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

wanting to ask you for a while now. When you ditch your fiancée to protect

so casually

thought of what Dalton had said to his friends earlier made.

he realized that Meryl's outburst was a reaction to

was a direct result of

just a joke among friends. Is that

"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

a joke. I've never seen a daughter

SO

And you're worried about

anger boiling over, slapped Meryl hard across

he glared at

made Meryl's vision blur and her head spin even more

her cheek was intense, but she

want you? Who would risk angering the Aniston family

forget, your prison record will be public

a fool of

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

her family. She couldn't stand to be around. them

to leave, the heavy

her determination, offered her an umbrella, but Meryl just shook her

so-called family and

through, but

was like she was washing away all the hurt and

away, a sleek black car was