Chapter 135

In Chapter 136 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma is engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions as she confronts the reality of her relationship with Cassian. Just the day before, he had been trying to return her wedding ring, a symbol of their bond. Now, he stands beside Reyna, sparking feelings of betrayal and confusion within Gemma. The tension escalates when Cassian approaches her with an accusatory tone, questioning her presence with Jace, which leads to a sharp exchange of words. The atmosphere is thick with unresolved feelings as they navigate their complicated dynamics in a crowded square.
As the situation unfolds, Cassian unexpectedly suggests they all have dinner together, a proposal that catches both Gemma and Reyna off guard. Gemma, initially resistant, decides to accept the invitation, intrigued by the potential drama that might ensue. At the restaurant, the interactions become increasingly charged as Cassian’s proximity to Gemma and his attempts to dominate the conversation create a palpable tension. Jace, attempting to ease the atmosphere, engages Gemma in a light-hearted discussion about food, while Cassian’s jealousy simmers beneath the surface.
The dinner reveals the complexities of their relationships, with Gemma enjoying the spicy food she loves, which Cassian pretends to appreciate for her sake. His gestures of affection, such as wiping food from her mouth and cutting her steak, highlight his desire to be close to her, even as Gemma tries to maintain her composure. The atmosphere shifts when Reyna suddenly claims to be in pain, prompting Cassian to consider helping her. However, Gemma’s cold reaction and insistence that Cassian accompany Reyna to the hospital reveal her internal struggle and desire to assert her independence.
Ultimately, Gemma’s decision to leave in a cab without Cassian signifies her growing resolve to distance herself from the emotional turmoil surrounding their relationships. She instructs the driver to take her away, leaving Cassian torn between his concern for Reyna and his unresolved feelings for Gemma. The chapter captures the intricacies of love, jealousy, and personal boundaries, as Gemma grapples with her past and the choices that lie ahead.
**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 136**
**Chapter 136**
**Gemma**
A tight knot forms in my chest, squeezing the breath from my lungs.
Just yesterday, his warm breath was tickling my ear, his voice a soft murmur as he attempted to return my wedding ring—my damn wedding ring.
And now? Now he’s standing there, side by side with Reyna.
Of course, it makes sense. Those who thrive on playing roles can weave lies so effortlessly, often deceiving even themselves in the process.
Reyna strides confidently next to Cassian. When she catches sight of us, her steps falter, surprise flickering across her face.
“Cassian, isn’t that Gemma? Who’s the guy next to her?” she asks, her tone feigning innocence.
Cassian’s gaze snaps to Jace and me, and I can see the storm cloud gathering in his expression. He abruptly shuts off his phone, the gesture sharp and decisive, and begins striding toward us.
An unsettling feeling creeps up my spine.
“What are you doing with him?” Cassian’s voice is taut, almost laced with accusation.
We stand in the bustling square, surrounded by a sea of people, yet it feels like we’re trapped in our own private bubble, the air thick with tension.
“I should be asking you the same thing. What are you doing here with her?” I retort, hurling his words back at him with a fierce determination.
“Don’t get the wrong idea, Gemma,” Reyna interjects quickly, her smile polished and polite. “Cassian and I were just discussing a work project. The engineering department is handling it, so I came to check on the progress.”
“A whole engineering project, and they didn’t even bring the manager? Just you?” I shoot back, my voice sharper than intended as I prepare to turn away. I’ve had my fill of this charade.
But Cassian is quick. He closes the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close.
“Since we’ve run into each other… why don’t we all grab dinner together?” he suggests, his tone casual but his eyes glinting with something more.
Reyna and I freeze, caught off guard by his unexpected invitation.
Dinner? With all four of us?
I’m ready to refuse outright, but then I catch the tightness in Reyna’s expression, and a mischievous thought nudges at me. Perhaps this could be entertaining.
“Sure. Why not?” I say, a smirk creeping onto my lips. I’m curious to see how this little dinner party will unfold.
At the restaurant, Cassian settles beside me. Honestly, I had expected him to choose Reyna’s side instead.
Jace, ever the gentleman, hands me a menu. “Gemma, you like spicy Mexican food. Want to try the steak and grilled chicken?” he offers, his voice warm and inviting.
Before I can respond, Cassian leans over, snatching the menu from my hands, his body invading my space. I lean away, irritation bubbling up inside me, but he only inches closer.
With no way to escape, I remain still, my focus shifting to Jace.
Asking someone what they’d like to eat is a simple enough question, right?
“Jace, what about you? Anything you want?” I inquire, hoping to steer the conversation away from the mounting tension.
He looks up, his demeanor calm and collected. “I’m good with whatever you get. I’ll eat what you eat,” he replies, a teasing lilt in his voice that raises an eyebrow from me. I can feel the energy shift beside me—Cassian’s tension palpable.
I didn’t want to get dragged into this, so I pivot to Reyna. “What about you?”
“I’ve got a sensitive stomach. Can’t handle anything too spicy,” she responds sweetly, a hint of hesitation in her tone.
“Oh no… I already ordered spicy dishes. You’re okay with that, right?” I smile as I close the menu, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and mischief.
Reyna bites her lip, indecision washing over her. “Cassian prefers mild food too,” she adds, glancing at him as if seeking his approval.
What is she trying to prove by saying that?
Feigning innocence, I turn to Cassian. “Really? You don’t eat spicy?”
Cassian meets my gaze, fully aware of my game, yet he responds automatically, “I can handle it.”
A wave of satisfaction washes over me, while I notice Reyna’s expression souring at the exchange.
“See? I’m on your side. Stop being mad at me, okay?” Cassian whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin, still leaning too close.
I choose to ignore him.
His hand slips beneath the table, attempting to grasp mine. I swat it away without a second thought. Undeterred, he shifts his hand higher on my thigh instead.
Unbelievable.
The food arrives, adorned with vibrant chili flakes, the aroma wafting up like a tantalizing promise of heat.
I haven’t tasted food this authentic in what feels like ages. Just looking at it makes my mouth water. I cut into the steak, take a bite, and nearly melt from the flavor explosion.
This. This is the taste I’ve been longing for.
**X** *X* **X** *X*
**Cassian**
Seeing Gemma brightens my day—even if the guy beside her is seriously getting on my nerves.
Watching her relish the food she adores fills me with a sense of satisfaction that rivals any meal.
Truth be told, I still can’t handle spicy food. But I told her I could just to see her smile. She’s stuffing her face, cheeks puffed out adorably, and it makes me want to whisk her away to a place where no one else can find her.
Maybe hiring a private chef wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.
Then the guy across from me decides to speak up.
“I heard there’s a new Mexican place that just opened in the South District. Supposed to be super authentic,” he says casually.
“For real?” Gemma perks up, her eyes lighting with excitement.
“Yeah,” he replies.
Gemma’s eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. “Let’s check it out next time! I wanna see if it lives up to the hype.”
Hell no!
I jump in, cutting him off. “If you’re craving Mexican, I’ll have the chef make it for you at home. No need to wait in line.”
Money does make life easier.
Then I lock eyes with Jace. “If there’s anything you want, the chef can make it for you too,” I add, my tone firm.
My gaze snaps back to Gemma. There’s a bit of sauce at the corner of her mouth, and without thinking, I reach out to wipe it away gently.
Her eyes widen, shock evident on her face.
“Stop it!” she hisses quietly, turning away, focusing back on her food.
The others at the table are just as stunned, but I ignore them and start cutting her steak for her.
No one else at the table seems to eat much. When we finish, Gemma says goodbye to Jace, and we make our way toward the manor together. I hold her hand tightly, hoping she’ll stay quiet.
Reyna lags behind us, her steps shaky and uncertain.
Suddenly, she clutches her stomach, a pained expression crossing her face. “Oh, Cassian, it hurts… my stomach’s killing me. Can you take me to the hospital?”
Sweat beads on her forehead as she reaches for my sleeve, and she doesn’t look like she’s faking it.
I glance at Gemma, hesitating, unsure of what to do.
She rolls her eyes—hard.
Just as I’m about to explain, Gemma jumps into a cab and slams the door shut.
She rolls down the window, her expression cold. “Go with her. Make sure she gets checked out. It must be hard for her being alone, no family or friends. Stay at the hospital tonight, alright? I’ll talk to Grandpa instead.”
That was my line from before…
Before I can respond, Gemma instructs the driver to go.
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In this emotionally charged chapter, Gemma finds herself ensnared in a web of past connections and present tensions, as her unexpected dinner with Cassian, Jace, and Reyna unfolds. The initial joy of rekindling a shared love for food is quickly overshadowed by the undercurrents of rivalry and unresolved feelings. Gemma’s playful banter and defiance against Cassian’s advances reveal her struggle to reclaim her independence while navigating the complexities of her past with him. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere thickens with unsaid words and lingering glances, leaving Gemma caught between the warmth of cherished memories and the chill of betrayal.
The climax erupts when Reyna’s sudden illness forces Gemma to confront her own emotions head-on. Her decision to send Cassian with Reyna to the hospital signifies a turning point; it is a moment of self-assertion where she prioritizes her boundaries over the chaos of their intertwined lives. As the cab drives away, Gemma’s cold expression masks the whirlwind of feelings within her, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of moving on. This chapter captures the delicate balance between nostalgia and the painful reality of letting go, leaving Gemma poised on the precipice of a new beginning, where the rain of change is about to wash away the remnants of her past.
In the next chapter, tensions are set to escalate as Gemma and Cassian navigate the fallout from their dinner encounter. With Reyna’s sudden health scare, Cassian is torn between his lingering feelings for Gemma and the obligation he feels toward Reyna. How will this unexpected twist affect the dynamics between the four of them? Gemma’s decision to send Cassian off with Reyna will undoubtedly stir up a whirlwind of emotions, leaving her alone to grapple with the confusion of her own feelings. Expect a deep dive into her inner turmoil as she reflects on her past with Cassian and the implications of his lingering presence in her life.
Moreover, as Gemma finds herself alone, she may be forced to confront the unresolved feelings that surface in Cassian’s absence. Will she seize the opportunity to redefine her boundaries, or will the memories of their shared past continue to haunt her? The chapter promises to explore the complexities of love, loyalty, and the choices we make when faced with difficult decisions. Prepare for unexpected revelations and a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations as the narrative unfolds, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that could change everything.
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