Author's note!

  Hello and welcome—thank you for giving Love Beyond Walls a chance.

  This is a slow-burn, character-driven story that focuses heavily on emotional healing, trauma recovery, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed in romance. The pacing is intentional. Growth in this story happens gradually, unevenly, and sometimes painfully—because healing rarely moves in straight lines.

  All characters, settings, and events in this story are works of fiction. Any resemblance to real people or situations is purely coincidental.

  Chapters will be updated biweekly. I prefer consistency over speed, and I want to give each chapter the time and care it deserves.

  If you enjoy introspective storytelling, subtle emotional tension, and relationships that grow through patience rather than instant gratification, I hope this story resonates with you.

  Thank you for reading, and for supporting original fiction.

  — Rin Wintour

  Chapter 1

  “Andrei! When did he say he was coming?” asked Christin.

  Christin Vasiliev was currently the most famous model in Russia—unique for looking equally dashing in men’s clothing and exuding a distinctly feminine aura. Today marked a special day. He was meeting a well-known director, Alik Popov.

  The night before, Christin had received a call.

  “Hello, this is Alik Popov. Am I speaking to Christin Vasiliev?” the man asked.

  “Yes, this is Christin Vasiliev speaking… Wait—did you just say you are Mr. Alik Popov, the director of Lakeside Murder?” Taken aback, Christin tried to confirm the caller’s identity, convinced it was some kind of prank.

  “Yes, it’s me. I have a movie proposal for you. Would you be interested in working with me?”

  “May I ask why the sudden proposal—and why me? Please don’t misunderstand. I’ve never acted before. I’ve done a few advertisements, yes, but a movie is on a whole different level.”

  “I understand,” Alik replied calmly. “I’ve come up with a plot where your personality closely mirrors the protagonist. This could be an opportunity to step up your game.”

  “Sir… are you aware of my condition?”

  “Yes. In fact, it’s quite well known. Still, a little birdie told me that you want to recover. It just so happens that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

  “This little birdie of yours seems to be keeping tabs on me,” Christin said, irritation slipping through.

  “No offense, my dear. I respect your privacy and whatever decision you make. But please, give me a chance,” Alik pleaded. “How about we talk in person?” he suggested, fearing rejection.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Thank you for the offer and for your concern. I feel honoured that you considered me for a role in your movie. But could you please tell me how you got my number? I don’t share my personal number with anyone,” Christin said, still suspicious.

  “Hahaha! You’re absolutely right—I sincerely apologize. I got your number from your previous manager, Aleksandr. Yes, ‘Aleki’ is my friend as well. I shared the plot of this project with him. He mentioned that you wish to recover from your distressing condition. So, Mr. Vasiliev, would you consider giving me some of your time tomorrow? This truly could be an opportunity for you—you never know.”

  “If Aleki is your little birdie, then I suppose I can trust you. Tomorrow works for me. How about two in the afternoon?” Christin said, finally feeling relieved.

  “That sounds perfect! May I have your address—or do you trust me enough to share it?”

  “If this harms me in any way,” Christin said with a smirk, “don’t worry. That little birdie of yours will surely pay for it.”

  Alik burst out laughing. “The more I talk to you, the more I feel you are the right person for this role.”

  Christin ended the call and rushed down the hallway to a room on the second floor of his house.

  He knocked sharply on the door. “Andrei! Open the door!”

  After a moment of silence, he began banging on it.

  “What the heck, man! This is urgent. Open the door, bro—I need to talk to you!” Christin shouted, his voice filled with frustration and anxiety from the sudden movie proposal.

  ‘Andrei’ was short for Anandveer Singh, Christin’s closest friend. The nickname came from Christin, since most people struggled with his real name. Their parents had been close friends, and the boys grew up like brothers. Though only four years older, Andrei had always been the more mature one. Due to recent circumstances, they now lived together.

  “Andrei!!!” Christin shouted again.

  “What the—what’s wrong with you? Do you even know what time it is?” Andrei snapped. He checked his phone and opened the door, eyes heavy with sleep. “For the love of God, it’s 1:17 a.m. You’d better have a good reason.”

  Without wasting a moment, Christin blurted out, “I got a movie proposal—from Alik Popov! The director of Lakeside Murder!”

  “Why would he call you? Do you even know how to act? It’s probably a prank. Let me sleep in peace. I want P-E-A-C-E.”

  “Do you really think I’d wake you up in the middle of the night just to joke around?”

  “Yes, you absolutely would,” Andrei replied dryly. “Now, Mr. Vasiliev, if I may, I’d like to return to the very profitable business deal I was about to close—in my dream.”

  “You can’t even sleep peacefully. I can’t believe you work in your dreams!”

  Still half-asleep, Andrei stared blankly at the brother-like friend who kept rambling nonsense in the middle of the night.

  “Calm down, Anandveer… calm down,” he muttered, reaching for the door to shut it.

  “Wait! You didn’t even listen to me!” Christin thrust his phone forward. “Look—this is the call record. I spoke to Alik Popov himself. Just how stupid do you think I am?”

  “Extremely, if I’m being honest. So, when did you get his number? What business do you have with him?”

  “He called me. He wants me to act in his movie.”

  “Okay… what’s the name of the movie?”

  “I… don’t know.”

  “So, it was a prank call. Great. I’m going back to my meeting—no, my sleep,” Andrei said, trying to shut the door again.

  Christin stepped forward, stopping it. “He’s coming tomorrow. At two in the afternoon. Will you be here? Please join us. I need your opinion—you know how I am right now.”

  Andrei sighed deeply, studying Christin’s face. He could tell he was serious.

  “So even though you know you have anthropophobia, you still want to try acting in a movie?” Andrei said gently. “I’m just concerned for you. I’ll support you—but this doesn’t seem realistic. Have you thought about therapy before deciding on an acting career?”

  After a moment of thought, Andrei rubbed his eyes. “Let’s head back to bed for now. It’s almost 2 o’clock. We’ll talk about this properly in the morning—over breakfast. And yes, I’ll be home tomorrow.”

  Christin nodded, finally calming down as Andrei sent him back to his room.

  Why did Aleki have to share my personal life with someone else? Christin thought as he prepared for bed. I need to talk to him tomorrow.

  He set his alarm for eight in the morning and lay down, his mind racing with possibilities.