Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 701 We're Not Divorcing

Meryl's words caught Chandler completely off guard. She seemed composed, her expression calmed as always. But hidden beneath that mask was a faint trace of grievance-subtle yet unmistakable. Chandler saw right through it. The moment her voice cracked, his heart clenched painfully, as if struck by a heavy blow. It knocked the air out of his lungs.

Meryl was the kind of person who rarely showed strong emotions. For her to say so much at once and make such a drastic decision, it was clear that she had reached her breaking point. And Chandler knew it. That was what made the guilt

unbearable. He couldn't expect Meryl to keep tolerating him, not when he had neglected her so deeply. Because he had.

They were stuck in an impossible situation. If Rachel had truly been his biological sister, things would've been easier. Meryl might not have cared so much. But she wasn't.

Chandler loathed himself for not being there when Meryl needed him most. If only he could turn back time, he would've stayed by her side, protecting her. He had been just one step too late.

What Felix had done for her, he could've done too. But that one step-the delay-had deepened the rift between them. Rachel

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needed saving. That was his duty, his way of making amends to Andy, his late friend.

Even without Andy, Chandler couldn't stand by and watch Rachel die. He couldn't abandon her. It had nothing to do with her being a woman or who she was. If it were anyone else, he would've done the same. It just so happened that it was Rachel this time. When Chandler joined the police academy, he swore an oath. This was his responsibility-always to answer the call. Rachel wasn't special to him-not in the way Meryl thought.

In his eyes, Rachel and Meryl weren't even rivals. They weren't in a competition, nor was it ever a choice between the two. He thought, "How did things spiral into this mess?"

The room was silent. Chandler's eyes locked with Meryl's, but an invisible chasm stretched between them-vast and insurmountable.

Chandler glanced at the black card in Meryl's hand, then slowly looked away. "Since I gave it to you, it's yours. No need to return it."

of frustration rose in his chest. He reached into his pocket for his cigarettes but stopped short. Meryl had just given birth, and they were in a

veins streaked through his eyes, his exhaustion evident. The once confident and poised Chandler now seemed burdened and weary. It felt like he'd

F

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give her the best of everything. A sense of helplessness

remember what I said before we got married?" He took Meryl's hand in his, holding it gently between both of his. "I said, we're not divorcing.

and bloodshot, betrayed his inner turmoil. He stared at Meryl, his voice brushing against her soul. "You just gave birth to our son, and now you want to leave me

smile tugged at his lips. "Meryl, that's not fair. Even if you want to punish

it. "At least wait until I'm head over heels for you and

worth that kind of love. How could

gently pressed a finger to her lips. "Don't say that. You're

her head away, refusing

She faced the other direction, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her eyes were

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to compose herself. "Words

faintly, and her brows furrowed in quiet frustration.

firm. "I'm not

"I'm tired. Let's stop here. There's no point arguing anymore." She knew Chandler

at her back. Meryl was like a gentle breeze-so close he could feel her, yet slipping away before he could hold on. He wanted to grab onto

than me just how much Meryl means to me. When you love someone, you

long time. The night deepened, and everything grew still. Meryl

kiss to her forehead. "I'm sorry, Meryl. I never wanted to hurt