An Abusive Relationship

Darkness And The Hope To Bring A Change

Have you ever been tied-up and in love with an abusive psychopath? What are the signs of an abusive relationship? I didn’t know. But, imagine how much strength is needed to pull yourself out of an insulting and mentally dark place. As a matter of fact, I experienced it when I lived in an offensive relationship. He was an inhuman, bitchy controlling psychopath. Not to mention, was there any life in the darkness to find hope to bring a change? Yet, I believed in eternity for everlasting love in life, despite I was in a cruel tie-up.

So, everything seemed to be soothing and like a romantic everlasting love, and therefore I felt he was the right buddy for me. But before it all came to my awareness, it was too late. Then, it all became like a mentally dark place, controlling, and an abusive relationship with a devious psychopath. On the other hand, I was already so committed and bound to blame myself for everything. Just as this is what the dude with a narcissistic personality would do. 

It’s a raw exploration of their twisted mindset

Discover the truth about narcissistic abuse. Author M. L. Stark, a survivor of narcissistic abuse and trauma, draws from her own experiences to shed light on the dark world of psychopathic narcissists in “Hugger Mugger & Maze Aflame” Her keen insights and raw honesty will empower and educate, helping others recognise and escape such toxic relationships.

The Dark Truth Of Narcissistic Love

Then we will follow her journey as she navigates an uncomfortable and harrowing situation. Will she find the strength to break free? Mary is in a race against time to save herself from the malicious Doctor Bates. Will she break free from his grip before it’s too late? This emotionally charged narrative and dramatic setting will captivate you from start to finish. Don’t miss this eye-opening read!

Have You Ever Been In The Clutch Of A Psychopath?

We hereby welcome you to America Tonight Radio Show when Kate Delaney is interviewing Author M. L. Stark.

About the interview

In this case with the 11 minute recorded interview, I want to put words into why I wrote the books about having a relationship with an abusive, and devious psychopath. Obviously with the attention of telling what was behind the entire story of being in a cruel relationship. Of course there are also some few people who might not understand why I was writing the stories, that’s okay. But, to me, it was great for healing the traumatic experiences I’ve had in my life while I was in an abusive relationship with a malicious psychopath.

Did you know psychopaths are cunning charmers and master manipulators?

Under those circumstances, it’s to the matter where you accept the most extreme behaviours as normal living in a merciless relationship with an evil psychopath. Certainly, and over the course of my life, I experienced a different sort of relationships, undoubtedly some of them were platonic. In fact, my marriage was of the familial variety. However, few of my relationships were decidedly romantic. That was what I thought about my last affair. So, was it one of the romantic kind, or not? I so much wanted to believe it was the best tie ever. But it was horror, it’s probably difficult to imagine how it is to live in an abusive relationship with a mean psychopath.

America Tonight Show

When I got the opportunity for the America Tonight Radio show, I grabbed it with proudness of having the honour of being interviewed by Kate Delaney for the America Tonight Show. It was extremely exceptional, but also a hard task to talk about an abusive relationship with a psychopath.

Of course Kate Delaney asked, “How many people can deal that way living with a psychopath?” Given these points, you can listen to it on the above track.

A disturbing dark life of deceives and lies
Very captivating from beginning to end. I look forward to the sequel.

—Susanne

Acknowledgment

I’m grateful to everyone who supported me in my growth throughout an arduous process in my life and helped me to make this book a reality. Writing is not a straightforward task!

The Established Woman

The unpredictability

It was never to know what was meant or what he wanted. What was good yesterday or today was in his mind often gibberish the next day. She found out, some people are truly great manipulators and he hated everything she loved. They can lie, cheat, treat you badly, and somehow manage to make it all seem like it’s all your fault. He was a true Puppet Master dragging her around as a subjugated and scarred dancing Circus Bear in his cruel arena.

Mary, is an established woman. Her lifespan is a petrifying mess. This is about dating a truly creepy sociopath, one who had swindled others throughout his entire life. He is a self-absorbed, lying person using people. Although he is great at presenting himself with a public persona of normalcy, but he was never able to apologise when he treated her wrongly. He could only brag and basically complimenting himself. That was what she experienced in an abusive relationship with a devious psychopath. Despite the fact, she could not see what lay behind the dark shade of Drake Lucifer Bates. Straightaway, he inappropriately flirted with her; he was a doctor and she was his patient. And as a result during a treatment session, he goes too far!

Does he get hard when he treats patients?

However, it was too late for her to escape. Unintended she becomes captured in his mean spider web. Quickly, Drake won her compassion with his enormous intellect and glimmering charm and mysteriously, something vastly magical happened around him. Then, she begins a passionate love affair with him, although, their life seemed blissful on the outside, but behind his malicious plan, it was chilling.

Thus, trusting him with her fragile life, she doesn’t see he is like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, so believing him was fatal during this merciless relationship with him as the cruel psychopath. And his his primary target was swindling wealthy patients. His manipulative behaviour and scams, ends disastrous for Mary as were she a character in his horror movie, whenever he sinks into his mania of deceives and lies.

He is a predator!

To begin with, she doesn’t know anything about psychopathic behaviour. So, how does she figure out what she can expect from such a person like Drake? Therefore, her life was never the same, but would she learn from his evilness? Would she learn how to get out of an abusive relationship with this psychopath?

The story will obsess you.

Over the course of our lives, we all experience all sorts of relationships.

Some are of the platonic or familial variety, while others are decidedly more romantic. And in these romantic relationships, there are bound to be many ups and downs. Some have more downs than anything that ultimately lead to the of the abusive relationship, but what happens when these downs are more than just that?

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
—Ernest Hemingway

His Cruel Psychological Agenda

Living in a relationship with an abusive psychopath and a manipulative narcissist is more than difficult to get through. My narc was not an sinful killer, but he had a particular cruel psychological agenda for me, dragging me into his mentally dark place.

In a flurry of lust mistaken for love with a swindler, all bets on a safe, happy life are off. I fell victim in my chase for love that engulfed me, and couldn’t see through the love life as I was dating a sociopath. Too late, I realised how he had swindled others throughout his entire life with his schemes and scams. Before I knew of it, I sacrificed my livelihood for this toxic adventure with the sociopath that takes us across the globe.

A Character In The Psychopath’s Horror Spell

Little did I know when I jumped into this abusive relationship with this psychopath. Soon, I became a character in the dude’s private horror spell as he sank into his cruel mania of deceives, insulting behaviour and lies. Financially, I was bailing him out of messes—lying on his behalf—leaving my husband and children behind, and putting my life on the line for a future that eventually catches up to me.

Later in life with my new flame, I knew, either I ought to make the difficult decision to lose myself completely in love—or leave the offensive relationship with the psychopath behind. While I was living in this petrifying mess, I still had the courage to help abandoned animals and support children’s causes if needed—it gave me the most optimistic values in life and hope for a better future. Yet, often, I wanted to give up on everything.

The Shady Lizard And The Woman

For the most part, my life had been rather unreal. Often, my soul suffered from an overwhelmed distress and my emotions stayed with tattered nerves that hung in millions of pieces. For a long time, my psyche and energy hadn’t functioned optimal—I couldn’t get doodly-squat finished. 

Been loved one day and downright upset the next turned my life upside down; after all, I believed in eternity for everlasting love in life, despite I lived in this disparaging and abusive relationship with a psychopath.

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures. Learn from them and start again.”
—Richard Branson

This is an amazing story that keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait for part 2!
—Susie

All the lies and red flags slipped past my attention.

Part 2 presents the continuation of the maliciously agenda of Dr Bates and will leave you in a trance of shock with its vigorous narrative. A moment ago, it seemed, it was yesterday full of happiness. Tomorrow it is a matter of survival for Mary as her life is on the brink of insanity to her Knight in Shining Armor. Loving him was all she ever had.

As she meets Drake again she becomes a slave in the madness of love. Before Mary notice the dangerous life, she gets deeply trapped in Drake’s dodgy mesh. However, it’s too late for her to escape. Fraud, lies, dominance, torment and the complexity of an abusive relationship evolve, and will unexpectedly be a new part of Mary’s life. Dr Bates’ sinister betrayal sneaks slowly in as he lures Mary like a ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Love, Hatred and Deception

Although, Mary will experience love, hatred and deception in her vicious relationship with this psychopath. And, on the other hand, will she continue to be Bates’ victim in his mystiques and hefty deceptions he gets during the murky nights?

On the outside, it seems Dr Bates is loving and has a high IQ, above normal. On the inside, he is a devious psychopath. The story will drastically unfold to a complexity of a love drama—crime, fraud and Bates’ delusions of grandeur. With lightning speed, three sinister chums and the mafia boss run into their Hotel to search for Dr Bates. Not only once, but several times the two lovebirds are on the run in the shadowy darkness of the night, because Bates steal and frauds his business associates.

Readers review on Part 1:

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

—Abraham Lincoln

Her Life Is On The Brink Of Insanity

Check out how MAZE AFLAME: Flimflam Man presents the continuation of the malicious agenda of Doctor Bates and will leave you in a trance of shock with its vigorous narrative.

A moment ago, it seemed, it was yesterday full of happiness. Tomorrow it is a matter of survival for Mary as her life is on the brink of insanity to her Knight in Shining Armor. To late Mary notices the dangerous life she is living this abusive relationship with her psychopath, and now she can’t escape. The story will drastically unfold to a complexity of a love drama, crime, fraud, and Bates’ delusions of grandeur.

At one point and at a secluded area outside Hong Kong, the mafia attempt to kill Dr Bates. We will follow the two sweethearts in how they try to escape from the difficulties with the Asian Mafia. Not only once, but several times the two lovebirds are on the run in the shadowy darkness of the night, fleeing as two shifty thieves. Mary will experience love, hatred, and deception; however, will she continue to be Drake’s victim in his mystiques and hefty deceptions he gets during the nights?

This is part two and it will obsess you.

Feeling Trapped In The Relationship

Pacific Book Review wrote:

Over the course of our lives, we all experience all sorts of relationships. Some are of the platonic or familial variety, while others are decidedly more romantic. And in these romantic relationships, there are bound to be many ups and downs. Some have more downs than anything that ultimately lead to the demise of the relationship, but what happens when these downs are more than just that?

When they are actually emotionally detrimental to someone in the relationship and it is revealed that it is an abusive relationship they have found themselves in, that is when the person suffering begins to question everything while feeling trapped. This is what is explored in M.L. Stark’s novel.

Many People Have Experienced It

It is sad to say that many people have experienced what it’s like to be in an abusive relationship, whether it be mental or physical abuse. It is damaging and often those involved feel lost as to how to leave it. All of that and more are touched on in this book about Mary and Doctor Drake’s turbulent romance that began under less than ethical circumstances.

Mary started out as Drake’s patient and ended up in a rollercoaster of a love affair with the man who was meant to help her. Mary was going through a difficult time in her life and instead of this doctor giving her the proper tools and help to get through it, he decided he would start a romance with her instead. With Mary being in a fragile and vulnerable place, this was a recipe for disaster and it wouldn’t be until much later that Mary realized her mistake in dating this psychopath — as the author refers to him throughout the novel.

While this book talks about an incredibly sensitive subject of abusive relationships, which can be triggering for some, it is still an important book that perfectly lays out how someone even finds themselves in a situation such as that. And more so, how this person can fight their way out of it until they can find the true person they are once again.

Effortless Way Of Painting A Vivid Picture Of This Type

M.L. Stark has an effortless way of painting a vivid picture of this type of relationship which will surely keep every reader of this book intrigued and outraged by the story unfolding before their eyes. The author has a talent for telling a story based on true events — while changing names, places, and other facts — that keeps their audience eagerly turning every page to learn more about Mary’s story and how she overcame incredible odds.

While this story may not be the most upbeat read, that is not the point of it. It is to tell a raw and real tale of heartbreak and abuse at the hands of a man whose narcissistic and sociopathic tendencies seriously tested a woman who had already been through far too much in her life. Burning Desire is definitely worth the read and will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.

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The Talking Imaginary Painting

Fiction cannot live without reality. There is no way around it. The so-called reality will always appear in even the wildest fiction. People who write have nothing to write about, except for what exists in everyday life. There are good reasons to use reality in fiction. In fact, there are no other options.

The gloomy day arises as Drake drives Mary to the airport, and they stand in the pouring rain, when he drops her off at Hong Kong Airport—tearful, she brake down before they say goodbye. Wet from the rain, she follow in his hasty steps at the hectic, noisy, packed Airport, together with millions of rushing people heading to their destinations around the world.

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is a painting that speaks.

—Plutarch

A Vulnerable Woman Falls Into The Predatory Clutches Of A Smooth-talking Physician

HUGGER MUGGER: The Con Man Smile – Part 1 and MAZE AFLAME: Flimflam Man – Part 2.

An evil darkness who deceived even himself. A vulnerable woman falls into the predatory clutches of a smooth-talking physician in this novel. Behind, her lover’s narcissistic behaviour was an evil darkness who deceived even himself. What did she expect a psychopath would look like? That she could see the evil darkness that lurked behind a pair of piercing eyes. Stunning eyes that would dissolve her into nothing but a target. However, there was literally no difference between his eyes and hers, she found out during her ruthless relationship with this psychopath.

The Deceptive Normalcy

The Deceptive Normalcy: Unveiling the Illusion of Love in the Clutches of a Psychopath. No piercing! Nor any special movements. Without doubt, no psychopathic stare, that deceived even himself. Surely no special body language, and in conclusion, her lover’s eyes were mostly loving. Last, they also had a normal brightness when he glanced at her, and when he was pretending, she was fascinating—sexy and the only love of his life. That’s how you get deceived in a merciless relationship with a psychopath, when you not notice the red flags. 

In other words; he appeared just as an ordinary person while his narcissistic behaviour was manipulating her, primarily, when he was pretending, he truly loved her. She knew she was a too trusting person believing in all good in everyone. She was not able in seeing that her narcissistic lover did everything only to please the Devil in him. By that she mean; if she said or did something that he didn’t like, as he perceived any innocent comment she had made as a full-blown attack to him. Next, he would give her the silent treatment. The beautiful eyes turned into devious eyes when she confronted him with his lies or deception she had uncover. He would, off course and flatly deny everything.

Lack Of Respect

He had a total lack of respect for personal boundaries and inability to deal with potential confrontation. Yet he loved picking a fight. Especially when he needed money. She was so hooked with him, and had a massive desire for him. Being blindfolded wearing rose-colored glasses, floating on a pink cloud of happiness on cloud nine, she was not seeing the many red flags in front of her.

His only goal was to pierce her only layer of defence effortlessly. Then divulge her darkest secrets before she realised what was happening in this abusive relationship with the psychopath. Behind his loving façade, she felt the wrath of the wolf, mostly when he drained her blood, and when he tore up her flesh.

Nothing was ever good enough for him. And he never intended to stay with her to begin with. He only needed the resources she could provide for him. Thus, he was constantly seeking a new thrill.

They Are A Habitual Liar, A Perfect Predator.

In the beginning, I knew not so much of calculating people. However, it was interesting if I ever will figure out what I can expect from such evil people? Living in an abusive relationship with a psychopath is not easy. I think such people never show empathy for others, and it’s all a game to them, when a person fall victim to such horrifying manipulations and psychological abuse. Some say; it’s as being a chased Hitchcock character in a horror movie, because such persons are that talented and can memorise all their lines. As a matter of fact, I believe they can win awards for their incredible performances.

They can lie about their professional experience, their private life, yea, I tell you they are a habitual liar, a perfect predator. And you are their prey. With a massive drama they will tell you disturbing grim stories about your family, friends or people at your work. Mostly about you and your past, of how horrible you are, and much more.

The Illusion of Salvation

The Illusion of Salvation: How Psychopaths Manipulate to Play the Hero. Only your demoniacal behaviour crudely and negatively will affect your common lives, in the psychopath’s opinion. Only you have all the damn depressing demons—not him! That’s why he thinks he is the prince in shining armour and so determined to rescue you—according to his opinion. Believe it or not, only he believes he is the person who can help you get rid of all your devilish demons. Possessed and threatening demons run in your family—not in his, according to him. Therefore, he believes, he will save you from the malicious devil who he considers might be your husband, boyfriend, family or friends. That is what you will get when living in an abusive relationship with a psychopath.

Withal, he believes he is the man with arms made of steel. And you are their prey!

Narcissistic Brutality, A Dark Hell Of Burning Fire.”

This is not lovemaking but narcissistic brutality, a dark hell of burning fire.

The moment Mary meets Doctor Drake Lucifer Bates, she’s intrigued by him. What starts out as a doctor’s visit soon morphs into something more scandalous, as Mary and Drake start an affair. Between her rocky marriage with her husband, Paul, and the advances Dr Bates makes during sessions, Mary finds herself drawn more and more to him, even as the red flags start to appear. This first book in the author’s series follows Mary as she becomes Dr Bates’ patient and soon lover, getting further entangled in a relationship that is hypnotic and passionate but also dangerous. Mary and Dr Bates story unfolds across the globe in this captive affair, as Mary tries not to lose herself over to Bates completely and get wrapped up in his manipulative schemes.

Written in the first person and based on real-life experiences, Stark’s narrator is engaging and self-aware. Mary is a dramatic, opinionated, and intelligent woman who can’t stop herself from falling for Dr Bates’ sweet gestures and behaviours, even when he turns angry and aggressive towards her. In hindsight, she clearly knows that this relationship with her doctor was a dangerous, if tantalising, mistake, but she can’t help sharing the story with the reader, laughing at and judging her actions and desires through a lens of a now wiser person.

Stark manages to capture the protagonist’s conflicting emotions of repulsion and attraction and of feeling trapped by her situation yet thrilled at prospects. This is usually accomplished by having Mary’s various thoughts mirroring each other. Mary’s account of her relationship with Dr Bates reads like an enormous confession, a secret shared over a bottle of wine.

The series does a profound service to readers—exposing the truth of what it’s like
to live and fall in love with a stop-at-nothing, callous psychopath.