Chapter 323 Ten Years
They hadn’t been driving long when Meryl sensed something was off with Chandler because he hadn’t said anything since they’d set off. She glanced over at him several times, wanting to ask what was wrong, but she decided against it each time.
Outside, the scenery blurred past the windows. After another ten minutes, Chandler suddenly pulled over at the entrance of a quiet alley. He had been holding back for the entire drive but couldn’t keep it in any longer.
Chandler pulled Meryl over from the passenger seat, reclining the chair to make space for them. Now, with her seated on his lap, Chandler held the back of Meryl’s head and pressed her against the steering wheel, kissing her fiercely. It was as though he needed to reaffirm that the woman in his arms was truly his.
Chandler cupped her face, his lips tenderly claiming every inch of her skin. The suddenness of the kiss left Meryl startled. She opened her mouth, ready to speak, but Chandler took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside, intertwining with hers. The force and intensity of his kiss made her blush, and in the closed confines of the car, the only thing she could smell and taste was Chandler.
Overwhelmed by the intimacy, she tried to turn her head away. She thought, “It’s broad daylight, and even though the alley is quiet, we’re still parked on the side of the road. What if someone sees us?”
But Chandler wasn’t having it. Without hesitation, he pulled her back, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her relentlessly and possessively. Only when he was satisfied did he release her, breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against hers and said, “Meryl, I’m not in a good mood. Make me feel better.”
Meryl’s heart raced. Chandler said it in a tone like that of a petulant child who had been denied a piece of candy. Meryl’s gaze softened as she looked at him seriously and asked, “Why are you upset? Does it have something to do with what just happened?” She reflected carefully on the events from earlier.
Half an hour ago, when Dalton had pestered her, Meryl was sure she hadn’t done anything wrong. She had rejected him firmly and made sure to give Chandler the respect he deserved as a man. Chandler had completely outclassed Dalton in that encounter, winning pride and dignity. So why was he still in a bad mood?
Chandler suddenly let go of her and said, “Even though you turned him down decisively, I’m still not happy.” He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips.
Chandler hadn’t been part of her life in those seven years, leaving him feeling insecure.
With a flick, the lighter sparked to life, and Chandler shielded the flame as he lit his cigarette, taking a deep drag. He rolled down the car window, stretching his arm out as the smoke drifted outside. His eyes narrowed slightly as he said, “Dalton said I’m a coward, a vile snake who will stoop to any level.”
Meryl tilted her head at his words. “He was just lashing out. Do you really believe him? You’re the most honorable man I know, Chandler.”
“No, I’m not as good as you think.” Chandler extinguished the cigarette and took a moment before turning his head to meet her gaze. His breath carried the lingering scent of nicotine. “Meryl, Dalton wasn’t wrong. I really did use any means necessary to win you over. You have no idea what I’ve done.”
Meryl was stunned.
Chandler continued, “I was the one who approached you. I’ve wanted to marry you for a long time. When you left the Stone Villa that day, feeling hopeless, and called me, I can’t even describe how happy I was.
“So, Dalton was right. I took advantage of the situation because every step was part of my plan. The truth is, I played a significant role in getting Dalton married to Lydia. And the reporters waiting outside the hotel that day? I sent them.
“Meryl, you have no idea. I’ve been waiting for your call for ten long years.”