Jason’s attempt to make amends quickly dissolved into frustration. He felt a mix of regret and mounting pettiness as Valeria stood firm in her decision. Her refusal to forgive him struck a nerve, and Jason’s initial regret twisted into a sense of indignation that she wouldn’t relent.
Jason hung up, his emotions roiling between guilt and anger. Instead of accepting his apology, Valeria’s steadfast refusal stoked the fires of his wounded pride. To him, it felt like another rejection, another way in which Valeria’s world was closing ranks against him.