8. Money Pays Bills!

"I'm really sorry," Gavin pleaded seeing how infuriated Meghan had become because of his behaviour earlier inside the restaurant. He only acted the way he did because of his love for her and his fear that James would take Meghan away from him.

"What were you thinking?" Meghan sighed.

"I love you so much, Meghan. I don't know if I'll be able to continue living if you ever leave me," Gavin admitted.

Meghan knew how much Gavin really loved her even without him saying it. She too loved him so much and would do whatever it'll take to fight for that love. But with her parents threats and pressure to leave Gavin and marry someone else, she didn't know how if love alone would be enough to save her marriage with Gavin.

"Gavin, I know you love me and I don't doubt that but this isn't about love anymore. Love doesn't pay the bills Gavin, money does. And if you continue this way, I might have to leave you at the end of the day," Meghan expressed truthfully.

Gavin wouldn't deny the fact that Meghan was right. "Love doesn't pay the bills, money does," the words echoed in his ears again. 

Taking Meghan's hands, "I promise to fix this. I promise to get back our house, to repay the loan and to take full responsibility for everything. You won't have to pay the bills anymore." Gavin promised.

"What are you planning to do?" Meghan asked, surprised at Gavin's promises. 

She didn't want him getting himself involved in dishonest schemes just to prove himself to her. 

"Don't worry Meghan, I'll not do anything stupid. I promise you that," Gavin assured her. "Just go home and rest and please forgive me for how I behaved earlier. I'm really sorry," Gavin apologized.

"It's okay, Gavin. I hope you won't accuse me of cheating on you again," Meghan said.

"Never," Gavin replied. 

Gavin hailed a cab, his voice barely audible as he confessed, "I don't have any money for the fare."

"It's alright. I'll cover it," Meghan reassured him, though her heart felt heavy with the weight of their situation.

As they stood by the cab, Meghan felt a pang of guilt, wishing she could go back inside to explain to James that she was leaving. But she knew it would only raise questions from Gavin, and she couldn't bear to confront that.

"I love you," Gavin murmured, hoping to reassure Meghan how much he really loved her.

"It's alright, Gavin. The cab's waiting," Meghan replied, her tone indifferent, masking her conflicted emotions as she climbed into the vehicle, the incessant honking of the driver urging them to hurry up and end their conversation.

"I apologize for the delay," Meghan said to the cab driver as she settled into her seat.

"It's no problem, ma'am. Where to?" the driver asked politely.

"Riverview estate," Meghan replied, her voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within her.

Meghan looked through the window and saw Gavin waving at her prompting her to wave back at him. 

As the taxi pulled away, Meghan couldn't help but imagine how beautiful her marriage to Gavin would have been if his financial situation was a bit different.

Immediately, Meghan left, Gavin brought out his phone and punched a secret number.

"Hello, Mr Roman," the voice at the other end greeted. "Why'd you call?" He probed further.

"You don't have to worry yourself. I just called to notify you that I'll be dropping by at your office tomorrow," Gavin replied before dropping the call.