Fallen 174

Fallen 174 Summary

In “Fallen 174,” the story unfolds through Meadow’s perspective, highlighting the fraught relationship between her and her twin sister, Juniper. The chapter begins with a flashback to their childhood, where Meadow recalls a moment of confrontation that led to her being punished unjustly by their mother, favoring Juniper. This deep-seated rivalry is evident as Meadow grapples with feelings of confusion and abandonment, questioning why her parents seem to favor one twin over the other. The emotional weight of their past haunts her, as she feels that her mere existence has been a source of disdain.

 

As the tension escalates in the present, Meadow confronts Juniper about their family’s dark history, particularly their father’s criminal actions. The sisters engage in a heated exchange, where Meadow reveals her awareness of their father’s true nature and accuses Juniper of being fixated on the wrong narrative. This confrontation is charged with emotion, as both sisters are forced to confront their painful past and the impact of their parents’ failures on their lives. Meadow’s calm demeanor contrasts sharply with Juniper’s anger, showcasing the power dynamics that have shifted over the years.

 

The climax of their confrontation reaches a critical point as Meadow declares her intention to sever ties with Juniper. This moment is emotionally charged, as Meadow expresses her exhaustion from the toxic relationship and the desire for independence. Despite Juniper’s desperate pleas and emotional breakdown, Meadow remains resolute, understanding that this decision is essential for her own happiness and future with Alaric, her husband. The scene is heart-wrenching, depicting the complexity of sisterly love intertwined with resentment and the struggle for self-identity.

 

Ultimately, the chapter concludes with Meadow finding solace in Alaric’s embrace after Juniper leaves, revealing her vulnerability and the toll the confrontation has taken on her. Alaric’s supportive presence offers a stark contrast to the chaos of her familial relationships, highlighting the emotional burden she carries. The chapter encapsulates themes of betrayal, the quest for autonomy, and the painful journey of letting go, leaving Meadow to navigate her path toward healing and happiness.

 

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**Fallen 174**

**Meadow’s POV:**

There was a time, long ago, when Juniper and I were just innocent children, navigating the tumultuous waters of sibling rivalry. I couldn’t quite recall the specific incident that had ignited her fury that day, but I distinctly remembered the moment I found the courage to stand up to her. In that instant, her tears flowed freely as she dashed to our mother, weaving a tale of deceit about something that had never transpired. I didn’t even bother to defend myself; deep down, I understood that my mother would never side with me.

“Meadow! Get in here!” she called, her voice echoing through the house.

In the kitchen, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Our mother’s eyes, usually warm and inviting, were now cold, and she ordered Juniper to slap me.

“Thirty times,” she instructed, her voice devoid of empathy.

For no reason at all.

A wave of confusion washed over me. Why did my parents seem to harbor such disdain for me? What made them favor one twin over the other, especially when we were two halves of the same whole?

All I did was exist. That was my only crime.

And for that, I was punished.

As we made our way into the living room, I allowed Juniper to stride ahead. There was no way I would walk in front of her; I refused to give her that satisfaction.

The sound of her heels echoed ominously against the floor, each click a reminder of her rigid posture and the resentment that radiated from her.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I didn’t resist it.

I had slapped her. Me.

There was an unparalleled satisfaction in witnessing the shock on her face as she complied with my request, flipping our usual dynamic on its head.

She plopped down onto one of the sofas, crossing her legs defiantly and lifting her chin, her glare directed at me like a dagger.

“Fucking talk,” she spat, venom lacing her words. “Maybe start with how the hell you married the man who put our own father in prison.”

“Juniper, you don’t get to dictate where I begin,” I replied softly, leaning casually against the seat opposite her. “I owe you no explanations. My decision to stay married to Alaric is valid, wouldn’t you agree? After all, Clint Russell was a father to you, but never to me.”

Her mouth opened, ready to unleash a retort, but I cut her off. “You know what baffles me right now?” I slowly lowered myself into the chair, my voice steady. “Why are you so fixated on the fact that Alaric put your father in prison instead of acknowledging that Clint murdered his own father?”

It was a blatant lie, a fabrication I spun with ease. Alaric had indeed killed his father, and I was painfully aware of that truth.

But no one else knew. And I would do anything to protect the man I loved, even if it meant twisting the narrative.

Not that he needed my protection, anyway.

Juniper’s expression darkened, her scowl deepening, but she remained silent.

“You’re not saying anything,” I murmured, my eyes narrowing. “That means you know he did it, don’t you? You know our father was a killer—he is, I mean. And you know Alaric’s father wasn’t the first man he killed.”

Her complexion drained of color, and she averted her gaze.

We both understood the monster our father had been. A man of power who had swindled countless people, often without them realizing it until it was far too late.

It was a dirty business, and the collateral damage was always innocent lives.

As children, we had once eavesdropped on one of his clandestine conversations through the door of his study. We had heard things we were never meant to hear, but I bore the brunt of the punishment when Juniper betrayed me to him.

“Ah, there it is,” I drawled, fixing her with a piercing stare. “That familiar look. You always act like you’re in control, like you hold all the cards, but in reality, you have nothing, Juniper. Nothing at all. It’s precisely because you lack a life of your own that you feel compelled to follow me around, trying to make mine miserable.”

“Shut up,” she hissed, gripping the edge of the seat as if it were her lifeline. “You’re the one who has no life.”

I chuckled softly, gesturing around the expansive living room. “Am I? You’re deluded, Juniper. Completely lost in your own little bubble. I’m not miserable—not anymore. My life is finally on track, which is more than I can say for you.”

In a sudden burst of anger, Juniper shot to her feet, her voice rising to a shrill pitch. “You’re a fucking miserable bitch, Meadow. That’s all you are, and that’s all you deserve to be! You killed her…” Her voice faltered, cracking under the weight of her accusation. “You killed our mother, and you have the nerve to—”

“Oh, don’t start pretending you didn’t already despise me before Mother died,” I interrupted, stepping closer until we were mere inches apart. “And I didn’t kill her. Her obsession with Clint and her refusal to face the truth about her loneliness killed her! Don’t you see that, Juniper? Our mother knew she was alone. We weren’t worth the fight. Have you ever considered that if she truly loved you, she wouldn’t have tried to take her own life?”

Juniper gasped, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.

In that moment, I realized I had her right where I wanted her.

Shaking my head, I offered her a look of pity. “Our parents didn’t love you, Juni. They didn’t love anyone but themselves. And when you told Clint that I ‘killed’ her, you only fueled his rage. We both know that if he ever gets out—though he won’t—I won’t be the only one he’ll be after. You know that too. You’ve been pretending to be me in front of him, but does he ever ask about you? Does he ever write to you? Tell you he loves you?”

Her eyes fluttered, blinking rapidly as she fought back tears, and I knew I had struck a nerve. He didn’t love her. He didn’t love any of us.

The backs of my eyes burned, and I felt foolish for allowing myself to get emotional over this.

But how could I not? I had endured so much pain for nothing.

“You think I’m your biggest enemy, but I’m not. Our parents are. All I’ve ever wanted was for you to love me, to treat me like a normal twin would. But all you’ve ever done is hate me as if I… as if I ever did anything to you!” My voice cracked under the strain of my emotions.

Juniper shook her head vehemently. “Meadow… you don’t understand.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “You’re right. I don’t. And the old me would’ve begged you to help me understand. But I’m done caring about you, Juni. I’m exhausted from pouring my heart into our relationship. I’m sick and tired of you.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “I… I hate you.”

In that moment, she recoiled as if my words had physically struck her. Her expression shifted, and I could see the turmoil within her, the struggle to find the right words.

I sniffed, rolling my eyes to push back my own tears. “Here’s what’s going to happen after tonight.”

Her shoulders slumped; she knew what was coming. “Meadow—”

“You will leave Seattle. Yvonne is probably already on her way out after that stunt she pulled with the Ashfords. You can go with her, or not. I don’t care. But you will stop following me around.”

“Meadow, wait—”

“I never want to see you again, Juniper.”

“How can you—”

“If I ever see you again, even by accident… I’ll make sure you end up in that facility you despise so much. And I’ll also ensure Clint receives additional sentences for all those other murders.” My gaze hardened as her face paled. “I’m married to one of the most powerful men in Seattle, Juni. You know I can make that happen.”

What happened next caught me completely off guard.

Juniper fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. “No, no, please, Meadow. You don’t understand. I-I-I need you, okay?” She inhaled shakily, grasping my legs as if I were her only lifeline. “I need you. We can’t be apart. What am I going to do without you?”

It was a pitiful sight.

The realization that Juniper had nothing else to cling to when she wasn’t busy trying to ruin my life was heartbreaking.

My bottom lip trembled, and I felt a pang of sympathy, but I knew this was a necessary step if I wanted to find happiness with Alaric.

So, I cupped my sister’s cheek, using my thumbs to gently wipe away her tears. And once her eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope…

I crushed that hope.

“You should’ve thought of that when you were busy treating me like the enemy.”

I stepped back, my gaze shifting away from her, only to find Alaric standing in the corner, his hands tucked into his pockets, shoulders slumped, brows furrowed with concern.

“Leave now, Juniper,” I whispered, my voice steady.

Only when I heard the front door slam behind her did I allow myself to break. Alaric was there, his arms open, ready to catch me as I collapsed against him, sobbing into his chest, releasing all the pent-up emotions I had been holding back.

“You’re okay, you’re okay,” he murmured in a soothing tone. “You did good, baby. You did so well. I’m proud of you. I love you.”

Conclusion

 

In the aftermath of that tumultuous confrontation, Meadow stood at the precipice of a new chapter in her life, one that was no longer overshadowed by the toxic bond she shared with Juniper. The weight of years spent in the shadows of her sister’s resentment and their parents’ neglect had finally lifted. As she collapsed into Alaric’s embrace, the tears that flowed were not just a release of pain but a cathartic shedding of the past. She had confronted the demons that had haunted her for far too long, and in doing so, she had reclaimed her identity. No longer would she bear the burden of familial loyalty that had only led to her suffering; instead, she chose the path of self-acceptance and love, realizing that it was okay to prioritize her happiness.

 

Alaric’s presence was a balm to her wounded spirit, a reminder that she was deserving of love and support, unlike the hollow affection she had sought from her family. As his whispered words of pride washed over her, Meadow felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. She had taken a stand, not only against Juniper but against the cycle of pain that had defined their lives. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them, fortified by the strength of her choices and the love of the man who stood beside her. In that moment, she understood that true freedom lay in breaking away from the past and embracing the future, one filled with possibilities she had once deemed unreachable.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

 

In the upcoming chapter of *Fallen 174*, tensions are bound to escalate as Meadow grapples with the aftermath of her confrontation with Juniper. With her sister’s desperate pleas still echoing in her mind, Meadow must confront her own conflicting emotions—does she truly have the strength to sever ties with someone who has been a constant presence in her life, even if that presence has been toxic? The stakes are higher than ever, especially with Alaric by her side, providing both support and a looming shadow of the power he wields. As she navigates her feelings of guilt and relief, readers will be left wondering: can Meadow truly move forward without the weight of her sister’s expectations dragging her down?

 

Moreover, the chapter hints at the potential consequences of Meadow’s decision. With Juniper now free but vulnerable, the delicate balance of their family dynamics teeters on the edge of chaos. Will Juniper retaliate in a desperate attempt to regain control? Or will she spiral further into despair, leading to unforeseen repercussions for both sisters? As secrets from their past resurface, the narrative promises to delve deeper into the dark undercurrents of their family history, revealing truths that could shatter the fragile peace Meadow has fought so hard to establish. Prepare for a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting shadows of their shared past as the story unfolds.