Redemption

By Emily Mcconville

Ebony has it all, but not everything is as it seems. Her partner Brad isn't the Prince charming she thought he was and when she finds herself stuck in his web of manipulation and abuse, her world crumbles. After years of living a life she has no control, Ebony manages to plan her escape.

Then, when she has given up on love, a stranger stumbles into her life and spins her world on its head. Nathanial is loving, sweet and gentle. Could he be the one to fill her heart with the love she desires? Or will she find out he is cruel like every other man she has known before?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Mcconville
• Release date: Apr 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463682272

Emily Mcconville

Emily McConville lives in Gladstone, Queensland. She is a mother of three kids. She loves writing every chance she has and of course, she is a huge book nerd - She loves reading! Her favourite authors are Cassandra Clare and Lynette Noni but she simply loves any good book! Emily has recently published her first book Redemption; and has been working on her writing career for the past three years. She is currently busy working on her next books.

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Redemption

Copyright © 2018 by Emily McConville

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction based on a true story. Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

THE WEATHER IS QUITE CLEMENT, it’s not too hot nor is it too cold. Ebony sits on the back balcony soaking up the warm rays of sunshine that descend upon her. She raises her pale face to the clear sky above and inhales deeply, causing the neighbours freshly cut grass to tickle her nostrils. Brax and Lehanna are running around the backyard playing Zombie Tag, a game Brax made up himself. Their delightful little screams and playful banter are music to her ears and it’s blissfully over-riding the echoes of her and Brad’s argument last night. He came home just before midnight heavily intoxicated and demanded more money. When she gently refused and told him she had no more to give, he burnt up like a heated butcher’s knife. Bullshit! You have money hidden all over this house, so where is it? he fumed.

I don’t have any more just so you can drink it down the drain. We have bills due and—

Bills? he snapped, cutting her off short. You seem to have them every bloody week! I’m sure they can wait one more week, right? Besides, it’s the least you can do considering I put up with you all the time.

Ebony flinched as if his harsh words slapped her in the face.

Put up with me? You have to be home to do that and you barely are these days! I’m sorry, but I can’t help you again tonight. Now if you don’t mind, I am tired and would like to get some sleep.

Brad inhaled so hard and fast he almost snorted. You are nothing but a selfish bitch, Ebony. Go back to what you’re good at and that’s being a loner with no friends. You my love, are pathetic.

Ebony held her hurt eyes on his burning gaze. If that is what you think of me Brad, fine. Don’t come back here until you are sober and well and truly clear headed, she said quietly. She fixed herself under the covers and turned away from him. She felt his lingering presence for a few moments before she finally heard his heavy footsteps fading down the hall. The front door slammed so hard it not only shook every window pane in her tiny house but also rattled her heart.

Brad never used to be hot headed and hard hearted as he is now. They met six years ago at a friend’s barbecue and as soon as they locked eyes, fireworks set off between them. He flew in, his small green eyes full of pleasure and introduced himself.

Hey, I’m Brad, he said. I couldn’t help notice you and couldn’t resist coming over and saying hi.

Hi, I’m Ebony. It’s nice to meet you, she said quietly.

He tilted his head. You’re a shy girl, aren’t you?

Yes, kind of. How did you guess?

I don’t know. Maybe it’s the innocence reflecting from your eyes.

Ebonies cheeks heated up.

Brad chuckled. That’s cute. Have you been in Springbrook long? I haven’t seen you around town before.

I’ve been here two years. How about you?

I was born and raised here. Hey, are you here with anyone?

Ebony nodded. Yes, I’m here with Taya and Ray. I think she knows your friend Daniel?

Ray does, yes. But what I meant is, are you here with a boyfriend?

Oh no, I don’t have a boyfriend.

Great! Listen, I have to head off. Do you want to catch up for a coffee sometime? I would really like to finish our conversation.

Ebony glanced down at her toes, her cheek burning red. Should she? She asked herself. He is coming across too confident and she’s worried it might clash with her shyness.

Well? he asked, hopeful.

Ebony glanced up at him. Sure, why not?

They traded numbers and Brad thanked her, cast her a gracious smile and walked away, leaving Ebony confused yet curious.

They became inseparable soon after and it didn’t take her long to fall for his sweet charms and gracious smile. Every weekend, he escorted her to dinner, the cinema and went to the trouble of setting up romantic picnics for her. He never failed to have a gift for her and over time she accumulated many pieces of jewellery, some being hand-made, love quote books, chocolates, flowers and lavender soaps. He treated Ebony like royalty and she thanked her lucky stars every night for her blessings.

Taya, Ebonies best friend, was thrilled for her happiness and her heart burst with joy every time she saw Ebony and Brad together. Even though Taya was ecstatic for her friend, she was slightly envious and wished her partner Ray would shower her with the same kind of love and affection Brad poured into Ebony. Ebony and Taya have been friends for eight years now, they are more like sisters. A mutual friend introduced them and when Ebony had nowhere to go Taya gladly took her in under her wing. Their friendship rapidly blossomed and they found fun in partying every weekend like it was a new religion.

Even though Ebony was seventeen at the time, Taya had the right contacts who snuck

Ebony into the clubs underage. If they weren’t out partying, they were mucking around at the gym and walking their neighbourhood late at night scaring poor innocent people in their homes. Fun was something they never lacked and Ebony often felt guilty with some of the mischief they got into while Taya never seemed to care.

However, as soon as Ebony and Brad became serious, he distracted her with his full attention and before she knew it, he had well and truly steered her away from the life and freedom she had.

After three months, Brad suggested they move in together and Ebony reluctantly agreed. They moved in with Brad’s mother until something more permanent came up. Ebony’s life dramatically changed and rather quickly. Before Ebony knew what was happening, she struggled to make plans with Taya. Brad couldn’t stand the thought of Ebony not being around him and Ebony believed it was the strength of love he has for her. He demanded every inch of attention and once they moved out of Gloria’s house and into their own, it only got worse. By then, Ebony was in too deep.

While she consumes all her time at home by keeping the house clean to his standards, raises the children on her own, supports them all physically and financially, works five nights a week and upholds all the responsibilities that is thrown their way, Brad is always out with his friends drinking, fishing and doing whatever else that pleases him. The very few times a week when he chooses to stay home for more than just a couple of hours, he tends to lock himself away in the bedroom and only makes his presence well known when he’s throwing criticism at her or the children.

She and Brad have broken up a couple of times over their six year relationship but their break-ups never last more than a week. Brad always knew how to play with her heart strings and knew exactly what words to say to draw her back in. So far, he has succeeded every time. However, she does hope they will get their old love back one day. If it existed once, surely it can exist again.

It has now been twelve hours since Ebony last seen or heard from him and it worries her and relieves her. She checks the time on her phone and becomes conscious of how long she has been brooding over Brad and her past. She stands up with a long stretch and absorbs the sun’s rays as if it will give her the strength she needs. Kids, come in for lunch now, please, she calls. She makes them their favourite peanut butter sandwiches with a glass of orange juice and settles them in the lounge room to watch a movie.

She makes herself a cup of coffee and relaxes in the front room to catch up on some reading but the words are a blur and the harder she tries concentrating, the more her eyes wander off the pages. Ebony gives up and places her book on the side table next to her untouched coffee. She sucks in a shallow breath and slowly lifts the front of her tee-shirt. Her bruised right rib is now a nightmarish black with deep red and purple splotches around the outer edges. She gently traces her forefinger along the tender sides of her rib and gasps as sharp pain sets in. She drops her shirt in shame and blinks away tears. It is a painful reminder of who is in charge and a harsh reminder to never speak out of turn even if she is defending her own honour.

She and Brad do love each other under the cracked surface, but they go the extra lengths to hurt one another. Every day she wonders how much more she can take and if the love for Brad is worth not fighting for freedom.

SATURDAY NIGHTS ARE ALWAYS BUSY for Ebony at work. It is a cosy little restaurant on the main street of town. Red and gold dragons hang from the ceiling with Chinese crafted artwork displayed on the walls, giving the dining area a warm sense of character and comfort. It’s a hotspot from Thursday to Saturday nights and the aroma of Chinese food wafting out the doors attracts all the drunks from the pub around the corner.

Ebony begins restocking the fridges now the rush hours have eased. She is deep in thought when her regular drunk stumbles in. How are you tonight, Charles? she asks approaching him. He wavers past, oblivious to her standing directly in front of him and sits at a table, almost missing the chair.

When Ebony reaches his table, an overwhelming smell of stale beer hits her nostrils, causing her stomach to flip with unease. I’m just letting you know we close in twenty minutes and the kitchen is closed for the night but please help yourself to the buffet, she says between short breaths.

Charles’s bowling ball sized head rolls side to side and the harder he focuses on his surrounding the more his eyes cross in on themselves.

Ebony groans under her breath and sets off to plate him up a scoop each of fried rice, canton noodles, Mongolian beef, honey chicken and stir fried vegetables. She pours him a glass of water with no ice and places them in front of him. There you go and drink up; you need it, she states and heads back to the bar.

Moments later, she hears gagging and belching and when she turns to see what is going on, she catches an eyeful of overflow exiting Charles’s mouth in one big wet burp. Ebony’s bottom lip almost hits her chest as she comprehends what just happened. Vomit is soaking his lap and all on his side of the table, slowly dripping its way to the floor. She doesn’t feel mentally equipped to deal with such a thing so she does something she has never done before. Hold on Charles, I will be back in a sec, she calls and runs to the kitchen.

She finds Jackie at the sink scrubbing the pots and pans. Jackie! Man spew! It everywhere! Please come! Ebony begs in broken English.

Jackie drops the pot into the sink causing a flurry of soap suds to float around her and spins on her heels. She takes one look at Ebony’s distressed face and sweeps from the kitchen with Ebony tight on her tail. As Jackie lays her brown beady eyes on the horrid mess, her face changes from confusion to repulsion.

You clean, I get him out, Jackie orders.

Ebony nods and sets off for the store room to grab several rolls of paper towel, latex gloves, disinfectant then goes out the back to fill a bucket of hot soapy water. Just what I need right now, Ebony thinks sourly.

When she enters the dining area, she is surprised to see Jackie supporting his one hundred and twenty kilogram weight on her right arm as she forces him towards the door.

Out, no pay! she commands and with one hard shove that she manages to do with ease, she pushes him through the glass doors and snaps the lock behind him. Sheesh, Ebony thinks, never underestimate a five foot Chinese woman!

Thank you, Jackie, Ebony says, gratefully. And you strong, she adds, flexing her muscles.

Tiger penis, she grunts and charges back into the kitchen to leave Ebony deal with the monstrosity awaiting her. Tiger penis? Is that some kind of weird Chinese tradition they eat to gain strength or is that her way of saying bullshit? Ebony wonders. She scrubs and soaks the table, chair and floor several times over until she is satisfied there is no traces or stench of vomit left in its wake.

When she’s finished, she checks the time and her heart jumps. She hurriedly discards everything, finishes off the fridges and by the time she has packed away the buffet, her rib is throbbing with heat. She breathes through the pain, calls a cab and waits out the front.

Cool crisp air brushes against her face, giving her a fresh breath of relief. The street is eerily quiet for this time of night except for the soft echo of music lingering up the street from the pub around the block. Ebony checks her phone, expecting several missed calls and messages from Brad demanding where she is and why she is late but she is surprised to see no new notifications.

Brad’s mother Gloria babysits Brax and Lehanna of a night time because Brad cannot take four hours out of his ‘busy schedule’ to watch them. He usually comes home just before nine o’clock, sends his mother on her way and waits for Ebony’s return.

Her cab careens around the corner and she carefully lowers herself into the back seat.

Where are you heading, love? the cabbie asks, glancing at her through the rear view mirror. She mumbles off her address, closes her eyes and almost falls asleep until the slam of brakes startles her. She pays the driver, mutters her thanks and steps out onto the dark and silent street, now just realising the house is in a sheet of darkness.

Where is everyone? She wonders. She kicks off her shoes and steps inside, slightly scared something is going to jump out at her beyond the darkness that envelopes her.

In here, she hears from the kitchen.

Why are all the lights off? Ebony asks, confused.

For a split second, she worries the power has been disconnected due to their overdue bill but shakes the thought away. She figures Brad would have called her at work with an earful of questions and abuse if it had been. He hates it when they receive debt letters in the mail but never considers that if he contributes just a little bit, Ebony wouldn’t fall so far behind.

Just come in here and leave them off, he orders.

She makes her way to the kitchen with her senses on alert and when she reaches the dining room doorway, she freezes. What’s all this? she stutters.

The dining table is covered with a red satin cloth and a small bouquet of red and white roses sits in the centre accompanied by two lit lavender-scented candles. Two meals are placed on place-mats on opposite sides of the table.

Brad saunters over to her and softly kisses her forehead. Are you hungry? he asks instead of answering her.

I am actually.

Take a seat. It’s probably cold now. I didn’t think you would be home this late.

I’m sorry, I got held up.

He’s cooked her favourite; pork belly with a side of roast pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato and onion. It looks amazing and Ebony’s stomach churns in anticipation.

Are you going to tell me what all of this is for? she persists.

What? Can’t I cook you dinner for once with a little extra effort?

Of course. I’m just surprised, that’s all.

Brad really is a good cook when he wants to be and Ebony casts him a smile of appreciation.

How was your night? he asks, joining her.

It was a little rough but alright. Did you catch anything out fishing this morning?

Nah, we missed the tide so we arranged it for another day. I forgot to tell you, the school is calling you Monday.

What about, do you know?

Brad shakes his head. No, but Mum mentioned it’s about Brax.

Oh. I hope everything is okay, Ebony says, a little concerned.

I’m sure it is. Mum didn’t sound too concerned.

Ebony nods and silence falls between them.

She is halfway through dinner when she notices Brad is sweating profusely and has anxiety written in his eyes. Are you alright? Do you want me to open the window for some fresh air?

No, I’m fine, he says a little too quickly.

What’s up then? I can tell something is bothering you.

He briefly glances across the table at her then drops his gaze to the table. Eb— he begins and swallows hard, causing his adams apple to bop in his throat.

What is it?

Is he breaking up with her? She wonders. But why the dinner and the roses? Is it to sugar-coat the ending of their relationship?

Eb, you know I love you right? But—

What? she asks anxiously.

Let me finish, he says and takes a sharp breath. I love you but I don’t want what we have anymore. You are the most amazing woman to me and I cannot ask for a better mother to raise my kids. I know I have mistreated you more ways than anyone could ever imagine and I am truly sorry for that. I hope you believe me. I don’t want what we have now because I want more than this. You mean the world to me and I want to prove it to you every single day. Let me be the man you deserve, he says and comes over to kneel at her feet.

Ebony’s eyes widen.

If you accept my proposal, I’ll give you the life you deserve, he continues and pulls a small box out of his back pocket. He flicks it open.

Are you serious? she asks, shaking uncontrollably.

Yes, I have never been more serious about anything in my life.

She gazes at the simple but stunning silver heart ring sitting in the box and glances at him.

This is where you are supposed to say something, he urges.

Ebony smiles and nods. Yes okay, I’ll accept, she murmurs.

Brad’s face washes over with relief and he slides the ring onto her finger where it fits perfectly.

He beams and stands up to kiss her. Thank you.

The beauty of the ring and how it’s sparkling under the candlelight is mesmerising her.

Brad switches on the kitchen light, drawing her eyes away from it.

Well now that’s done, I’m off, he states.

What, now?

Yes, I’m sorry. I promised the boys I’ll be over tonight for a game of poker.

But it’s after ten, not to mention you just proposed to me. Can’t you catch up with them another night?

Babe, don’t start whinging, you know I despise it when you do, he groans.

Fine, whatever. Go do your own thing and don’t worry about me, she says and mumbles her goodbyes.

I’ll be back in the morning, I promise. Have a nice rest and remember I love you, he tells her as he grabs his belongings and leaves before she can hassle him any further. She eyes off the mess in the kitchen and decides to clean up in the morning. She heads for a hot shower and within twenty minutes she is tucked comfortably in bed.

However, intruding thoughts keep her awake. She genuinely hopes he does want to change because she doesn’t want to regret accepting this ring only to find out it’s for the wrong reasons and only a cuff to lock her down for good.

The warm morning sun peeking through the curtains caresses Ebony’s eyelids and brings her into consciousness. She flutters her eyes open and smiles as last night comes rushing back to her. She scopes out her ring that homes itself with possessiveness on her finger and her smile