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?"

so you assume I'm

you for a while now. When you ditch your fiancée to protect another woman, did you ever think about how I'd

how could you so

of what Dalton had said to his

he realized that Meryl's outburst was a reaction to what

anger was a direct result of his careless

laughed, though the sound was bitter. "It was just a joke among friends. Is that

time for this. Your tantrum will only make things harder for Mom and Dad. Canceling the engagement

3/5

family is already a joke.

SO

And you're worried about

slapped Meryl hard

heaved as he glared at her.

vision blur and her head spin even more

pain in her cheek was intense, but she held

off the engagement means anyone would. still want you? Who would

your prison

fool of

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

She couldn't stand to be around.

to leave, the

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

finally understood that her so-called family and lover were nothing more than

rain soaked her through, but she felt strangely

was washing away all the hurt and

far away, a sleek black car was parked by the