MARIA'S POV
As I continued walking up the stairs, Connor's voice called out to me once more, causing me to pause in my tracks. I turned to face him, my expression guarded as he spoke to me calmly, his words carrying a hint of remorse.
"Maria," he began, his voice so gentle that I found it hard he was talking to me initially.
"I never meant to call you a lowlife in the past. I hope you can find it in yourself to let go of it and not use it against me."
His words settled between us, but the anger and resentment that still simmered within me refused to be quelled. Despite his apology, I couldn't bring myself to forgive him for the pain he had caused me.
With a heavy sigh, I shook my head, my voice full of with frustration. "Please, Connor," I pleaded, my tone pleading. "Just leave me al
