MARIA'S POV
Mr. Fred attempted to protest, but I held his hand, urging him to let Connor go. The heavy silence that followed was deafening. I felt like a pawn in a game not of my making, uncertain of how my life would be from now on.
After Connor stormed out, leaving a trail of tension in the air, Mr. Fred McAlister found it necessary to apologize for his son's appalling behavior. He expressed regret, attempting to shield me and my mother from the brunt of Connor's indifference.
He held my hands and then stared into my eyes. I wasn't as hurt as I had expected to be. Maybe this was the tough skin I had been working on.
"I'm truly sorry for Connor's behavior. He can be stubborn, but I assure you, he'll come around eventually," Mr. Fred spoke with a sincerity that felt forced, a desperate
