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10. Maya’s Story
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THE BOY NEXT DOOR 11. Confiding in Liam
Liam's flushed face radiated heat from his training session, his head still pulsing with the rush of blood. Typically, he would have dismissed the curiosity to check on people crying for whatever reason, knowing he couldn't solve everyone's problems. Yet, this time, the voice struck a chord, familiar and unsettling. With a painful grunt, he rose to his feet and staggered toward the sound's origin, moving like a rusted machine in need of oil.He followed the voice to a clearing where Maya sat, huddled on a park bench. He stood nearby, hidden in the shadows of the trees, pondering what could have led her to this state.His initial impulse was to approach and ask, "Are you okay?" Yet, he knew the question was futile; it was evident she was far from okay. He speculated whether her distress was linked to her father, but he couldn't broach the subject with her.Maya sensed a presence looming nearby, as if she were being watched from the shadows. Startled, she opened her eyes and peered into
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 12. Don’t Be Afraid
They reached Maya’s house and paused outside her gate. Liam turned to face her. “So remember what i told you. Whatever happens, don’t be afraid. He or anyone else gets the better of you only when you are afraid. So don’t be.”She wasn’t sure how to muster the courage he was talking about. Perhaps, that was the secret of his stoic demeanour? She also wondered if he applied the same to his life, thinking how his father always got the ‘better of him’.Maya rang the door bell and Liam stood closely behind. On the second ring, the door was answered by Manoj. The concern on this face was very far from genuine. “There you are! Where have you been? Your mother was worried sick! I looked for you everywhere, you know? Can’t you at least keep us informed if you have any plans of your own?”Liam’s eyes shifted from Manoj to Maya, catching a subtle cringe in her hand.Liam intervened. “Actually Mr. Suri, it was me. I needed some help on our project and Maya was kind enough to stay back and help m
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 1. Liam 'The Savage' Parker
Night has descended upon the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, casting a shroud of darkness over the city. However, in a quiet corner of the city, away from the hustle and bustle, a shabby building bustles with activity. The dilapidated structure is surrounded by several motorcycles parked haphazardly; their engines still hot from use. At first glance, the building looked abandoned, with the shadows of the trees and the darkness of the night hiding it from view. However, upon closer inspection, the true nature of the place became apparent. The sounds of hushed whispers and clinking glasses can be heard from inside, as well as the muffled thuds of a makeshift fighting ring. Despite its unassuming exterior, this building is a hub of illegal activity, drawing in adrenaline junkies and high-stakes gamblers from all over the city. Inside, a ring was set up in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of folding chairs and makeshift tables littered with betting slips and cash. The
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 2. The New Neighbor
A new family had moved into Rosewood Hills this morning, causing some curiosity among the neighbors. A big truck loaded with cheap plastic furniture was parked outside an old double-story house, signaling the arrival of the newcomers. As they peered through their windows, some of the neighbors bounced on their toes and craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the new residents. Excitement built as rumors spread among the neighbors. "It looks like someone has finally bought that house!" they whisper to each other. One of the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bansal, a couple in their mid-50s, can't contain their curiosity any longer and decide to go meet the new family. They walk through the gate and find the owner of the new house instructing the movers on where to place the furniture. Mr. Bansal greets the owner cheerfully, saying "Good morning". The Bansals turned to the owner, and as he smiled, they realized he was the Security Head of a US security company. He was dressed in a haphazard m
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 3. The Morning After
Maya Suri stirred in her sleep as sunlight streamed in through an open window and fell upon her face. She lay on the cold, hardwood floor, just beneath the window from where she had watched Liam last night. The harsh light was disturbing. It finally got her to open her eyes and cast her weary gaze around the room. It took a moment for her to come to her senses and figure out where she was. She quickly sat up in a state of panic. Last night’s cringe-worthy events and the close shave she had come flooding back. Still in panic, she quickly checked the bolt of the door just to make sure it was locked. That it had indeed been locked all night. When she found it securely bolted, she leaned onto the door with her back, sighed in relief, and sank to the floor. Safe. Yes. For now. What worried her was this - she couldn’t hide in here forever. “Maya…” Dread washed over Maya’s pale face. It was her mother’s call from downstairs. She fidgeted a bit and wondered what to do. If only she could w
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 4. Learning About Maya
Maya couldn't help but feel relieved as she stepped onto the college campus, finally feeling like she had left her troubled home life behind. As she walked towards the entrance, she spotted her bubbly friend Abby waving at her. "Maya, girl! Over here!" Abby called out, grinning from ear to ear. Abby had long, curly hair that framed her round face, and bright green eyes that sparkled with mischief. She had a contagious energy that made it impossible not to smile when she was around. Maya envied her confidence and carefree spirit. "How was your morning?" She asked. Maya grinned back, happy to see her friend. "It was good. I'm just glad to finally be here." As they chatted, Maya noticed Liam walking through the gates wearing a long sleeve shirt rolled at the sleeves, and jeans that fit him just right. Liam was a good 6'2", with a rugged handsomeness that could make any girl's heart skip a beat. His brown hair was always styled messily, as if he didn't care about his appearance, but it
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 5. Shifting Perspectives
Liam gazed at the curtains fluttering at Maya’s window; his thoughts consumed by what he had just witnessed. To him, she was just another neighbor, someone who happened to live in the house next door. He never really paid much attention to her before. But now, after seeing what her father had done to her, everything started to shift. He didn't know what to do, or how to help her. But one thing was certain: he felt disgusted. Disgusted by what she had been forced to endure. Liam's thoughts shifted to his encounter with Maya that morning. He remembered how she seemed to be running away from something or someone, and he couldn't help but wonder if it had been her father. The way she had flinched when he touched her made him uneasy. Was it fear or just her natural shyness? Now, witnessing what her father was doing to her, Liam couldn't shake off the feeling that Maya had been trying to escape from this man. He felt a fierce protectiveness surge within him, one that he had never fel
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 6. Taking A Stand
Maya rushed down the stairs, her tears blurring her vision. She had to be somewhere more private, where she could breathe, preferably behind those manicured shrubs. She stumbled and nearly fell but caught herself on the banister. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the tall, muscular guy coming her way until it was too late. She collided with him, and his cup of Starbucks went flying, spilling hot coffee all over his chest. “You stupid bitch!” he snarled and grabbed her by the arm. Maya's heart raced. The guy Jake was at least six feet tall with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes that bore into her. His friends, equally beefy and intimidating, loomed behind him. Maya stumbled backward, almost losing her balance. "I'm sorry," she stammered, "I didn't mean to-" They circled her, making her feel so small before them, so trapped, like helpless prey in the face of a pack of predators. "I didn't do it on purpose," Maya insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Latest chapter
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 12. Don’t Be Afraid
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 11. Confiding in Liam
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 10. Maya’s Story
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 9. Maya Retaliates
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 8. Getting Ready
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 7. Unveiling The Scars
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 6. Taking A Stand
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 5. Shifting Perspectives
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 4. Learning About Maya
