Not All Roses Are Red

"We've come here today. To honor union of two hearts..." the priest said. Besides him. There was a tall man. Standing 6'3" tall, this fair skinned man has an aggressive and handsome feel about him.

He has a square face with Black undercut shaggy hait that reveals a handsome , time-worn face. Smart sapphire eyes, set perfectly within their sockets.

A large beard gorgeously compliments his mouth and leaves a heart-breaking memory of his luck in love. This is the face of Joel Dallin, he stands gracefully among others, despite his bulky frame

He has piercings in three places: both eyebrows, his left earlobe.

Scar reaching from the left side of the forehead , running across the nose and ending on his right cheekbone leaves a pleasant memory of his bad boy days.

This is the face of Joel Dallin. He stands alluringly among others, despite his sturdy frame.

"... In love." The priest continued. Joel smiled at his wife to be. She smiled back. This fair skinned woman has a disinterested feel about her.

She has a triangular face with a softly shaped jaw, a straight nose, and narrow lips. Her dark brown eyes are round and she has thick eyebrows.

She has light brown hair which is straight.

She has long arms and slender hands, a long torso, straight hips, long legs, and average-sized feet. This is Sarah Hanson. Soon to be Sarah Dallin.

"Before I pronounce you husband and wi..." Before the priest could continue the door opened wide open.

A woman in black walked in and stood next to the door.

Standing 5' 9" tall, this brown skinned woman has a stubborn feel about her.

She has a long face with a rounded jaw, a bulbous nose, and large lips. Black shaggy hair slightly covers a lean, the most beautiful face ever face.

Bloodshot grey eyes, set deep within their sockets, watch guardedly over the letter they've grown hatred for so long.

She has toned arms, a long torso, a smaller-than-average waist, toned legs, and narrow feet.

The is the face of Monica McKeon. She walked down the aisle.

"Oh me? Don't mind me," She said without hesitation as she walked to the row before and sat down. People were focused on her.

Who dares to wear black on a wedding?

"Well... before I pronounce you husband and wife... I have a question for you. Do you Sarah Hanson, take Joel Dallin as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and hold till death do you apart?" The priest asked.

"I do!" Sarah said with a lot of enthusiasm. People applauded.

"Do you Joel Dallin take Sarah Hanson as your lawfully wedded wife, to love and hold till death do you apart?"

"I do," Joel said in a deep voice making people to applaud.

"Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

"Well... ahem!" Monica cleared her throat, standing up. "I OBJECT!!" Everyone was shocked.

"Our beautiful Sarah here... doesn't love Joel. If she did she wouldn't go behind his back and have an affair with his ex business partner," shamelessly walking down the aisle.

"What?" not only did Joel ask but everyone else did.

"Baby... don't listen to her!!" Sarah tried to touch Joel while he backed away.

"...Oh yeah... and she also made out with that man... what's his name? Oh yeah bingo... Eric Krauthammer. She's the one who told Eric to resign and work for your ex business partner." Monica added with no shame.

"Babe! She's lying! Can't you see she's lying?" Sarah yelled.

"No I'm not. I have pictures too. Too bad you were naked and I can't just betray one of gender like that?" Silly Monica you already betrayed Sarah.

You're probably wondering who the hell is Monica McKeon and why is she destroying such a beautiful wedding? Let's take you to the start.

Flashback: Two Days ago.

"Mail delivery!" A letter slided into the room from the door.

Monica McKeon sighed as she looked at the letter.

"God give me one reason why I should open this letter?!" she picked the letter and put it in her bag.

"Maybe it's good news. Either way. I have to meet Jayla at The Club." She took the bag along with her letter and she walked out and went to the club few blocks from her apartment.

From the outside it looks uncomfortable, dull and horrible. Sandstone bricks and well-crafted wooden beams make up most of the building's outer structure.

It's difficult to see through the small, curtained windows, but the lack of joy from within can be felt outside.

As The gorgeous Monica enters the tavern through the heavy, wooden door, she's welcomed by a layer of smoke hanging below the ceiling and a coldness.

The bartender is trying to catch a spider and makes no effort to acknowledge her presence .

It's as somber inside as it is on the outside. Squared, stone beams support the upper floor and the huge, dusty lamps attached to them. The walls are completely empty, only covered in a layer of fatty grime.

The tavern itself is almost completely abandoned. The few people inside appear to be dangerous in way or another, but whoever they are, they give them an uncomfortable feeling of dread.

"So the rumours are true huh?" Monica sat on the bar seat next to Jayla.

"You did hear rumours about this tavern, supposedly it's famous for something, but for the life of you can't remember what for. Though judging by everything you've seen so far, you don't really care and you probably don't want to know...Blah blah. Let's go have fun!"

"No. We have to talk."

"Oh baby! I missed you too."

"Jayla. I never said I missed you."

"Oh that's sweet but don't worry I'm back to stay."

"I like your sarcasm."

"Well I like your stubbornness. So do you guys still eat ice cream here?"

"You're not funny."

"I wasn't trying to be funny. Besides... why you giving me the cold shoulder? I didn't do anything wrong. I just invited you for a drink."

"If this is about leaving you hanging for few minutes. I'm sorry I'm a girl and I have to wear makeup unlike you. So... what's up?"

"Well... here." She handed her the letter.

"What's this? Okay..." she teared it open. "Dear Monica McKeon. As from the above date, you still owe $51,000.00 for rent. Girl that's literally half 100k."

"I'm aware."

"Your payment is past due by four (4) days. Your original due date was 02 March 2021... Monica that was 2 weeks ago."

"I have a calendar Jayla."

"As a result of the delay, you now owe us $50.00 in late charges. If you have any questions please contact me via postal mail, at the contact information." She continued reading as Monica sipped Jayla's drink noticing a set of Hazel eyes staring at her. She just rolled her eyes and turned back to Jayla.

"Oh My gosh!!"

"What?!"

"If you do not provide payment within seven (7) days of receiving this letter, we may pursue legal action."

"Oh damn! At least I still have 7 days to figure something out."

"Nica... the letter was issued on the 13 March which means you have only 3 days to figure something out. Why didn't you tell me? I mean I would've cancelled my trip and give you the money."

"...That's why I didn't tell you. I want you to be happy."

"Monica... fun and vacation are the last things on my mind when I think of you. But right now. I'll take a few bucks from my monthly instalment and we'll figure something out."

"No. This is my battle. I'll figure something out. Get a job or something."

"What kind of job pays 50K a day?"

"Aargh. I'm fucked up."

"Oh-oh! You can apply for a loan!"

"...A loan! Fuck why didn't I think about that?! I'll go first thing tom..." she noticed the two set of Hazel eyes was no longer staring at her.

"...morrow." She looked around for those set of eyes and noticed a lot of men had eyes on them. More especially Monica because she was shutting the tavern down. For the girl who likes to be extra, the dress she is wearing, is was made For her. The dress is made in high-end sparkling black and silver shimmer fabric. Features an asymmetric neckline, one shoulder strap and ruched bra cup, and a sexy side slit. Pair with minimal jewellery and dainty heels.

She is a masterpiece.

"...Let me guess. You found someone to take home?"

"Hey! You know me. I don't do that kinda shit. Besides... that hotty got eyes on you. Go! It's okay I'll be fine! Don't give me that look. I'll take a cab home if I need help I'll call you."

"...are you sure?! I mean..."

"Don't worry. I've been living here for 5 years now. I can handle myself. Besides... when was the last time you got laid."

"Funny. I was about to ask the same thing... but either way. I love you girl!"

"Have a great night and don't make babies." They hugged and she sat there by herself.

Nice legs." A man Whispered to her ear but she didn't pay attention.

"Can I buy you a drink?" his deep fiery tone was enough for Monica to understand that he was used to charming every woman he met.

She opened her eyes to see The same set Hazel eyes that was staring at her.

"...I already have one. But you can give me the money though." She rolled her eyes as she stood up from her seat.

"Or you can even get more..."

"Yep. I'm going home. Next time pick on someone your own size." She took her bag and walked passed him. Who would dare to flirt with a man in his 40s?

"See you soon Pumpkin."

"Ha-ha. I won't be so sure about that." She said with some sass walking to the door.

He turned and noticed the letter and grabbed it.

"...Monica McKeon. Huh?"

The Next Day.

After Countless hours.

"Sorry... But we regret rejecting the loan application."

"Again?! What why? This is literally the third bank to reject my loan application!"

"We regret to reject your loan application of $50,000.00 the reason is you already taken out a loan of 20000$ and the deductions where made from your monthly salary but we had troubles to deduct the money because sometimes your... bank account was... zero."

"But what matters is it was paid!"

"Yes it was paid but unfortunately we can't."

"Seriously?! I just need 50k that's all. I'll pay it back every week."

"Unfortunately Ma'am we can't."

"You know what? Never mind! You can go fuck yourselves." She stood up.

"But Mr Huddleston can approve your loan."

"Mr What?" she sat down and paid attention.

"Huddleston. He can approve your loan, he's the owner of this bank. Here is his business card. I'm pretty sure he's on his lunch break right now."

"For real? Where can I find him?"

"It's on the business card."

"Oh. Yeah silly me ha-ha. Thank you so much." She walked out and hugged Jayla who was drinking her 5th cup of coffee.

"What happened?!"

"They... they rejected my loan application!"

"...why are you happy then?"

"..Because I'm broke as fuck. Ha-ha."

"Nica... are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm not okay Jayla. I'm lost in between and I don't know what to feel."

"You can cry Baby. Even when the clouds gets heavy they cry."

"They rain. They don't cry."

"...honestly I think you should stop being literal. But I think it's time for you to stop acting so hard-core."

"I'm not acting so hard-core or anything. I just can't cry."

"But you are happy."

"Never mind me. Uhm... we going to find Mr Huddleston." She read the card.

"Huddleston?"

"Yes that's what mentioned on the card."

"...Huddleston. That motherfucker is rude. Like cold. Stone cold. Like I think you wouldn't want to do it."

"Give me 50k then."

"...Monica I know you're desperate but... Huddleston is not the kind of man to mess with. Haven't you seen it on the news?"

"I sold my tv remember?"

"Of course you did. But... where you going?! Listen to me. Nica! Nica! Monica! Okay fine.. I'm doing this because you're my friend."

They indeed walked to Huddleston House (HH). Jayla waited on the outside while Monica went inside to the receptionist.

"Hi! Welcome to Huddleston House. How can I help you today?" she smiled as she heard the enthusiasm from the receptionist.

"Can I see Mr Huddleston ? I mean someone said I can find him here."

"Sure. Do you have any appointments? What's your name?"

"No. But My name's Monica McKeon."

"Miss. We've been waiting for you since morning!! Here's your pass and he's on this same floor. But outside. Go straight then the first door from your left you'll find them there."

"Ha-ha... uh. Thank you I guess." She walked and followed her instructions while holding the pass.

She saw a man looking at a Gooseberry Tree.

"Excuse me. Mr Huddleston!" she yelled as she walked towards him.

"Shhh..." he shushed and she stood there quietly.

"Excuse me but I need help. I heard you can help me." When he turned she was stunned to see the man from yesterday. But she pretended as if she doesn't know him.

"I'm M..."

"Let's see. You're Monica McKeon. 24 of age. Fucked up by life. Needs 51, 050 dollars for rent."

"...Uhm yeah." She hesitated. "Look the due date is tomorrow can you help me?"

"Depends... are you dramatic?" she was confused by the question.

"My Friend always says I'm dramatic but can you help me?"

"Oh yeah... I have a job proposal for you."

"Job proposal? I need 50k please."

"Well congratulations. Your loan application has been approved. In order for you to pay for the loan you have to stop a wedding this Saturday. Can you do that?"

She's the perfect match. I'm sure He will fall down his knees when he sees her.

"What do I do?"

"It's easy all you have to do is stop the wedding."

"Uh... I'm not s..." before Monica could finish talking she interrupted her.

"2 million dollars."

"Huh?"

"2.5 Million." He took out a cheques and when she reached for it he put it back into his pocket.

"After you have stopped the wedding to happen."

For the love of money. I, Monica Barnett said YES.

Back To The Present.

"This wedding is OFF!! It's over Hanson," Joel said taking his tie off. He then kicked the chair next to him he pushed the cake to the floor out of anger.

"Shit!!" He cussed walking to the aisle. He then grabbed Monica's hand and pulled her closer to him.

"You're marrying me. You come to my wedding and expose my wife, you destroy my wedding, the millions and millions I spent for this wedding, this is for everything. You'll be my wife."

"Huh?" Monica looked at him confused.

"Priest? Pastor? She's my wife." Joel said as he pulled to the front of the priest.

"Guards. Remove this.... I don't even know what to call her. Just do it before I do something I'd not regret."

The guard walked to Sarah and held her as her long hair covered her face.

"... now say your vows?" Joel said. All Monica could see was hatred, coldness in his eyes she began to stutter.

"You know what never mind. Pastor, priest, whatever you are, she does and I do. So we are husband and wife." Joel said sliding a ring on her hand.

"....I I I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest said with a shaky voice.

"... oh well." Joel said as he smashed his lips Against Monica's. Monica was shocked. He stopped.

"We are married everyone!" Joel's eyes were red. You could tell he was hurt. He started clapping hands and everyone joined him awkwardly.

And that's when She realized she dragged herself into this mess.

Welcome to Monica McKeon Dallin's Love/Hate story.

He was a total mess. A broken soul. It was funny how everyone felt sorry for Monica instead of Joel when he was busy pulling her into the limousine. He even kicked the driver out and drove it himself.

8pm.

That's when he reached his mansion.

From the outside this building looks nice and traditional. It has been built with walnut wood and has cypress wooden decorations. Large, octagon windows allow enough light to enter the home and have been added to the house in a very asymmetric way. When she walked inside she was blown away.

The house is equipped with an old-fashioned big kitchen and five bathrooms, it also has a large living room, five bedrooms, a snug dining room, a game room and a snug storage room, an office and a bookshelf.

The building is square shaped. The house is half surrounded by stylish gardens.

The second floor is smaller than the first, which creates a layered style of look in combination with the roof. This floor has a very different style than the floor below.

The roof is low, triangular, but one side is longer than the other and is covered with grey wood shingles. One small chimney pokes out the center of the roof. Two roof terraces let in plenty of light to the rooms below the roof.

The building itself is surrounded by paved ground, with a pool at the backside of the house.

Monica woke up in the car only to see she was left alone there. One thing she did first was to call Huddleston but the number didn't even exist.

She knew she can't sleep in the car and she had to make her way inside the mansion.

When she got out. She saw that the gate was very far but still open. And saw an opportunity to escape.

She gently took off her heels and ran as if someone was chasing her. She was busy looking behind to see any sign of him.

When she reached the gate she looked back but when she turned she hit a muscular chest.

"What are you trying to do?" His deep voice really scared her causing her to scream at him and push him but he was way too strong for her.

"You didn't think you'll escape right?!" She tried by all means to escape his big hands but she was already locked inside them. For a moment she thought she was saved when an officer with a torch walked towards them.

"Is everything okay?!"

"Yes Officer. Everything is okay." The officer gave him a reassurance look.

"I was talking to the lady..." Joel smirked. And he turned Monica around. She looked at the officer.

"Guess the world is full on injustice why aren't you asking me? But never mind. Tell him Princess. Everything is perfectly fine."

"N... n-" Before she could talk he tightened his hands around her arm. "..Yes. yes officer. Everything is okay."

"Princess... tell the Officer that we got married today. Show him your ring." He let go of her left arm and she showed the officer the ring. "She's just mad I didn't buy her a diamond ring. In stead I went for gold." The story was believable.

"Congratulations!! And please... sorry for the disturbance... enjoy your night." The officer waved when Joel closed the gate with a remote.

"You heard the officer. Let's enjoy our night, Princess." Monica looked at him confused. He rolled his eyes. "You seriously didn't think that our wedding night is going to end this way right?" she looked at him and tried to escape but he caught her.

She hit him but he just picked her up and put her on his shoulder. While she was whining.

He got into the mansion with her and threw her on the floor. She found three empty bottles whiskey and the 4th one was already half way.

"Who sent you?" he asked while taking his shirt off.

"...I wasn't..."

"ANSWER ME!" he yelled making her more scared.

"...It it was Huddleston." Her eyes shone so bright.

"Oh. I see now, princess or should I say... Monica?" The way he said her name made her even more scared because she never told him her name.

"Listen Mr. Dallin this wasn't my intention. I was sent to destroy your wedding that's all." She tried to explain but he laughed. He looked at her in the eyes while walking towards her.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

The air heated and crackled and the same chemistry that had been present from the wedding sparkled into life, sizzling the air like a high voltage cable.

"...I have to get back my friend is probably waiting for me." She said as she looked away

The air was filled by the heat they created. Joel jabbed his hand into his hair so that he can't reach for her again.

He stepped towards her and she moved away from him, as if she didn't trust herself to stay too close to him and not touch him.

"I'm pretty sure. She doesn't know you destroyed the wedding. Right? Here." He took an envelope from the table besides them and he gave it to her.

"What's this?"

"Marriage contract and the certificate it's needed tomorrow."

"But... we are not married."

"Yes. The priest was a witness and everyone was a witness. I need you to sign that." He moved away from her and grabbed his bottle. While she read the contract.

"But there are lots of reasons why I can't sign this. One of which is... like it or not, that you forcibly wedded me without my concern."

"Well it's either that or 15 years in prison for lying about my ex fiancée. Your room is on the left upstairs."

Well of course she didn't want to go to prison. So he left her there while she read the contract.

"What have I done? Monica Dallin? What worse could possibly happen?" she signed the papers and put them on the table. She walked up stairs. She heard weird sounds coming from another room.

She walked right into his room to see him in his vest punching the mirror on his dressing table.

"...Oh." She stopped and grabbed his attention. And he looked at her.

"Something you're looking for?" he asked as he walked towards her.

"Name it. It will be granted."

"What? You don't even know what I need."

"I have what you need."

"Oh that's romantic."

"Sarcasm. But romantic is the lies people tell to soften the fall into bed. And I don't tell lies. Is that what you're going to do Monica? Are you going to tell all the lies that women always tell? Because if you are, then this is the moment that you share with me that you love me. And we both know you don't. That's not what this is about. This is about Physical Chemistry. The sort you don't think about."

She blinked twice. "You're very confusing."

"I'm very straightforward."

"Well... I don't sleep with men I don't know. And especially not with men who don't care about emotions."

"...I'm not careless. Intimacy is intimacy. It doesn't have to complicate things."

"So... you're telling me that you'd make love to me right here in this room and you'll sign the divorce papers?"

"Love? Who said anything about love?"

"Emotionless love then."

"Intimacy...." He touched traced his finger on her face and felt the chemistry again. "It's an appetite. Hunger. An urge to be satisfied."

She gave a soft a soft gasps of pain and took her head in disbelief. What insane magic had overtaken her in this enchanted mansion?

"Who did this to you?! Who broke your soul?" blinking back tears. But his face all hard strong lines.

"Oh come on. Why do women always want to discuss the competition? You're the one lying naked next to me at the moment. That should be enough for you. And besides you n I both know who broke me."

She smirked. "I feel sorry for you. You expect too little."

"I'm realistic. I don't expect more and I don't want more."

"Well I do. I need a great deal more than that." He didn't even budget.

"What woman doesn't? And you will have it," he promised. "Everything. I bet you find me an incrediblely generous husband."

"Generous?! Do you think I'm talking about money?"

"Well I do. Listen... the only figure I'm interested in is yours Princess. Naked and underneath me. None of the rest matters."

"I have a life back. A job!!" she worked as a bookkepper and she's studying medicine.

"Forget that Job. You don't need it anymore."

"I do. Seriously Joel?!" she had to get at least a source of income.

"Come on. You have a far lucrative source of wealth." He gave a slow smile.

"Oh I see now. I didn't choose to be in this situation. Do you think that I am that sort of person? I don't destroy weddings!" did he know so little about her? And then she closed her eyes and smiled. He knew little about her.

And was that really his fault?

Wasn't one of the risks you took when you allowed blind passion to overwhelm rational thoughts? To her it was more than chemistry. So much more.

"I'm making the point that you'll never go short of money. I mean you just got paid 2.5 million to destroy my wedding." He stood up. "Oh you just not literate enough to spot the difference between a cheque and piece of paper?" he went into the bathroom. She stood there quiet digesting the information for full 10 minutes straight.

It ringed her mind. She looked around to see her purse and opened it. She noticed the cheque was fake. It was a piece of paper. She tied the gown.

"...What have you done with the cheque?!" she followed him. He was already in the shower.

"Joel!! What have you done with the cheque?!" she yelled but he didn't give her attention. She turned off the water and he sighed and grabbed a towel and walked out.

"JOEL!!" she yelled following him around. As soon as she stepped into the room her grabbed her face and pulled it to his first.

"First of all... I'm right next you... you don't have to yell like a mad woman. Secondly... it's not my fault that you can't spot the difference between a real cheque and a piece of paper." He pushed her to the bed.

She stood there quietly.

"I needed that money." She whispered Joel looked at her from the mirror. She was desperate.

"Relax... your generous husband paid your rent. And the rest of your debts." He didn't even look at her. He was putting on his t-shirt.

"Excuse me?" it was a lot to take in.

"Oh you're excused." He opened the drawer and took out a black envelope. And walked to her. Gave it to her, he also took a copy.

She opened it. It was her biography. He knew everything about her starting from her bra size. She was shocked.

"Monica 'Nica' McKeon is a 23-year-old bookkepper who enjoys planking, glamping and painting.

She grew up in a low class neighbourhood. Her parents separated when she was small, but remained friends and provided a happy, stable home. Aww...That's adorable." He read the paper out loud and she looked at him.

"She is currently in a relationship with Norris Rexton Dawson. Norris is 19 years older than her and works as a senior programmer. Oh you got a thing with old men?"

"Was... was in a relationship with Norris. And I don't have a thing with older men. It's not like I had a choice." She was protective. He looked at her from the mirror and she sighed.

"Monica's best friend is a lawyer called Jayla Tanner. They are inseparable." He then took the paper and threw it in the bin. "Get out."

She looked at him confused. "This isn't your room Monica. Get out." His words were full of venom. She stood up.

"I don't even kn..."

"Next room." He cleared his throat and she walked out. "Don't even think of escaping this place." Well... indeed that was one of the plan.

She walked to the room. The room was twice her bedroom and was designed for a queen. Not a country girl like her. She sat down. She opened her phone to find 32 missed calls. 25 messages.

Have you seen the news? Are you okay? Monica answer my calls.

She just looked at her phone and laid back and closed her eyes with the intention that this would be a dream.

11pm.

Obviously you can't expect to sleep in a stranger's house peacefully. She opened her eyes and noticed that her bathroom is actually linked to Joel's. So she found a flower vessel on the dressing table.

Took off her heels. She took out those red roses. She walked to the bathroom and filled the vessel with water and carefully placed it on the toilet seat slowly pouring water into the toilet and carefully secured the vessel.

She slowly went out of the room. And saw an opportunity to run. When she was about to reach the steps. Two set of sapphire eyes reflected by the moon's light stared deep into her and she couldn't move.

"What are you doing Monica?" she knew there's no way she could take the stairs she instead ran back and saw a sliding door turns out it's only the balcony.

"If you want to leave this place that bad... that's the only way down." She was busy patting so bad while looking down and noticed she'll break every bone of her body if she jumps.

It was a lot to take in for her mind. It eventually collapsed and she fell to the ground.

The Next Morning.

She woke up to bird sounds. She yawned and noticed she slept on the balcony with a rug for goodness Sake.

"Find me outside. In the garden. I'm expecting visitors." Joel was already dressed up. He walked away without even waiting for Monica to respond.

"I don't have..."

"Everything you need is in your room." Joel continued and she stood up. She took a look at the view and it was beautiful. But her neck was painful from yesterday.

For Two Hours straight she made it a goal to annoy him. But when she walked into the garden in shoulder off blue dress with beautiful ruffle sleeves.

Joel was already seated at the table when she arrived in the garden. He had a drink in his hand and his navy shirt was open at the neck and revealed just enough bronzed male flesh to draw her eyes on him.

Even dressed casually he looked so cool and sophisticated. She scanned him.

What was it about him that had a huge impact on her? But she didn't want him to think her guilty of his broken soul.

"You must think I'm awful," she said as she slid into her chair. "making a man wait for two hours." He was still, his eyes was on her face.

"I mean the garden is a better view. Just saying." His low smooth deep voice flowed over her tattered nerves and she knew he was teasing her.

"You look... incredible." his voice was molten sexuality. It was impossible for her not to look at his lips and remember what happened last night.

Her mind was full of wonders. Did he really leave her there? She shook her head to clear the vision.

"Did you really leave me there?" She asked and he laughed.

"I knew you'd eventually wake up. Oh look they're here."

"Well... Mr Dallin!!! Oh... what a gorgeous woman you have next to you." A man around his 50 grabbed Monica's hand and he kissed it. Joel looked at him and licked his lips.

"John Kelveys... I've been waiting for you for an hour now." Monica turned to Joel. The man sat down.

"It's better late than never. Anyways this is Chris Cage. He's my executive assistant." Monica yawned. As a goal to annoy Joel she took Joel's drink.

"Inventory investment..." As soon as they mentioned this Monica paid attention. She looked at Joel talk. He looked so neutral. There's no way a man can hide his feelings like this. She examined his body language. He had a ring on and she sighed.

"Fuck." Getting everyone's attention. "Sorry... I'll grab a drink." She stood up. An opportunity only comes once not twice. She walked inside the mansion.

"Inventory investment equals production–Thus, if production per unit time exceeds sales per unit time, then inventory investment per unit time is positive... can I check my friend... she might be lost." Joel stood up to look for Monica. She was nowhere to be found.

"Hi have you seen Monica? My wife? I mean that woman in a Blue dress?" he asked the gardener

"Oh. She just left..." He didn't even say thanks. He looked at the open gate and noticed a taxi leaving.

"Fuck!" he cussed as he kicked the bin and took a deep breath. Took out his phone.

"Hey! I need you to find Her. Now!" he was busy yelling walking inside only to find Monica sitting down with John and Chris explaining.

"So He's right... in continuous time, the time derivative of the stock of inventories equals the instantaneous flow of inventory investment. It's simple." She turned to see Joel as he hanged up his phone.

"...What do you do for a living?"

"She does nothing." Joel answered for her while sitting down and Monica smiled.

"Nothing huh? You're good with inventory management."

"Learned from the best haha." She was right though... her father used to teach her economics while her mother wanted her to be a doctor.

"I bet your husband is one lucky man. Guess you're not married. Tell you what... I need a personal assistant... so what do you say?"

"...No." Joel banged the table and scared Monica. "I mean... she's my personal assistant."

"I am?" She looked at him and he gave her a death stare and giggled. "Of course I am. I am his personal assistant."

"Oh... No wonder Sarah left you. You can't seriously sit next to this good looking woman without touching her." Monica coughed to John's words. Chris whispered something to his ear.

"Well... You said your name's Monica? I hope to see you at the Business date next month." Monica smiled. And Like that he left with his executive assistant.

"Inventory management huh? Bet it was always negative." He mocked her. She looked down then into his sapphire eyes.

"Mispredictions of customer demand Joel, I had no control over it." She took a sip and looked at him. "I haven't even thanked you for the dress. It's beautiful and it fits just... perfectly" she kept her voice low. "The owner was probably a model. It's small."

"It looks better on you." He looked at her as if she's the brightest star under the sunlight.

"The owner must be in a rush to leave this gorgeous dress behind." She looked at the glass and played with its rim and he looked at her.

"Not really... she was dragged out from her own wedding... yesterday. Remember?" He talked as if it didn't bother him.

"You need help." She looked away very pissed.

"Do I look like I need help?"

"Yes."

"What kind of help? I have money... what more can I ask for?" He was right though... he forgets how much he makes.

"You need love. I've been giving you the benefit of the doubt. That you're a broken man. You've had a hard time in your life and that's bound to make things difficult."

"...Haha. What are you implying Mrs Dallin?"

"A woman can restore the soul of any broken man."

"I see women.... Are mechanics. But what if the same woman broke you? Because you Mrs Dallin... you broke my soul."

"I am a woman Mr Dallin. I can restore the Soul of any broken man."

"Is that a challenge? To win my Heart?"

"No. I broke your soul so I will restore it."

"Okay. Monica you can restore my soul without touching me, kissing me, not even a single touch not even my hair, no physical contact. Okay?"

"...Fine."

"Good luck. Remember you touch me. You lose. You'll go to the media and apologise to Eylssa."

"But..."

"No buts. Monica." He looked at her. "You didn't think intimacy could fix any of this right? I have to admit man you have a killer body and everything but that won't change how I feel about and that's nothing."

"So I'm going to remain Mrs Dallin until you feel something or what?"

"That's Rhetorical." He leaned towards her. "But one thing for sure... you'll remain Mrs Dallin until I find someone who will turn my world around."

"What do I tell my family? My friends?"

"Easy. Tell them you're married to the same man who paid all your debts." She was shut when she saw the gardener coming towards them.

"Sir. I'm done with the garden." The gardener stood there embarrassed.

"...Oh Ricco my man." Joel looked inside his wallet and took out a pile of money and handed him.

"But Boss... it's not payment day." He was so grateful for the money. Joel smirked.

"Your wife is probably waiting for you. You should get her a gift or something... she earned it by loving you wholeheartedly." When she heard the words she looked away. Wives are getting Presents but she's getting rules.

"Thank you boss." Just like that he left them. Joel sat down and Monica took a gasp.

"You claim not to like people and yet there's kindness in you. I know there is."

"Don't start with me Mrs Dallin." There was a warning in his voice and she smiled at his words. "No... never that." His gaze didn't stop her from talking.

"But you treated the gardener with kindness and respect. And you clearly care about his wife."

His eyes mocked her. "I am generous. I'm sure you heard about me."

"I don't like to gossip. Besides... I've never heard of you and I prefer to make my own judgements." She looked at him with confidence.

"A woman who doesn't gossip? I see you're a betrayer of your gender, Mrs Dallin."

"No but I know looks can deceive. People make judgements based on their own experience." She looked at the side. "I wonder what your family will say. About me."

"Clearly you didn't think I'd let you meet my family after what you did?"

"People won't know right?"

"They will."

"Then... you wouldn't introduce me as your friend!! I had it with you!" she stood up and walking towards that gate.

"If you step your foot outside that gate... there'll be a severe punishment for you." He sat there calmly but she didn't care more.

She wanted to leave the place. On her way she saw the gate slowly close and she tried to run but who dares to run in heels when they're not used to them.

She screamed. She yelled. But most importantly she was speechless. Like a mad woman would do. She sat down there.

"When you're done find a way back to the house." Joel yelled as he walked inside the mansion.

She took her phone texted Jayla. Everything. Except the fact that she was forcibly wedded but the fact that she is engaged to the kindest man in the world. Jayla spent 8 months away from home so she bought the story.

Hours Later.

She knew he didn't care about her so she had to make her way to the house. She stood up on barefoot feeling cold. She walked inside and he was nowhere to be found. She looked into his room but he wasn't there. She walked to her room and stood while leaning to the door.

"Mrs Dallin." His voice brought her back to reality. Making her gasp.

"Mr Dallin." She responded and when she turned he had the power to back her up and pin her to the bed.

"Listen. Princess. Next time if I see another man touching you... you'll witness the same man losing his fingers one by one. Understood." She nodded like she had a choice.

"Tomorrow. 9 am you should be in my office, you should be ready by 7:30am. Come at 07:31..." He got off her and walked to the door.

"What happens at 07:31?" he turned slowly. "You can always see for yourself." His words was warning her not to be late.

Let's go see what happens at 07:31 shall we?

The Next Day.

While she thought she was up early she walked downstairs to see Joel on a phone call while drinking his coffee. He turned to look at her, he then looked away.

"Dude. I'll see you at the workplace." He hanged up and put his phone in his pocket.

"...Morning." She walked straight to the kitchen. He didn't reply her. She just sighed. Her black two piece completed her skin colour. She opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water.

"Ready?" He asked and she nodded. She followed him.

Their ride was quiet. That the only thing making sound was the dust particles. She knew it was her fault.

But to her surprise he stopped the car.

"...I don't want people to know that we are married. You just have to walk straight. It's for 5 minutes." Monica let out a small laughter.

"Great. Just great." She didn't even argue. She just got out of the car and slammed the door before he could talk.

"Damn it Monica!" He mumbled as he drove away. She stood there for 5 minutes and then walked to the building.

When she entered the building Joel had everyone gathered around.

"There she is! Guys meet my new part time personal assistant." Monica walked towards him and waved to everyone else. "Monica everyone. She'll be joining the team but not on a daily basis due to personal reasons since Mariah is on sick leave."

"Monica who? I bet you guys 100$ if she's married," One of the guys yelled, Joel scratched his forehead while Monica giggled.

"Just Monica. I mean I'd have to kill you if I tell you." Joel let out a small laughter and he patted her back while walking away.

"Well... Just Monica. Welcome to the team! I'll show you around." One of the guys said and she nodded. "I'm Cale by the way." The guy walked with her and she smiled.

After 30 Minutes.

Monica couldn't take it anymore the heels were killing her. But either way. She pretended as if she didn't care.

"And lastly this is your office... you can change it to any colour of your choice and by the way I'm the COO."

"I've noticed." Cale was shocked and she giggled. "Your tag silly." He looked at his tag and laughed.

"So... I'll leave you then. Beware of Andrea and Briana, they are bad news."

"Noted." Monica didn't look interested in Cale so he waved and she closed the door. She sat down on the desk and opened her bag.

"Few more weeks then boom no more college." She mumbled as she connected her phone to the laptop and submitted her assignment online.

"What should I do?" She asked herself. I mean it wasn't herself she knew much about the human body than business except for inventory management.

"Doctor McKeon... Dal-" She remembered that she was married to Joel. She touched her necklace which had the ring he gave her a day ago.

She stood up. "I didn't sign up for this bullshit." She walked straight into His office without knocking. She found a bunch of men standing in the room and only looked for one set of sapphire eyes but couldn't find any.

The men stared her for full five seconds making her insecure.

"Sorry. I was looking for Mr..." The smell of cologne filled the room and she slowly turned. "...Dallin."

"What can I do for you Monica?" the way he said her name sent shiverings to her spine. Because of her insecurities she begun to stutter.

"i... i.." she grabbed her shaking hand and took a deep breath. "I wanted to know what kinda food do you eat since... uhm lunch time is approaching."

"My bad, I thought Cale handed you these." He walked passed her and took some papers on his table and handed them out to her.

"Thank you." She tried to storm out fast but the heels failed her and she almost fell.

"You Okay Monica?" she knew the way he was saying her name was just to mock her. "I'm better. Now that you've asked. Excuse me Gentlemen." She bowed her head and walked out.

Run was the only word ringing in her mind. She walked straight to her office took her bag and her phone and walked out fast.

"Hey! Just Monica! Where you going?" Cale yelled and she turned. "Uh... I'm going to grab lunch." She stormed out of the building before he could tell her there's a cafeteria in the building.

3 HOURS LATER.

Joel walked around looking for Monica and he knew man she's clever.

"Have you seen Monica?" Cale looked at the watch and laughed.

"She's been gone for like 3 hours or so to grab lunch." Joel smirked and licked his lips. He took out his phone and gave his men a message while walking out of the building.

Meanwhile.

"You want to go home? Why? Back to that monster?" Obviously drastic times call for drastic measures.

"You don't understand... I think I am the monster." Jayla couldn't even understand a word she was saying. "Listen... I want to be hurt. I no longer feel anything. At least I'd feel low than to feel nothing at all. I know he'd hurt me if I go back but at least I'd feeling something."

"Are you out of your mind?!" Jayla was a second away from slapping Monica.

"I need At least 3k I'll pay you back next month." Jayla sighed.

"This is a lot to take in. I am going to the rest room." Jayla stood up walking away. Monica sighed and took a look at her ring.

A man, Standing 5' 9" tall, this fair skinned man has an aggressive feel about him.

He has a square face with a cleft chin, a small nose, ears that stick out and puffy lips. His dark brown eyes are rounded, and he has angular eyebrows.

He is bald and clean-shaven. He sat down on Jayla's seat and sighed.

"Excuse me... You have the wrong table." Monica had her head in her arms on the table.

"Come on Monica I thought you'd go to a fancy restaurant... you're literally Dallin's only wife." As soon she heard those words she raised her head.

"Who the hell are you?!" She asked as she grabbed her stuff. "Come on Monica... you feel that?? That's a gun. You have to come with me."

She laughed. "Come on... you didn't think I'd be scared of a gun?! Bro I've seen worse! Or I can scream."

"Fine. I bet Jayla would love to come. Heard she loves baking." She stopped laughing and looked at him.

"Where's Jayla?!" it was now his turn to laugh. "She's in the restroom silly. Now come on unless you're willing to harm her." She sighed and packed everything. She stood up and walked with him outside.

After for a few minutes walk. She noticed she was walking alone and when she turned Joel was behind her.

"..W. wh.." She was speechless. "Surprise Mrs Dallin." She tried to run but he caught her. And she fought him but he found his way to throw her in the car.

"HELP! YOU'RE KIDNAPPING ME!" She screamed and he smirked. "It's called Kidnap when someone reports it." He smashed the door and she screamed screamed and tried to open the door but they were already locked.

"Boss... she said something disturbing in the restaurant. She said something about not being scared of guns she seen worse."

"Thanks Mike. I got this one. Make sure you come up with a story for her friend." Joel walked inside the car.

She noticed Jayla texted her. She opened the message:

Sorry your period twist. Happens everytime.

She sighed in relief when she read the message.

At The Mansion.

Joel opened the door for her. Obviously she tried to run but he was way too strong for her.

"You kidnapped me!!" She screamed. He slammed her on the car to keep her into place. "It's not kidnapping if no one reports it. No one even found out." She just continued fighting him. "Stop whatever you're doing and respect me now. As for now you belong to me. Lawfully."

"I don't belong to you! And you forcibly wedded me." Well she was right but he smirked. "Oh that's where you are wrong princess, you belong to me." He turned and headed to the house. She turned to look at the gate and noticed a lot of guards.

Obviously she had no other choice but to walk inside the house.

"I think it's about time we upgrade the rules. Don't talk unless you're asked to. Actually don't talk unless you're told to talk."

"Excuse me!" she pushed him and he lifted his hand and stopped himself.

"Monica...!!" He tried by all means to keep her straight but she was fighting him. "Stop behaving like a child." He warned her and she stopped.

"I talked with your Dean and everything he said you don't have to come to school until the day of graduation. And I know you submitted your last assignment today." She felt like she could punch him. "Now on Monica... you'll be working with me."

He let her go and walked to the table. He took a box.

"These are your new stuff... starting with your Credit cards and everything. Your phone. And here's a diamond ring. I mean heard Women wants diamonds for all the times they were blinded."

"... What do I do with this one?" she looked at the cold ring.

"I don't care." Just like that he left her. She took the box and walked to her room. At least she felt something but what made him not to hit her? That went on her mind for exactly 3 hours making her sleep late.

THE Next Day.

Monica knew she had to make it up to yesterday. So she woke up at 4am. She walked downstairs to the kitchen and started making breakfast.

Joel heard noises from the gym room and saw her humming while moving her body. She was moving around. It was hard for Joel not to stare the way she was moving her body like she never had love before.

She was very gentle with the eggs. Breaking them gently. He examined her. She took off her gown from the heat in the kitchen and noticed the marks on her back from her vest. But he just minded his business. She wrapped the gown on her.

She prepared some chicken mayo tremazzini and some Irish coffee. She put the gown on and put them on a tray. She took a whiterose from the flower vessel and walked upstairs.

"Joel?... hey uhm I made you breakfast and I thought I should apologize for yeste..." she noticed the door was already open and she went inside and saw the bed was already made and the room was already clean.

"Maybe he didn't sleep here. Good shot Monica, good one." She sighed.

"Or maybe he never sleeps!" his deep voice really scared Monica that she threw the tray and everything fell. The plate and cup broke.

She turned slowly.

"Are you okay?" he asked but her whole body was shaking. Her eyes were glued to his which made him worry. "Princess... are you okay?" he asked and she tried to talk but her lips were shaking.

"Hey!!" when he yelled at her she stepped backwards and because the coffee was slippery she when she was about to fell to the broken glasses Joel caught her and brought her to his chest.

"Monica!!" he tried to shake her.

"What? What? I didn't touch you!!" when she was brought back to reality that was what she was worried about.

"Are you okay?" he asked her and she pushed him away. When she saw the tray on the floor she kneeled down.

"Oh my Gosh. I'm sorry... aarg.." Joel tried to stop her but she fought him and scratched his left cheek with the glass and he started bleeding.

"Oh... I'm sorry." Monica was a mess. She touched his hand and led him to the bed.

She knew the bathroom had the first aid kit and she ran there and went back to him. She touched his cheek and stepped back.

"Can... can I touch you?" she looked like a little child. "No." that's what he said.

"Knew you'd say that." She went between his legs. She checked the wound. She cleaned it.

"Ouch!! Geez I'm a human being!!" obviously it stinged. She blew it.

"Better now?" he now understood why she carried the egg gently. She's gentle with everything she does. She put an elestoplast on it. She kissed his cheek.

"I'm sorry." She looked like a wet puppy and he looked at her. "I'm pretty sure the food tested great but how do I know you didn't poison me?"

And like that he ruined the moment. She stepped back and she tied her gown.

"Seriously?! I don't have time for this." She turned and carefully picked the glasses and the tray.

Joel smirked. But eventually he was worried about how she reacted. He took off the bandage and walked to the shower.