All Chapters of Shadows of Us: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

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

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