Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 9 Her Call

Malcolm's face darkened as he drummed his fingers on the table, the sound echoing ominously through the room.

He couldn't believe that Meryl, who had dedicated so much of her life to Dalton, would now so easily call off the engagement.

"Is this about Lydia? They've just been working together more closely lately. Is that really worth all this drama?"

Bianca quickly backed him up. "Do you really think so little of Lydia? She's always been nice to you. Why would she try to take Dalton from you?" Meryl's gaze swept over her parents and then landed on Lydia.

It was all so bitterly ironic.

Lydia didn't need to lift a finger. Her parents were always ready to speak for her.

And yet, Meryl was the one they should have been defending.

A sardonic smile played on Meryl's lips.

"I'm not joking or being petty. I'm ending things with Dalton. It's over."

Dalton, clearly frustrated, tugged at his tie. "What now, Meryl?

Chapter 9 Her Call

What's this all about?"

Meryl's laugh was hollow.

"You think I'm just throwing a tantrum?"

"Dalton, do you think that just because I love you, I'm beneath. you? Do you believe I'm not allowed to feel hurt?"

can't see my pain, so you assume I'm just

ditch your fiancée to protect another woman, did

you so casually cast

said to his friends earlier made. Meryl's

realized that Meryl's outburst was a reaction

direct result of

"It was just a joke among friends. Is that all it takes to upset

spiraling, interjected, "Meryl, this isn't the time for this. Your tantrum will only make things harder for Mom and

3/5

joke. I've never seen

SO

her own family. And you're worried

anger boiling over, slapped Meryl hard across the

heaved as he glared at her. "You're

and her head spin

was intense, but she held

would. still want you? Who would risk angering

your prison record will be

fool of this

framed! Just because Lydia was

done with her family. She couldn't stand to

to leave, the heavy rain poured down

her determination, offered her an umbrella, but Meryl

so-called family and lover were nothing

soaked her through,

was washing away all the hurt

her, not far away, a sleek black car was