Chapter 165

In Chapter 165 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Reyna prepares herself for a significant moment, reflecting on her complicated feelings for Cassian. As she applies her makeup, she longs for his attention and support, feeling that their bond is essential for her survival. Despite her hopes, she receives an unexpected and distressing phone call from Adam, informing her that she has been terminated from her job at Blackwell Industries, effective immediately. This news shatters her, leading to a surge of anger and despair as she grapples with the sudden loss of her professional identity.
Reyna’s emotions spiral as she processes the betrayal, particularly as it comes on the heels of a recent conflict with Gemma, Cassian’s wife. The weight of her circumstances feels insurmountable, and she stands on the precipice of making a crucial decision about her future. Instead of retreating in defeat, Reyna resolves to take action, determined to reclaim her agency and confront the situation head-on. She heads to the warehouse with a newfound sense of purpose, believing that if she can get to Cassian before he arrives, she might be able to turn the tide in her favor.
Upon arriving at the office, Reyna begins packing her belongings, putting on a brave face despite the tears threatening to spill. Her colleague Rhett notices her distress and confronts her about her silence, leading to a heartfelt exchange where Reyna reveals her termination. Rhett’s disbelief and anger at Cassian’s decision highlight the depth of Reyna’s relationships and the emotional turmoil she is experiencing. Despite her heartbreak, Reyna tries to downplay the significance of her firing, but it is clear that the loss is deeply painful for her.
As the chapter unfolds, Reyna’s vulnerability is juxtaposed with her determination to face her situation with strength. She acknowledges the impact of her emotions and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Cassian and Gemma. The supportive presence of Rhett serves as a reminder that she is not alone in her struggles. Reyna’s resolve to attend the morning briefing and say goodbye to her colleagues reflects her desire to leave on her own terms, hinting at her inner strength and the potential for a new beginning. The chapter closes with Reyna clutching Rhett’s handkerchief, symbolizing her resilience and the hope that she will take control of her destiny.
**Title: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 165**
**Chapter 165**
**Reyna’s POV**
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With a steady hand, I glide the brush along my lower lash line, carefully applying a delicate wash of blue eyeshadow. The color is just enough to impart that ethereal, glassy look to my eyes, giving me an air of fragility that makes me appear slightly pale and weary.
As I prepare myself, I can’t help but think about Cassian. If he chooses to stick to his flight schedule today, the least he could do is show some concern for me. Just a little fuss, a gentle reminder of who has always stood by him through thick and thin, enduring the consequences of his choices.
Even a mere ten minutes in his presence could tip the scales in my favor. I know I’m asking for too much, but this isn’t just a simple matter of love or friendship; it transcends those emotions. This is about survival—my survival.
I have come too far to turn back now.
With my keys in hand, I’m ready to step out into the world. But just as I reach the door, my phone buzzes insistently, pulling my attention away.
“Received: Amount credited for the month of March…”
A frown creases my forehead. It’s only mid-month; why on earth would payroll send my salary early?
I stare at the screen, a sense of unease settling in my gut. Something is definitely off.
**16:08**
**Chapter 165**
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I had hoped Cassian would be the one to reach out first, to inquire about my well-being. But in a moment of weakness, I break my resolve and scroll down to his name, my thumb hovering over the ‘dial’ button.
Just then, Adam’s name flashes across my screen, interrupting my thoughts.
“Hello? Adam? What’s this payment message about?”
“Miss Reyna?” His voice is annoyingly cheerful, as if he’s delivering good news. “I regret to inform you that you have been terminated from Blackwell Industries, effective immediately.”
Did I just mishear him? The words don’t seem to register in my brain.
“Is this some sort of joke?” My laugh sounds brittle, almost desperate. “Because if it is, Adam, it’s not funny!”
“Thankfully, it’s no joke!”
He responds with a smugness that makes my blood boil.
“The order came directly from the Don. Your final salary for the month has been processed. If you have any concerns, you’re welcome to speak with Mr. Blackwell directly; he’s available until two today. Thank you!”
**16:08**
**Chapter 165**
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The call disconnects with a sharp beep, and I feel a surge of rage. I hurl my phone to the ground, the sound of it shattering echoing in the silence.
“You arrogant little worm! Damn you, Gemma, and your pathetic lapdog!”
So this is how it all ends? After I was so close to winning him over… just one childish outburst from that spoiled brat in a hospital corridor, and suddenly I’m cast out from everything I’ve worked tirelessly to build?
No.
I stand on the porch, trembling, caught in a whirlwind of emotions as I contemplate my next move. Should I retreat back inside, or…? Suddenly, an idea sparks in my mind.
If Cassian is slipping away from me, I know exactly how to pull him back.
Five minutes later, I’m speeding toward the warehouse, my heart racing with determination.
I’m confident the guards won’t have been alerted yet; all I need to do is slip in before Cassian arrives, and I’ll have my moment of advantage.
**3/8**
I stride through the entrance with my chin held high, arms crossed defiantly over my chest. If confidence is a weapon, then I’m armed to the teeth.
Joey looks up from the reception desk as I pass by. “Hey, Reyna!”
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I choose to ignore him, my focus locked on my desk as I take deliberate steps, pulling out a carton to start packing my meager belongings. There’s hardly anything of significance—just some gum, a tube of lip balm, and a few receipts.
But I make a show of it, knowing Rhett will be watching from across the room, even though I avoid lifting my head to confirm.
Moments later, he calls out, “Oh hi! Morning, Reyna!”
I clench my jaw, keeping my gaze downward, allowing my dark hair to fall like a curtain over my face. I toss in every stapler, paperweight, and even empty pens into the box, making it look like I’m packing away a lifetime of memories.
The drawer is nearly empty, but I pretend it’s overflowing with significance until Rhett’s concerned voice breaks through my facade.
“Reyna… hello? Why are you so quiet? No response to my greeting?”
I sniffle softly, fighting back the tears, but I remain silent, carefully packing a few tissues into the box.
**4/8**
“Reyna! What’s going on?”
**16:09**
**Chapter 165**
A hesitant hand settles on my shoulder,
“I’m asking you a…”
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He turns me around, and his words falter as he meets my gaze, the tears glistening in my eyes—bright and full of betrayal.
“I’m fine, Rhett, just—”
“For God’s sake, Reyna, don’t lie to me.”
He grasps my wrist, frustration mingling with concern.
“Just tell me what’s wrong! You’re scaring me.”
I sniffle again, forcing my eyes to the floor as I blink rapidly, trying to hold back the wave of tears threatening to spill.
“I got fired.”
His expression shifts to disbelief. “What?”
“Cassian terminated my employment this morning, and I… I don’t even know what I did to deserve this. Just yesterday, I was in the hospital, recovering, and now… this morning…”
**5/8**
**16:09**
**Chapter 165**
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My voice wavers, fingers trembling as I stack another useless file into the box.
“That’s absolutely insane. He fired you? After everything you’ve done? That’s ridiculous! Has he forgotten who you are?”
I shake my head, biting my lip as I gather my thoughts, speaking with a heartbreakingly fragile composure.
“It doesn’t matter. I suppose an old college friend doesn’t hold a candle to someone’s wife.”
“You’re so much more than that!” Rhett retorts, his voice rising. “If he’s forgotten, then let me go remind him—”
“NO!” I reach for his sleeve, desperation creeping into my voice. “Don’t make this harder than it already is.”
“Why? What happened?”
I avert my gaze, pretending to muster the courage to confess.
“I… I might have had a disagreement with Gemma yesterday. It wasn’t anything serious, but maybe it bothered Cassian? She was upset, but so was I… I see it now.”
I press a tissue to my eye, attempting a wobbly smile that quickly dissolves into new tears.
**16:09**
**Chapter 165**
“Cassian is just trying to protect her, right…”
“So!”
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Rhett’s fists clench, as if he’s ready to lash out at someone.
“Does that give him the right to throw you under the bus like this? It’s not fair.”
“This is why I didn’t want to tell you anything,” I whine, biting my cheek from the inside.
“I didn’t want to strain your friendship with him. Please, Rhett. You don’t need to pick sides; it’s not a big deal—”
“But it is a big deal, Reyna! Of course, it affects everything.”
I can feel his loyalty crumbling, piece by piece. I exhale slowly, trying to keep my composure.
“It doesn’t have to. I guess I was just being emotional and dramatic, as I always am. Gemma is right. The truth is, even if I’m fired, I’ll be okay. There are other opportunities out there for me.”
I add softly,
“I just wish… it hadn’t ended like this.”
**Chapter 165**
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He looks as if he’s about to say something more, but I gently cut him off. “I don’t have much left to pack—just a few more things. Let’s go to the morning briefing first. I want to say goodbye to everyone properly.”
He reaches into his pocket and hands me his handkerchief, pressing it into my palm with a gentleness that surprises me.
“You’re so strong, Reyna. You’re a far bigger person than I am… Even attending a meeting led by him after all this…”
I dab at my eyes, then press the handkerchief to my lips to stifle a smirk.
The real meeting won’t be led by Cassian, I think as I clutch the handkerchief tightly in my hand. No, it will be led by me. Just wait and see.
In the wake of betrayal and unexpected loss, Reyna stands at a crossroads, her heart heavy yet resolute. The sting of Cassian’s decision to terminate her employment resonates deeply, not merely as a professional setback but as a personal affront to everything she believed they had built together. Yet, amidst the chaos of her emotions, a flicker of determination ignites within her. She realizes that her strength lies not in the approval of others, but in her own ability to rise from the ashes of disappointment. The confrontation with Rhett serves as a reminder of her worth, reinforcing that she is more than just a pawn in someone else’s game. As she prepares to face her colleagues one last time, she understands that this moment is not an end, but rather a pivotal turning point in her journey.
With her chin held high and the handkerchief clutched tightly in her hand, Reyna embraces the uncertainty ahead. Though the shadows of betrayal loom large, they cannot extinguish the light of her resolve. She knows that she will not allow Cassian’s actions to define her future; instead, she will take charge of her own narrative. As she strides toward the morning briefing, she is not just saying goodbye to her past but also stepping boldly into a new chapter of her life. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but Reyna is ready to confront them head-on, armed with the lessons of her past and the unwavering belief in her own resilience. In this moment, she finds solace in the knowledge that she is capable of crafting her destiny, one bold step at a time.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Reyna and Cassian is set to reach a boiling point. With Reyna’s recent termination from Blackwell Industries weighing heavily on her, she is determined to confront not only the circumstances surrounding her dismissal but also the emotional distance that has grown between her and Cassian. Armed with newfound resolve and a plan that could either salvage their relationship or shatter it completely, Reyna is poised to make her move. Expect a clash of emotions as she navigates the murky waters of betrayal, love, and ambition, all while grappling with the consequences of her past decisions.
As Reyna prepares to face Cassian, the atmosphere will thrum with anticipation. Will she be able to articulate her feelings and reclaim her place in his life, or will the shadows of doubt and resentment overshadow her efforts? The stakes are high, and with every interaction, the potential for both reconciliation and heartbreak looms large. Readers can look forward to a gripping confrontation that will not only test Reyna’s strength but also challenge Cassian’s loyalties. The chapter promises to delve deeper into their complex relationship, revealing secrets and motivations that could change everything. Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions as Reyna’s journey unfolds, leading to a climax that will leave you breathless and eager for more.
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