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Chapter 22
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2024-12-12 19:12:44Related chapters
Shadows of Us Chapter 23
Stumbling upon Melanie’s diary, Sierra learned that her sister once dated Roy, so she exploited the connection to get close to Roy. She put on a white dress yesterday to seduce Roy when he was drunk, assuming Roy would mistake her for Melanie. However, to her surprise, he only had eyes for Willow, whose guts she hated.She trailed behind Willow out of the dormitory, harping on. “You must be aware that you’re just my sister’s replacement. He was in love with Melanie, and now he is into me. Last night, we were getting–” “Smack!” Willow slapped Sierra across the face. Her education had been cut short, her name had been dragged through the mud, and the legal battle she had fought so hard for had been a constant struggle. Just when Willow thought she was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel… Willow blew up at Sierra. “Don’t make me part of your sick games. Just leave me alone!” Sierra held her face, her eyes darting a short distance away. She sounded hurt. “Roy…”
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 24
Willow had put in a transfer to the company’s out-of-state branch office and was due to start her new position after the holidays.Before the new year, Willow visited her father’s grave. She tended to the plot, clearing away the fallen leaves. Words failed her as a feeling of emptiness settled over her. Suddenly, she sensed a presence behind her, stopping just inches away. Then, a bouquet of flowers was placed in front of the headstone. Willow remained still. Roy, clad in black, got on his knees before the headstone. “I’m sorry you had to leave the world the way you did, and I apologize for hurting your daughter.”Willow stood in silence for a long time, and Roy stayed by her on his knees just as long. Out of the cemetery, Roy asked, “Why did you apply for a transfer out? It’s a much smaller city compared to Hereshire with fewer opportunities for development.” Willow was indifferent. “If you won’t stop stalking me, I won’t just be leaving Hereshire.”“My mother paid you
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 25
Willow’s wrists were bound, her shirt was in tatters, and she was fighting desperately to break free.In a fit of rage, Roy charged ahead and kicked the man who was on top of her. The man, who was no more than seventeen or eighteen, was sent sprawling.The boy whimpered and pleaded for mercy as Roy rained down blows.“Roy…” Willow trembled in fear. Roy scooped her up and wrapped his jacket around her.“It’s alright. You’re safe now…” Roy’s lips brushed against her cheek, and a sigh of relief escaped him.Willow held him tight, her voice hoarse. “Thank God you’re here.” Roy took Willow out of the dark and damp factory. As they reached the door, a silhouette darted out of the shadows from behind. Before they knew it, Roy was knocked to the ground with a sickening thud.Willow watched as blood gushed out of the back of Roy’s head, spilling across the floor. Catherine’s cheek-sunken face emerged as she stared grimacingly at the floor. “That’s what you get for hitting my son.”
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 1
Word on the street in Hereshire was that the young heir of the Chesters had a thing for eighteen-year-olds. However, Willow Croyton was twenty-one when she got with Roy Chester, and they were together for nearly three years. One evening, Willow received a call from Roy. He told her he would be back in Hereshire that night and was craving short ribs. Willow spent the next two hours cooking up a storm, but Roy was nowhere to be found. Around eight that night, she called to check on him. The line was noisy, filled with chatter and card shuffling of a poker game.“I’m at the Red Lounge. I’ll send the driver to pick you up.” “I thought you were coming back for dinner,” Willow replied. “Haven’t you had dinner? What do you fancy? Come over, and I’ll get the kitchen to make something for you,” Roy said without a care.Willow fell silent for a moment. Right before she took up on his offer, a boisterous voice interrupted the call. “Royal flush!” Amid the crackling sounds, someone p
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 2
The next morning, Willow went to school and presented her paper to her advisor. “You have a lot of potential, Willow, but your academic pursuits seem to be taking a backseat. How many times have I told you to revise the paper?” The suited professor adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and stared at Willow with a smile. “What are the changes I should make, professor? I’ll follow your instructions to a tee.” Willow hung her head low, her demeanor soft and submissive. “Are you sure?” The advisor rose to his feet and approached Willow from behind, his hand running down her silky hair. As Willow remained motionless, his hand landed on her shoulder, his fingers kneading through the thin fabric of her blouse. Willow closed her eyes and murmured, “What do you like about me, professor?” The advisor laughed. “There’s just something about you that appeals to men. You’re a fascinating contraction between fragility and stubbornness, purity and promiscuity…” His hand slid further down as
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 3
“Get in.” Roy released Willow’s hand and approached the driver’s seat. As Willow drew close, Sierra got out of the car in a fluster. “I’m sorry, Willow. I didn’t mean to make him drive me around like a chauffeur. I should get out of the front passenger seat. I’ll switch with you right now–” “Hold still! You have a sprained ankle!” Roy stopped Sierra. Before Roy could say another word, Willow opened the door to the back seat and climbed in. As the car drove off, Roy appeared annoyed, so silence hung heavy in the car. Moments later, Sierra cocked her head back and said bashfully, “Are you upset, Willow? Roy gave me a ride to school to submit my work because I hurt my ankle. That’s all.” Before, Willow would snap back with a smile, saying, “I thought it’s compulsory for freshmen to live on campus.” Today, however, she could not be bothered to engage with Sierra. Roy said, “She’s having a bad day. Don’t blame yourself or worry too much, kiddo.” Sierra grinned shyly and po
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 4
The commotion drew Roy over, and the first thing Willow did was put away her phone when she saw him. Oblivious to her subtle gesture, Roy strode over the mess and scooped her up with one arm. He turned on the tap with the other. The scalded skin on the back of her foot went numb for a moment under the cold water, followed by a wave of excruciating pain.Willow bit her lips, her face discolored. Roy gripped her ankle with a grimace. “You’re not a child anymore, Willow. How did you manage to tip over a pot of boiling water?” In a fit of frustration and pain, Willow bit down on Roy’s shoulder. Roy gritted his teeth but held onto her. “Did you burn yourself, Willow? I hope it isn’t bad.” Sierra emerged at the kitchen door, looking anxious. “I’ll get you something for the burns.” Roy took a glance at Willow’s foot and carried her out, passing Sierra. “We’re going to the hospital.” When the car started, Sierra limped after them and insisted on coming along because she was conc
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Shadows of Us Chapter 5
Since that day, Roy did not contact Willow again, nor did he go home. Willow knew that Roy was angry. He was punishing her for her defiance. Usually, she would cave in to him within three days. However, this time, Willow glanced at the calendar and decided to give herself a break. The weather turned dreary on the last day of October. That evening, Willow got a call from Roy. He gave her an address and told her to dress up. Though the nature of the event was not spoken of, Willow knew that Roy’s best friend, Adrian Cavill was celebrating his birthday. From the day Willow got together with Roy, she had taken note of all the important dates of his friends. Willow agreed to go, and none of them brought up the last fight they had. As she had been wearing slip-ons at home to let her foot heal, her foot protested as she wedged it into stilettos to match her evening gown. At the party, Willow was surprised to see Roy’s mother. The poised woman took Roy’s arm and brushed past Willow,
Last Updated : 2024-12-12
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Shadows of Us Chapter 25
Willow’s wrists were bound, her shirt was in tatters, and she was fighting desperately to break free.In a fit of rage, Roy charged ahead and kicked the man who was on top of her. The man, who was no more than seventeen or eighteen, was sent sprawling.The boy whimpered and pleaded for mercy as Roy rained down blows.“Roy…” Willow trembled in fear. Roy scooped her up and wrapped his jacket around her.“It’s alright. You’re safe now…” Roy’s lips brushed against her cheek, and a sigh of relief escaped him.Willow held him tight, her voice hoarse. “Thank God you’re here.” Roy took Willow out of the dark and damp factory. As they reached the door, a silhouette darted out of the shadows from behind. Before they knew it, Roy was knocked to the ground with a sickening thud.Willow watched as blood gushed out of the back of Roy’s head, spilling across the floor. Catherine’s cheek-sunken face emerged as she stared grimacingly at the floor. “That’s what you get for hitting my son.”
Shadows of Us Chapter 24
Willow had put in a transfer to the company’s out-of-state branch office and was due to start her new position after the holidays.Before the new year, Willow visited her father’s grave. She tended to the plot, clearing away the fallen leaves. Words failed her as a feeling of emptiness settled over her. Suddenly, she sensed a presence behind her, stopping just inches away. Then, a bouquet of flowers was placed in front of the headstone. Willow remained still. Roy, clad in black, got on his knees before the headstone. “I’m sorry you had to leave the world the way you did, and I apologize for hurting your daughter.”Willow stood in silence for a long time, and Roy stayed by her on his knees just as long. Out of the cemetery, Roy asked, “Why did you apply for a transfer out? It’s a much smaller city compared to Hereshire with fewer opportunities for development.” Willow was indifferent. “If you won’t stop stalking me, I won’t just be leaving Hereshire.”“My mother paid you
Shadows of Us Chapter 23
Stumbling upon Melanie’s diary, Sierra learned that her sister once dated Roy, so she exploited the connection to get close to Roy. She put on a white dress yesterday to seduce Roy when he was drunk, assuming Roy would mistake her for Melanie. However, to her surprise, he only had eyes for Willow, whose guts she hated.She trailed behind Willow out of the dormitory, harping on. “You must be aware that you’re just my sister’s replacement. He was in love with Melanie, and now he is into me. Last night, we were getting–” “Smack!” Willow slapped Sierra across the face. Her education had been cut short, her name had been dragged through the mud, and the legal battle she had fought so hard for had been a constant struggle. Just when Willow thought she was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel… Willow blew up at Sierra. “Don’t make me part of your sick games. Just leave me alone!” Sierra held her face, her eyes darting a short distance away. She sounded hurt. “Roy…”
Shadows of Us Chapter 22
Roy stopped seeking Willow out as the year drew to a close. He used to think that Willow left him out in a fit of rage as a result of his six-month neglect and that a good apology would make things right again. However, after that day on the rooftop, Roy understood the depth of the rift between them. No one had the power to bring back the dead, and he could never fill the void left by her father’s death.Willow had shown such remarkable restraint that day that Roy could not bring himself to say another word, or else the hatred in Willow’s eyes would kill him. The idea of Willow resenting him was too much to bear, so Roy avoided her. With Willow out of his life, Roy carried on with life as usual, living in privilege and success. Still, deep down, he could not shake an ever-growing void. One windy night, Roy had to be taken home after a night of heavy drinking. In a dreamlike state, he saw Willow standing by the window. She wore her usual silk slip, the hem ending just above her k
Shadows of Us Chapter 21
Silence hung heavy in the room for at least seven to eight minutes before Roy went to take a puff in the corridor. He did not feel like himself. The anger and frustration did not make sense to him. Why was he getting worked up over something so petty? Before he could wrap his head around the whole thing, a loud crash sounded, followed by a sickening sound of shattering glass in Willow’s room. Roy opened the door to find Willow standing amid a broken pile of glass shards, a chair still clutched in her hands. “I’m hurt. Take me to the emergency room.” Without breaking eye contact with Roy, Willow extended her arm to show a deep gash. Roy was livid. He had never seen Willow so defiant. “Fine. I’ll take you!” Roy gritted his teeth. The rain began to pour as they drove away, growing more intense with each passing moment. Neither of them spoke, their silence weighing down with unspoken words. Willow applied pressure to her arm with a piece of paper while Roy gripped the steer
Shadows of Us Chapter 20
Six months ago, Roy and Willow had the biggest fight. Roy was not one to avoid confrontation, but he conveniently forgot about the argument, blocking out the details from his mind. As he pieced together the fragments, he could see the distinct divide between him and Willow. Two months into Sierra’s time in Hereshire, she proposed a trip to a little church on the mountaintop to pray for her sister in heaven. While Roy was not particularly religious, he could not refuse a request tied to Melanie. When Roy picked Sierra up from school, he found Willow with her friends laughing infectiously, and her eyes were sparkling with joy. As she leaned forward, her long hair cascaded around her, wild and free. Roy had seen that side of her before when he was under her in bed. It was a far cry from the sweet and docile woman he knew during the day.He had often been fascinated by that side of her, believing it was a secret shared only between them. Yet now, Willow gave off the same energy fo
Shadows of Us Chapter 19
Willow answered the door on Roy’s second knock. From the window, she had seen his car parked outside, so she knew he had not given up. She shared the apartment with roommates, and the last thing she wanted was to be a nuisance to them. “Let’s take it to the rooftop.” Willow kept things brief and closed the door behind her. Roy caught a glimpse of a worn-out sofa and an old heater inside. He had not expected Willow to live in such a rundown place. In fact, he had always pictured her in a life of privilege, a sheltered existence of a college student far removed from the harsh realities of life.Willow had gotten her act together by now. However, Roy picked up on the distance growing between them. The pair quietly ascended the stairs to the rooftop. “Her name is Catherine Appleby. We were neighbors. Her husband caught a ride from my dad to the city and died in a car accident.” Willow opened the door to the rooftop and got down to it without taking a pause. “I paid her eight
Shadows of Us Chapter 18
Roy rushed over to Willow stumbling to the ground, her palms marred with bloody scrapes. The woman kicked the cake afar and pointed at Willow menacingly. “You think you can get out of this with just a hundred thousand dollars? Think again! You have to atone for your father’s sins, and that means taking care of me until I die and setting Ian up for life! You’re not getting out of this.”“What are you yelling about?” Roy pushed the woman away before she could grab Willow’s hair again, then pulled Willow up from the ground and shielded her behind him. The woman had no qualms about taking her anger out on Willow. However, she backed down, intimidated by Roy’s towering figure and furious glare. She murmured, “Do you think you’re hot stuff to snag a man? Why don’t you get him to pay off your debts? While you’re still young, you should get with more guys.” “What the hell are you on about?” Enraged, Roy motioned to hit her. However, the woman cowered and covered her head in fright,
Shadows of Us Chapter 17
Cameron could not quite figure out where Roy stood with Willow. When Roy came to him about accepting the contract from Willow, he assumed that Roy was interested in her. With the best intentions, Cameron tried to set up a private meeting between Willow and Roy, but that only angered Roy. If Roy did not have any ideas about Willow, it did not make sense that he would always show up in Cameron’s office when she was around. Roy would hide in the office, not meeting or saying anything to Willow, and smoke away. Cameron was not on the Chesters’ level. He had always wanted to get in with Roy, so that was an opportunity he could not pass up, and he went out of his way to look after Willow. Roy, on the other hand, could not make sense of his feelings either. He did not understand why he kept going back to hide behind the door, listening to Willow and Cameron chat about the most meaningless things. Willow was paid to care about him, and he was deceived for three years. Yet, he had don
