Chapter 106

In Chapter 106 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma grapples with betrayal and anger as she receives a message from Zina accusing Cassian of siding with Reyna, the very person who has caused her family pain. Gemma’s fury boils over as she contemplates the implications of Cassian’s actions, believing he has erased crucial evidence of Reyna’s wrongdoing. As she investigates, the realization that Cassian is connected to Blackwell Industries only deepens her sense of betrayal.
Gemma confronts Cassian over the phone, expressing her outrage that he has interfered in her life despite his promises to stay out of it. Cassian attempts to rationalize his actions, urging her to let go of her hatred and focus on her happiness. However, Gemma’s pain is palpable as she recalls the suffering she and her mother endured due to Reyna and her mother. The conversation escalates, revealing the deep emotional chasm between them, with Gemma feeling misunderstood and Cassian struggling to communicate effectively.
After the call ends, Cassian reflects on his inability to connect with Gemma, feeling defeated and drained by the confrontation. He considers investigating the recording that has fueled their conflict, suspecting it may be manipulated by AI. Despite his frustrations, he resolves to find a way to soothe Gemma, even contemplating sending her gifts to mend their relationship.
Gemma, on the other hand, feels a mix of anger and absurdity when she receives a package from Cassian containing a handbag and a cake—items that signify his attempt to win her over. Despite their sentimental value, she perceives them as hollow gestures, especially given the context of their tumultuous relationship. In a moment of defiance, she discards the cake, symbolizing her refusal to accept superficial attempts at reconciliation while grappling with the deeper wounds caused by Cassian’s actions and Reyna’s betrayal.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 106**
**Gemma**
Zina’s message flashes across my screen, sharp and accusatory: *[It has to be Cassian.]*
Fury surges through me, hot and relentless.
*What the hell is this bastard trying to do? Protect his little lover?* Zina’s words echo in my mind, fueling the fire of my anger.
Jace chimes in, his response quick and to the point: *[Gemma, want me to help restore the audio link?]*
The thought that Cassian could betray me in this way is almost too much to bear. How could he witness everything, hear that damning recording, and still choose to side with her?
*What if Reyna hired some top-tier hacker?* The idea flits through my mind, a desperate grasp at hope. *Maybe she has a connection I don’t know about.*
But that fragile fantasy shatters as I trace the IP address. It leads straight back to Blackwell Industries, the very heart of Cassian’s empire.
A bitter laugh escapes my lips, tinged with self-loathing. *How foolish of me to think otherwise.*
Cassian would never get involved… or so I thought.
12:10
This isn’t the first time he’s leapt to Reyna’s defense. I’m certain it won’t be the last.
*Gemma: [I checked. It was him.]*
I attach a screenshot, my heart pounding as I send it.
*Zina: [He actually did it?! Girl, fuck him! Fight back!]*
I can’t let this slide; the old Gemma is dead and buried. I dial Cassian’s number, my heart racing.
“You said you wouldn’t interfere in my life,” I snap, my voice laced with venom. “So why’d you erase my recording and try to redirect everyone’s attention?”
“Gemma, you can’t keep living in hate,” he replies, his voice low and steady, like a calm before a storm. “You can’t change your mother’s past, or the outcome.”
“What the hell are you saying?” I grit out, my patience wearing thin.
I didn’t call him to receive a lecture cloaked in self-righteousness.
“I’m talking about you and Reyna. There’s no reason for you to drag yourself into the mess between her mother and your father. He’s been gone for years. Why are you still holding onto this? I just want you to let go,” he says softly. “I want you to live better. Be happy.”
My rage, buried deep for so long, finally erupts like a volcano. “Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what I should and shouldn’t feel?”
Every ounce of suffering my mother and I endured—every single moment of pain—is because of Reyna and her wretched mother.
There’s no way I’m going to roll over and forgive them, especially when Reyna continues to come after me.
Cassian’s tone shifts, softening further. “I know you and your mom went through hell. I want to make it up to you. I misunderstood you because of what Reyna said. That was my fault, and I’m sorry.”
My grip tightens on the phone, my knuckles white. “What’s between me and Reyna has nothing to do with you. I don’t need your apology.”
After three years of marriage to this cold, distant man, I’ve learned not to expect anything from him.
12:10
I’ll never forgive Angela Holland or Reyna for what they’ve done.
“Gemma, don’t be so stubborn. What do you gain from clinging to the past? It’s only going to keep hurting you,” Cassian says gently, as if he’s trying to soothe a child throwing a tantrum.
I let out a harsh laugh, bitter and mocking.
“You’re in no position to ask me to forgive her, especially given your relationship and history with her. Besides, you promised you’d stay out of my business—but here you are, sticking your nose in to protect your precious Reyna, like always.”
Cassian sighs, the sound heavy with frustration. “I know you’re biased against Reyna because of the past. But it was your dad who cheated—it was between him and her mother, not her and you.”
“That’s enough! You always claim to understand me, but you don’t. You don’t even bother to listen!”
Fuming, I stab the “end” button, my heart racing.
If he truly understood me, he’d know that Reyna isn’t innocent in any of this.
—
**Cassian**
I don’t want Gemma to spend her life consumed by hatred and bitterness.
But before I can utter another word, the call ends abruptly, a beep echoing in my ear.
I set my phone down, feeling drained and defeated.
Damn it, I don’t think I’m being rational. Yet every word I say only seems to ignite her anger further. I rake my fingers through my hair in frustration.
How is it that I can manage a sprawling criminal enterprise, lead one of the most formidable mafia families on this continent, and pilot my own planes to smuggle cargo… yet I can’t figure out how to communicate with one woman?
It’s madness.
I press my palms against my eyes, silently pleading with any higher power that might be listening for some clarity.
12:10
Maybe I should investigate that recording myself.
As I listen to it, a wave of nausea washes over me.
I’ve never heard Reyna speak like this, and there’s no way the woman I’ve considered a friend for so long would utter such vile things, especially about me.
This has to be the work of AI.
It pains me to think that Gemma would stoop to such depths, but it’s the only explanation that makes sense.
I understand that Gemma is angry, and I’m trying my best to grasp why she clings to this venomous resentment towards Reyna. But, damn, it’s challenging to sort through my own thoughts and emotions amidst this chaos.
Right now, my best course of action is to soothe Gemma. Perhaps distract her.
Presents should do the trick.
—
**Gemma**
I feel utterly ridiculous.
Reyna has unleashed a torrent of lies about me, spreading them to everyone we know, and Cassian stood by, doing nothing.
Actually, he did worse than nothing—he rushed in to tidy up her mess and shield her from the fallout.
Even the ethereal glow of Moonlight pales in comparison to the might of the Blackwell mafia.
I’ve always known that if Cassian wants to protect someone, no one can touch them.
For three long years, I’ve endured mockery and humiliation, all because he refused to stand up for me.
I don’t even know what tricks Cassian pulled to prevent me from re-uploading that recording. And now, the woman who shattered my family walks away unscathed once more.
I drift into thought, lost in a whirlwind of emotions, until a knock at the door jolts me back to reality.
“Hi there,” the delivery guy greets me as I open the door. “Are you Miss Gemma Marino?”
I blink, confusion washing over me. I haven’t ordered anything.
“Yes, I am,” I reply, my voice uncertain.
“Please sign here.” He holds out an electronic pad, and I comply, still bewildered.
As I glance inside the package, my heart skips a beat.
A handbag. One I had once casually mentioned liking.
And a cake.
That bag—I’ve only ever mentioned it to Cassian. No one else could possibly know.
And the cake? I’ve told him countless times over the past three years how much I adore that specific flavor from that bakery.
Never once has he bought it for me. Not once.
12:10
It feels like a slap in the face that he finally does something thoughtful—but only because of Reyna, and my anger regarding her.
Cassian—arrogant mafia don Cassian—attempting to win me over?
I stare down at the cake box I’m holding, emotions churning within me.
The cake I once cherished now looks utterly revolting.
I walk to the kitchen, my heart heavy, and toss it into the trash can.
Numbness washes over me as I stare at the mess.
A purse. A cake. That’s what he believes will buy my forgiveness.
With a fierce determination, I slam the lid shut on the waste bin.
Not a chance in hell!
In the aftermath of the confrontation with Cassian, Gemma stands at a crossroads, her heart heavy with a tumult of emotions. The betrayal she feels is palpable, a deep wound that refuses to heal as she grapples with the reality of Cassian’s actions. The gifts he sent—a handbag and a cake—intended as gestures of goodwill, only serve to intensify her anger and disappointment. They are reminders of the years she spent feeling unseen and unheard, overshadowed by the very woman she despises. As she tosses the cake into the trash, she acknowledges that no material offering can erase the scars of the past or mend the rift between them. Gemma’s resolve hardens; she will not be swayed by hollow gestures. Instead, she chooses to embrace her pain, using it as fuel to reclaim her identity and fight back against the injustices that have plagued her life.
On the other side of the emotional spectrum, Cassian remains trapped in his own turmoil, desperately seeking a way to bridge the widening chasm between him and Gemma. His intentions, though rooted in a desire to protect and heal, are met with resistance and fury. As he reflects on their conversation, the weight of his choices presses down on him, leaving him feeling powerless in the face of her pain. The gifts he hoped would soften her heart now feel like a futile attempt to navigate a labyrinth of emotions he cannot fully comprehend. Yet, amidst the chaos, a flicker of determination ignites within him. He resolves to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind Reyna’s betrayal and prove to Gemma that he is not her enemy. In this moment, both Gemma and Cassian stand firm in their convictions, each caught in a cycle of hurt and misunderstanding, yet yearning for resolution. Their paths may be fraught with obstacles, but the flicker of hope remains—perhaps, through the storm, they can find a way back to each other.
In the upcoming chapter, we dive deeper into the tumultuous relationship between Gemma and Cassian as the stakes rise higher than ever. Gemma’s fury is palpable, and her resolve to confront Cassian about his betrayal only intensifies. As she grapples with the painful memories of her past, the emotional turmoil will push her to make a decision that could alter the course of her life. Will she finally confront the truth about her feelings for Cassian, or will her anger consume her completely? The tension between them is thick, and their next encounter promises to be explosive.
Meanwhile, Cassian is faced with his own demons as he struggles to navigate the complex web of loyalty, love, and betrayal. His attempts to soothe Gemma’s anger through gifts reveal a deeper desperation to mend their fractured relationship. But will these gestures be enough to break through the walls Gemma has built around her heart? As he delves into the mystery of the recording and uncovers shocking truths about Reyna, Cassian’s determination to protect Gemma may lead him down a dangerous path. Expect revelations that will challenge both characters’ perceptions of right and wrong, and set the stage for a confrontation that could redefine their futures. The next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, secrets, and unexpected alliances.
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