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?"

pain, so you assume I'm just making a

ditch your fiancée to protect another woman, did you ever think about how

could you so casually

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

shifted as he realized that Meryl's outburst was a reaction to

direct result of his careless

laughed, though the sound was bitter. "It was just a joke among friends. Is that all it takes to upset

sensing things were spiraling, interjected, "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 us look ridiculous."

3/5

already a joke. I've never seen a daughter

SO

her own family. And you're worried about how

boiling over, slapped Meryl hard across the

glared at her. "You're

slap made Meryl's vision blur and her

in her cheek was intense,

still want you? Who would risk

prison record will be public knowledge

a fool of this

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

family. She couldn't stand to be around.

the heavy

an umbrella, but Meryl

family and

soaked her through, but she felt

like she was washing away all the hurt

her, not far away, a sleek black car was parked