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, and naturally, they attended

mother wanted him to shine, to showcase their

performance was

got hurt. She tearfully glanced at Meryl but said

finally accused Meryl of hitting her

was slapped by Dalton in front

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

back, Meryl couldn't help but laugh

many incidents like this

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

forgot it takes

parents' silent approval. Dalton's indulgence of Lydia played a

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

then, a knock on the door interrupted her

instinctively wiped the

breakfast tray. Noticing her red

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

face looking even more

be discharged tomorrow. Ms. Stone, do you

to the Stone family, and they

meant she had

have nowhere to go,