Adrian's expression shifted, hurt mingling with determination. "You can't face this alone. I care about you."

The intensity in his gaze fueled my anger. "Care about me? You barely know me," I spat, the venom in my words aimed at repelling him. "Just go away before you regret it."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't back down. "I won't abandon you, Hailey. I'm here for a reason."

I scoffed, the bitterness in my tone cutting through the night air. "Reason or not, I don't want you here. This is my ...