Beneath the Noise

Behind the Headlines

"The plan was simple-until she walked in."

Gabriel's Pov

The restaurant was crowded, the air thick with the smell of garlic and overpriced wine. It was supposed to be intimate-at least, that's what Carter had promised. Instead, we were boxed into the spotlight, and I could feel the paparazzi's lenses trained on us from outside the frosted windows.

Raina walked in like she owned the place, head held high, her black dress daring anyone to look away. She radiated confidence, the kind that could either dazzle or intimidate. For me, it did both.

"Raina," I greeted, opening the door for her. She stepped out, graceful as ever.

"You're late," I added, smirking just enough to let her know I noticed.

"And you're predictable," she shot back, brushing past me like I wasn't worth a second thought.

Inside, the maître d' led us to a table by the window-prime viewing for the cameras. I pulled out her chair, leaning in close enough to see the slight hitch in her breath.

"For the cameras," I murmured, and she sat down without looking at me.

The dinner was... tedious. Not because of her. Raina played her part perfectly, laughing at my jokes, touching my arm just enough to spark whispers. She was flawless, her warmth a stark contrast to my carefully controlled demeanor. But beneath the façade, I could feel the tension rolling off her. She wasn't just playing the role; she was determined to outshine me at it.

I admired that about her, even if I'd never admit it.

When dessert came, she asked, "You really do this effortlessly, don't you?"

"Do what?"

"Charm people. Make them believe you're exactly what they want you to be."

The question struck a nerve. For a second, I let my guard slip, but only for a second.

"Isn't that what we're both doing tonight?" I replied.

She didn't answer, and I didn't push.

By the time we left the restaurant, the flashes outside were relentless. I placed a hand on the small of her back-more for stability than theatrics-and guided her to the car.

"Smile," I said quietly. "They're watching."

She looked up at me with a practiced smile, but for a brief moment, her eyes softened, and I wondered if she saw through me.

The car ride was quiet at first, her gaze fixed out the window, mine on the phone buzzing in my pocket.

Mom:
Your father saw the articles. Just wanted to let you know he's fully against this. He thinks you're making a mistake. He still believes Elisia is the right choice for you.

Elisia. Even seeing her name brought back a sting I thought I'd buried.

"What is it?" Raina asked, breaking the silence.

"Nothing," I said, shoving the phone back into my pocket. She didn't press, thankfully.

But the message lingered. My father had always seen the world in terms of deals-partnerships that benefited the family name. Elisia had been his golden ticket, the perfect Mendoza wife. That hadn't worked out, and yet, he still refused to let her go.

The rest of the drive was uneventful. Raina thanked me curtly when I dropped her off, her polite exterior back in place.

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