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.

elite school was funded by the Aniston family,

to shine, to showcase

performance was

She tearfully glanced at Meryl but

she finally accused Meryl of hitting her

slapped by Dalton in

Meryl?" Lydia rushed over, shielding Meryl. "She's my sister. I don't

back, Meryl couldn't

incidents like this

years, she numbed herself, convincing herself that Lydia's meddling was the reason she

she forgot it takes two to

parents' silent approval. Dalton's indulgence

looked at Meryl with bloodshot eyes and said,

a knock on the

instinctively wiped the corners of her

entered, carrying a breakfast tray. Noticing her

"Ms. Stone, if I may, save your tears

was startled, her pale face looking even more

need to thank me." Walter hesitated before continuing, "The doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow.

to the Stone family,

not going back meant she had nowhere to

"If you have nowhere to go, maybe you could consider marrying