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?"

my pain, so you assume I'm just making a

for a while now. When you ditch your fiancée to

how could you so

Dalton had said to his friends earlier made. Meryl's heart

he realized that Meryl's outburst was a reaction

direct result of his careless

"It was just a joke among friends.

"Meryl, this isn't the time for this. Your tantrum will only make things harder for Mom and Dad. Canceling the engagement like this just makes

3/5

family is already a joke. I've never seen

SO

family. And you're worried about how we look to

his anger boiling over, slapped Meryl

as he glared at her. "You're being

made Meryl's vision blur and her head spin

her cheek was intense, but she held back her

anyone would. still want you? Who would risk

let's not forget, your prison record will

made a fool

framed! Just because Lydia was behind it, you all choose to

with her family. She couldn't stand to

the heavy rain poured down in

offered her an umbrella, but Meryl just shook her head and walked straight into the

so-called family and lover were nothing

through,

she was washing away all the hurt and

her, not far away, a sleek black car was