Toxic Vows: Betrayal Speaks "You Are Not Enough" God Whispers "You Are Greater Than."

By Elisa Allison Sproule

Carson’s heart searched, his eyes wondered, Brinley she appears an angel. Carson is captivated. But now, he wonders “what on earth has my heart found.” A single ambious doctor Carson Madison is capivated by Brinley a beautiful young writer. The church is set for the wedding of a lifetime. But when Carson stands alone at the altar, heads turn. Angelic Brinley arrives late. She delivers a heartfelt apology that brings a standing ovation. But with a mystery guest at the wedding, a shocking appearance by a handsome gentleman at the reception and a disturbing conversation is overheard, Carson’s sister Myra believes that there is more attached to Brinley than a halo and wedding jitters. Carson and Brinley turn the key to their new home and walk into their new future. When the kind little lady next door informs Brinley that their new home comes with a disturbing history, the dreams turn to nightmares. Strange calls, conversations and potentially dangerous and damaging events began to take place that lead to Carson’s arrest. Carson’s attorney informs Carson that he believes that Carson is in more than love. As a praying mother takes to her knees, the truth surfaces. Had this match been made in heaven?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664273962

Elisa Allison Sproule

ELISA ALLISON SPROULE is a writer and the author of “Forever Not Always”, “The Wages Of Sin” and “Toxic Vows”. Elisa began writing through her own grief of the loss of her husband Clifford Allison. Elisa learned that her faith was stronger than she thought and God was closer than ever. Elisa is a mother, grandmother and wife. She holds trophies and titles with competitive body builder being one of them. Elisa laughs when asked about adding actress to her titles when recently filming with John Travolta. Elisa speaks to womens groups and podcasts encouraging self wellness during tough and difficult times. Teaching that loss and betrayal are disastrous , but they do not have to destroy. Elisa’s travels have taken her as far as Australia and New Zealand. Elisa writes daily with a novel, several children’s books and daily devotionals on the horizon. Elisa is an executive writer for her company, EarthScripts Publishing. Whether Elisa is working from home, the lake or the beach, she enjoys nature, writing, photography, painting and studying God’s word.

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Copyright © 2022 Elisa Allison Sproule.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

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except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7397-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7398-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-7396-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022913988

WestBow Press rev. date:  08/31/2022

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Wedding Excitement

Chapter 2     Redeemed In Love

Chapter 3     New Home, Old Secrets

Chapter 4     Empty Boxes

Chapter 5     Familiar Stranger

Chapter 6     The Dream Job

Chapter 7     9-1-1, Emergency!!

Chapter 8     Time For Prayer

Chapter 9     Security Alarm

Chapter 10   Dinner Plans, Truth Invited

Chapter 11   Strange Conversations

Chapter 12   Peacemaker Or Troublemaker

Chapter 13   Breaking The Silence

Chapter 14   Harmful Allegations

Chapter 15   The Arrest

Chapter 16   Dealing With Evil

Chapter 17   The Counselor

Chapter 18   God Will Provide

Chapter 19   The Necklace

Chapter 20   Stepping Back To Move Forward

CHAPTER 1

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Wedding Excitement

My heart searches as my eyes roam. There you are, angel.

With your voice, I’m captivated.

Now, you are mine, and I wonder what on earth has my heart found.

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C arson’s eyes stared eagerly at the doors of the beautiful church as he waited impatiently for them to open. With the palms of his hands sweating, he could feel his heart pounding and his legs shaking. This was it the moment he had waited for all his life. Was he supposed to be this nervous even though this was only the rehearsal? In spite of the nervousness, Carson was confident that he was ready to begin his life with beautiful Brinley, who was about to walk down the aisle. Carson had prayed for that one person who would become his soulmate. The couple would become as one and live happily ever after. This was a very important day in Carson’s life. Carson had been quite young when his father died, and his loss had taught Carson that life is too short to live alone.

From the moment Carson laid eyes on Brinley, he knew that she had captivated his attention. Carson found himself drawn to Brinley, and the couple soon became inseparable. After a period of only six months, Carson’s friends and family members were surprised to learn that he had asked Brinley to marry him so they could spend the rest of their lives together. They set a wedding date, and now Carson stood at the altar. Time was nearing for Carson and Brinley to exchange their vows and join their lives. Carson glanced toward his sister, Myra, who was standing poised with the wedding party. All were waiting for the bride to make her way through the doors and walk down the aisle. Myra and Carson exchanged smiles. She was a highly protective sister who had accepted a role as one of the bridesmaids reluctantly. Carson’s sister was cautious when it came to sharing her big brother. While Carson felt he and Brinley were made for each other, Myra, on the other hand, was not so certain.

Too soon to get married, Myra had told Carson. Brother, I have taken more time deciding on a new pair of shoes than you have in deciding to marry Brinley. Carson had laughed at Myra and had tried to convince his only sister that Brinley was the perfect one for him.

The music began, and the doors opened. But there was an unforeseen problem. Carson was shocked when Monique, the wedding planner, came through the entrance through which Brinley should have been walking. Stop! Stop the music! Monique yelled out to the wedding musician. Turning to the wedding party, Monique asked, Has anyone heard from Brinley?

Earlier today I spoke with her, answered Meredith, Brinley’s maid of honor.

Carson, dear, you should call and check on Brinley to be certain she is all right! stated Carson’s mom, Catherine. Cate was a highly debonair lady who always looked for the good in others.

I agree with Mom that we need to make sure that Brinley hasn’t been involved in an accident, responded an embarrassed Carson.

Myra stared as she walked toward her brother. Something is wrong for sure. She should have a good reason to not show up for her wedding rehearsal, she said with agitation. Carson took out his cell phone and dialed Brinley’s number.

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On a table in a hotel room, Brinley’s phone vibrated. Next to it, lay Brinley. Hearing the noise, she quickly sat up and reached for her phone. But she didn’t answer the call. I fell asleep! gasped Brinley. She rushed around the room picking up her clothes from the floor next to the bed. She quickly grabbed her ponytail holder and pulled her hair back. Now, where are my shoes? shrieked Brinley as she hurried. Her phone continued vibrating on the table.

Lie back down, babe, requested the man wrapped in the sheets in the same bed from which Brinley had just removed herself.

Paul, I have somewhere that I should be—like right now—and I’m late! replied Brinley.

Wait, Brinley! I have something for you. Brinley noticed a small, beautiful gift bag sitting on the nightstand. Paul reached out, picked up the gift, and presented it to Brinley.

Thank you, Brinley replied as she opened the gift bag. She looked inside and removed the note that was tucked into the tissue. She read, For you, beautiful. Love, Paul. Brinley placed the note on the table. She then reached into the bag and took out a gorgeous necklace box embossed with the name of a local jewelry store, Sarah’s Jewelry. Brinley had noticed the necklace when she and Carson chose their wedding rings. She had mentioned her admiration of that necklace to Paul. While Brinley desired one day to wear the necklace as her own, she had not believed that Paul would purchase it. Paul, it is beautiful. Thank you. But I really must leave now, said Brinley.

When will I see you again? asked Paul.

Probably never! yelled Brinley as she ran out of the hotel room and to the elevator.

Reaching her car, Brinley picked up her phone. She noticed numerous missed calls from Carson. Brinley listened to the phone messages as she drove toward the church.

Let me know you are all right, Brinley. We are all worried, stated Carson.

Arriving and parking her car, Brinley took a deep breath. Then, as if planned, she grabbed the gift bag that held the beautiful necklace that Paul had given to her at the hotel. She ran toward the entrance of the church, opened the door, and walked in so calmly that no one would ever have suspected she had just missed her own wedding rehearsal. Carson met Brinley at the door. Why did you not answer my calls or call me back when I phoned you? asked a noticeably disturbed Carson.

Brinley scrambled for an answer. It is a surprise, Carson! I’m sorry, but we can talk later. Right now, we have a wedding party waiting on us.

Carson and Brinley entered the reception hall where the wedding party was gathered. The buffet was set up beautifully and everyone had already began eating. Carson assisted Brinley as they sat down at their designated seats at the main table. Myra stared at Brinley; if looks could kill, Brinley would have dropped dead at once. Brinley looked around the crowd and then stood to her feet.

Excuse me everyone! said Brinley. If I could have your attention, please, for a moment. Brinley smiled. I owe each of you an apology for being late. The room drew silent; anyone there could have heard a pin drop on the floor. All eyes were now positioned on Brinley as they listened and eagerly awaited her excuse. Thanks to all of you for sharing this beautiful occasion with Carson and I. Turning to Carson, Brinley continued: I had a special gift ordered for tonight’s event. When I arrived to pick up the gift, I unexpectedly had to wait on the delivery. While I was waiting, I realized that I had left my phone on my desk. I had to return home to pick it up. Wedding jitters I guess.

Brinley turned and looked at Carson. I also decided that, while tonight is our wedding rehearsal, I want to walk down the aisle only one time in my life to the man I love. Carson smiled at Brinley. So, here’s to my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Catherine. Reaching out to Catherine as if that moment had been planned and rehearsed, Brinley presented Catherine with the beautiful gift bag. It was the gift that Brinley had just received hours before.

How kind of you, Brinley. Thank you! stated Catherine. Brinley took the necklace from the bag and placed it around Catherine’s neck. The expression of gratitude displayed on Catherine’s face was enough to reset the mood in the room. The more-than-curious wedding party went from silence to a grand applause! Brinley smiled as she sat back down in her seat next to Carson. Brin, that was so sweet of you to do that for Mother, Carson stated as he gleamed at Brinley. That was so thoughtful, and the necklace is beautiful, but please, next time return my calls!

I can assure you, Carson, there will never be another day like today, replied Brinley.

While Brinley sent out smiles of redemption to the wedding party, not everyone was smiling back. Sister Myra focused her gaze on Brinley as she walked toward the wedding couple. Well, how kind of you, Brinley, she said as she bent down and placed her arm around her brother. Myra turned her face toward her brother as she whispered to him, You know you still have time to run. The real event isn’t until tomorrow night. Myra smiled and then turned toward Brinley. As she gave her a halfway hug, she stared straight into the face of her soon-to-be sister-in-law and whispered, I don’t fall for it—none of it. Brinley stared back speechless.

A toast! the wedding party chanted. Myra, a toast!

From me? asked Myra. I did not prepare for this, big brother, but here goes. Lifting her glass up, Myra faced her brother. Carson, you have always been the man in my life. I have looked up to you for everything, both good and bad. Our love and bond as brother and sister are like none other. We are a circle. Soon, Brinley will come near that circle. While the two of you will design your own circle of love in matrimony, you will learn it is conditional. You will choose to make it what you desire, but the love between siblings is unconditional. For no matter what you do, big brother, I’m still your sister, and there is nothing you can do to change that! Myra tilted her glass. To the wedding couple! Myra smiled. All the guests held up their glasses as they toasted in celebration to Carson and Brinley.

What type of toast was that? Brinley thought to herself. A ticked-off-sibling toast? Or was it more like a warning? Brinley had just witnessed for the first time the bond of protection that existed between Myra and Carson. It did not taste good to her.

Carson did not wait for Brinley’s response to Myra’s toast. Quickly he asked Brinley, How about one more dance?

Yes, please, replied Brinley.

We’ll return shortly, stated Carson as he and Brinley left his sister and his mother—his favorite women in his life—standing together.

Myra, you were a little hard on Brinley in the toast, exclaimed Catherine.

I don’t fall for it all, Mom, stated Myra. There’s an uncomfortable way about Brinley. It’s as though she’s two different people at times around Carson. On the one hand, she’s falling all over him as if he is her world. On the other hand, however, she is distant and secretive. Where was she, Mom, during rehearsal? She could have called Carson at the very least. But to make him stand there and wait at the altar … that was embarrassing.

She did the same thing at the bridesmaid luncheon, Myra continued. She was late, so I called her. Brinley never answered her phone, so I called Carson, and he thought Brinley was with me! She was thirty minutes late and dressed in her swimsuit and a coverup! She claimed that she fell asleep at the swimming pool! Brinley keeps her phone attached to her, Mom. I’m surprised that the phone isn’t part of her wedding attire! I can assure you that it will either be in her bouquet or under her wedding dress!

Myra, that is enough! stated Cate. Carson loves Brinley, and I suggest that you find a way to accept that.

"Accept? So you think I’m questioning her behavior because I don’t wish to accept her for Carson? Really, Mother? You are not doing Carson a favor by pretending