Chapter 116

In Chapter 116 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself in a dire situation when she discovers a woman collapsed on the bathroom floor, struggling to breathe due to a heart condition. Overwhelmed by disbelief, Gemma quickly assesses the urgency of the situation, realizing that the woman is having a heart attack. Despite her panic, Gemma manages to remain composed as she searches for the necessary medication to help the woman. The clock is ticking, and she feels the weight of time pressing down on her as she frantically rummages through the changing room.
After a tense search, Gemma finds nitroglycerin and rushes back to the woman, helping her take the medication. As the woman’s condition stabilizes slightly, Gemma realizes that they need to get her to a hospital immediately. However, she faces a new obstacle: the door is locked from the outside, and the room is soundproof. Just as desperation sets in, she spots a window and prepares to jump to get help, but a man’s voice from below interrupts her thoughts. It turns out to be Kane Butler, a powerful figure she recognizes from her work at Blackwell Industries.
Misunderstanding her intentions, Kane initially believes she is in distress, but once Gemma explains the situation, he quickly calls for an ambulance and helps unlock the door. The arrival of the medics brings a wave of relief, and as they assist the woman, Gemma feels a strange connection to her despite not knowing her. Kane praises Gemma for her quick thinking, leading to a conversation that reveals he remembers her work, which surprises and flatters her. Their dialogue flows easily, providing a stark contrast to the chaos that just unfolded.
As they move away from the crisis, Kane offers Gemma a chance to change out of her stained dress in his VIP lounge. Despite initial hesitation, she agrees, grateful for his kindness. The lounge is a calm space, and Kane’s respectful demeanor makes her feel at ease. After a brief moment of self-consciousness, Gemma finds comfort in their interaction, which highlights her resilience and the unexpected support she receives from Kane, marking a significant emotional shift from the panic of the earlier moments.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 116**
**Chapter 116**
**Gemma**
As I push the bathroom door open, a wave of disbelief washes over me. There, sprawled on the cold tiled floor, is a woman, her breaths coming in sharp gasps as she clutches her chest with trembling hands.
“Hey! Hello? Are you alright?” My voice trembles, laced with urgency.
The woman’s body shakes violently, the fear evident in her eyes. “I… I have a heart condition…”
A chill runs down my spine. Panic flares within me—she’s experiencing a heart attack. Time is of the essence; if she doesn’t receive her medication soon, her life hangs in the balance.
Kneeling beside her, I attempt to project calmness, though my heart races. “Do you have your medicine with you?”
Most individuals with heart ailments carry their medication, a lifeline in emergencies like this. Thankfully, she remains conscious, but the situation is deteriorating rapidly. I must find something to alleviate her symptoms—and fast.
“Hang on, okay? I’ll be right back!” I assure her, my voice steady even as my mind races.
I glance at the clock: 12:19.
Frantically, I scour the changing room for a first aid kit, not wanting to waste a single second. I yank open drawer after drawer, my heart pounding as I dig through the chaos.
Finally, my fingers brush against a box. I seize it, ripping it open with desperate urgency and searching through its contents.
Nitroglycerin. Yes! That should help her.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I dash back to the woman, gently helping her sit up as I place the pill in her trembling hand.
As she swallows it, I watch her breaths gradually become less labored. The color begins to return to her face, a small but significant relief.
But I know this is merely a temporary solution. She needs a hospital—immediately.
I rush to the door, twisting the handle with frantic energy, but it remains stubbornly locked from the outside. I twist and pull, desperation clawing at my throat.
The realization hits me: the room is soundproof. Even if I screamed at the top of my lungs, no one would hear me.
A surge of panic creeps up my spine. What am I going to do now?
That’s when my eyes catch the window.
I sprint over, peering down. It’s the second floor, with grass below—definitely not ideal, but better than nothing.
Biting my lip in determination, I climb onto the ledge, swinging one leg over, ready to jump if it comes to that.
Just as I brace myself for the leap, a man’s voice calls out from below.
“Hey! What are you doing? Don’t jump!”
He’s crossing the backyard, and I can see the alarm etched across his face as he rushes toward me.
“Miss, whatever you’re going through, it’s not worth it! There’s always a way out!”
In that moment, I realize he misunderstands my intentions. I’m not trying to take my life. I open my mouth to clarify—
And then recognition hits me like a wave.
I’ve been at Blackwell Industries for years, working tirelessly in cargo. Though I’m not part of the Blackwell family, I’ve become familiar with every significant client.
The man below? Kane Butler.
A powerful figure in high society, part European royalty, and undeniably striking—tall, blond, with piercing blue eyes that command attention.
“You’ve got it wrong!” I shout back, my voice rising above the tension. “I’m not trying to jump! The door’s locked from the outside, and there’s a woman in here having a heart attack! We need an ambulance!”
His expression shifts instantly, understanding dawning. He pulls out his phone, dialing emergency services with swift precision, relaying the address.
Then, with the assistance of one of the banquet staff, he manages to get the door open.
They stay by my side until the ambulance arrives, helping to lift the woman onto a stretcher with care.
Thankfully, there’s a back entrance, allowing us to avoid drawing too much attention to the situation.
As the medics carry her out, I rush over, urgency fueling my words. “I gave her a nitroglycerin tablet just now!”
One of the EMTs nods, closing the ambulance door behind them. The siren blares to life, cutting through the night as they drive away.
Kane turns to me, his expression serious. “If it weren’t for you, she might not have made it.”
I shrug, a modest smile creeping onto my face. “I’m just glad she’s okay.”
“Do you know her?” he asks, curiosity evident in his voice.
I shake my head, feeling a strange connection to the woman despite our brief encounter.
“Wow. You’re incredible,” he says, admiration clear in his tone.
As we begin to walk back toward the banquet hall, he suddenly halts, a spark of recognition lighting up his eyes. “Wait—I know you! You’re a cargo broker at Blackwell Industries, right? I remember one of your reports—really detailed stuff.”
I stop in my tracks, stunned by his recollection. “I didn’t think you would remember me.”
“Of course I do. But I haven’t seen you around lately. Did you transfer?”
“I quit,” I reply simply, not wanting to delve into the complexities of my life.
His surprise is palpable. “Seriously? But you were so good at what you did! Your reports were always top-notch.”
“Personal reasons,” I say, leaving it at that. I have no intention of sharing the details about my divorce from Cassian.
Kane doesn’t press further. He simply nods, a look of understanding crossing his face.
“Well, whatever path you’re on now, I know you’ll excel. You’ve got talent,” he reassures me, his faith in me a comforting balm.
It’s a strange feeling, having a former client believe in my abilities.
The only person who doesn’t seem to share that belief? Cassian.
He acts as if I’m nothing without the Blackwell name, as if no one would want me once I left the Warehouse.
Thinking about it now? Honestly… it’s almost laughable.
Kane walks with me from the backyard to the entrance of the hall, our conversation flowing easily. He’s charming and respectful, making it easy to forget the chaos of just moments before.
When he notices the dirt smudged on my dress, he offers, “Why don’t you come into my VIP lounge to change?”
I hesitate, not wanting to impose, but walking around in a stained gown isn’t exactly ideal either.
After a moment’s thought, I agree.
Fortunately, his lounge allows us to bypass the bustling center of the banquet hall. The room is spacious and well-appointed, a stark contrast to the frantic scene we just left.
“I don’t have any women’s gowns here,” he admits, dialing his phone, “but I’ll have my assistant send one over. It’ll be here in ten minutes tops.”
I nod, grateful for his kindness. “That’s fine. I’m in no rush.”
He offers a warm smile. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Just water, please,” I reply, feeling parched after the whirlwind of events.
Kane hands me a glass, and I gulp down half of it in one go, relief flooding through me.
When I finally set the cup down, I catch him watching me, a curious expression on his face.
“Sorry… was that too much?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.
He chuckles softly. “Not at all. I like people who are real.”
Just then, there’s a gentle knock on the door. Kane moves to answer it, revealing his assistant with the dress.
“There’s a bedroom inside that locks,” he says gently. “If you’d feel more comfortable, I can wait out here.”
His tone is respectful, warm yet careful, and it makes me feel at ease.
“That’s okay,” I reply, a smile creeping onto my face. “I’ll just go change.”
As I stand in the VIP lounge, the chaos of moments before begins to fade, replaced by a sense of calm and connection. The adrenaline that surged through me while saving the woman has now settled into a warm glow of relief. Kane’s presence, steady and reassuring, offers a comforting reminder that even in the most frantic moments, there are people willing to step in and help. His genuine admiration for my quick thinking feels like a balm to my bruised self-esteem, a stark contrast to the doubts that have plagued me since leaving Blackwell Industries. In this space, away from the judgment of my past, I can breathe a little easier, allowing myself to embrace the possibility of new beginnings.
As I change into the dress his assistant provided, I catch a glimpse of the woman I want to become—strong, capable, and unafraid to step into the unknown. The heart-pounding experience of saving a life has ignited a spark within me, pushing me to reconsider my own worth beyond the confines of my previous life. With Kane waiting outside, I feel a flicker of hope that perhaps the future holds more than just survival; it may offer the chance to thrive. Emerging from the bedroom, I’m ready to face whatever comes next, buoyed by the warmth of newfound connections and the realization that my journey is just beginning.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Gemma and Kane Butler deepens as they navigate the aftermath of the heart-stopping incident. With the adrenaline still coursing through their veins, the two will find themselves opening up about their pasts, revealing hidden layers that could either forge a strong bond or create unforeseen complications. Gemma’s decision to leave her job at Blackwell Industries looms large, and Kane’s curiosity may lead to pivotal revelations that challenge her resolve and force her to confront the choices she has made.
As Gemma changes into the dress Kane’s assistant has brought, the atmosphere in the VIP lounge will shift from one of urgency to a more intimate setting. Readers can expect a blend of vulnerability and strength as Gemma grapples with her identity outside of her former life. Meanwhile, Kane’s charm and genuine interest in her well-being may spark feelings she thought she had buried. Will this unexpected connection lead to a new beginning for Gemma, or will the shadows of her past, particularly regarding Cassian, threaten to unravel the budding relationship?
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve into the dynamics of high society as Kane’s world collides with Gemma’s. As they navigate the banquet hall’s glamorous chaos, secrets may surface, and tensions may rise, challenging their growing camaraderie. With the stakes higher than ever, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether Gemma can embrace the warmth of new memories before the rain of her past comes pouring down.
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