Doors Of Deception

By Maurice M. Jenkins and TBD

Betrayal and Beyond: A Mind-Bending Read

"Relationships with narcissists are held in place by the hope of a 'someday better,' with little evidence to support it will ever arrive."- Ramani Durvasula.

Doors of Deception is a heartbreaking love story that skillfully portrays the signs of narcissistic abuse in rel

• Language: English
• Publisher: maurice m jenkins
• Release date: Feb 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869178886

Book preview

Doors

Of

Deception

Copyright © the Year 2023

All rights reserved.

No part of this eBook may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, including print, electronic, photocopying, scanning, mechanical, or recording, without prior written permission from the author.

This eBook has been written for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to make this eBook as complete and accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes in typography or content. The information in this eBook provides current information, up to the publishing date. As such, it does not include information beyond that date to which the author has subsequently been enlightened.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Perfect, On the Surface      1

Chapter 2 - Slam Dunk      10

Chapter 3 - The Unknown Stranger      17

Chapter 4 - The Perfect First Date      25

Chapter 5 - The Day After      30

Chapter 6 - First Kiss      37

Chapter 7 - Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder?      45

Chapter 8 - Can’t Hardly Wait      63

Chapter 9 - A Crack in the Perfect Picture      72

Chapter 10 - Lovers in Paris      80

Chapter 11 - We’re Getting Married      95

Chapter 12 - The Devil in Disguise      107

Chapter 13 - What Really Matters      113

Chapter 14 - Falling Apart      120

About The Author      125

Chapter 1 - Perfect, On the Surface

It was a fairly normal Friday morning in Beverly Hills. James K. Jones woke up to the sunlight beaming down on him through his curtains. He sat up in bed, ready to greet the day with the determination of a champion. Tossing away the maroon silk covers, he stood up out of bed and rolled both his shoulder muscles one by one, working the tiredness out of his body. He took a moment to admire the world outside his bedroom window, watching the people of his high-end neighborhood pass by. He took the gold cross hanging around his neck from a small chain between two fingers. At that moment, he couldn’t help but be grateful for everything God had given him in life. But of course, God’s blessings didn’t come easy. James had worked hard his whole life to get where he was.

As he did every day, James started his morning by hitting the treadmill until he could feel the rush of endorphins pumping through his blood. He always pushed himself a little further every morning; going a little faster, a little longer. After his morning workout, he washed the sweat away with a cold shower. As he stood there letting the rushing water crash down upon his chiseled body, James began planning out the rest of the day in his head. The potential investors from Aberford & Collins Holdings had scheduled a last-minute meeting today. James preferred to be prepared, but no matter what, he was confident he could improvise. Lawyers from Mori Corporation were still hounding him; he had to see to that too. Then there was the matter of Mr. Richard Bancroft’s retirement fund, James would need to speak to the rest of his team before moving forward.

James stepped out of the shower with a white-blue towel wrapped around his waist, and droplets of water dropped down his well-sculpted body. Then, from the doorway, he heard a deep bark. James turned his head in the direction of the sound and grinned as a large, black pit bull approached him. Good morning, Zorro. James grinned happily, reaching a hand out to pet his dog. Zorro had been James’ most faithful companion for years now; he couldn’t imagine life without his dog. After getting dressed in a crisp beige suit and electric blue tie, James helped himself to a bowl of oatmeal; the breakfast of champions. He left some dog food in Zorro’s bowl and gave the dog a fist bump. Watch the house while I’m gone, all right buddy? James instructed. The dog nodded his head down to let out an affirmative huff from his nostrils.

Howdy neighbor, came a voice just as James stepped out of his home. His neighbor, Carl Grover was mowing his lawn.

Hey, Carl. Getting some chores done this morning? James asked with a polite smile. He enjoyed staying cordial with his neighbors.

You know it, said Carl, as he moved through the grass. You coming to the church meeting today? he asked.

Wouldn’t miss it, Carl, James said, offering his neighbor a friendly salute before he got into his Porsche and drove out of the gated community where he lived.

Ten minutes later, James was stepping into the head office of Davis & Kane, the investment firm where he had worked for the past several years. Since his time at the company, James had proven himself a valuable asset. He was good with numbers, a masterful communicator, and an inspiring leader. It was no wonder he had risen in the ranks of the company as quickly as he had. But James wasn’t done yet; he was determined to make a senior partner. When James decided he wanted something, he always put his mind to it and worked hard to see it through.

Hey, James! greeted his assistant Darla with a wide smile.

Good morning, Darla. He replied, returning her smile. Have I received any calls today?

Just the usual, sir, said Darla. Nothing I can’t handle. I’ve already sent in that financial report for Mr. Curtis, she added with her signature wide smile on display.

Thank you, Darla, I know I can always count on you, said James, before making his way into his private office.

The rest of the day went by exactly as planned; a couple of meetings, a few phone calls, and a handful of satisfied clients. As he found a moment to sit in his comfortable office chair and take a breath, James began to wonder where his life was headed. He was hardworking and social, and he never missed church. Everyone in James’ community adored and looked up to him. He had a nice house, his dream car, and of course, his pet dog, Zorro. What more could any man ask for in life? And yet, something was missing. James tried not to think about it too much, but in rare moments like these, he would sometimes wish he had someone to share his life with.

James was snapped out of his thoughts by his phone alarm ringing at 6:00 pm, just in time to make it to the church meeting. Pastor Emerson was already speaking when James entered the church. After looking around for a moment, he noticed there was only one spot left in the pews. He smiled at the woman sitting there as he approached.

Uh, may I sit here? James asked politely. Just then the woman turned her head toward him, and immediately, James was dumbstruck. Time seemed to slow down as James laid his eyes upon Ciara Williams for the very first time. Pastor Emerson’s voice faded away, and for that split second, it felt like he and this gorgeous woman were the only two people in the room. At that moment, James knew without a shadow of a doubt that his life was about to change, forever.

By all means, Ciara said, with a perfect smile, shuffling to the side just enough so he could sit comfortably beside her.

The name’s James, but my friends call me J.J., he said, offering Ciara a gentle handshake.

Pleasure to meet you, James, I’m Ciara, she replied. The moment her hand met his, James felt like electricity was running through his body. Trying to compose himself, he cleared his throat, fixed his tie, and faced forward to focus on Pastor Emerson’s sermon.

As most of you are already aware, last month a fire broke out in the basement of this very church. By the grace of God, nobody was hurt, but the damage has been severe. As Pastor Emerson said this, James realized that he could still smell the burning in the air. The outer left wall of the church premises had been left charred black; the fire had spread quickly, burning the flower garden outside. On the inside, the stained-glass windows on the left side had been cracked, and some of the wooden paneling had been reduced to cinders. We are actively working with local authorities to find out how this happened, but so far, law enforcement does not suspect foul play. In these difficult times, I ask you to remember that God challenges us in ways we don’t always understand. He tests our conviction and our strength of character. In these times of hardship, it is more important than ever that we join hands and come together as a community, so we can rebuild, and persevere against every hardship we face.

The people sitting in the church pews responded with enthusiastic cheers of ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Amen’. Meanwhile, James took the opportunity to lean in close toward Ciara and whispered, "Shame what happened here, isn’t it?

I know, right? she turned to him, a look of shock on her face. Who could’ve done such a thing? It is horrible.

So, I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new in town? James asked.

Just moved into the neighborhood last week, Ciara replied, with a smile that gave him butterflies.

You know if you ever need someone to show you around town... James was about to continue speaking when the voice of Pastor Emerson broke them out of the moment.

And now, allow me to introduce the newest member of our church. She has generously offered to help fund the rebuilding process. I present to you, Ms. Ciara Williams.

Before James could finish his sentence, Ciara hopped up gracefully. I’m afraid that’s my cue, she said. James couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her as she made her way up to the front of the church.

Pastor Emerson then stepped aside and welcomed her to take the mic. "Ladies and Gentlemen of Green Valley Church. Most of you don’t know me; my name is Ciara Williams. I haven’t been part of your community for all that long, but since I’ve been here, you’ve

Reviews for Doors Of Deception

[mmj660145 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Outstanding thriller book ! This is real life narcissist behavior !