Maya's POV
Sleep eluded me throughout the night. Even if I'd wanted to rest, Connor's thunderous snoring—reminiscent of a malfunctioning tractor—made it impossible. When morning finally arrived, I was sitting on the edge of the bed, my back deliberately turned to him.
"Up already, Maya? Quite the early bird," he commented cheerfully.
I bit my tongue to keep from snapping, "Of course I'm awake—who could possibly sleep through that earthquake of noise?" This man grated on every last nerve.
"Connor, please release me. No matter what my mother says, I will never agree to marry you. Never." I stood and faced him directly, summoning every ounce of defiance I possessed.
He chuckled, that infuriating sound of someone who believes they're always right. "Such spirit! Dean't worry, I'll break you of that soon enough." His confidence made me want to hurl something at his head. "Listen, Maya, I've known Claire for many years..."
