Chapter 225

In Chapter 224 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma prepares for a gathering by admiring herself in a striking black silk evening gown delivered by Mikhail. The outfit, which features a daring high slit, makes her feel empowered, but her confidence is challenged when Cassian confronts her about her attire and late-night plans. Their exchange is tense, highlighting Cassian’s protective nature and Gemma’s defiance, as she asserts her independence and choices. Despite the friction, Gemma leaves for the event, leaving Cassian behind with a stormy expression.
Upon arriving at the luxurious rooftop venue reserved for Dream Entertainment’s new CEO celebration, Gemma realizes Mikhail orchestrated the gathering without informing her. A security guard questions her presence, prompting her to text Mikhail for an escort. When he arrives, he compliments her appearance, and they navigate through the crowd together. However, Gemma’s entrance is met with mixed reactions, particularly from Rhett, who openly questions her qualifications and attempts to undermine her identity as Cassian’s wife. Gemma stands her ground, defending herself against Rhett’s insults and asserting her role as a cybersecurity researcher.
Meanwhile, Cassian arrives at the venue, where he unexpectedly encounters Reyna, who has her own agenda related to Zoey Hunter’s termination from Dream International. Their interaction is marked by Cassian’s brusque demeanor, reflecting his preoccupation with Gemma and the unfolding drama at the event. The chapter juxtaposes Gemma’s assertive navigation of the social landscape against Cassian’s internal struggles and protective instincts, setting the stage for escalating tensions and emotional confrontations as the night progresses.
**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 224**
**Chapter 224**
**Gemma’s POV**
As I stand before the mirror, I take a moment to admire the way the black silk evening gown hugs my figure. It’s a striking piece that Mikhail had delivered earlier today, specifically for tonight’s gathering. The fabric glides over my body, accentuating my waist before cascading down into a daring high slit that reveals my legs, a bold choice that I wouldn’t typically entertain. Yet, with a swipe of red lipstick, I feel empowered, ready to embrace this new persona.
The sound of footsteps behind me breaks my concentration, and I turn slightly to see Cassian leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. His dark gaze, heavy with a stormy intensity, sweeps over me, making me acutely aware of my attire.
“Where are you going, dressed like that?” he asks, his voice laced with disbelief.
I keep my focus on the mirror, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of my attention. “To work,” I reply, my tone flat.
“Work! At this hour? Dressed in that? What kind of a job summons you at eight o’clock on a Saturday?” His incredulity hangs in the air, and I finally turn to meet his gaze, my eyes cold and unyielding.
“One that pays me well. And besides,” I add, my voice steady, “you don’t get to police my choices.”
I can see the muscle in his jaw twitching, a sure sign of his irritation, but I refuse to wait for his retort. I grab the silver clutch from the dresser, a small yet elegant accessory, and stride past him without a backward glance.
He follows me down to the underground garage, our eyes locking in a fierce clash that feels almost electric. As the elevator doors slide open, a hush falls over the space, and I sense the curious gazes of the staff and drivers. They hover near a gleaming red Porsche 911, its polished surface reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights, resembling a jewel in the dark.
Cassian’s frown deepens as he shifts his attention between the car and the satisfied smirk plastered on my face. “Whose car is that? Don’t tell me it’s yours.”
Without missing a beat, I lift the key fob and press the unlock button. The car responds with a flash of its headlights, prompting all eyes to turn in my direction.
“Fine! I won’t tell you. You can see for yourself,” I tease, relishing the moment.
His expression darkens, and I can almost see the gears turning in his mind. “Where did you get it—”
I cut him off, sliding into the luxurious leather seat. “Don’t you think you ask too many questions?” I shoot back, my tone playful yet defiant.
For a brief moment, our eyes connect, and I sense an unspoken tension lingering between us, something heavy that neither of us dares to voice. But I push it aside, starting the engine with a roar that drowns out our silent exchange. I drive away, leaving him standing there, his expression as foreboding as a stormy night.

The rooftop of the luxury clubhouse feels like a portal to another realm, a world where opulence reigns supreme. The large pool sparkles beneath strings of golden lights, and the city skyline stretches endlessly, a breathtaking backdrop to the evening. This entire floor has been reserved for tonight’s event, a celebration for Dream Entertainment’s new CEO. Everyone seems to know except me—until now.
As I step onto the rooftop, I spot a congratulatory bouquet placed at the entrance, and it dawns on me that Mikhail himself is the mastermind behind this gathering.
A security guard steps in my path, his expression unreadable. “Invitation, miss?”
With a sigh, I step aside and quickly text Mikhail, requesting him to come and escort me in. After all, he’s the one who neglected to send me an invitation despite his earlier threats about vanishing.
When Mikhail finally arrives, he’s dressed sharply in a navy suit, the collar of his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a hint of his smooth chest. The moment his ice-blue eyes meet mine, they light up with warmth and satisfaction.
“Gemma…!” he exclaims, stepping forward to offer his arm. “You look stunning. I knew the gown would suit you perfectly.”
I decline his offer, opting instead for a polite nod. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that,” I reply, a hint of amusement in my voice.
His lips curve into a playful smile. “Persistence is a virtue in my world.” He gestures toward the crowd, his demeanor inviting. “Come. Everyone’s waiting to meet you.”
As we weave our way through the throng of people, I recognize a few familiar faces. Liam’s expression shifts from surprise to discomfort as he sees me, his glass hovering midway to his lips. But it’s Rhett, seated beside him, whose reaction is more pronounced—he nearly drops his drink, shock written all over his face.
“You?” Rhett exclaims, rising abruptly from his seat. His voice cuts through the pulsating techno music, drawing unwanted attention.
“Hey, Rhett. That’s too much, man,” Liam interjects, pulling him back, confusion etched on his features.
Before Rhett can respond, Mikhail steps in smoothly. “Gentlemen, I trust you can behave appropriately. Gemma is one of my colleagues, here to assist me in an official capacity.”
“Colleague?” Rhett scoffs, his glare directed at me. “Don’t joke, Voloshin. She is Cassian Blackwell’s wife, and she has no qualifications to be your colleague.”
“Pardon me, but being Cassian’s wife isn’t my entire identity—”
“Of course! You use your husband’s name to gain advantages everywhere, but here, you want to exploit your looks! Only you could be shameless enough to flirt with other men for opportunities—”
I meet his gaze with fierce defiance. “For someone who prides himself on being upper class, your manners are remarkably low. Didn’t your mother teach you not to bark at women in public?”
Rhett’s face flushes with anger, but before he can retort, Mikhail cuts through the tension.
“Enough. Miss Gemma is a cybersecurity researcher for Dream Entertainment,” he states firmly.
Rhett exhales sharply, his glare still fixed on me as if I’ve somehow silenced him. I hold his gaze defiantly for a moment before turning away, reaching for a champagne flute from a passing tray.
I suppose I’ll need a drink to navigate this evening.

**Cassian’s POV**
Tom drops me off in front of La Casa Mirelle, and I hand over the invitation card that had been sent to me. As the elevator doors slide open, I step into the lobby, but before I can take more than a couple of steps, a familiar voice calls out.
“Cassian!”
I halt, spotting Reyna making her way toward me, her smile bright and welcoming. Was she also invited tonight? Why hadn’t Liam mentioned her presence?
“How wonderful to see you here! I just got back—”
“What are you doing here?” I interrupt, my tone brusque, uninterested in the details of her return.
She offers me a warm smile, seemingly undeterred by my abruptness. “I came to speak to the CEO on Zoey Hunter’s behalf, hoping to plead her case if he’s willing to listen.”
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, her expression earnest. “You must have heard about her termination from Dream International, right?”
As the evening unfolds, the tension between Gemma and Cassian simmers beneath the surface, a palpable reminder of their complicated relationship. Gemma, adorned in her stunning gown, steps into a world where she is no longer just Cassian’s wife but a formidable presence in her own right. She stands her ground against Rhett’s condescending remarks, reclaiming her identity and asserting her worth beyond the confines of her marriage. With each defiant word, she sheds the layers of doubt and insecurity, embracing the power that comes from self-acceptance. The glimmer of the city skyline reflects her newfound resolve, illuminating the path she is determined to carve for herself, despite the shadows of her past.
On the other hand, Cassian’s arrival at the event is marked by a sense of unease as he navigates his own feelings of jealousy and protectiveness. The encounter with Reyna serves as a reminder of the complexities in his life, and the weight of his emotions becomes increasingly burdensome. While he grapples with the implications of Gemma’s independence, he also realizes that their relationship must evolve if they are to find common ground. As the night progresses, the unspoken tension between them hints at a deeper connection that could either fracture or strengthen their bond. Ultimately, both Gemma and Cassian stand at a crossroads, each facing their own battles, but the gentle warmth of their shared memories lingers, suggesting that love may find a way to bridge the chasm that has formed between them.
In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension to escalate as Gemma navigates the complexities of her new role at the gathering, where her past and present collide in unexpected ways. With Rhett’s accusations still echoing in her mind, Gemma must find a way to assert her identity beyond her marriage to Cassian, all while maintaining her composure in a high-stakes environment. As the evening unfolds, the dynamics among the characters will shift, revealing deeper motivations and hidden alliances that threaten to unravel the carefully constructed facade of the glamorous event.
Meanwhile, Cassian’s encounter with Reyna is bound to spark intrigue as he grapples with his feelings about Gemma’s independence and the implications of her newfound assertiveness. Reyna’s presence adds another layer of complexity, hinting at unresolved issues from the past that could resurface at any moment. As both Gemma and Cassian face challenges that test their relationship and individual ambitions, the stakes will rise, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how these intertwined lives will navigate the storm brewing beneath the surface. Will Gemma find her voice amidst the chaos, and how will Cassian respond to the shifting tides of loyalty and ambition? The answers await in the next chapter, promising a whirlwind of emotions and revelations.
Adminj