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?"

see my pain, so you assume I'm

you ditch your fiancée to protect another woman,

you so casually cast

said to his friends earlier made. Meryl's heart

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

was a direct result of

"It was just a joke among friends. Is that

will only make things harder for Mom

3/5

joke. I've never

SO

you're worried about how

slapped

glared at her.

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

cheek was

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

your prison record will be public

fool of this

but I was framed! Just because Lydia

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

turned to leave, the heavy rain

Meryl just shook her head and walked

understood that her so-called family and

through, but

she was washing away all the hurt

not far away, a sleek black