Hidden Gazes

The intensity of Rey's gaze as they danced amidst the sea of people in that lavish ballroom felt like fire searing Aluna's skin, even through the barrier of her gown. Her heart pounded wildly, creating a strange and intoxicating rhythm amidst the soft music drifting through the air. There was something raw and deep in Rey's dark eyes that night, a naked honesty Aluna had never seen before. She felt as if her soul was being touched, every emotion and doubt laid bare beneath the widening pupils of the man. And yet, that fleeting intimacy felt fragile, like a beautiful dream that always ends with the break of dawn.

And indeed, as soon as the gala dinner—full of facades—was over and they returned to the cold, silent mansion, Rey slipped back into his mask of indifference. The tenderness and attention he had shown in public, that perfect charade, vanished into the thick shadows of the night. He gave curt, sharp orders to the weary-faced staff who greeted them, then withdrew into his quiet study, leaving Aluna standing alone in the vast, chilly living room, feeling more alienated than ever.

Aluna felt used, a tool to maintain her husband's image in public. The romantic act they performed before others felt utterly fake and painful, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She felt like a puppet, pulled and played with, forced to smile and act affectionate for Rey's benefit, with no consideration for her true feelings. Anger and frustration churned in her chest, but she knew expressing it would be futile—like shouting at an unyielding stone wall. Rey would always be Rey Adrasta: cold, untouchable, and full of secrets.

Yet as time passed, Aluna began to notice a strange pattern in Rey's behavior. Though he had returned to his distant self and barely spoke to her, Aluna often caught him secretly watching her from afar. When she sat peacefully in the backyard garden, reading under the shade of a tree, she would feel Rey's gaze from the large study window. When she dined alone in the grand but empty dining room, she'd see his silhouette in the dark doorway, watching silently before disappearing like a ghost.

Those gazes were no longer sharp and cold as they used to be. There was something different—an intensity softened by a subtle concern and... sometimes, even a hidden longing beneath the icy surface of his eyes. Aluna grew more confused and curious. Why would Rey, who supposedly hated her and only saw her as a pawn in his revenge plan, secretly observe her like that? What was really going on inside his mind?

One night, unable to sleep, restlessness gripping her heart and her thoughts spinning like a broken carousel, Aluna decided to go downstairs to the quiet living room, hoping to find solace in a book by the cold fireplace. The mansion felt calm and peaceful, accompanied only by the slow ticking of the antique wall clock, measuring time that passed too slowly.

She fell asleep unknowingly with the book open in her lap, soft lamplight glowing over her flowing hair. A few hours later, she woke to the feeling of someone watching her. She opened her eyes slowly and saw Rey standing not far from the sofa, staring at her with an intensity that made her shiver. The silver moonlight streaming through the large window illuminated part of his face, revealing an unfamiliar expression that made Aluna freeze.

On Rey's face—usually hard and emotionless—was a faint, gentle smile, barely visible. It lasted only a few seconds, so brief that Aluna almost believed she had imagined it in her drowsiness. But she was sure she had seen it. The smile wasn't mocking or cynical as it usually was toward her, but... genuine and even slightly sweet, an expression that sharply contrasted his usual cold demeanor.

Before Aluna could react or say anything, Rey realized he had been caught watching. The soft smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, expressionless mask once again. He turned away quickly and walked off without a word, disappearing into the dark hallway.

Aluna sat frozen on the sofa, her heart thundering like a war drum. She tried to process the rare scene she had just witnessed. Rey's faint smile as he watched her sleep—a deeply intimate moment. The secret glances she'd noticed in recent days. His sudden and fake protectiveness in public. All of it felt so contradictory and confusing compared to his usual cold, detached behavior.

Aluna wondered in her heart if there was something deeper behind all this. Could there be another emotion hidden beneath those glances—something more complex than hatred and vengeance? Could Rey Adrasta, the man who married her out of a vengeful obsession, be hiding something more than just contempt for her? Or was it all an illusion—her mind desperately searching for meaning in his random acts, trying to find a sliver of hope in the darkness of their marriage? A mixture of confusion and faint hope began to grow inside her, stirring up a storm of emotions that she couldn't quite understand. She felt there was a greater mystery buried beneath Rey's cold mask, and she became increasingly determined to uncover the truth, even if she feared what she might find behind that curtain of secrets.

In the nights that followed, Aluna grew more alert to Rey's every movement. She would pretend to sleep or read a book in the same room as him, secretly watching him from the corner of her eye. She often caught Rey looking at her from a distance, his gaze full of contradictory emotions. Sometimes cold and flat, but at other times, there was a hint of softness—even concern—that he couldn't entirely hide, especially when Aluna appeared tired or unwell.

One afternoon, Aluna was painting in the backyard, trying to find peace amidst her growing confusion. She felt someone's presence behind her and slowly turned. Rey stood there, looking at her painting with an unreadable expression. Aluna was startled—Rey had never shown any interest in her personal activities before.

"What is that?" Rey asked in a flat tone, though Aluna caught a trace of curiosity hidden in his deep voice.

She showed him the painting—a scene of her childhood village, simple but filled with warm memories. Rey studied the painting closely, without saying a word. Aluna saw something stirring in his dark eyes, an emotion she couldn't quite name, but it felt heavy and profound.

After what felt like an eternity, Rey looked away from the painting and walked off without offering any comment. But before he disappeared behind the trees, Aluna caught a glimpse of his face. There was a deep sadness there... and a flicker of regret? All these strange, confusing incidents only made Aluna more curious. Rey's mood swings, like unpredictable weather, made her feel as though she were trapped on an emotional roller coaster that never stopped. She didn't know what was truly in his mind or what he really felt behind his cold mask. Did he truly hate her and use this marriage for revenge? Or was there something else beginning to grow between them, hidden beneath those silent stares—a seed of love trying to bloom in a field filled with hatred?

Aluna knew she had to find out the real truth, even if it meant facing greater risks and possibly getting hurt even more deeply. She could no longer live in this tormenting uncertainty. She had to understand the man who had captured her heart in the most complicated and painful way—even if the truth ended up breaking her.