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.

was funded by the Aniston family, and naturally,

shine,

performance

She

she finally accused Meryl of hitting her

slapped by Dalton

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

couldn't help

were too many incidents like this

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

forgot it takes

parents' silent approval. Dalton's

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

then, a knock on the door interrupted her

wiped the corners of

carrying a breakfast tray. Noticing her

the food, he spoke gently, "Ms. Stone, if

was startled, her pale face looking even more fragile. She

Walter hesitated before continuing, "The doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow. Ms. Stone,

to return to the Stone family, and they likely

not going back meant she had nowhere to

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