Chapter 220

In Chapter 219 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of a model during a photoshoot, after Mikhail insists she would be a great substitute. The chapter opens with a confrontation between Gemma and Geoffrey, the photographer, who is skeptical of her abilities. Mikhail’s unwavering confidence in her potential surprises Gemma, leading to a heated exchange where she firmly denies being a model, despite her curiosity about Mikhail’s intentions. His bold offer of a substantial payment and enticing perks, including a luxury car, piques her interest, leading her to reluctantly agree to participate in the shoot.
As the photoshoot begins, Gemma is fitted into a stunning gown, and the atmosphere becomes charged with energy. Geoffrey directs her with intensity, pushing her to embody the essence of a model, while Mikhail steps in to help ease her nerves. Their dynamic is both supportive and tense, as Mikhail guides her through poses, creating a palpable chemistry between them. Despite her initial embarrassment and reluctance, Gemma starts to embrace the experience, and the shoot progresses successfully, culminating in Geoffrey’s approval of their work.
The mood shifts dramatically when Zoey, a rival model, arrives late and assumes she is still the center of attention. Geoffrey’s dismissal of her unprofessionalism and Mikhail’s firm stance against her entitlement create a tense confrontation. Zoey’s arrogance and threats add to the charged atmosphere, revealing her disdain for Gemma and her relationship with Mikhail. As Gemma tries to maintain her composure amidst Zoey’s taunts, Mikhail steps in protectively, showcasing his loyalty and support for her. The chapter closes with the tension unresolved, leaving Gemma to navigate her feelings about her newfound role, the dynamics with Mikhail, and the looming threat posed by Zoey.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 219**
**Gemma’s POV**
Mikhail’s gaze sparkles with an intensity that catches me off guard, even as the photographer’s voice rises in protest, slicing through the air like a knife.
“We need someone who fits the brief, not just a warm body standing in front of the camera!” Geoffrey’s tone is sharp, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His eyes scan me from head to toe, and I instinctively mirror his posture, crossing my arms defiantly.
“I suppose you’re suggesting me for this, because…?” I inquire, my curiosity piqued, though I can sense the impending refusal.
“Yes,” Mikhail responds without a moment’s hesitation, his confidence unwavering. “And as for the reason… I just feel like you’ll be a great substitute.”
A scoff escapes my lips, my disbelief palpable. “No! I’m not a model.” The words tumble out, laced with a hint of indignation.
Geoffrey’s scrutiny intensifies, tilting his head slightly as if he’s just now uncovering a hidden gem.
“Actually… she’s got the look. Clean lines, expressive eyes… if she can pull it off, we might be able to save this shoot,” he muses, his voice taking on a tone of reluctant admiration.
“At least, let her try,” Mikhail adds, his persistence unwavering.
I shake my head vigorously, rejecting the eager, bright-eyed looks from both men.
“Forget it! I’m not your one-size-fits-all solution,” I insist, my voice firm, but inside, I feel a flicker of uncertainty.
Mikhail leans closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. “I know it’s an easy job for you… and you won’t leave empty-handed.”
I blink, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”
His next words tumble out in a rush, each one more shocking than the last. “If you step in and finish the shoot, I’ll pay you three hundred thousand. On top of that, I’ll approve three paid vacations per year, no calls, no work interruptions. And… a luxury car. Worth at least a million.”
A laugh bubbles up inside me at the audacity of his offer, but then I pause, the weight of his words sinking in. A car…?
I’ve been meaning to buy one for ages, but the chaos of life had always held me back—time, budget, and the sheer knowledge of choosing the right one eluded me.
And here he is, dangling exactly what I need right in front of me.
He notices my hesitation and presses on, his tone earnest. “I’ll put it in writing! You have my word.”
I exhale slowly, the absurdity of the situation washing over me. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous, but persuasive. So, do we have a deal?” he counters, a hint of hope threading through his voice.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, a sigh escaping me. “Fine. But if I end up looking like a fool, it’s on you.”
“Deal,” Mikhail replies instantly, his voice rising in triumph. “We have a model, everyone!”
Geoffrey claps his hands, a wide grin breaking across his face, suddenly radiating enthusiasm. “Excellent! Let’s get her into wardrobe.”
XXXXX
The studio buzzes with frenetic energy, a whirlwind of movement and color. I’m fitted into a sleek gown that hugs my form just right, perfectly showcasing the diamonds that shimmer like stars against the fabric.
Geoffrey wastes no time, ushering me under the bright lights with a commanding presence. “Stand here. Chin up! Relax your shoulders,” he instructs, his voice sharp yet focused.
His rapid-fire commands come at me like a storm, and I do my best to comply, but halfway through, he frowns, his frustration palpable.
“No, no, no. This pose is a little too stiff! The jewelry should look like it’s being shown to someone special, not as if you’re in front of a firing squad,” he critiques, his voice laced with urgency.
Heat floods my cheeks, embarrassment creeping in. “I told you, I’m not a model. Don’t expect miracles.”
Geoffrey rubs his temples, muttering under his breath, “If only we had someone to partner her…”
Mikhail steps forward, a spark of determination in his eyes. “Use me.”
I whip my head toward him, incredulous. “You? Don’t be ridiculous—”
But the photographer’s face lights up with excitement. “Yes! Perfect. Your skin tones contrast beautifully, and the height difference, ah, it’s striking!”
Before I can voice my objections, Mikhail takes his place beside me, his presence both comforting and unnerving. “Relax,” he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “Just follow my lead.”
I shoot him a glare. “If you try anything inappropriate—”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he assures me, his tone sincere. He gently takes my wrist, placing my hand against his shoulder, and I can feel the warmth radiating from his skin beneath the fabric of his shirt. Then he angles my chin upward, positioning me so that I’m staring directly into his eyes.
“Better,” Geoffrey mutters from behind the lens, his focus unwavering. “That’s it. Look at him as if he’s the one you’re showing the necklace to. Hold the tension.”
I grit my teeth but comply, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on me.
The camera clicks furiously, each shot capturing a moment, a feeling. Mikhail leans in closer, adjusting his stance so that his darker skin contrasts sharply with mine, his height forcing me to tilt my head upward.
Geoffrey whistles, his excitement palpable. “Perfect! Just perfect! This is exactly the mood I wanted.”
With each movement, Mikhail guides me through another pose, his hand brushing the curve of my waist this time, his head angled close enough that I can feel the warmth of his breath.
Geoffrey beams, his satisfaction evident. “Yes, yes! That’s it. This set is gold!”
We continue for nearly an hour, my body aching from holding the poses, but finally, Geoffrey lowers his camera with a satisfied sigh.
“Done. Beautiful… dare I say, even better than the original concept.”
A wave of relief washes over me, and I quickly step out of Mikhail’s hold, grateful for the reprieve.
Just then, the door swings open with a loud creak. Zoey strides in, sunglasses perched atop her head, her agent trailing behind her like a shadow, coffee cups in hand.
“Sorry I’m late,” she says breezily, as if her tardiness is of no consequence. “I wasn’t feeling well. Let’s redo the makeup and start now.”
Geoffrey doesn’t even bother to look up from his camera. “We’re finished.”
Zoey blinks, her surprise evident, clearly unaccustomed to hearing that word. “Finished? I’m the model. You can’t be finished without me.”
“You were late by hours,” Geoffrey replies flatly, his patience wearing thin. “The cooperation is over.”
Her agent, flustered and anxious, sets the coffees down with a clatter. “Wait, please. She really was ill, she even—”
Geoffrey cuts her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Don’t waste my time. We’ve wrapped the shoot. Castle Jewelry will not tolerate this level of unprofessionalism.”
Zoey flips her hair back with a smirk, her confidence unshaken. “You’ll regret this. Do you know who I am? I’ll resolve this easily. The Blackwells won’t let you treat me like this, and I have a good relationship with—”
Her agent, now pale, tugs at her sleeve, desperation etched on her face. “Zoey, enough—”
Mikhail steps in, his voice icy and unyielding. “Send the termination notice,” he instructs his assistant without a moment’s hesitation.
Harold nods, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he begins typing.
Holly, the agent, gasps, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You—you can’t be serious—”
But Mikhail doesn’t glance her way, his decision final and unshakeable.
The atmosphere grows heavy with tension, the air thick with unspoken words. Zoey mutters under her breath, but for once, she finds herself without the upper hand.
As I finally make my way toward the elevator, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders, I hear the sharp click of heels behind me. Zoey catches up, deliberately colliding with my shoulder, her sneer dripping with disdain.
“Well, well,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Look who it is. No wonder Cassian abandoned you—you’ve clearly downgraded. Despite being the wife of a Blackwell, you have to throw yourself at random men in suits. How pathetic!”
I keep my jaw tight, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction, my heart pounding in my chest.
Before I can muster a reply, Mikhail steps forward, positioning himself between us like a protective barrier. His expression is icy, a warning in his eyes. “Watch your mouth.”
Zoey blinks at him, momentarily taken aback, before bursting into laughter. “Oh, I see. You’re her little gigolo? No wonder she’s so smug. A kept man, and you still want to run your tongue in front of me?”
Her eyes narrow dangerously as she leans in, her voice low and threatening. “Enjoy it while it lasts. Because once I’m done, you won’t earn a single penny again.”
The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime, the tension in the air crackling like electricity.
As I step into the elevator, a mix of relief and anxiety washes over me. The chaos of the shoot, the unexpected camaraderie with Mikhail, and Zoey’s venomous words swirl in my mind, creating a storm of emotions. I glance back at Mikhail, who stands tall and resolute, a protective presence against Zoey’s barbed insults. In that moment, I realize that this experience has shifted something within me. I may have started as an unwilling participant in this world of glamour and pretense, but I have discovered a flicker of strength I didn’t know I possessed. The warmth of Mikhail’s support ignites a spark of confidence, making me question my self-doubt and the limitations I had imposed on myself.
As the elevator doors close, sealing away the toxic energy of the studio, I feel a sense of liberation beginning to bloom. The weight of Zoey’s disdain no longer feels like a heavy shroud but rather a reminder of the journey I am on—one filled with challenges that I can face head-on. Mikhail’s offer, though initially absurd, has opened up possibilities I had never considered, and with each passing moment, I feel more in control of my narrative. The rain may not have touched the earth yet, but the warmth of new memories and the promise of growth already begin to envelop me, urging me to embrace the unknown and step boldly into my future.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the dust settles from the dramatic shoot, Gemma finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The tension with Zoey has not only ignited a fierce rivalry but also left Gemma questioning her newfound role in this high-stakes world of modeling. In the upcoming chapter, we can expect her to grapple with the implications of Mikhail’s unexpected support and the jealousy that Zoey’s taunts have stirred within her. Will Gemma embrace this new opportunity, or will the shadows of her past insecurities hold her back?
Furthermore, Mikhail’s bold actions have set the stage for a deeper exploration of his character. With Zoey’s threats looming overhead, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the fallout from this confrontation. Will he stand firm beside Gemma, solidifying their bond, or will the pressures of the industry drive a wedge between them? The next chapter promises to delve into their evolving dynamic, as they both face external challenges and internal doubts. As the stakes rise, readers can anticipate a gripping blend of ambition, rivalry, and unexpected alliances that will leave them on the edge of their seats.
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