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. The elite school was funded by the Aniston family, and naturally, they attended such significant events. Dalton’s mother wanted him to shine, to showcase their family’s talent. But their performance was ruined.

Dalton asked Lydia how she got hurt. She tearfully glanced at Meryl but said nothing. After much pressing, she finally accused Meryl of hitting her with a brick. Meryl, just 18, was slapped by Dalton in front of everyone.

“Dalton, how could you hit Meryl?” Lydia rushed over, shielding Meryl. “She’s my sister. I don’t blame her!”

Thinking back, Meryl couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. There were too many incidents like this to count. For years, she numbed herself, convincing herself that Lydia’s meddling was the reason she and Dalton drifted apart. But she forgot it takes two to tango.

Three years ago, when she was sent to prison, it wasn’t just Lydia’s scheming and her parents’ silent approval. Dalton’s indulgence of Lydia played a crucial role. He must have had feelings for Lydia. When he saw Lydia being harassed by thugs, he looked at Meryl with bloodshot eyes and said, “Meryl, for what you did to Lydia, you really should go to hell.”

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Meryl instinctively wiped the corners of her eyes. Walter entered, carrying a breakfast tray. Noticing her red eyes, he chose not to comment. After setting down the food, he spoke gently, “Ms. Stone, if I may, save your tears for someone who deserves them.”

Meryl was startled, her pale face looking even more fragile. She nodded, “I understand. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.” Walter hesitated before continuing, “The doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow. Ms. Stone, do you have somewhere to go?”

Meryl bit her lip, focusing on her meal. She didn’t want to return to the Stone family, and they likely wouldn’t welcome her anyway. But not going back meant she had nowhere to go.

Seeing her struggle, Walter suggested softly, “If you have nowhere to go, maybe you could consider marrying my boss.”

Meryl looked up, surprised. “Your boss?”

Walter nodded. “He’s 29, never had a girlfriend, and he’s a man of integrity. Marrying him means you won’t have to worry about him straying or finding a place to live. He has plenty of houses.”

Seeing her shocked silence, he added, “I’m guessing you just went through a breakup? They say when one door closes, another opens. Starting fresh could free you from old heartaches. Why not give it a try?”

Meryl clenched her fingers, then released them. She understood the logic, but marrying someone she barely knew felt too rushed.

At that moment, another knock interrupted them. Both Meryl and Walter turned to see Anne, Meryl’s best friend. Their eyes met, and Anne’s eyes immediately filled with tears. She rushed over and hugged Meryl tightly. “You silly! How could you let yourself get hurt like this?”

Anne had heard everything about what happened the night before. She had been furious at home, wanting to rush to the hospital but worried about disturbing Meryl’s rest.

Looking at Meryl, Anne fumed, “Meryl, after everything that jerk has done to you, you’re not seriously thinking about marrying him, are you?”