Chapter 217

In Chapter 216 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions as she receives a distressing message from Cassian about their grandfather’s arrival. The urgency of the situation compels her to rush home, leaving behind the mundane task of folding laundry. Her anxiety intensifies as she grapples with the implications of Donovan’s visit just days after their return, suggesting that their lives and marriage are under scrutiny. This sense of urgency is palpable as she navigates through her thoughts and hurriedly prepares to leave.
Upon exiting her home, Gemma encounters Jace, who offers to accompany her. Their brief conversation reveals a mix of concern and curiosity, particularly regarding Jace’s relationship with Amanda. Gemma’s attempt to help Jace navigate his feelings is met with unexpected intensity from him, highlighting the complexities of their friendship. The interaction, while tinged with awkwardness, underscores Gemma’s desire to support those around her despite her own turmoil.
Once home, Gemma’s relief turns to disbelief when she discovers that their grandfather has already left, a fact Cassian dismisses with nonchalance. This revelation ignites a confrontation between Gemma and Cassian, exposing deep-seated frustrations and resentments. Cassian’s derogatory remarks about her job as a nanny provoke Gemma’s anger, leading to a heated exchange where she asserts her autonomy. Their argument escalates, revealing the hypocrisy in Cassian’s claims of authority over her life, and culminates in Gemma’s bold suggestion of divorce.
As the chapter unfolds, Gemma’s internal struggle continues to manifest. After the confrontation, she channels her frustration into her work, taking decisive action against Mikhail by freezing his bank cards. While she finds a fleeting sense of satisfaction in regaining control, the emotional turmoil lingers. The chapter closes with Gemma’s realization that amidst the chaos, she has forgotten to fulfill a simple task for Jace, symbolizing the weight of her responsibilities and the challenges she faces in balancing her personal and professional life.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth**
**by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 216**
**Gemma’s POV**
As I meticulously fold the laundry, the rhythmic sound of fabric rustling fills the air, a comforting backdrop to my thoughts. Suddenly, my phone buzzes against the countertop, its screen illuminating with an incoming message. I glance down, my heart sinking at the sight of Cassian’s name.
[Grandpa is coming to Oakhaven. Get back here quickly, we can’t afford to blow our cover.]
The words hit me like a cold wave. Donovan is coming here? Just two days after our return? It seems he’s eager to dive into his favorite pastime: investigating our lives, especially our marriage.
“Damn it…!”
I mutter under my breath, nearly dropping the phone as another notification pings.
[Half an hour, max. Don’t be late.]
Without a second thought, I toss the neatly folded clothes back into the basket, urgency propelling my movements. I grab my bag and shove my keys inside, my mind racing. The book I promised Jace sits innocently on the counter, and I snatch it up, planning to drop it off quickly on my way out.
As I swing open the door, I nearly collide with Jace, who stands on my doorstep, his hand poised mid-knock, surprise etched across his face.
“Gemma,” he exclaims, eyes wide. “Heading out somewhere?”
I nod, feeling a mix of anxiety and urgency. “Yeah, I need to get back to Oakhaven right away.”
He studies me closely, concern flickering in his eyes. “You look too pale… Gemma, did something happen?”
“Not really. Just… family stuff,” I reply, forcing a shaky smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “I was actually coming to give this to you—”
“Want me to see you off? You don’t look like you’re in a state to be rushing alone.”
His offer is unexpected, and I hesitate for a moment, weighing my options. Finally, I relent. “Fine. Thanks.”
We descend the stairs together, and curiosity gets the better of me. “Jace… that woman you were with? Amanda! Is she your girlfriend?”
His head snaps toward me, shock evident on his face. “What!? No!”
The fervor in his response surprises me, and I blink, caught off guard by the intensity of his denial. “I was just asking out of curiosity…”
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
He emphasizes each word as if trying to convince himself as much as me. “I don’t like her. At all.”
“Oh. Well… she seemed close to you, that’s all. You don’t need to explain anything—”
Jace shakes his head vigorously. “You must have misunderstood something. She came to discuss a work project, that’s it. Nothing more.”
I nod quickly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, feeling awkward for even bringing it up. I had thought I could help my friend navigate his first relationship, but now I feel the weight of my own misstep.
Fortunately, a cab pulls up just in time, rescuing me from the awkwardness. Jace opens the door for me, and I slip inside, murmuring a thank you as I settle into the seat.

“I’m sorry I got late; it was the first day of work…”
I rush into the house, my heart racing as I launch into a barrage of excuses, only to find the living room eerily quiet, save for Cassian, who lounges on the sofa, engrossed in his phone as though the world around him doesn’t exist.
“Where’s Grandpa?”
I ask, breathless and anxious, but he doesn’t even bother to look up. “He left; you were too late.”
My jaw drops in disbelief. “What? I rushed here the second you texted me!”
“Doesn’t matter,” he replies dismissively. “He only waited this long because he likes you…”
A wave of guilt washes over me, but then I catch the smug smile tugging at his lips, and clarity strikes.
“You tricked me, didn’t you? He never came here!”
Fury ignites in my chest, threatening to consume me, but Cassian merely shrugs, unfazed.
“Believe what you want. If you had taken our family seriously, you wouldn’t be caught off guard today. Where were you, by the way? Playing nanny at Dream International again?”
The word hits me harder than I expect, like a slap across the face.
“I’m not a nanny!”
I snap, my voice sharper than intended, but he dismisses my protest with a scoff.
“Oh, right. Babysitting executives running errands for them, cleaning up after their mess… what else would you call it? A housekeeper? Either way, it’s humiliating! Do you even realize how disgraceful that is to our family?”
Anger bubbles up in my throat, bitter and unyielding.
“You don’t get to decide that! It’s my job.”
“I don’t care. You’re not going back there. From today, you’re done. I forbid it.”
A bitter laugh escapes me, a mixture of disbelief and frustration. “Forbid me? Cassian, who do you think you are? You haven’t cared about me for three years, regardless of where I went or what I did. And now, suddenly, you remember I exist? You can’t just claim authority over my life!”
“As long as you have my name associated with yours, I have the right.” His eyes darken, a storm brewing within them. “As long as you’re my wife, your actions reflect on me. And I won’t have you tarnishing our reputation—”
“That’s enough!”
I cut him off, my voice trembling with rage. “Talking about the obligations of a husband and wife… that’s incredibly hypocritical coming from you! You’ve played that role so poorly, Cassian, it’s almost laughable.”
He opens his mouth to retort, but I don’t give him the chance.
“If you despise what I do so much, then maybe we should finally get the divorce you’ve been avoiding.”
Cassian steps closer, his presence looming over me like a shadow. “Don’t even think about it! We had an agreement, remember—”
I lift my chin defiantly, refusing to back down. “Agreements can be broken, just like promises. Just like marriages. Don’t blame me for choosing the only option I have.”
The silence stretches between us, thick and suffocating, neither of us willing to back down. Finally, Cassian’s lips press into a hard line, and he turns abruptly, striding toward the stairs without uttering another word.
I remain rooted in place, every nerve in my body alight with fury.
XXXXX
I plop down on the couch with a heavy thud, pulling out my phone as my anger simmers. How in the world did he find out about my job unless he showed up at Dream International?
And aside from Mikhail, I can’t think of a single person who would dare describe my role as that— a nanny, of all things!
Without a second thought, I access the account controls and freeze every one of Mikhail’s bank cards again. If he wants to step into this arena with me, he should know I won’t surrender quietly.
A flicker of satisfaction ignites in my heart as I see the notification confirming my actions, but my anger remains unresolved.
I message Mr. Smith.
[It’s just the first day, and Mikhail was way out of line again. I would need some compensation for my time and efforts if you expect me to keep putting up with this charade 24/7.]
Mr. Smith doesn’t reply immediately, but it doesn’t take long for him to respond. Less than ten minutes later, I notice my account balance has increased.
[Understood, please let me know if there is anything else you want.]
I slump against the bed, staring at the glowing screen. Money doesn’t erase the sting, but it certainly helps to ease it.
Setting the phone down, I rub my temples, finally feeling a hint of relaxation wash over me. But then, my gaze lands on the corner of my bag, and I spot the book. Jace’s book!
I smack my forehead in frustration.
“Damn it! I forgot to give it to him.”
I feel irritation surge back within me. After dealing with the tantrums of too many people today, I still managed to forget the simplest of tasks.
Determined, I march upstairs and sink onto the mattress, the unopened book feeling heavy in my hands.
Stupid book!
In the tumultuous aftermath of the confrontation with Cassian, Gemma finds herself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of her choices and the emotional turmoil that has engulfed her life. The anger that once surged through her now simmers, replaced by a bittersweet resolve. She recognizes that the battle for her identity and autonomy is far from over, yet a flicker of empowerment ignites within her. As she processes the harsh words exchanged with Cassian, she understands that the path she must carve out for herself requires both courage and clarity. The sting of his dismissive attitude lingers, but it also serves as a catalyst for her to reclaim her narrative, no longer willing to be defined by the expectations of others.
With the book Jace lent her resting in her hands, Gemma feels the weight of her relationships shift. The earlier awkwardness with Jace transforms into a reminder of the genuine connections that still exist in her life, contrasting sharply with the toxicity she faces at home. As she resolves to deliver the book, she also resolves to bridge the gaps in her relationships, to seek solace in the warmth of friendship rather than the coldness of familial obligation. In this moment of introspection, she acknowledges that while the storm may not have passed, she is no longer alone in the rain. With newfound determination, Gemma steps forward, ready to embrace the warmth of her memories and the strength they bring as she navigates the uncertain waters ahead.
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will reach a boiling point as Gemma confronts the implications of her fractured relationship with Cassian. With the air thick with unresolved anger and frustration, readers can anticipate a fierce showdown that may challenge the very foundation of their marriage. Will Gemma find the strength to stand her ground, or will Cassian’s domineering presence force her to reconsider her choices? As secrets begin to unravel and past grievances resurface, the stakes have never been higher for Gemma, who must navigate the treacherous waters of familial obligations and personal desires.
Moreover, the shadow of Donovan looms ominously over Gemma’s life, adding an extra layer of urgency to her situation. With Cassian’s manipulative tactics at play and the looming threat of her grandfather’s arrival, Gemma’s world is about to be shaken to its core. Will she manage to reclaim her independence, or will she find herself ensnared in the web of expectations that her family has woven around her? The next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and pivotal choices that could alter the course of her life forever. Prepare for a gripping continuation that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what fate awaits Gemma in the storm ahead.
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