When Maggie started her small, online business. She didn’t think much of it. It was a way for her to earn some passive income and keep herself busy as she found a more permanent job. However, luck didn’t seem to be on her side since she couldn’t find work for almost three years. At some point, she gave up and decided to focus on her business.
Through her business as a baker, she met the man who would marry her and consequently make her life a living hell. According to Maggie, Tony was a good man but there was nothing special about him. He was just average. He had an average job, an average apartment and an average car. His looks were also average. However, Maggie was instantly drawn to him for one simple reason – he complimented her smile.
Maggie struggled with self-esteem issues which affected her relationships with others. She hadn’t been in a romantic relationship for over 5 years and the closest she had come to a date was when her older brother took her out for ice cream. It’s not that she was unattractive. On the contrary, many gushed about her beauty ever since she was a little girl. However, she had been in a series of abusive relationships in the past that broke her confidence. Coupled with a failed career, she didn’t feel very good about herself as the years went by.
When Tony complimented her, it was like he breathed new life into her that day. It had been a while since she felt like that. His lingering stare and calm voice made her believe every word that came from his lips.
“I’m Tony, by the way.” He finally introduced himself.
“Maggie.”
“Wow, what a lovely name, Maggie.”
“Thank you.”
“I finally put a face behind these delicious cakes.” He flirted. “Now I want more.”
“More of what? The cakes or me?” She flirted back.
“Both.”
“We’ll see.”
Though Maggie was hesitant at first, Tony’s persistence worked in his favour. He supported her wholeheartedly and in turn, she fell in love with him fast. Within a few months, the two were married.
**************************************************
There was nothing that would have made Maggie think that the love of her life was an abusive man. However, she started to notice small behaviours that raised an alarm. Tony was a heavy drinker – something that would instantly change his personality. When he got drunk, he would become verbally abusive and arrogant.
Maggie thought that she would manage to control the drinking but things only got worse by the day.
“Do you know I’m the one who made that business of yours grow?” He asked rhetorically. “You were nothing before you met me. Now you can swing your hips around here like you are Queen Elizabeth.”
This wasn’t her first time in an abusive relationship so she knew exactly what to do. She remained silent to avoid aggravating him hoping he would tone down. However, he continued attacking her and she had to defend herself.
“You should stop drinking. You’ve had enough.”
“Don’t tell me what to do! Pour me another drink.”
Maggie sat and looked at him as he shook his empty glass at her. Noticing that she wasn’t doing what he had said, he stood up and dragged her by the hair then slammed her on the ground.
“I said pour me another drink.”
Maggie trembling hands could hardly hold the whiskey bottle. She was so shaken that she hardly moved from the kitchen floor the entire night.
“What did I get myself into?” She whispered to herself in tears.
For years, the abuse continued but Maggie held on to the hope that her husband would change.
***************************************************
She finally went to the police station to report a domestic abuse case after Tony nearly broke her arm. She was badly beaten with a bloody face and bruises all over her arm. Jackie, a high-profile lawyer, was at the police station trying to get one of her clients out when she saw Maggie and was immediately filled with compassion.
After explaining what had happened, the police officer instructed Maggie to go to the hospital and then return to file a report. Jackie offered to drive her to the hospital.
“Thank you, madam, but I don’t have a lot of money. Just take me to a public hospital.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take you to a doctor friend of mine. He’s dealt with many domestic abuse cases and he won’t charge you.”
Maggie didn’t say anything. It was clear that she was overwhelmed with emotions but she had no more tears to cry. The two were silent the entire drive to the clinic.
“We’re here,” Jackie said after they arrived. She then noticed that Maggie was struggling to get out of the car and got out to help her. Once again, Maggie said nothing.
They got to the doctor’s office and Jackie went to the reception to book a slot for Maggie.
“The receptionist will let you know when you can see the doctor. I have to go and take care of my client but this is my number. Call me if you need anything.” She said handing her a business card and some cash.
Maggie was attended to promptly and returned to the station to file a report. However, Jackie had already left. That was the last time she saw the kind lady until she attended a business conference at Kempinski Hotel.
While serving a plateful of delicious treats, she spotted a familiar face from across the room and nearly dropped her plate.
“Jackie!!” She yelled and waved to catch her attention.
Jackie didn’t seem to recognize her at first but a closer look brought back the memory of that fateful night.
“Oh my God, what are you doing here?” She asked visibly surprised.
“I run a small business and I thought this would be a good place to network. What about you?”
“I’m here to give people free legal advice. I’m a lawyer by the way. That’s why I was at the police station that day. One of my clients had been arrested.”
“Wow, you’re truly an angel.”
Jackie laughed at the statement.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“A lot was going on that night. I think I must have misplaced your card.”
“No worries, it seems our paths were meant to cross.”
“Yes, I’m so glad I’ve met you.”
“How have you been?”
Before she could answer the question, a lady came and whisked Jackie away without any explanation.
“Let’s catch up after the event.” She said as she walked away.
The two caught up after the event and talked briefly before exchanging numbers. Maggie became a regular at the events which not only helped her grow her business but also introduced her to a new group of friends who she later came to find out were victims of domestic abuse as well.
Find out what happens next Her Business Saved Her From An Abusive Marriage Part 2
Check out
He Wasted All His Savings On Gambling After Losing A Bet To His Son Part 1
The Relationship Coach Who Was In A Toxic Relationship
My Situationship Turned Into A Marriage That Ruined My Life
A Soldier’s Widow: He Must Have Seen It Coming
I Realized He Drugged My Drink While On A Date
From Fairytale To Nightmare, My Knight In Shining Armour Turned Into My Abuser
She Fell In Love With A Man Who She Thought Was Perfect But He Turned Out To Be An Abuser
I Left Him Because He Glorified His Sexist And Abusive Friend’s Actions
Her Parents Enabled Her Abusive And Cheating Boyfriend
I Am My Sister’s Keeper’s; A Tribe Of Thoughtful Women Rescued Her From Her Abusive Husband.
