Fallen 28

Fallen 28 Summary

Meadow finds herself unexpectedly contemplating going back to school, a decision triggered by a mix of emotions and memories related to her troubled past with her sister, Juniper. Despite having told Alaric she no longer cares about her sister, she secretly searches for online degree programs, feeling a mix of shame and hope. Her conversation with Nova reveals the deep emotional conflict she faces: relief that Juniper is locked away, but also guilt and uncertainty about whether it was the right choice.

 

Nova encourages Meadow to think positively about her future and praises Alaric’s decision to institutionalize Juniper, reminding Meadow of the abuse she endured. However, Meadow struggles with the lingering pain and the complexity of their relationship, feeling torn between her loyalty to her sister and her own need for healing. The conversation leaves Meadow feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, highlighting her inner turmoil.

 

Seeking a distraction, Meadow goes to Alaric’s study but finds it locked, prompting her to explore his bedroom instead. There, she is struck by the contrast between Alaric’s controlled, minimalist environment and her own chaotic life. While searching the room, she discovers a hidden door with a keypad, sparking her curiosity and anxiety as she wonders if it might lead to where Juniper is being held.

 

Her exploration is abruptly interrupted when Alaric appears in the doorway, observing her with a calm, almost amused demeanor. His presence and question, “Looking for something?” create a tense and charged moment, emphasizing the complex dynamics between them and setting the stage for what might come next. Throughout the chapter, Meadow’s emotions range from shame and guilt to curiosity and apprehension, underscoring her struggle to find stability and control in her life.

CHAPTER 0028

Meadow’s Perspective:

I honestly had no clue how I found myself here.

Just moments ago, I was aimlessly browsing the internet, hunting for psychiatric facilities nearby—or at least within a reasonable distance. Yeah, I know what I’d told Alaric: that I didn’t care about my sister anymore.

Then, almost out of nowhere, I was scrolling through college websites, checking out online degree programs.

I can’t explain how I ended up at this point.

I exhaled slowly, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose and tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

Going back to school wasn’t something I ever planned on, especially after having to drop out of my last one because of Juniper’s chaos. But when Alaric brought it up, I couldn’t help but feel a little… diminished. It wasn’t just the embarrassment of him knowing my history—it was the deep shame that came flooding back with the memories.

Here was this man—Alaric—handsome, intelligent, effortlessly sexy, and a billionaire to boot. He carried himself like he owned the world, and honestly, it seemed like he did.

And then there was me. Plain. A college dropout with nothing to show for herself, all because my sister had made it her mission to destroy my life.

It used to not bother me so much, especially when Tyler was around. As long as I played the part—pretending to have a normal life, staying sweet and quiet—I convinced myself I was enough. I told myself that waiting tables and smiling through the crap was all I needed.

But now?

Now I was living in a massive mansion, wearing a ring that felt too heavy on my finger, surrounded by silence and vast empty spaces. Time stretched endlessly, and I hated how hollow everything felt.

Maybe this—keeping busy—was my way out.

“You’re quiet,” Nova’s voice came through my phone speaker, tinged with suspicion. “You never go this long without talking. What are you doing—googling weird porn categories or something?”

I snorted, leaning back into the plush velvet armchair in the living room, a small laugh escaping me.

“Just… looking at online schools,” I admitted, deciding there was no point hiding anything from her.

There was a long pause, so long I had to check the screen to make sure she was still on the line. Then she popped into view, her wide eyes sparkling, blonde curls bouncing with her excitement.

“Wait, seriously?”

Her grin was so contagious I had to bite my lip to keep from smiling back.

“Mmm-hmm,” I confirmed.

“Oh my god, Meadow, that’s incredible!” she exclaimed. Her enthusiasm stirred a warm flutter in my chest.

I’d had to leave Nova halfway through college after everything with Juniper went down, even though she begged me not to let my sister drag me under.

“You really think so?”

“Absolutely!” she said, practically bouncing in her seat. “What programs are you checking out?”

I glanced at my laptop, feeling a bit uncertain. “Honestly, I just decided right now. I don’t really know yet.”

Nova’s grin didn’t fade. She looked so happy I rolled my eyes.

“Can you tone down the excitement a bit?” I teased.

“Nope, can’t do that,” she said, scoffing playfully. “I’m proud of you, Meds. You’re already thinking clearer now that Juniper’s locked away.”

My smile faltered, the words hitting a nerve.

Nova didn’t seem to notice. She kept going, her voice unwavering. “Dumping her in the loony bin? Best thing Alaric ever did for your sanity.”

I tried to push the ache in my chest aside, but it clung to me.

“Is it, though?” I asked, trying to sound casual, but the tremor in my voice betrayed me.

Nova squinted at the screen, leaning in. “What?”

“Was locking her up really the right move? Putting her in a place like that?”

“She deserved it, Meadow,” Nova replied firmly. “She beat you up, tried to get Tyler to rape you…”

I flinched at the memory.

“And that’s not even the worst of it,” she continued. “You’ve been through hell because of her. So tell me—what’s one good reason she shouldn’t stay locked up? Forever.”

My jaw twitched. There was no good reason, but the guilt gnawed at me relentlessly.

“We don’t know what it’s like in there. It’s gonna mess with her head, Nova. I—”

She raised an eyebrow. “You mean the same way she messed with yours?”

I tensed. “That’s not fair.”

“No,” Nova said calmly but sharply. “What’s not fair is the years you spent being tortured by her, always looking over your shoulder, apologizing for things you didn’t do. Your sister used you, Meds. You know that.”

I stayed silent, closing my eyes tightly as the back of my eyelids burned with unshed tears.

Nova sighed, her voice softening. “Look, I’m not saying it has to be forever. But maybe you deserve some time to breathe. Really breathe.”

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. “She’s still my sister.”

Nova studied me for a long moment. “And are you really hers? You keep bleeding because of her, Meadow.”

That broke something inside me. Suddenly, everything felt unbearably heavy—even the phone in my hand.

“I should go,” I muttered, standing up.

“Meadow—”

“Later,” I cut her off, ending the call before she could say more.

My hands trembled, and I hated the weakness. The guilt, the self-doubt—it all made me feel like some kind of sadist for worrying about someone who had torn me apart.

I needed a distraction. Anything.

That’s probably why I found myself heading upstairs toward Alaric’s study.

But when I reached the door and tried the knob, it was locked. Suspicious, to say the least.

Not wanting to return to my laptop, I decided to check out his bedroom instead.

He wasn’t home, but I hesitated before pushing the door open and slipping inside.

The moment I stepped in, his scent hit me—clean, subtle, and unmistakably him. For a second, I stood frozen, eyes closed, breathing it in deeply.

Then I forced myself to open my eyes, realizing how strange that was.

Alaric’s bedroom was minimalist in design—dark walls, sharp clean lines, and not a single item out of place. A large bed with crisp white sheets and a black frame was centered in the room, flanked by matching black nightstands.

Above the headboard hung a single piece of artwork—an unexpected splash of color in an otherwise monochrome space.

It was so perfectly him. Calm, controlled, and precise.

I moved toward the desk in the corner, opening drawers and rifling through them, desperate to find something—anything—that might hint at where Juniper was being held.

Some drawers were locked, and the unlocked ones were empty or contained nothing useful.

Frustrated, I was about to leave when something caught my eye.

A barely noticeable seam in the wall near the bed—a hidden door.

My heart pounded, breath hitching with anticipation.

I stepped closer, skin tingling as I reached for the keypad beside it.

Locked. Of course.

“Ugh!” I groaned, running a hand through my hair, then turned around.

That’s when I froze.

Alaric was standing in the doorway, watching me.

His suit jacket was off, sleeves rolled up, and his tie hung loose around his neck.

His gaze was locked on me—not with surprise or anger, but with amusement.

His voice was low and smooth, almost dangerous when he spoke.

“Looking for something?”