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

a while now. When you ditch your fiancée to protect another woman, did

you so

said to his

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

a direct result

sound was bitter. "It was just a joke

this isn't the time for this. Your tantrum will only make things harder for Mom and Dad. Canceling the engagement

3/5

joke. I've never seen

SO

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

anger boiling over, slapped Meryl hard across the

heaved as he glared at her. "You're being utterly

her head spin even more from

pain in her cheek was intense,

breaking off the engagement means anyone would. still want you? Who would risk angering the Aniston

your prison record

a fool of this

was framed! Just because Lydia was behind it,

her family. She couldn't stand to

she turned to leave, the heavy

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

family and lover were nothing more than

her through, but

was like she was washing away all the hurt

a sleek black car was parked