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

you ditch your fiancée to protect another woman, did you ever

so

what Dalton had said to his friends earlier

expression shifted as he realized that Meryl's outburst

direct result of

was just a joke among friends. Is that all it takes

isn't the time for this. Your tantrum will only make things harder for Mom and Dad. Canceling the engagement like this just makes us look ridiculous."

3/5

already a joke. I've

SO

her own family. And you're worried

over, slapped Meryl hard across the

glared at her.

and her head spin even more

pain in her cheek was intense,

anyone would. still want you? Who

your prison record

made a fool of

I've been to prison, but I was framed! Just because Lydia was behind it, you

was done with her family. She couldn't

to leave, the heavy

but Meryl just shook her head and walked straight into the

so-called family and lover were nothing more

soaked her through,

was washing away all

a sleek black