Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After…

Chapter 594 The Stand-in

Meryl’s heart pounded as she listened to Chandler’s unexpected confession. She was sure her heart would leap right out of her chest if she stared into his eyes a second longer.

“This is so unfair,” she thought. “I shouldn’t be this easy to appease!”

But Chandler’s honesty was like a gentle breeze, snuffing out the little flame of her anger.

“You’re the worst, Chandler!”

Her voice carried over the rain, teasing and soft, and his smile deepened.

“Does that mean we can go home now?”

Chandler braved the rain to bring his car right to her side, ensuring she stayed completely dry. Since they were close to the Aniston Villa, they decided to stay there for the night. As they got out of the car, Chandler’s eyes fell on the jacket draped over Meryl’s shoulders.

“Leave it in the car. I’ll return it later,” he said.

Even if her legs were healed, they probably wouldn’t cross paths.

Exhausted, Meryl showered and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Meanwhile, Chandler returned to the car, grabbed Felix’s jacket, and, without a second thought, threw it into the garbage.

Not far away, Dalton stood smoking under a streetlamp, watching everything unfold.

After Chandler left, Dalton walked over and retrieved the jacket. It was a men’s coat, definitely not Chandler’s style. He had seen Meryl wearing it earlier.

“Why,” he wondered, “was she wearing another man’s clothes?”

Dalton’s expression darkened. A man giving a woman his jacket usually meant something.

“Did Meryl have another admirer besides me and Uncle Chandler?” he thought.

Perhaps it was the change of scenery, but Meryl woke early the next morning. She remembered today’s performance and the fact that she’d been “accidentally” locked in the music hall. She quickly said goodbye to Chandler and prepared to leave.

“Let me take you,” Chandler offered, already getting out of bed.

“No need. It’s still early, and I have hours before the performance. You should rest.”

Meryl believed in handling things herself whenever possible. Involving Chandler would only complicate things. She had a good idea who locked her in last night.

She could handle it. Chandler’s interference would only create unnecessary trouble.

Just as she stepped out of the house, she ran into Dalton.

She ignored him completely and headed for the road.

Dalton caught up to her. “This area’s terrible for catching a cab. Uncle Chandler really should’ve driven you.”

Meryl glanced at her phone. Her ride was almost there. She didn’t bother responding.

Dalton pressed on. “Want me to take you?”

Finally, Meryl turned to him. “Who do you think you are? Why would I need a ride from you?”

Dalton didn’t seem offended.

“Meryl, let me guess. You don’t love Uncle Chandler, so you’re cheating on him. Am I right? Or maybe Rachel being around has pushed you to this. Like Anne, you’ve found yourself a lover, haven’t you?”

Dalton had spent the night agonizing over it and decided this be the answer.

Meryl stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

Dalton grinned. “If that’s the case, you should’ve come to me. I’d be happy to be your “stand-in lover” to spite Uncle Chandler. And if we end up making it real, well, I’m all for that too.”