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.

funded by the Aniston family, and

mother wanted him to shine,

performance was

got hurt. She tearfully glanced at Meryl but said

she finally accused Meryl of

18, was slapped by Dalton in

could you hit Meryl?" Lydia rushed over, shielding Meryl. "She's my sister. I

back, Meryl couldn't

incidents like this

numbed herself, convincing herself that Lydia's meddling was

she forgot it takes

her parents' silent approval. Dalton's indulgence of Lydia played a crucial role. He must

harassed by thugs, he looked at Meryl with bloodshot eyes and said, "Meryl, for what you did

then, a knock on the

the corners

breakfast tray. Noticing her red eyes,

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

face looking even more fragile.

doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow. Ms. Stone, do you have somewhere to go?" Meryl bit her lip,

to return to the Stone family, and

meant

struggle, Walter suggested softly, "If you have nowhere to go, maybe you