The Weight of Their Gazes
Vesper, a high school student, carries the heavy burden of trauma and phobia, stemming from the multiple assaults she has witnessed and endured. Her past experiences have left her with debilitating Androphobia (fear of men) and Hephephobia (fear of being touched), making it impossible for her to interact with others, except for her childhood friend, Mia.
Vesper's life takes a complicated turn when she catches the attention of the school's most eligible bachelor, Ethan, the son of one of the city's top five influential families. As Ethan's gaze falls upon Vesper, she is convinced that he, like all the others, has ulterior motives for getting close to her. Determined to maintain her distance, Vesper keeps Ethan at arm's length, despite his persistent efforts to win her trust.
Meanwhile, Vesper's godbrother, Liam, harbors a deep, unrequited love for her. Liam's feelings are genuine, but Vesper's past traumas have rendered her incapable of reciprocating his emotions. Lyra, Ethan's childhood friend, is caught in the middle, as she secretly harbors feelings for Ethan, further entangling the complex web of relationships.
As Vesper navigates her treacherous emotional landscape, she must confront the weight of their gazes – the suffocating attention from Ethan, the longing stares from Liam, and the concerned looks from Mia. Will Vesper find the strength to overcome her phobias and learn to trust again, or will the weight of their gazes crush her?
*Genre:* Young Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romance
*Themes:* Trauma, Phobia, Trust, Love, Friendship, Self-discovery
*Target Audience:* Young adults who enjoy complex, character-driven stories with a touch of psychological suspense.
