Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 16 Nowhere to Go

Watching Chandler's tall figure fade into the distance, Meryl felt a wave of calm wash over her.

Yet, her mind couldn't help but drift back to Dalton.

How did everything go so wrong?

She remembered those early years after returning to the Stone family. The smell of gasoline made her nauseous, so Lydia rode while she walked home from school. Sometimes, she would glance back and see Dalton following.

He always looked so aloof in his custom school uniform, hands. in his pockets.

One day, she stopped and waited.

Dalton, with his long strides, quickly caught up.

He towered over her, his face indifferent, but his eyes gave away a hint of affection.

Back then, she was certain he cared for her.

Things changed during the school's centennial celebration.

Lydia was supposed to perform a piano duet with Dalton.

Just before they went on stage, Lydia mysteriously injured her hand. Crying, she apologized to Dalton, looking so pitiful.

the Aniston family, and naturally,

wanted him to shine, to showcase their

their performance was

she got hurt. She tearfully glanced at

Meryl of hitting her with a

just 18, was slapped by Dalton

Lydia rushed over, shielding Meryl. "She's my sister.

Meryl couldn't help but laugh

many incidents like this to

herself that Lydia's

she forgot it takes two

wasn't just Lydia's scheming and her parents' silent approval. Dalton's

eyes and said, "Meryl, for what you did to Lydia, you really should go

knock on the door interrupted her

the corners of

entered, carrying a breakfast tray. Noticing her red eyes, he

spoke gently, "Ms. Stone, if I may, save

even more fragile.

doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow. Ms. Stone, do

didn't want to return to the Stone family, and they likely wouldn't welcome her

going back meant she had nowhere

have nowhere to go, maybe you could consider marrying my