Chapter 213

In Chapter 212 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma grapples with the complexities of her relationship with her mother and her new role at Dream International. Her mother expresses concern about Gemma’s well-being, but Gemma reassures her, determined to focus on her own path and leave behind the familial tensions that have plagued her. As she prepares for her first day at work, she feels a mix of excitement and anxiety, symbolized by her choice of outfit, which she hopes will project confidence.
The morning takes a turn when Cassian, a significant figure in her life, critiques her outfit with bluntness that catches her off guard. His comments reveal a mix of jealousy and concern, igniting a heated exchange between them. Gemma feels frustrated by his unsolicited advice and the underlying implications of his jealousy, which only adds to her emotional turmoil as she tries to assert her independence. Despite their conflict, she decides to change her outfit not out of compliance but to avoid further confrontation before her first day.
At the office, Gemma faces additional challenges as her colleague Mikhail also critiques her appearance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in their line of work. This adds to her frustration, as she feels judged by both men in her life for her choices. However, Gemma remains determined to carve out her own identity within the company, showcasing her assertiveness by demanding a proper workspace and refusing to be treated as charity. Her interactions highlight her resilience and desire to prove herself in a male-dominated environment.
As the day progresses, Gemma’s determination solidifies when she discovers her boss, Mr. Voloshin, has left the office shortly after her arrival. Rather than allowing this to deter her, she resolves to hold him accountable, demonstrating her commitment to her new role. The chapter ends on a note of determination, as Gemma prepares to track him down, illustrating her unwillingness to be sidelined in her career and her readiness to confront challenges head-on.
**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 212**
**Chapter 212**
**Gemma’s POV**
“Gemma, are you truly okay with this?”
Mom’s eyes are filled with concern as she studies my expression, searching for any hint of doubt.
“Yes, Mom,” I assure her, forcing a bright smile that I hope reaches my eyes. “Last time, Cassian only agreed out of kindness.”
“Oh… okay,” she replies, her voice trailing off, though I can sense the lingering worry in her tone.
Dealing with the complexities of that mother-daughter dynamic is Cassian’s problem now, not mine. I’ve distanced myself from that world and have no intention of returning. To me, it’s merely background noise, a constant hum that I won’t expend energy on, especially since I never asked for this in the first place.
I gently smooth the blanket over her legs, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Just concentrate on getting stronger, Mom. Leave the rest to me.”
Sleep eludes me the night before my first day at Dream International. Despite having worked behind the scenes already, the weight of this day feels more significant, more official.
After a refreshing shower, I find myself staring at the meticulously arranged row of formal outfits tucked away in the corner of my wardrobe.
In the end, I settle on a cream blouse to tuck into a navy blue pencil skirt, completing the look with a pair of heels. As I glance at my reflection, I see a more polished version of myself staring back, and I step out after applying a touch of makeup to enhance my features.
Opening the bedroom door, I’m greeted by the sight of Cassian already waiting downstairs, an impressive breakfast spread laid out before him—thankfully, not prepared by him.
As I descend the stairs, the sound of my heels clicking against the floor draws his attention. He looks up, his gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that makes me self-conscious.
“That skirt doesn’t suit you,” he states bluntly, causing me to halt mid-step.
“Excuse me?” I retort, disbelief etched across my face.
He sets down his coffee cup, leaning back with an air of nonchalance. “It’s too short; it makes your legs appear disproportionate. A longer, flared hemline would be far more flattering.”
For a moment, I can only stare at him, taken aback. This is how he chooses to greet me? I would take cold silence over this any day.
“Did you just call me fat?” I challenge, my voice rising slightly.
His jaw tightens, but his gaze remains unwavering. “I’m saying this for your own good. The clothes are too tight…”
His eyes flicker over my waistline before darting away. “Do you want every man in the building to gawk at you?”
An eyebrow arches involuntarily, as I suddenly grasp the underlying reason for his critique—jealousy!
“Maybe I want them to,” I reply with a smirk, enjoying the reaction I see in him.
His jaw clenches, muscles tensing. “Haven’t you noticed you’ve put on weight lately? If you don’t want to appear unprofessional, it’s better to change.”
Never mind that—I’m baffled. Why would he feel jealous of anyone else when he doesn’t even value me?
“How generous of you, Cassian, to sacrifice your morning just to insult me,” I shoot back, sarcasm dripping from my words.
“Gemma, I promised grandfather I wouldn’t let you be wronged again. That includes people at work taking advantage of you…”
I shake my head, turning on my heel to head back upstairs, desperate to avoid a lecture.
“You’re unbelievable!” I call out, frustration bubbling within me.
I change into a pair of black pants and button the same shirt, this time tucking it in loosely instead of high at the waist. Not because I care what he thinks, but because I refuse to waste my energy fighting him before I even step into work.
When I eventually come back downstairs, Cassian’s expression visibly softens.
“That’s much better. Have breakfast, and then I’ll drive you—”
“No, thanks. I’ve already called a taxi,” I interject, cutting him off.
“What—?”
Chloe, our housekeeper, who has been quietly setting the table, glances between us. I can’t help but notice the way she presses her lips together, stifling a smile as she witnesses Cassian’s expression sour.
“Call me crazy, but I’d prefer to start my first day without you breathing down my neck,” I say, slipping on my shoes and heading toward the door.
Behind me, I hear Emma timidly ask, “Mr. Blackwell, did you make her change because she looked too good?”
“You should learn not to speak too much,” he snaps in response.
I don’t wait to hear more, stepping into the taxi that’s patiently waiting at the front door.
At the office, I make a beeline for Mikhail’s floor. The moment he sees me, he raises an eyebrow and says, “Did you just come from the fish market?”
I glance down at my neatly pressed trousers, a frown forming on my lips. “What?”
“Your outfit! It makes you look like you were gutting salmon,” he quips, a smirk playing on his lips.
I take a moment to assess my outfit: ironed trousers, a clean blouse, and sensible flats. Sure, it’s a bit loosely fitted, but it’s practical.
I respond with an exaggerated smile, “If you prefer, I’ll wear an apron tomorrow. Just for you.”
He tosses a file onto the table with a sigh. “You are representing the entertainment division of Dream International. Image matters in our line of work, so next time, dress like you’re here to work, not like you’re about to haggle over vegetables.”
I nearly roll my eyes. Two men in one morning—first Cassian, now Mikhail. “I suppose you’re an expert in women’s fashion?”
“Expert enough to know this isn’t fashion,” he replies dryly, gesturing to the file. “This outlines your responsibilities. Read it, sign it, and return it to HR. They’ll process your personal details.”
I flip open the folder, scanning the list of tasks: research protocols, data compilation, monitoring trends, and one line stands out: Ensure Mr. Voloshin remains at the company during work hours.
In short, my job is to make sure he doesn’t skip out. I sign my name and slide the document back across the table.
“Your turn,” I say, a hint of challenge in my voice.
His wary gaze flicks to me. “Why are you so quick to sign things without reading the fine print?”
“Because whatever trap you think you’ve set, I’ll manage it,” I answer smoothly.
“Where do I sit?”
“You don’t need to. Mr. Smith has arranged your role so you can work from home,” he replies, still not looking up from his papers.
“That won’t do. If I’m on your payroll, I need a desk in this building. Otherwise, it’s just charity work, and I don’t take charity,” I assert, my voice firm.
That makes him pause, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Persistent, aren’t you?”
“Efficient,” I correct, slipping my pen into my bag. Then I extend my hand. “Your phone, please.”
He looks taken aback. “My phone? What for?”
“Yes, I need to add my contact details. Email, messaging, WhatsApp. If you need me, you’ll be able to reach me directly.”
For a brief moment, he simply stares, and then he hands it over, looking slightly bemused.
I enter my details swiftly, then return the phone. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll check in with HR again.”
Taking the signed paperwork, I head down to HR, where they process my file quickly, printing my work badge within half an hour.
“Which floor would my workstation be on?” I inquire, a hint of eagerness in my voice.
The staff exchange awkward glances.
“Er… actually, you’re the first person to join the company in this role. We’ll need to confirm the department with Mr. Voloshin…”
I wave it off, not wanting to cause them any trouble. “Don’t trouble yourselves. I’ll ask him directly.”
When I return upstairs, I find his office empty. Stepping into the hall, I ask Harold, the assistant standing guard outside, “Where’s Mr. Voloshin?”
“He left about three minutes ago.”
“Where to?”
“I… don’t know, Ms. Blackwell.”
Of course. My very first day, and my superior is already slipping out of the building.
Sighing, I pull out my phone and scroll to the contact I just entered for him. If he thinks I’m the kind of employee who allows her boss to disappear without accountability, he’s sorely mistaken.
I open the tracking app, my fingers hovering over the screen, determination setting in.
As the sun sets on Gemma’s tumultuous first day at Dream International, she stands at the precipice of a new chapter in her life, one marked by determination and resilience. The morning’s sharp exchanges with Cassian, laden with unspoken emotions and veiled jealousy, have only fueled her resolve to carve out her own identity in a world that often seeks to define her. With each step she takes, both physically and metaphorically, Gemma is shedding the shadows of doubt that once clouded her path. The confrontation with Cassian, though fraught with tension, has ignited a spark within her—a recognition that she is not merely a reflection of others’ expectations but a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
In this moment of introspection, Gemma embraces the warmth of her memories, those that remind her of her strength and the love that still binds her to her mother. She is ready to face the challenges ahead, armed with the knowledge that she is more than just a pawn in someone else’s game. The journey to self-assertion may be fraught with obstacles, but it is one she is determined to navigate with grace and tenacity. As she prepares to reach out to Mikhail, her heart swells with a newfound confidence, a quiet assurance that she will not only survive but thrive in this new environment. The rain may soon touch the earth, but for Gemma, it is a promise of renewal, a chance to reclaim her narrative and embrace the warmth of her own memories as she steps boldly into her future.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As Gemma embarks on her new journey at Dream International, the stakes are higher than ever. With Cassian’s unexpected critique still ringing in her ears and Mikhail’s sharp comments fresh in her mind, Gemma is determined to carve out her space in a world that feels both exciting and intimidating. The tension between her and Cassian is palpable, and their complicated dynamic promises to deepen as they navigate their professional and personal boundaries. Will Gemma find her footing amidst the challenges posed by her new role, or will the pressure of expectations lead to unforeseen consequences?
Furthermore, Gemma’s resolve to hold her boss accountable sets the stage for potential confrontations that could either solidify her position or unravel her plans. With Mr. Voloshin’s sudden disappearance, the question looms: where could he be, and what does it mean for her first day on the job? As she grapples with the complexities of her responsibilities and the office politics, readers can anticipate a blend of fierce determination and vulnerability from Gemma. Will she rise to the occasion, or will the shadows of her past and the weight of her insecurities threaten to pull her back? The next chapter promises to unveil more than just office dynamics; it will delve into Gemma’s evolving identity as she stands at the crossroads of ambition and self-discovery.
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