Secret Admiration Finding True Love After Prison (Meryl) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Falling Apart

When Dalton saw Meryl show her scar to everyone, a strange feeling stirred inside him.

Seeing her act like she didn't care about him anymore broke his heart.

For years, Meryl had devoted herself to him, loving him without conditions.

He had gotten used to it, taking her love for granted.

"Meryl, please stop. If it means that much to you, I'll give you my position." Lydia's hands shook as she covered her head.

"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have stayed with the Stone family. I should have died the day I was kidnapped three years ago."

"But your suffering in prison has nothing to do with me or our parents. Prison is full of bad people. You were bullied because you ended up there."

Tears filled Lydia's eyes, but she held them back.

"Dalton, you shouldn't have saved me. I would have been better off dead."

With a few words, she washed her hands of any responsibility for Meryl's ordeal in prison.

Meryl's gaze was cold. "People who really want to die don't just talk about it."

"Meryl!"

Dalton's face was tense as he shielded Lydia, patting her hand reassuringly before turning to Meryl. "I told you to behave. Do you realize the consequences of your actions today?"

Meryl's lips twisted into a bitter smile.

She had bared her deepest wound, and to him, it was just her causing trouble.

Meryl gave Lydia a wry smile. "I'm already a Stone by blood. Do I really need you to give me the title?"

Her smile was bitter, and her eyes were red-rimmed.

All the emotions she'd been holding back suddenly burst out. She marched over to the decanter, grabbed it, and said, "So you think I drugged you?"

Taking a deep gulp from the bottle, she went on, "Fine, if I did, I'm drinking it myself. Happy now?"

The sharp taste hit her senses, and the liquid spilled from her lips onto her dress.

She took another swig and then threw the decanter at Lydia.

The sound of shattering glass filled the room as pieces scattered across the floor.

At that moment, Meryl was falling apart completely…