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?"

can't see my pain, so you assume I'm

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

how could you so

thought of what Dalton had said to

Meryl's outburst was a reaction to

anger was a direct result of his

sound was bitter. "It was just a joke among friends.

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

3/5

a joke. I've never

SO

her own family. And you're worried about

his anger boiling over, slapped Meryl hard

he glared at her.

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

in her cheek was intense, but she held

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

prison record will be public

made a fool of

prison, but I was framed! Just because Lydia was behind

family. She couldn't stand to be around.

she turned to leave, the heavy rain poured down

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

so-called family and

her through,

was like she was washing away

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