Suddenly, I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. I turned to Delilah, my voice low and firm. “You shouldn’t waste your time on me.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback. “What?”
I clenched my jaw. I shouldn’t have said anything. Should’ve just walked away. But the way she was looking at me—those soft, searching eyes—made it impossible to ignore.
“You heard me,” I muttered. “You should stop whatever it is you think you’re feeling.”
Her brows furrowed, and she took a step closer. “Why do you always do this?” Her voice held a quiet intensity, frustration laced with something deeper. “You push me away like I don’t matter. Like I haven’t been here with you through everything.”
I looked away, my fists clenching at my sides. “Because it’s the truth.”
“No, it’s not.” She shook her he
