Fallen 20

Posted by Sara Lili, ? Views, Released on September 10, 2025

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Fallen 20 Summary

Meadow is stunned and conflicted after learning from Alaric that he might have had her sister Juniper committed to a psychiatric facility. Nova, Meadow’s close friend, reacts with sharp disbelief but also a grudging admiration for Alaric’s ruthless strategy to keep Juniper locked away, preventing her from causing more harm. Meadow struggles with her feelings, torn between her loyalty as Juniper’s sister and the reality of Juniper’s manipulative and hurtful behavior.

Nova is frustrated with Meadow’s repeated forgiveness of Juniper despite the pain she causes. Meadow reflects on the emotional toll of her past relationship with Juniper, including the scars left behind, both physical and emotional. Nova urges Meadow to avoid feeling sorry for Juniper, emphasizing that Juniper deserves the confinement for everyone’s safety, including Meadow’s own. Their conversation is interrupted by a nurse who informs Meadow that her scans are clear but she has a concussion, and addresses her as Mrs. Ashford, signaling the official start of Meadow’s new life with Alaric.

Meadow contemplates the implications of marrying Alaric Ashford, weighing the pros and cons of accepting his offer. The advantages include safety from her toxic past, the opportunity for revenge, and a chance to get to know Alaric better, despite the mysterious and dark aura he carries. However, she is wary of the potential dangers, including Alaric’s controlling nature and the unknown consequences of their relationship. The decision is complicated by her conflicting feelings about intimacy and trust.

Nova offers her support regardless of Meadow’s choice, insisting on accompanying her to Alaric’s home to ensure she is safe. As Meadow prepares to leave the hospital, her mind is filled with the realization that she needs Alaric, and she resolves to marry him, marking a pivotal turn in her life and setting the stage for the challenges and changes ahead.

CHAPTER 0020

Meadow’s POV:

“What the hell does that even mean?”

Nova’s voice was sharp as a blade, her eyes wide as they were when I told her that Alaric might’ve had Juniper committed.

I sat upright in bed, nothing less than stunned at the last thing he’d said to me before he left. I glanced at the door like he might come back anytime soon and say he was joking. That he didn’t really have my

sister locked away somewhere in a padded room.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

“He had her evaluated?” Nova scoffed, arms crossed and eyes narrowed like she was ready to burn the entire city down. “Tailored the test so she would fail? That’s…” she trailed off, and to my surprise, let out a

short laugh. “That is fucking brilliant.”

I blinked. “What?”

“Think about it,” she said, amusement lacing her voice as she ran a hand through her hair. “He could’ve had her arrested and had you press charges. But that’s more public. Messy. There’s always a loophole

around that. A loony bin however…”

Nova laughed again, resting her hand on my shoulder. “You’ve got yourself a dangerous mafia lord

billionaire husband, Meadow. I mean, how did he even think of that?”

A shiver racked through my entire body.

I already knew that Alaric wasn’t… normal. His ways were slightly different from the norm, but this? Committing my sister? That was insane.

Utterly insane.

“I’m not sure if that’s what she deserves,” I muttered, swallowing thickly. “She hurt me, yes, but that’s too

much.”

Nova’s expression turned dead serious now. “I swear to God, Meadow, if you start feeling fucking sorry for that bitch, I’ll contact Alaric and have him commit you too. Maybe put you two in the same room so you can share your feelings.” She rolled her eyes as she scoffed. “Juniper deserves to be where she is. To be locked in a room where she can’t hurt you or anyone ever again.”

“She’s my sister, Nova,” I whispered. “I don’t know if I can… no matter what, she’s still my-

“Wow, she hasn’t even start the manipulation yet and you’re already acting like this.” She frowned at me. What? You two can mind–link, now?”

1/4

CHAPTER 0020

+15 BONUS

If there was one thing Nova hated me for, it was my willingness to take Juniper back time after time. My willingness to forgive her even when she hadn’t apologized.

And Juniper never apologized for anything. She just found new ways to manipulate her way back to me.

And I was aware of all of this. Painfully so. But I just couldn’t help it.

No matter how many times Juniper hurt me, I could never fully hate her. Distancing myself from her for over two years was the best thing I could’ve done for my mental health.

But she had that under her control, didn’t she?

She sent Tyler.

I felt tears prick behind my eyelids. No matter how much I tried to forget, tried to distract myself from what had happened, the fact was that I’d wasted two whole years of my life loving and pining after someone who I thought loved me as much as I did.

And it hurt. So much that I could feel my heart physically sting. But for some fucked up reason, I couldn’t hate Juniper.

Instead, I hated myself for tolerating her.

“Meadow.” Nova’s soft voice pulled me out of my head. I looked at her, my vision blurry.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. But I wasn’t apologizing for zoning out. I was apologizing because this was out of Nova’s control. Years ago, she’d accepted the fact that I would always, always forgive Juniper no matter

how badly she hurt me.

Subconsciously, my hand moved to the back of my neck–the place where I had a scar. One of the many reminders of the kind of person Juniper was.

She continued, taking my hands in hers. “I know there’s nothing I can do about your feelings toward your sister, but…please, just not today, okay?” She gave me a tight smile. “Besides, he says it’s only temporary,

right?”

When I didn’t respond, she squeezed slightly. “Meadow, she’s not in any danger. Unfortunately,” she added under her breath, making the corner of my lips twitch upward. “But she will be when she gets out.”

My brows drew together. “What do you mean? Danger from who?”

Nova shrugged casually, “Me, of course. I hate her, Meadow, but you know what I hate more? The fact that

she manipulates you without even trying. It’s like… deeply ingrained in your-”

The sound of the door sliding open drew our attention to the door, and to be honest, had me feeling

relieved.

I didn’t want to get into that conversation with Nova. She knew it wouldn’t work, and here she was, trying.

2/4

CHAPTER 0020

+15 BONUS

A nurse came in, soft smile on her face. “Hi, Mrs. Ashford. Just letting you know your scans came back all clear. No internal bleeding, but you do have a concussion. I’m sending you home with…”

Her voice droned on but I wasn’t hearing anything anymore.

How could I? After she’d just called me Mrs. Ashford?

Mrs.

Ashford.

Alaric’s wife.

My gaze dropped to the ring on my finger as Alaric’s words came back to me in bits and pieces. All he wanted was for me to marry him and he’d help me destroy the people who wanted to destroy me first.

‘You haven’t even expressed your desire for revenge.‘

I did want revenge. God, I wanted it so bad it hurt. And I was going to let him deal with Tyler. But Juniper?

Juniper was mine.

“Rest, hydration, and no stress. Got it?” The nurse’s voice filtered into my ears again.

Nova smiled politely. “Of course. I will do my best to take care of Mrs. Ashford.”

I shot her a glare as the nurse walked out of the room, and Nova shrugged. “What? You are Mrs. Ashford,

aren’t you?” Her eyes dropped to my hand. “If you agree to keep the ring, that is.”

Something tugged at my chest.

“What do you think I should do?” I asked her, twirling the ring around my finger.

“I… don’t know, Meadow. Which really sucks because I’m your best friend and I always have an answer to everything. But this? I have no idea if you’re walking into the best deal of your life or the most dangerous.”

I heaved a sigh, running a hand through my hair.

A part of me already knew what I had to do. And I’d already weighed the pros and cons of accepting Alaric’s deal.

The pros?

I would be safe from my sister and Tyler mentally and physically because Alaric’s house was a fucking fortress.

I would get revenge(if I wanted it, which I did).

I’d get to know more about Alaric–because after only knowing him for about three days, I was curious to

3/4

CHAPTER 0020

+15 BONUS

know more. I wanted to know him. Not that it would be easy because of the obvious walls he built, but

that could still be fun.

And I wanted to touch him. To understand the reason behind his condition.

And lastly… he’d take my virginity.

The cons?

Accepting his offer of revenge meant he was going to do anything he wanted to Juniper–as he made a

point with the psychiatric hold.

I’d be with him. I wasn’t sure what it was that Alaric made me feel, but it was different. Darker. No idea if

it was a good thing or not, but it had to be a con.

The way Alaric looked at me whenever I touched him? He wanted to ruin me. I could see it in his eyes. That couldn’t be good.

And lastly… he’d take my virginity.

Yes, a pro AND a con.

And I wasn’t ready to delve into the whys and why nots.

Nova heaved a breath, unaware of the storm going on in my head. “Just… take your time, okay? And if you ever decide that you don’t want any part of it, you know I’ll always be here.”

I nodded, fighting a grin.

“Okay, I brought you some clothes. Get changed so we can go drop you off.”

My brow arched. “We?”

“Me and your driver, duh.” Nova looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “You think I’m letting you run off with a fucking billionaire without at least seeing where you sleep? Hell no, I’m coming with you. I need to make sure you will be taken good care of.”

I rolled my eyes, getting off the bed as I grabbed a bag from Nova.

“Sure, whatever.”

And as I took off the hospital gown and threw the sundress over my head, only one thought flashed through my mind repeatedly.

I needed him.

It was settled.

I was going to marry Alaric Ashford.

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.