Chapter 100

In Chapter 100 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Cassian experiences a profound emotional turmoil as he steps out of his house, feeling trapped within its walls. Seeking distraction, he heads to a club and invites friends Liam, Reyna, and Rhett to join him. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Cassian reveals he and his wife, Gemma, are filing for divorce. His friends react with shock, but Liam expresses relief, suggesting that Gemma has been a hindrance to Cassian’s happiness. Despite their supportive words, Cassian grapples with feelings of unease and introspection, questioning whether he is truly the one escaping from pain.
As Cassian returns home, he is met with the news that Gemma has left, further intensifying his frustration and sense of loss. Memories of their life together flood his mind, particularly moments of comfort that Gemma provided, like bringing him warm milk during late work hours. This reflection leads him to confront his past treatment of her, realizing that she genuinely desires the divorce. Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Cassian begins to consider the divorce as a necessary step for both of them, allowing him to focus on his ambitions without distraction.
Meanwhile, Reyna watches Cassian’s struggle with mixed emotions. Initially excited about the prospect of Cassian’s divorce freeing him for a relationship with her, she soon notices the sadness in his eyes. While Rhett’s enthusiasm contrasts with Cassian’s turmoil, Reyna tries to maintain a facade of kindness towards Gemma, even as she secretly plots to undermine her. She instructs someone to gather negative information about Gemma, revealing her ulterior motives and the lengths she is willing to go to secure her place in Cassian’s life.
The chapter encapsulates themes of emotional conflict, the complexity of relationships, and the often-hidden motivations that drive individuals. Cassian’s journey through grief and self-discovery, paired with Reyna’s scheming, sets the stage for the unfolding drama as they navigate the consequences of their choices. The emotional weight of the divorce looms large, leaving both characters at a crossroads, uncertain of what the future holds.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 100**
**Cassian**
Stepping out of the house felt like breaking free from a suffocating grip. The air outside was cool and refreshing, but my mind was a storm of uncertainty. What was I supposed to do now? I couldn’t linger within those walls any longer; they felt like a prison, and I feared that if I stayed, I would lose the last remnants of control I had over myself. After a moment’s hesitation, I decided to head to the club for a drink, thinking perhaps some company would help distract me. I reached for my phone and texted a few friends, inviting them to join me.
Liam was the first to arrive, his familiar grin lighting up the dimly lit room. Reyna and Rhett followed shortly after, their presence a mix of comfort and distraction. We had our own private room, a small sanctuary in the bustling club, where the music thumped like a heartbeat.
“Why did you drag us here in the middle of the night?” Liam asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. There was a hint of concern in his voice, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.
I took a long swig of whiskey, letting the warmth spread through me before I replied, “Gemma and I are filing for divorce tomorrow.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Silence enveloped us, and I could see the shock etched on their faces. It was as if I had dropped a bombshell, and I had to brace myself for the fallout.
After what felt like an eternity, Liam placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Maybe he was the only one who truly sensed the turmoil beneath my calm exterior. “Finally! Gemma has been holding you back for three years. Today, she was out shopping and having dinner with another man. Divorce is the best thing for you. She doesn’t deserve you.”
Rhett, who usually kept his opinions about my marriage to himself, suddenly dropped his facade. His voice was sharp, and I could feel the tension in the room shift. So this was what my friends really thought of Gemma when I wasn’t around? The realization made me squirm in my seat.
“Forget about that awful woman. Tonight, we celebrate your freedom! No more Gemma standing in your way!” Rhett exclaimed, raising his glass high for a toast.
But as I listened to their words, a wave of unease crashed over me. Gemma had wanted this divorce so desperately. She had the papers ready, all but waiting for me to sign.
Was I the one running from the pain?
No. It was Gemma who was free.
The more I pondered, the more restless I became. I downed another glass of whiskey in one gulp, feeling the burn in my throat as I stood abruptly.
“Where are you going?” Liam called after me, concern lacing his tone.
“Home,” I replied curtly, walking out of the room alone, leaving their voices behind me.
Upon arriving at the manor, the moment I stepped inside, the staff greeted me with unwelcome news. “Mrs. Blackwell left. With her luggage.”
I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling beneath my skin. “Let her go,” I said coldly, my voice devoid of emotion.
I trudged upstairs to my room, but sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with thoughts of Gemma. Finally, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and called out, “Bring me a glass of warm milk.”
Gemma used to bring me warm milk while I worked late into the night. It was a small comfort, something that had become a routine over the years.
A servant quickly appeared, handing me the milk. I took a sip, and my stomach settled slightly, but the unease remained.
As I brushed my teeth, Gemma’s voice echoed in my mind. “Cassian, turn off the water. If you let it run, it’s a waste.”
At the time, I thought she was just being frugal, a habit born from her past. Wasting a little water seemed insignificant to me. But now, I turned off the faucet, and the bathroom fell silent.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I was lost in thought.
Why was I thinking about her?
She was gone.

The next morning, I groaned as I woke up, the weight of reality crashing down on me. I grabbed my phone, and my heart sank when I saw a message from Gemma.
It wasn’t an apology. There was no attempt to mend things or take back her words.
She simply reminded me to leave on time.
A storm of emotions swirled inside me—Gemma was serious. She wasn’t bluffing. She truly wanted a divorce.
I had to confront the truth: I hadn’t treated her well over the past three years. In fact, I had hardly cared about her at all.
Of course, she wanted a divorce. Who wouldn’t?
I sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my temples in frustration.
Maybe it really was time to let go. Divorce felt like the best option for both of us. With her out of the picture, I could redirect my energy toward strengthening our alliances with other mafia families. I could finally pilot more flights without distractions.
On my way to the courthouse, I called Adam.
“Transfer half of my assets to Gemma, including Blackwell Manor.” I hesitated for a moment, then added, “Actually, give it all to her.”

**Reyna**
When Cassian invited us out to the club and dropped the bombshell about his divorce from Gemma, I felt a thrill of excitement race through me.
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for had arrived. Gemma had agreed to set Cassian free, and once they were divorced, I would finally become Mrs. Blackwell, stepping into the role I had always envisioned for myself.
Yet, as I watched Cassian, I noticed a shadow of sadness in his eyes, as if he were lost in a fog of despair. Rhett, the ever-enthusiastic one, kept rambling on, oblivious to the tension in the air. I reached for his sleeve, forcing a gentle smile.
“Rhett, be kind to Gemma. Sure, people might misunderstand me because of her, but she means no harm. Let’s not dwell on this any longer, okay?”
Maintaining my sweet and kind demeanor was my strength.
Rhett, softened by my words, raised his glass for a toast, but just then, Cassian suddenly stood up and left the room.
The smile slipped from my face, replaced by frustration. I wanted to crush the glass in my hand, but I had to keep my composure.
When Liam called after Cassian, I rushed over, but Cassian simply walked out without a word, leaving me feeling unsettled.
“Is the divorce with Gemma really hitting him that hard?” Rhett asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
Damn it.
I slipped into the restroom, pulling out my phone and dialing a number.
“Dig up more dirt on Gemma. The worse, the better. Make sure Donovan Blackwell hears about it.”
“Of course. Consider it done.”
I smirked as I ended the call, a sense of satisfaction washing over me.
Gemma, you left me no choice…
As the weight of the divorce settled upon Cassian, he found himself navigating the tumultuous waters of regret and newfound freedom. The initial shock of the decision had morphed into a sobering realization of his own shortcomings within the marriage. In the quiet solitude of his room, surrounded by echoes of Gemma’s voice, he confronted the truth: the relationship had been a shared burden rather than a partnership. The path forward was uncertain, yet Cassian understood that this divorce, painful as it was, might just be the catalyst he needed to reclaim his identity and purpose. The warmth of the whiskey had faded, replaced by a bittersweet clarity—a chance to rebuild, not just his alliances, but his very self.
For Reyna, the moment of triumph was tainted by the realization that Cassian’s heart was still heavy with the remnants of his past. Her ambition to step into Gemma’s shoes now felt overshadowed by the complexity of Cassian’s emotions. As she plotted to undermine Gemma further, a flicker of doubt crept in—was she truly ready to be with a man still tethered to his previous life? The thrill of victory was dulled by the understanding that Cassian’s journey to healing would be fraught with challenges. In the end, both Cassian and Reyna stood on the precipice of a new beginning, their paths entwined yet laden with the shadows of what had come before.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, readers will witness the aftermath of Cassian’s decision as he grapples with the reality of his impending divorce. The emotional turmoil that has been brewing within him will come to a head, forcing him to confront not only his feelings for Gemma but also the implications of his new freedom. As he navigates the complexities of his relationships with friends like Liam, Rhett, and Reyna, the dynamics will shift dramatically, revealing hidden loyalties and unspoken desires. Cassian’s journey toward self-discovery will be fraught with challenges, as he must decide what kind of man he wants to be in a world that seems to be changing around him.
Meanwhile, Reyna’s machinations will take center stage as her ambition to secure her place in Cassian’s life intensifies. Her calculated moves to undermine Gemma will set off a chain reaction, drawing in unexpected allies and adversaries. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, the atmosphere will crackle with suspense, leaving readers eager to see how Cassian will react to Reyna’s scheming and the fallout from his decision to let Gemma go. Will he embrace his newfound freedom, or will the shadows of his past continue to haunt him? The stage is set for a gripping exploration of love, betrayal, and the quest for redemption.
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