Fallen 105

Posted by Sara Lili, ? Views, Released on September 12, 2025

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At first, Clarissa didn’t say anything. I watched her, hands still tucked in my pockets, as she strutted toward her desk, where I noticed the boxed wine sitting on it.

“You know, someone got me this,” she muttered, opening it up and pulling the bottle out of it. Clarissa uncorked it slowly, as if my fury wasn’t filling the fucking room. “A friend from back in high school. You probably wouldn’t know him.”

She raised her gaze to mine as her lips twitched. “Very sweet vintage. It’s a thoughtful gift, don’t you think?”

My nostrils flared at the same time the bottle popped. “I asked you a question, Clarissa.”

“I know,” she murmured. “Oh, fuck. I don’t have any glasses here. You wouldn’t mind drinking directly from the bottle, would you? You used to love that-”

“I did not come here to drink,” I gritted out, stepping toward her desk. Toward her. Clarissa’s brows drew together, and for a second, she actually seemed confused.

“You didn’t?”

I simply arched a brow.

Her eyes glinted with mischief. “I assumed that’s why you came here. Thought you’d like to… you know, drink.” Her head tilted slightly. “Like I told Meadow we did.”

A dreadful shiver shot down my spine and I clenched my fists harder inside my pockets. “You what?”

What the fuck did she really tell my wife?

Clarissa raised the bottle to her lips and took a sip, letting out a tiny moan that made me want to wrap my hands around her neck and strangle her until she took her final breath.

It was hard to believe that I used to love this woman–then again, she wasn’t always like this.

She swallowed, and then sighed. “God, that is good wine.”

My nostrils flared again, and I stepped forward, stretching my hand out for the bottle. Clarissa arched a brow, seemingly surprised that I was about to take her on her offer to drink.

But I wasn’t.

The moment I took the bottle from her hand, I flung it across the room, smashing it into pieces. Red liquid spread across the wall onto the floor.

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Clarissa’s gasp was loud as she shot me a glare. “What on earth is the matter with you? Do you have any idea how much that paint job cost?” She stormed toward me. “These are new floors, Alaric!”

“Stay back,” I said firmly when she was only a few feet away from me. “Come any closer and I’ll ruin much more than your floors and walls.”

She halted, clenching her fists at her sides. And for a moment, all she did was narrow her eyes at me, as if

I was at fault. As if all this couldn’t have been avoided if she had answered my question.

It wasn’t a big deal, of course. I could get her new walls or floors or whatever the fuck she wanted. And

she knew that.

Clarissa heaved a sigh, looking away from me as she ran a hand through her hair. She leaned against the

edge of her desk. “Don’t you ever get tired of being so…. moody and violent with me all the time?”

My jaw ticked. “Don’t you ever get tired of being a meddling, avoidant bitch?” I countered, shoving my

hands back into my pockets. “What did you tell my wife, Clarissa? That I drank with you?”

She pursed her lips. “Hurts so much that I’m not the one you call your wife.”

I gave her a blank stare until she finally folded, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms in front of her

chest.

“You two are so pathetic, you know that? Meadow would rather die in silence than tell you that she was

with me, all because she doesn’t trust you enough to tell you about what happened to her family.” She

chuckled, shaking her head. “But of course, you already know what happened to her family because

you’re the one who ruined it-”

“Clint Russell ruined his own fucking family when he killed my father,” I cut in, taking a step closer to

Clarissa. “And whether or not I tell Meadow is none of your goddamn business. I said…” Another step

closer and I was directly in front of her. “Tell me what the fuck you said to her that got her upset.”

Meadow didn’t want to tell me about her family, not because she didn’t trust me, but because she was

ashamed. Ashamed and terrified of being associated with the things that had happened to her.

I didn’t need her to tell me that. And I definitely did not need Clarissa trying to manipulate me into

thinking that Meadow didn’t trust me. She did. Inexplicably.

Clarissa swallowed, her gaze dropping to my mouth, and I took a few steps back, away from her.

“I so much enjoy riling you up like this,” she said smoothly. “Fine then. I may have hinted at the fact that

we were in Vegas together… and I also may have… exaggerated some things.”

I stopped breathing. My gaze narrowed. “What things?” I asked slowly.

Clarissa shrugged. “Long story short, your wife thinks I was the one who convinced you to release

Juniper.”

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“Convinced?” Red hot anger threatened to burst out of my chest. “You fucking blackmailed me to…‘”

I trailed off. All of a sudden, it all made sense. Meadow’s defiance, her subtle anger. She put the receipt in her bra because she was upset with me. Because of the lies Clarissa fed her. Because there was no other way to talk to me about it without letting it slip that she was with her.

I never got drunk with Clarissa. I never even fucking got drunk at all. I’d only summoned her to the penthouse after she threatened to tell Meadow everything that I was keeping from her if I didn’t release Juniper. And I gave her a strict fucking warning to stay away from my wife.

A warning she obviously didn’t heed.

“You told her I got drunk with you and let you convince me to release her sister? I don’t even get fucking

drunk.”

“Yeah, but she doesn’t know that, does she?” She stepped closer, gaze narrowing. “Come to think of it, what does your wife even know about you? Gosh, there’s so much to say, so much to tell her but you—”

Before I could stop myself, my hand reached for Clarissa’s neck and I backed her up against the desk.

A gasp tore from her throat, and her fingers reached for my wrist as my grip tightened around her dainty

throat.

“I asked you,” I started, keeping my voice low. “To stay away from her. And you just had to cross me, didn’t you?”

Clarissa’s face started to redden, and she glared at me, still trying–to no avail–to slap my wrist away. But her words were ever sharp. “Or what?” She choked out a laugh. “You’re not going to hurt me. If anything, I’m sure you’re enjoying the feel of my warm skin on your fingers.” Her voice lowered. “You don’t have to

pretend to hate me if you want me, baby. You can touch me all you want.”

I let go of her neck like it was on fire, and I stepped back, running my hand over my mouth. Clarissa was a master manipulator. She had always been. But now, it seemed as though her tactics had become even worse. She doubled over to catch her breath, laughing while at it.

“What do you want, Clarissa?” I asked after a moment had passed. “What is it you want?”

Her brow arched and she walked behind her desk, taking her seat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Alaric.”

I tilted my head as my gaze narrowed. “You tell me you don’t want me hurting her, and then you go out of your way to do the exact same thing. What game are you playing?”

“Honestly, I just wanted to watch you squirm, looking for ways to fix the issue I created. Also, I just wanted to give you a little push, you know? So you’d be forced to tell her the truth about us.”

“I can’t imagine you’d want anyone to listen to the story of how you cheated on me with my brother.”

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Clarissa flinched. “It was a mistake. Besides, you forgave your brother. Why is it so hard for you to forgive

me too?”

She was the second person asking me this. The first was Mutti. And my answer would always remain the same. I did it for my family. And my brother already punished himself without me even having to do it.

But Clarissa was…. different. “You know what the mistake really is?” I muttered, leaning forward with my

hands on the table. Amusement swirled in her eyes as she shook her head.

I smirked. “You.”

The amusement died down instantly, turning into a glare, but I wasn’t done. “Meeting you, loving you-

those were all mistakes, Clarissa. But you know what won’t be a mistake?”

I didn’t wait for her to answer. “Taking away this business from you before you even think of opening-”

“You can’t do that!” She started to rise but I stopped her.

“Sit down.” She did. “And yes, I can. I know my mother has a hand in your business affairs, Clarissa. I’ll have you know that I can easily put a stop to it, and there’s nothing my mother or you can do about it.”

Clarissa’s eyes turned glassy. My lips twitched. I’d hit a nerve.

“I have my own money,” she gritted out.

“Do you?” My brow arched. “Or are you going to keep pretending you didn’t use your own niece’s trust fund to revive a business that was already failing?”

Like I said. Dirt.

Dirt was fucking important when dealing with the enemy.

She slammed her hands against the table. “Meadow wanted nothing to do with the money, Alaric. I simply… used it.”

I hummed. “And when are you going to tell her that?”

She swallowed nervously, looking away from me.

Pushing away from the table, I stood to my full height, brushing off invisible lint from the lapels of my

jacket.

“You have no idea what I’ve done.” Her voice shook. “What I’m doing just to survive.”

“Frankly, I don’t care.” I shoved out a breath. “I couldn’t be bothered enough to look into what you did with the inheritance your parents left you, because I already got all I needed. I don’t need some fucking sob story. I’m just simply reminding you that you shouldn’t mess with me.”

It was funny and damn satisfying to see Clarissa so speechless, without a word to spit out.

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“Careful, Clarissa,” I murmured. “And stay the fuck away from my wife.” And then I tapped the surface of the desk twice–I felt nothing. “Send me the bill for whatever you need fixed.”

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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Fallen

Score 9.9

Status: Ongoing Type: Alpha Native Language: English

Fallen Summary & Review: Fallen

Meadow Russell arrives at an upscale hotel, heart fluttering with excitement and nerves. She’s about to marry the love of her life, Tyler, in a small, private ceremony — just the two of them. Clutching her bag, she approaches the front desk with a smile. “Hi, I have a reservation. Meadow Russell.”

But from the very first second, something feels off.

The receptionist’s red-painted lips curl into a mocking sneer, and her colleague exchanges a strange look with her. Meadow’s cheerful tone falters as confusion settles in. The woman scoffs, “You’re kidding, right?” The disbelief in her tone makes Meadow’s stomach twist. She frowns, insisting there must be a mistake, but both receptionists continue to look at her with something close to pity — and something else she can’t quite name.

Then comes the shocker.

According to the hotel records, she’s already checked in. Two hours ago. With a man. The receptionist even claims to have spoken with her — complimenting her “cute top.” The same white crop top with the word “BRIDE” written across it that she’s wearing now.

Meadow tries to rationalize it. Maybe Tyler had checked in under her name. Maybe it’s a simple mix-up. She laughs nervously and explains that her fiancé must have done it for convenience. But both receptionists seem unconvinced. One of them finally sighs and hands her a spare keycard, muttering, “I hope you get things sorted out.”

On her way up to the room, Meadow’s heart pounds in her chest. Something feels horribly wrong, but she refuses to believe it. Tyler would never do anything to hurt her. They’ve been planning this wedding for months — their dream elopement. She tries to calm herself, breathing in and out as the elevator ascends, but her hands won’t stop shaking.

When she finally reaches the room and swipes the keycard, her worst fears materialize before her eyes.

The moment the door opens, the sound hits her first — muffled moans, heavy breathing, the rhythmic creak of the bed. Then she sees them.

Her twin sister, Juniper, straddling Tyler, his hands gripping her hips as he thrusts into her without restraint.

The world stops. The bag slips from Meadow’s trembling hands and lands with a soft thud. The scene before her feels like a cruel joke — something ripped out of a nightmare. Her vision blurs with tears, her body frozen in disbelief.

For a full minute, she just stands there. Watching. Waiting. Hoping someone would scream “gotcha” and end this cruel trick.

But there’s no misunderstanding to clear up. No mistake. No illusion.

Her twin sister moans again, whispering, “Yes, that’s it, baby,” as if to drive the knife deeper into Meadow’s heart.

Something inside her shatters.

“Juniper…? Tyler?” she finally manages to whisper, her voice barely recognizable.

They both turn, startled. Tyler’s face twists in shock, then panic. He pushes Juniper off him, stammering, “Meadow, I swear, I thought she was you!”

It’s a pathetic excuse. One that doesn’t even make sense.

Juniper doesn’t even bother covering herself. She just smirks, tossing her messy hair over her shoulder like a queen enjoying the chaos she’s created. “Oh, please,” she scoffs. “It’s time we drop the act. This has been going on for a while.”

Meadow stumbles back, staring between them. “What are you talking about?”

Her twin rolls her eyes. “You really didn’t think he loved you, did you?”

It hits Meadow all at once — the hotel mix-up, the receptionist’s strange looks, the duplicate “Meadow Russell” check-in. Juniper had stolen her identity, her name, her wedding — and the man she loved.

Tyler tries to approach her again, naked and unashamed. He grabs her jaw gently, his expression hard. “You thought I loved you, Meadow? No. Juni’s the love of my life.”

The words pierce like knives.

Every memory — every kiss, every late-night conversation, every promise he made — turns to ash. She had believed in him completely, trusted him with her heart. And all along, he’d been sharing that same intimacy with her twin sister.

Meadow stares at Juniper, still unable to process it. The last time she saw her twin was two years ago. They’d grown apart after Juniper’s endless trail of lies and manipulation had driven a wedge between them. Juniper had always been the beautiful, daring, chaotic one — the one who got what she wanted, no matter who she hurt. But never, not in her darkest thoughts, had Meadow imagined she would do this.

Juniper laughs again, the sound sharp and cruel. “She’s in shock, baby. Maybe we should help her out of her misery,” she says mockingly, then pulls Tyler into another kiss right in front of her.

That’s when Meadow realizes this isn’t a mistake. This isn’t a sudden betrayal. It’s a plan.

Her sister had known exactly what she was doing. She had tracked Meadow down, learned about the wedding, and swooped in like a vulture to destroy what little happiness she had built. The matching outfit, the fake check-in — all of it was deliberate.

The pain turns into rage. Her tears blur her sight, her breath coming out in shaky bursts. Every muscle in her body screams at her to turn around, to run far away from the two people who’ve just ripped her soul apart.

But she doesn’t move.

She stands there, trembling, her heart breaking piece by piece as she watches her sister smirk and her fiancé — her almost-husband — stand there unashamed, not even offering a shred of remorse.

Tyler and Juniper exchange a look, and she realizes — they’re enjoying this. They want her to see. To suffer.

Meadow’s hands ball into fists. She feels like she’s watching her life crumble in real time, and there’s nothing she can do but breathe through the ache and pray she doesn’t collapse.

Every part of her screams that this is the moment she loses everything — her trust, her love, her family.

And yet, deep inside, a spark ignites — not of despair, but of something darker. A promise that this won’t be the end of her story.

Because betrayal that deep doesn’t fade. It carves itself into your bones. And Meadow Russell — heartbroken, humiliated, and hollow — walks out of that hotel room knowing one thing for certain.

She will never forgive them.

And one day, they will both pay for what they’ve done.