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.