

“Do you remember the first time we kissed?” he asked, his voice a quiet plea. “You were so nervous. You couldn’t stop fidgeting, and I had to hold your hand just to keep you still. But when I kissed you, you melted into me like you were meant to be there. Like we were meant to be.”

Carter’s lips parted, his breath hitching. His eyes began to grow glassy with unshed tears, but he said nothing, just stared at Jeremy, his emotions a tangled mess of pain, anger, and longing.

“And do you remember the night in the jungle when we stayed up until sunrise, talking about everything—our dreams, our fears, our stupid little secrets?” Jeremy continued, his voice growing softer, more intimate. “I fell asleep when you were singing to me because I was hurt. But even then, I just wanted to hold you. I wanted to keep you safe. You made me feel… alive, Carter. You still do.”

Tears slipped silently down Carter’s cheeks now, his chest heaving as he tried to suppress the sob threatening to escape. Jeremy’s words struck him like lightning, igniting emotions he had tried so desperately to bury. His eyes searched Jeremy’s face, his lips trembling as though he wanted to speak, but no words came.

Jeremy stepped even closer, their bodies nearly touching now. His voice was barely above a whisper, rich with emotion.

“I don’t care about the past because you were not there. I don’t care about the blood or the lies or the past. All I care about is you, Carter. Us. Don’t you see? We can still be happy. We can have what we dreamed of.”

Carter stared at him, his tears flowing freely now. His heart felt like it might burst from the sheer intensity of the moment. He looked at Jeremy like he wanted to kiss him, to close the gap between them and lose himself in the man he loved, even if just for a moment.

Jeremy’s gaze softened, his lips curving into the faintest smile as he reached up to gently brush a tear from Carter’s cheek.

“I love you, Carter,” he whispered. “I’ve always loved you.”

And then, without hesitation, Jeremy’s hand slid to the back of Carter’s head, his fingers tangling gently in his hair as he pulled him closer. Carter barely had time to process what was happening before Jeremy’s lips claimed his in a kiss that was nothing short of desperate and passionate.

The kiss was intense, raw, and full of everything they hadn’t been able to say. Jeremy’s lips moved against Carter’s with a fervent need, pouring all his love, pain, and longing into the kiss. His other hand found Carter’s waist, pulling him closer, as if afraid he might slip away.

For a moment, Carter gave in. His hands clutched at Jeremy’s shirt as his body betrayed him, responding to the kiss with an intensity that mirrored Jeremy’s. His mind screamed at him to stop, but his heart… his heart didn’t want to let go.

But then reality came crashing back. Carter’s eyes flew open, wide with panic, and he pushed Jeremy away with trembling hands. He stumbled back, breathing harshly, his chest rising and falling as though he’d just run a marathon. His lips tingled from the kiss, and his heart thundered violently in his chest.

“What are you doing?” Carter gasped, his voice shaking as he stared at Jeremy with a mixture of anger and heartbreak. His hands went to his face, covering his mouth as if trying to erase the lingering sensation of Jeremy’s lips. “You can’t just… you can’t do that!”

Jeremy stood there, his own breathing uneven, his eyes filled with longing and regret.

“Carter,” he started, his voice soft, but Carter shook his head furiously.

“Don’t,” Carter whispered, his voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder than it already is.”

He turned away, clutching his arms around himself, his entire body trembling as the tears continued to fall.

Jeremy’s voice broke through the thick silence, loud and edged with frustration.

“You’re the one making this harder, Carter!” he shouted, his chest heaving with emotion. “We could be happy! You’re the one standing in the way of that.”

Carter’s fury ignited like a flame, and he turned on Jeremy with fire in his eyes.

“Happy?” he spat, his voice dripping with disbelief. “You think we could be happy, Jeremy? Then answer me this—are you just going to accept that my father killed yours and forget it? Just sweep it under the rug like it never happened?”

Jeremy froze for a moment, his expression hardening, his jaw clenching tightly. His voice dropped to a dangerous, low tone as he met Carter’s gaze.

“I will never forget that,” he said, his words like ice. “Not for a second. I want Leonardo to suffer for what he did, Carter. I want him to rot in a cell for the rest of his miserable life. I’ll never forgive him for taking my father from me. Never.”

Carter’s breath caught, his heart shattering further with every word.

“And you expect me to just stand by and let that happen?” he said, his voice trembling with barely restrained emotion. “I’m not going to abandon my father, Jeremy. I can’t.”

Jeremy chuckled bitterly, shaking his head as a pained smile twisted his lips.

“Well, good,” he said, his tone mocking. “Because I’m not going to abandon my father and my brother either. Their memory deserves justice, and I’ll see to it that they gets it.”

The room grew thick with silence, the weight of their words crushing the air between them. Finally, Jeremy sighed, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before lifting back to Carter’s tear-streaked face.

“Maybe you’re right, Carter,” he said, his voice softer now but no less cutting. “Maybe we really can’t have what we used to. But for old time’s sake, I’m going to make you an offer.”

Carter frowned, his confusion evident as he stared at Jeremy.

“What offer?” he asked cautiously, his voice low.

Jeremy’s dark eyes bore into him for a moment before he extended his hand, palm open, his voice steady and unyielding.

“First of all,” he said coldly, “you’re going to give me back my ring. You’re not going to be my fiancé anymore. You don’t deserve that.”

Carter’s heart clenched violently, the words hitting him like a physical blow. His breath caught, and for a moment, he couldn’t move, couldn’t think. His eyes dropped to the ring on his finger, the one he’d worn so proudly, the one that had symbolized everything they’d once had. Now it felt like it burned against his skin.

With trembling hands, Carter slowly slid the ring off his finger. His vision blurred with tears as he held it out to Jeremy, the ache in his chest nearly unbearable.

“Here,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “Take it.”

Jeremy took the ring without a word, his expression unreadable as he slipped it into his pocket. The silence between them was deafening, and for a moment, Carter thought he might collapse under the weight of his own heartbreak.

“What’s the offer?” Carter asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his pain evident in every word.

Jeremy stared at him for a long moment, his gaze steady but unreadable. His lips parted, and for a moment, it seemed as if he might say something soft, something kind, but instead, his voice came out firm and unyielding.

***

In Jeremy’s mansion Soft, soothing classical music floated through the air, mingling with the sound of cheerful chatter and clinking glasses. The guests, elegantly dressed, sipped on fine wine and champagne as they conversed in lively groups beneath the glittering chandeliers.

Dexter stood among them, an ethereal figure. He was dressed in a fitted navy-blue suit with intricate silver embroidery along the lapels, a silk shirt underneath that shimmered subtly in the soft light. A delicate silver chain adorned his neck, matching the understated cufflinks on his wrists.

His dark hair was styled perfectly, soft waves framing his striking features, while a light touch of makeup enhanced his natural beauty. He was the very picture of grace and charm, his radiant smile lighting up the room as he chatted animatedly with a small group.

After a moment, Dexter excused himself with a polite nod and made his way through the crowd. His every step exuded elegance, the soft shine of his polished shoes reflecting the glow of the marble floor. His eyes lit up as he approached Laura, who stood at the center of attention like a queen on her throne.

Laura was breathtaking in a floor-length, emerald-green gown that hugged her curves flawlessly. The dress shimmered with every movement, the deep neckline and dramatic slit adding an air of bold sophistication. Her auburn hair was styled in an intricate updo, delicate curls framing her flawless face. Her diamond earrings glimmered like stars, and her towering silver heels clicked softly against the floor as she turned to Dexter with a knowing smile.

“Aunt Laura,” Dexter said softly, his voice warm as he took her hand and led her aside, away from the guests. His eyes sparkled as he glanced around the grand room, taking in the celebration.

“I can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now. Everything is falling into place—we’ve finally gotten rid of our enemy, and now we’re here celebrating. It’s perfect.”

Laura’s red-painted lips curved into a satisfied smile.

“And to make it even better,” she said in a tone dripping with excitement, “Jeremy is going to propose to you tonight. In front of everyone. Very soon, you’ll be married, Dexter. And you’ll finally have the happiness you deserve.”

Dexter’s breath hitched, his hands trembling slightly as he clutched Laura’s. Tears welled in his eyes, shimmering with overwhelming joy.

“I love you so much,” he whispered emotionally. “You’ve been like a mother to me from the very beginning, and now we’re going to be a real family. I’ve dreamed of this for so long.”

Laura’s smile deepened as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Dexter closed his eyes for a moment, letting the thought of his future wash over him.

“I can’t wait to kiss Jeremy again,” he murmured dreamily, his face glowing with love and hope.

The two exchanged a look of pure delight, their excitement palpable, when Laura suddenly glanced toward the grand entrance. Her expression shifted, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Jeremy standing there, scanning the room as if searching for someone. His figure was commanding, but there was a strange tension in his posture.

“Speak of the devil,” Laura muttered, gesturing toward him with a tilt of her head.

Without hesitation, she released Dexter’s hand and rushed over to Jeremy, her gown flowing behind her like liquid emerald.

“You’re just in time,” she said brightly, reaching out to clasp Jeremy’s hand tightly. “Everything is ready. Come on, let’s go. Everyone’s waiting!”

Jeremy stood still, his hand limp in hers. His dark eyes met hers, and his expression was unreadable—calm, yet charged with an intensity that made her pause.

“Mother,” he said softly, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable weight.

Laura frowned, her excitement faltering.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice edged with confusion.

Jeremy took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he looked past her. Slowly, he extended his hand behind him. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, the air thick with anticipation.

And then, out of the shadows, Carter emerged.

The room seemed to tilt on its axis as Laura’s eyes landed on him. Her heart pounded violently, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the man who had just stepped into her perfectly crafted world. Carter stood tall and composed, his hand gripping Jeremy’s tightly. His presence was striking, commanding even, but it was the look in his eyes—calm, yet unsettling—that sent a chill down her spine.

Laura’s entire body felt cold, a wave of shock washing over her.

“What… what is going on?” she stammered, her voice trembling as she took an instinctive step back. Her wide eyes flickered between Jeremy and Carter, searching for answers, for any explanation that could make sense of what she was seeing. “Why is that murderer here?” she whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.

Jeremy’s jaw tightened, but his voice was steady as he spoke, his words slicing through the air like a blade.

“Carter is not just here,” he said, his tone firm. “He is now my husband. We’re married.”

The words hit Laura like a whirlwind, stealing the breath from her lungs. Her knees weakened, and she stumbled back, her hand flying to her chest as if to steady her pounding heart. Her lips trembled, her mind reeling as she tried to process what she had just heard. Slowly, almost robotically, her eyes shifted to Carter, who was watching her with a calm expression.

And then, as if the universe was playing a cruel joke, Carter’s lips curved into a grin. But it wasn’t a warm smile, not the kind of grin that reached the eyes. No, this grin was sharp, calculated—almost sinister. Was that an evil grin?

To be continued...