Chapter 107

In Chapter 107 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Reyna finds herself in a distressing situation as she grapples with the implications of a recording that has seemingly vanished from the internet. Despite her previous confidence, her name had been trending online, and now it feels like she never existed. The sudden disappearance of the audio recording leaves her anxious and confused, leading her to suspect Cassian is behind the sudden turn of events. This realization brings her a sense of relief, but her moment of comfort is interrupted by a call from her mother, who is concerned about the chaos surrounding Reyna.
As Reyna reassures her mother about the situation, she reflects on their tumultuous family history, particularly the animosity her mother holds towards Lisette, her father’s former lover. This animosity stems from past betrayals that altered the course of their lives. Reyna, feeling a mix of frustration and determination, comes up with a plan to distract her mother by suggesting a hospital visit, ostensibly for a checkup. The drive to Sacred Hope Hospital is filled with an uncomfortable silence, but Reyna is determined to use this opportunity to confront Lisette.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Reyna’s true intentions become clear as she leads her mother to the psychiatric wing to see Lisette. The atmosphere shifts as they encounter Lisette, who, despite her mental state, retains an air of beauty and grace. However, the reunion quickly turns hostile when Lisette reacts with anger and demands they leave. Reyna’s emotions shift from sympathy to a twisted sense of satisfaction as she pushes Lisette’s buttons, revealing her own resentment and the injustices she has faced compared to Gemma, Lisette’s daughter.
The confrontation escalates as Reyna taunts Lisette with news about her relationship with Cassian, hinting at his desire to leave Gemma for her. This revelation serves as a final blow, showcasing Reyna’s complex emotions of anger, jealousy, and a desire for revenge. The chapter culminates in a tense standoff, highlighting the deep-seated family dynamics and the lengths Reyna is willing to go to reclaim her power and assert her place in a world that has often overlooked her.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**
**Chapter 107**
**Reyna**
This is a nightmare that I can’t seem to wake up from.
How in the world does Gemma have that recording? I distinctly remember tossing her phone into my fishtank—what was I thinking?
Focus, Reyna. You need to think this through…
But before I can formulate any plan, everything disappears. Every post—gone in a heartbeat.
My name had been trending across every social media platform, and now it’s as if I never existed.
I can hardly wrap my head around it!
I find myself refreshing the trending topics over and over, double-checking my notifications as if they might magically change.
Still, nothing. Not even a whisper about me. The audio recording has vanished into thin air. And I refuse to believe that Gemma would be the one to delete it.
**12:12**
There’s only one person who could have pulled this off—Cassian.
The moment the realization hits me, my heart races. Once again, he’s come to my rescue.
With a grin spreading across my face, I promptly shut my laptop, feeling a surge of relief.
Just then, my phone buzzes, and I grab it eagerly, hoping it’s Cassian calling. But to my dismay, it’s my mom—she’s probably seen the chaos online too.
“Mom, please don’t worry,” I reassure her, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s all sorted out.”
“Lisette couldn’t take me down back then, and now that Gemma’s all grown up, she’s just like her mother—always losing to my daughter,” Mom boasts, pride radiating from her voice.
Mom has always had a deep-seated animosity towards Lisette.
Years ago, she and Lucien Marino were madly in love. If it hadn’t been for Lisette’s interference, none of this would have unfolded. My father would still be alive, and our family would have stood as one of the most formidable forces in the mafia world, had he had my mother by his side.
**12:12**
But fate dealt a cruel hand—Lucien died young, leaving behind barely enough money for Mom to take me abroad.
Every ounce of this chaos? It’s all Lisette’s doing.
As I listen to my mom, an idea ignites within me.
“Mom, are you still struggling with your sleep?”
She lets out a weary sigh. “Yeah, it’s been ages since I’ve had a good night’s rest.”
“Why don’t we head to the hospital for a checkup? I’ve got some free time today,” I suggest, hoping to distract her.
Ever since I returned, I’ve been avoiding quality time with her, always claiming work keeps me busy. Her surprise at my sudden offer to spend time together is palpable.
We drive to Sacred Hope Hospital in silence, the air thick with unspoken words.
The moment we arrive, Mom begins her complaints.
“This place is in the middle of nowhere! Isn’t this one of those hospitals where they keep the crazies?”
**12:12**
I feel my patience wearing thin, but I force a smile, linking my arm through hers as we approach the entrance.
“The doctors here are top-notch. And… guess who else is here?”
Mom raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Who?”
“Lisette!” I announce, barely containing my excitement.
Her eyes widen with surprise. “Reyna…”
“Come on, Mom, you’ve known her forever. We’re just here for a checkup. It would be polite to drop by and say hello to Aunt Lisette, right?”
I flash a mischievous smile, and she chuckles, caught off guard by my enthusiasm.
Of course, we have no intention of actually going through with the checkup. We make our way straight to the psychiatric wing instead.
A nurse informs us that Lisette is considered the most beautiful and revered woman in the entire facility.
Even amidst her madness, there’s an undeniable grace that surrounds her.
**12:12**
As we approach the balcony, I feel a twinge of envy at the sight of her.
It’s clear—Gemma inherited all her beauty from her mother.
“Mrs. Lisette, you have visitors,” the nurse announces gently, her voice dripping with kindness.
Lisette turns her gaze toward us, her eyes clouded with confusion, as if she’s a child lost in her own thoughts.
Yet, she remains breathtaking. The years have barely left a mark on her, as though time itself cannot bear to tarnish her allure.
Mom and I settle down beside her, each taking a seat on either side.
Noticing our smiles, the nurse discreetly retreats, leaving us alone with Lisette.
“Lisette, it’s me—Reyna,” I say, my voice bright with false cheer.
“And I’m Angela, your best friend!” my mother chimes in, ensuring the nurse can still hear her.
**12:12**
But the moment we introduce ourselves, Lisette’s expression transforms.
Her confusion morphs into a sudden, fierce rage.
“What are you doing here? I don’t want to see you! Get out!” she snaps, her voice steady despite the fury boiling beneath the surface.
Though she’s seething, she doesn’t raise her voice. Her upbringing forbids such outbursts. Her tone is chillingly flat, her face a mask of indifference—typical of someone born into a prestigious mafia lineage. Never show weakness…
Mom and I exchange glances, a silent understanding passing between us.
A wicked thought crosses my mind—Lisette is far too composed for my liking. She needs to lose that clarity. A madwoman should behave like one.
“Lisette, I came here with Mom for a checkup, and we thought we’d stop by to say hello,” I say, forcing a bright smile. “You took care of us for so long. We couldn’t just ignore you.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I see her emotions flare. Panic and fury dance in her eyes.
**12:13**
“Get out! Get out, you monsters!” she screams, her voice echoing in the sterile room.
Lucien once told Lisette that my mother’s husband had passed away, leaving her with nothing and nowhere to go. Out of the kindness of her heart, Lisette took us in.
But to us, her so-called kindness felt hollow, condescending.
I am Lucien’s daughter too, damn it! Why did I have to grow up struggling while Gemma had everything handed to her?
At Lucien Marino’s funeral, my mother revealed our true identities. Then she seized every last penny of the family estate.
“Lisette, calm yourself,” Mom sneers, her voice dripping with disdain. “The nurse just informed me how easily you get triggered these days. Don’t tell me you’re going to completely lose it now that you’re old and useless?”
Lisette stands abruptly, her composure crumbling.
“GET OUT! LEAVE NOW!”
Finally, she’s losing control, and I can’t help but feel a thrill at the sight.
**12:13**
No matter how stunning she still appears, in the end, she’s just a shattered widow trapped in a madhouse.
“Lisette, we just wanted to spend some time with you,” I say softly, but with a wicked undertone. “Actually, I came here today to share some important news.”
I reach for her hand, squeezing just enough to sting without leaving a mark.
“Did you know… Cassian and I were college sweethearts? First loves. That’s right—Cassian. Your daughter’s husband.”
A slow smile spreads across my face, relishing the moment.
“The moment he learned I was back, he brought me into his… operation. Now, we see each other every single day.” I pause, letting the tension build before delivering the final blow. “He wants to divorce Gemma and marry me.”
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Reyna feels a rush of exhilaration mingled with a bittersweet sense of closure. The chaos that once consumed her life, the insecurities and turmoil surrounding her identity, have transformed into a weapon she wields with newfound confidence. As Lisette’s rage unfurls before her, Reyna realizes that she has finally taken a stand, not just against Lisette, but against the ghosts of her past that have haunted her for far too long. The thrill of watching Lisette unravel is a testament to Reyna’s resilience and her determination to reclaim her narrative. She is no longer the frightened girl overshadowed by her mother’s history; she has become a force to be reckoned with.
Driving away from the hospital, Reyna feels an unexpected warmth enveloping her heart. The weight of her mother’s expectations and the shadows of their shared past have lessened, replaced by a sense of empowerment and clarity. The bond with her mother, strained yet resolute, seems to strengthen in the wake of their shared experience. Reyna understands now that she is not merely a pawn in a game of family legacy; she is the architect of her own destiny. As the rain begins to fall softly against the windshield, she smiles, knowing that with every drop, the memories of pain are washed away, making room for the promise of new beginnings.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, Reyna’s bold revelation about her relationship with Cassian will undoubtedly ignite a storm of emotions within the psychiatric ward. As Lisette’s composure continues to unravel, readers will witness a gripping power struggle between Reyna and Lisette, as the stakes rise higher than ever. The tension will be palpable, and the fallout from Reyna’s audacious claim will leave both mother and daughter grappling with their pasts, secrets, and the intricate web of their shared history. How will Lisette react to the news of Cassian’s intentions? Will her fury morph into something more dangerous?
Moreover, Reyna’s relationship with her mother, Angela, will be tested as they navigate this treacherous territory. With Angela’s disdain for Lisette bubbling to the surface, the dynamics between the three women will shift dramatically. Will Angela support Reyna’s malicious game, or will she pull back, fearing the consequences of provoking a woman who once held power over their lives? As Reyna delves deeper into her vendetta against Lisette, readers can expect shocking revelations about the Marino family’s past that could alter the course of their lives forever. Prepare for a chapter filled with unexpected twists, emotional confrontations, and the haunting echoes of a legacy that refuses to fade away.
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