Chapter 201

In Chapter 200 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Reyna finds herself in a precarious situation at the airport after missing her flight. The anxiety of being stranded sets in as she desperately tries to reach out to Cassian for help. However, her call is answered by Gemma, who dismisses Reyna’s plea for assistance with condescending remarks. This interaction ignites feelings of frustration and indignation in Reyna, who feels belittled and unsupported at a time when she needs someone to care. The coldness of Gemma’s response leaves Reyna feeling isolated and ashamed, intensifying her emotional turmoil.
In the midst of her distress, Reyna attempts to regain control by sending a text to Cassian, pretending to be lost and scared. However, her hope quickly turns to disappointment when the only response she receives is a link to a hotel booking site, devoid of any concern for her well-being. This lack of empathy stings, deepening Reyna’s feelings of loneliness and helplessness. As she navigates the sterile environment of the airport, her pride and plans crumble, forcing her to confront the reality of her situation and the emotional distance between her and Cassian.
Meanwhile, Cassian reflects on Reyna’s strength after witnessing her assertiveness during their last phone call. He realizes that he has misjudged her character, recognizing her fierce determination and resilience. This moment of clarity compels Cassian to reconsider how he perceives those around him, particularly Gemma, who has shown unexpected cunning and confidence. The shift in Cassian’s perspective suggests a growing awareness of the complexities of his relationships and the need to respect the strength of those he once underestimated.
As the chapter progresses, Gemma’s experiences reveal a sense of confinement despite the beauty of their surroundings. Her interactions with Cassian are strained, and the looming presence of Mikhail adds tension to their dynamic. The atmosphere is charged with unspoken emotions, highlighting the challenges they face in their relationship. The chapter closes on a note of uncertainty, with Gemma feeling trapped in a gilded cage while Cassian’s protective instincts surface in response to Mikhail’s casual demeanor. This interplay of emotions sets the stage for deeper conflicts and revelations in their intertwined lives.
**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 200**
**Chapter 200**
**Reyna’s POV**
As I gaze at the glaringly bright board in front of me, the words “Flight Departed” flash ominously in vivid red. My heart races, a frantic drumbeat echoing my anxiety, as I pull out my phone. I know exactly what I need to do: call Cassian.
Come on, pick up… I remind myself, even though I deliberately missed my flight. Now, though, I find myself in desperate need of him. He always comes through for me, just like he always has.
I hit his number, pressing the phone to my ear and waiting, hoping for the familiar sound of his deep voice. Instead, I’m met with an abrupt click.
“Cassian? Thank goodness you answered. I-I missed my flight. I’m still at the airport. Can you come and get me?” My voice trembles slightly, laced with urgency.
“Cassian’s busy right now,” a woman’s voice interjects, cold and dismissive, sending a wave of anger crashing through me. Why is that insufferable woman answering his phone?
“I… can you please put him on?” I respond quickly, forcing my tone to soften, to sound almost sweet. “I missed my flight, I really need—”
A sneer drips from her voice. “Really? You’re in your mid-twenties, and you can’t even change a flight or book a hotel by yourself?”
I feel the heat of indignation rise within me, but I bite my tongue. Maybe Cassian is still around? Yet, her words cut deep, stinging my pride.
“Listen, Gemma… I’m getting nervous. It’s getting dark outside. Please, just pass the phone to Cassian—”
“Why? What does Cassian have to do with the sky getting darker? He’s not your personal hotel concierge. You can’t just call him every time things don’t go your way. And just a tip: that technological device in your hand can do many other things besides bothering someone at night!”
My mouth opens, but she continues to talk over me, her words sharp and relentless.
“Do you understand? Grow up. Stop acting helpless.”
Shame and fury swirl inside me, igniting a fire in my cheeks. I open my mouth to protest, but before I can utter a word, she hangs up. The disconnection feels like a slap, leaving me holding a lifeless phone.
Letting out a strangled growl, I grip the device tightly, my knuckles turning white. I clench the strap of my suitcase, pacing anxiously in the empty corner of the airport, the sterile environment amplifying my frustration. My plan to elicit his concern, to make him worry about me, has backfired spectacularly.
Finally, I take a deep breath, composing myself enough to type a desperate text to Cassian, pretending to be lost, scared, and alone in the darkened airport. I watch the little bubble of three dots, waiting for a response that feels like an eternity.
Minutes drag on like hours, and finally, a notification pops up. My heart leaps as I glance down, only to find a message from Cassian. I open it eagerly, my pulse racing… only to be met with a link.
The link directs me to a sleek hotel website, complete with instructions for booking a room and arranging a private car service. No words of concern, no inquiry about my well-being… it’s as if the conversation had never happened, abruptly beginning and ending in the span of a few seconds.
The sting of Gemma’s lecture and the coldness of a text link make my teeth clench in frustration.
I suppress the urge to call him back, to argue, to plead for his attention. There’s no one to fight here except myself, and I certainly don’t want to engage in a catfight with Gemma.
Reluctantly, I tap the link, starting the booking process while glancing around the echoing terminal, its emptiness mirroring my feelings of isolation.
My vanity, my plans, my pride—they all feel like childish nonsense in this moment. I could scream, grumble, curse… but I can’t change the fact that he’s already three steps ahead of me.
—
**Cassian’s POV**
I sink back into the leather chair, staring at the phone that Reyna had just handed me after hanging up. The way she had marched up to me, snatching the phone from my grasp without a hint of hesitation or formality, lingers in my mind.
There was a fierceness in her stance that I had never witnessed before. It was as if she was defending something precious, and for the first time, I feel a flicker of respect—perhaps even unease. If this is truly who she is, then I have misjudged her severely.
She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t stammer, doesn’t plead. She simply states what needs to be said, and I can’t help but feel a tightening in my chest. I never expected such strength from her; I had always thought of her as someone who would shy away from confrontation.
Gemma has already exited the room, and I can hear the faint sound of water running from the shower. I frown, leaning back slightly, trying to process the events that just unfolded. Gemma hung up on Reyna without allowing her a chance to explain or justify her call.
The audacity she displayed is infuriating yet oddly impressive. And then there’s Reyna… suddenly, it dawns on me how wrong I’ve been. I had overestimated my reliance on her while underestimating Gemma’s strength.
If my little rabbit of a wife were as weak as I had initially assumed, she would have cried, begged, or pleaded for me to go and pick up the call.
But she isn’t just stubborn, is she? Surprisingly, Gemma is intelligent, calculating, and fearless in ways I never anticipated.
For the first time, clarity washes over me. This isn’t a girl who submits quietly. This is someone who fights fiercely for what she believes in, unafraid of confrontation and undeterred by threats.
And perhaps… just perhaps, it’s time for me to recalibrate how I perceive everyone else in my life.
—
**Gemma’s POV**
The next three days slip by in a dull monotony, punctuated only by a few hours of sightseeing that we engage in solely to provide Donovan with updates.
Every evening, Grandpa calls at the scheduled time, inquiring about our day for half an hour, completely unaware that we both see through his ruse of keeping tabs on us.
Cassian and I put on our best faces, hugging and smiling at each other, and if Grandpa senses any underlying tension, he remains silent about it. He speaks to me with the same concern that compels me to adhere to his every wish.
But how can I convey to him that Nassau Island feels like a gilded cage? Beautiful, yes, but so very enclosed.
This evening, Cassian has arranged what he claims is a candlelight dinner on the deck. The sunset casts a molten gold hue across the sky as we sit facing each other, the ambiance both romantic and stifling.
Apart from the menu, I’m at a loss for conversation topics: discussing Reyna and Jace is a sore spot, we can’t delve into his job, and as for mine… well, I’m uncertain if I’ll even face Mikhail’s test for my job at all.
Honestly, I’m beginning to suspect that he has already forgotten about me. I haven’t received any communication from Dream International, leading me to believe he might have moved on to other candidates or become preoccupied with new projects.
I almost let out a sigh of relief, reaching for my glass of wine, when a movement to my left catches my attention.
Of course, it’s Mikhail.
The bronze-skinned man, sunglasses perched on his nose, drops into the empty chair beside me as if it has always been his rightful place.
“The old man is practically dying of anxiety, Moonlight! No phone calls, no messages at all? I thought you were his new favorite!”
His tone is a mix of teasing and accusation, lacking any formality or greeting, as if he’s continuing a conversation we were already having.
Before I can respond, he leans back, arms spread wide as if claiming the space as his own, and I find myself caught between amusement and annoyance.
I glance at Cassian, whose jaw tightens instantly. Every muscle in his posture becomes tense as he slightly shifts his body toward me.
“Excuse me?” he says, his voice low and edged with irritation.
“Excused!” Mikhail retorts, the nonchalance in his tone only serving to heighten Cassian’s tension.
Cassian’s jaw clenches, and I struggle to suppress my laughter at his reaction to Mikhail’s blatant disregard for manners, until he speaks again, his tone clipped.
“I’m her husband. If you have any questions, you can direct them to me.”
In the aftermath of the chaotic events at the airport and the tension-filled dinner, Reyna stands at a crossroads, her emotions a swirling tempest of vulnerability and newfound strength. The sting of Cassian’s indifference and Gemma’s harsh words have forced her to confront not only her reliance on others but also her own resilience. As she grapples with feelings of isolation and frustration, a flicker of determination ignites within her. She realizes that she can no longer wait for others to validate her worth; she must forge her own path, even if it means stepping into the unknown. The airport, once a symbol of her helplessness, transforms into a backdrop for her awakening—a reminder that she is capable of standing alone and that her strength lies in embracing her vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Cassian finds himself reevaluating his perceptions of both Reyna and Gemma, the encounter leaving an indelible mark on his understanding of their characters. The fierce confrontation has unveiled layers of complexity in Reyna that he had previously overlooked, prompting him to recognize her as more than just a partner in need. As he processes his feelings, he grapples with the realization that his protective instincts have clouded his judgment, and he must learn to respect the strength of those around him. This pivotal moment not only deepens his connection with Reyna but also serves as a catalyst for growth within himself. As they each navigate their individual journeys, the emotional arc of this chapter culminates in a shared understanding that, while they may face challenges alone, their bond can be a source of strength as they learn to embrace their true selves.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, tensions are set to escalate as Reyna grapples with her emotions following the cold interaction with Cassian’s assistant, Gemma. The sting of humiliation and frustration will linger, prompting Reyna to confront her feelings about her relationship with Cassian and the unexpected strength she’s discovering within herself. As she navigates the complexities of her situation, readers can anticipate a pivotal moment that will challenge her to redefine her approach to both Cassian and her own sense of independence. Will she continue to rely on him, or will she forge a new path that embraces her own resilience?
Meanwhile, Cassian finds himself at a crossroads as he reflects on his perceptions of Reyna and Gemma. The realization that he has misjudged Reyna’s strength will spark a transformation in his character, leading him to reconsider his role in their relationship. As he grapples with his feelings of admiration and unease, the dynamics between the trio will shift dramatically. Will Cassian step up to support Reyna in a way that acknowledges her capabilities, or will he remain ensnared by his previous misconceptions? The interplay of these characters promises to deepen the narrative, leaving readers eager to witness the unfolding drama and emotional revelations that lie ahead.
Adminj