Fallen 87

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

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HAPTER 0087

+15 BONUS

CHAPTER 0087

Meadow’s POV:

“Excuse me?” I nearly sputtered out my coffee.

Ingrid and I were only separated by the counter, and now she tapped her manicured burgundy nails against the counter top, the sneer on her face permanent.

My gaze narrowed as I tried to wrap my head around the fact that she just asked if Alaric and I were trying for a child.

“You heard me,” she said coldly. “I had hoped that would be the next step after your… sudden marriage. And considering what I walked in on earlier, I suppose I’m not in the wrong for asking, am I?”

‘Yes,’ I wanted to say. ‘Yes, you are so wrong for asking. And also, you’re such a fucking bitch.‘

But I didn’t say that.

“Speaking of…” I trailed off, looking away from her as I felt heat creep up my neck. “I’m sorry you had to

see that.”

Whether I hated Alaric’s mother or not, she did walk in on us fucking. And I knew that must not have been pleasant to see. However, the smirk on Ingrid’s face when my gaze drifted back to her told a

different story.

“Why apologize? I’m not sorry I saw it,” She drawled, leaning in and reducing her voice to a harsh whisper. “I’m only sorry I wasn’t here earlier, Would’ve been such a delight to interrupt your… copulation.”

I froze, my mouth dropping open as I stared at her in disbelief.

She knew. Of course, she did. Of course, she had to have heard the sounds while she ascended the stairs and then interrupted us on purpose. Had she even sent Alaric a text like she claimed?

I could tell that Ingrid was amused by my speechlessness. She let out a chuckle, her blue eyes shining with mischief. Her blond hair was pulled back into a knot like it was at the party. I suppose that was a

normal look for her.

Definitely matched her bitchy attitude.

Ingrid lifted her mug and took a sip of the coffee. “You know, I used to walk in on Alaric and Clarissa when they were just teenagers. Not on purpose, of course.”

I went completely still. My chest tightened and my ears started to ring.

That was not my business. It wasn’t. It was their past. Clarissa’s and Alaric’s. But why did it make my heart feel like it was about to be ripped out of my chest?

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Ingrid watched me over the rim of the mug, her eyebrows arched perfectly. “Alaric used to sneak Clary into the house a lot. And he would try to hide her. But I always knew. Always… heard them.”

I forced a smile and Ingrid took that as her cue to continue. “They were so in love with each other. I had never seen or experienced anything like that before–not even with his father. And there they were… teenagers, and they were already experiencing a love so strong, I thought it would never end.”

She sighed, shaking her head.

I didn’t realize how tight my grip was around the mug until Ingrid’s eyes dropped down. I exhaled, dropping the mug back on the counter.

“But then it did, didn’t it?” I didn’t know why, but all of a sudden, I was curious. I wanted to know why they broke up if things were so… good between them.

“Well…” she shrugged. “All good things must come to an end, as some people say. They broke up right after they were done with college because of a minor misunderstanding.”

My eyes narrowed. That was right around the same time that… tragedy befell my family. Our grandparents had died a few years earlier, so Clarissa agreed to step up before Juniper and I were placed in foster homes.

If Clarissa and Alaric loved each other like Ingrid said, then it would have taken a lot more than just a

minor misunderstanding for them to end it. Especially considering the fact that he could feel her.

What really happened between them?

Whose mistake was it?

“Nothing that can’t be fixed with a little matchmaking,” Ingrid added.

“What?”

She heaved a sigh, shaking her head at me like she pitied me. “You poor girl. You are so young, so naive. I

supposed I can’t blame you for being hopeful.”

I swallowed. “Concerning what?”

Ingrid dropped her mug onto the counter, walking around it until she was right in front of me. She was a tall woman. And when she was near me, she was even more tall and intimidating. When she raised her hand, I flinched on instinct. But she wasn’t about to slap me, she only placed her manicured hand on my

shoulder.

“My son and Clarissa have at least ten years on you, Meadow. They were each other’s first loves.” She laughed. “You don’t think Alaric would ever love you the way he loved Clary, do you?”

My jaw clenched. “Funny. I thought you were convinced that he paid me to be his wife.”

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“I was. But now, I see the light.” Ingrid stepped closer, leaning in until her lips were right by my ear. I should’ve pushed her away, walked away from all this, because I knew that what she was about to say would feel like a stab to the chest.

But I stayed anyway. Because I’m such a fucking idiot.

“Don’t be delusional, sweetheart. Alaric is only with you because he’s desperate to feel something.”

My heart stuttered.

“I know that you are young, and you saw my son–rich, handsome, with his life all perfect and put together. Now I don’t know how you found out about his condition, but you should count yourself lucky. Enjoy this moment, the riches and perks that come with being an Ashford. But I don’t want you to hold on

to it.”

Something pricked behind my eyelids. Ingrid pulled away from me, a smirk on her face. “Because his one true love his back. And you might think you’re using him, but really, he’s using you. It’s all an act,

Meadow. Don’t forget that.”

My eyelids fluttered as I looked away.

Why did I want to cry? God. Why did I want to cry in front of this woman? She may not have known the true context, but she was right. It was all an act. Alaric wasn’t mine. He never was.

He was only with me because he could feel me. He said it himself–he wanted me to be his because he felt my touch. And now that someone he actually used to love was back in his life… was he just going to toss me aside even in spite of the contract?

I ran a hand through my hair, not sure what I wanted to say, but then Alaric stepped into the kitchen, dressed in a dark gray suit with an unknotted tie hanging around his neck.

His gaze lingered on me for a second before shifting to his mother. “Everything okay?”

“Yes!” Ingrid quipped. “I was just inviting her over for dinner at the house, like I said before. I think we could really use some bonding time.”

He scoffed, “Not a chance, Mutti. Want to help me with my tie, baby?”

I couldn’t read the expression on his face so I wasn’t sure if he suspected anything. But I shrugged, forcing a smile. “Um, oka-”

“I’ll help you with your tie, Mein Herz,” Ingrid cut in, stepping toward her son. Something thick clogged my throat and I tried to clear it, looking away.

I reached for the coffee mug with shaky hands, but it had already gone cold. I dropped it back, tapping my fingers against the counter anxiously. Alaric followed my every move with his eyes but he didn’t question it.

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“So, you’re going to work, then?” I asked just to break the ice.

“Yes,” Alaric replied, turning to face his mother. “I’ll have West take you back.”

Ingrid shook her head. “No. I assumed you’d drop me on your way. And besides, I need to talk to you about something important.”

“And that is?”

“Your father.”

The moment Ingrid said that, the tension increased by a hundred percent. Alaric’s eyes shifted to me for just a brief second before he looked back at her. “Wait for me in the car,” he said.

And after Ingrid was gone, he stepped toward me, his eyes unreadable. “Is everything okay?” he asked me.

I nodded quickly. Too quickly. But then tried to play it off. “Um… I didn’t know your… father was alive,” I muttered. I’d just assumed that he was dead since his mother seemed to be the only person he mentioned.

But it looked like he-

“He’s not,” Alaric said coldly.

I swallowed, stuttering. “Oh… okay. I’m sorry. I just thought that since your mom said… sorry.”

What was wrong with me?

“Don’t be,” he murmured, pulling me closer. My heart thumped wildly in my chest. I wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or anxiety or the fact that he was touching me. “Did my mother say anything to

you?”

My stomach twisted as I denied it. “No. No, she didn’t.”

“Are you sure?”

Was I? I mean, she didn’t say anything that wasn’t true, no matter how hurtful her words were.

I nodded, “Yeah. You shouldn’t keep her waiting, you know?”

His mouth twitched. “She can wait.” And then, grip tightening around my waist, he pulled me in for a kiss. It was short, but I melted against him anyway.

“See you when I get back, Doe.”

And then he was out.

God.

So much had happened and it wasn’t even close to noon yet. I heaved a sigh. I needed something

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CHAPTER 0087

stronger than coffee if I was going to get through the day.

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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.