Chapter 117

In Chapter 117 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Cassian finds himself overwhelmed at a banquet, surrounded by social obligations and the anticipation of an important arrival. Despite the festive atmosphere fueled by wine, his thoughts are consumed by concern for Gemma, who has gone missing. As he navigates conversations, he feels a growing urgency to locate her, especially after receiving troubling news from Claire, who seems anxious and evasive when questioned about Gemma’s whereabouts.
Cassian’s frustration escalates as he learns that Gemma was last seen heading toward the bathroom but has since vanished. Claire’s remarks about Gemma’s lack of commitment to the Blackwell family cut deep, igniting Cassian’s protective instincts. As whispers of a commotion involving another young woman circulate, Cassian’s anxiety grows, and he is torn between the importance of the business partnership at stake and his desperate need to find Gemma.
Just as he resigns himself to searching for her later, he is stunned to see Gemma standing next to Kane, looking radiant in a new dress. The sight ignites a surge of jealousy and possessiveness within him, culminating in a public declaration of their relationship. Cassian calls out to Gemma, demanding her presence, which draws the attention of the entire room. Kane’s assertion that he is pursuing Gemma only intensifies Cassian’s fury, leading him to assert his claim over her in a bold and possessive manner.
The chapter concludes with a tense standoff, as Cassian’s declaration that Gemma is his wife silences the crowd, challenging the perceptions of his character and the dynamics at play. His actions, driven by a mix of love, jealousy, and a need for control, reveal the depth of his emotions and the complexities of their relationship amidst the high-stakes environment of the banquet.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**
**Chapter 117**
**Cassian**
After navigating a labyrinth of conversations with countless connections and representatives from various families, I find myself drowning in an excessive amount of drink. The wine has flowed freely, blurring the edges of my thoughts.
Under normal circumstances, I would have slipped away by now, seeking solace in the quiet of the night. But today is different. Today, I remain anchored in this banquet hall, waiting with a sense of urgency for someone vital to arrive.
Earlier, I received word that Kane would be making his entrance within the hour.
Time is slipping away.
As I scan the hall, my heart sinks a little deeper with each passing moment. Still no sign of Gemma.
In the distance, I catch a glimpse of Claire, animatedly conversing with a few friends, a wine glass delicately perched in her hand. As I approach, I notice her demeanor shift—she gulps nervously, a reflexive action that speaks volumes.
The other girls, sensing the tension, quickly disperse, leaving us with an awkward pocket of space.
“Where’s Gemma?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with concern.
Claire’s expression morphs instantly; she appears unwell, as if the very question has unsettled her. What could be troubling her? Is she concealing something from me?
I narrow my gaze, locking eyes with her, but she takes a sip of her drink, her features smoothing out, masking whatever turmoil lies beneath.
“I don’t know. I’ve been with my friends since I arrived. I haven’t seen Gemma at all. Wasn’t she with you the entire time?” she replies, her tone casual, yet I can sense an underlying tension.
She’s not mistaken. Gemma had indeed accompanied me to this event, and it was my duty to keep her close.
But, as is often the case, I got swept away in the whirlwind of social obligations. I had assumed that no matter where I turned, she would be right there beside me.
Yet now, she’s nowhere to be found, and here I am, standing in front of Claire, desperately seeking answers.
“I’ve already searched the entire place. Still nothing. When was the last time you saw her?” I press, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
“The last time?” Claire hesitates, her brow furrowing in thought. “Maybe half an hour ago? I saw her heading toward the bathroom. After that… I don’t know. Isn’t that important European connection arriving any minute now?” Her tone sharpens, a hint of irritation creeping in. “Gemma is unbelievable. She vanishes at a time like this? Your grandfather warned her beforehand. She doesn’t care about the Blackwell family—she doesn’t care about you!”
Claire’s words hit like daggers.
“If we blow this partnership tonight, it’s all on Gemma. Someone like her—can she really help you with anything?”
Her implication is clear; she’s trying to suggest that any girl here tonight would be a better match than Gemma.
I press my lips together, biting back the urge to argue. Engaging Claire in public would only escalate the situation.
But inside, a storm of restlessness brews within me. And then, I hear whispers beginning to ripple through the crowd, a wave of gossip that prickles the air.
“Hey, I just heard… the little princess from the Moore family got locked in the upstairs dressing room. Had a sudden heart issue, but thank God someone stepped in and helped. The ambulance already took her out the back door.”
“Wait, for real? How do you know?”
“Someone saw it happen. Even though they used the back, there were still people around.”
“Do we know who helped her? Whoever it was didn’t even leave a name! The Moores will definitely want to thank them.”
Claire remains beside me, and for a brief moment, I catch a flicker of panic in her eyes. She’s growing anxious. A seed of suspicion begins to take root in my mind.
The people around us continue to chatter, oblivious to the tension that has enveloped us.
“You really don’t know where Gemma is?” I ask her one last time, my voice edged with urgency.
She shakes her head violently, her expression one of denial.
I can’t afford to waste another second. I have to find Gemma, and I need to do it quickly. I resume my search throughout the hall, but no matter where I look, I find nothing.
Frustration mounts with each passing moment.
Claire bites her lip, a nervous gesture, and grabs my arm.
“Cassian, maybe we should pause for now. We can look for her later, after we talk to Kane. She didn’t just vanish into thin air. The focus tonight is the partnership—we can’t risk blowing this.”
I know all too well how crucial this deal is.
But deep down, a relentless thought echoes in my mind—Gemma is better off by my side.
Suddenly, the crowd’s energy shifts.
“Who’s that stunning woman next to Kane? Is that his girlfriend?”
“Oh my God, she’s gorgeous! I think I’m falling for her myself.”
Voices rise in a crescendo around us.
“Oh my God, Kane Butler just arrived!” Claire exclaims, her voice a tad too loud. I shoot her a warning glare, silently urging her to maintain her composure.
I let out a resigned sigh. Fine. I’ll look for Gemma later.
As I approach Kane, my steps falter the moment I see the woman standing beside him.
It’s Gemma.
She’s transformed, clad in a new dress—elegant, form-fitting, and absolutely breathtaking. She looks flawless, a vision that could stop time.
But she’s not standing beside me. A surge of rage ignites within me, a fierce jealousy that feels like a punch to the gut.
“Gemma, get over here!”
I can no longer contain myself. I call out to her across the room, my voice cutting through the chatter.
The entire hall falls into a stunned silence.
All eyes are now on the three of us, trying to unravel the tangled web of this unexpected scene.
“Sounds like Mr. Blackwell knows the lady Mr. Butler brought with him,” someone murmurs, curiosity lacing their tone.
Even Kane looks taken aback, likely questioning the connection between Gemma and me.
Gemma appears a bit overwhelmed by the sudden attention, but I stare at her, silently pleading for her to come to me.
“Mr. Blackwell,” Kane finally interjects with a polite smile, “I’m afraid she can’t come to you right now. Miss Marino is… the woman I’m currently pursuing.”
What!?
She’s MINE! My mind roars, a tempest of fury surging within me.
I gaze intently at Gemma’s face. She looks shocked, too—but my anger has already eclipsed any rational thought.
We aren’t even divorced yet. And now she’s publicly appearing on another man’s arm?
Accepting someone else’s pursuit?
Does she truly not care about me at all?
I stride over, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and pull her firmly from Kane’s side, wrapping my arm possessively around her waist. The gesture is deliberate, loud enough for all to witness.
“Sorry, Mr. Butler. Miss Marino is mine.”
Gasps ripple through the room.
“She’s his? What does that mean?”
“Isn’t Cassian known for never getting close to any women?”
“I thought the only exception was that woman, Reyna—but I heard they are just coworkers.”
As the head of the Blackwell mafia syndicate, I have always been perceived as cold, detached, uninterested in relationships.
Yet here I am, openly claiming someone in public, and the buzz surrounding us is relentless.
I don’t care.
Gemma frowns, attempting to pull away, but I tighten my grip, unwilling to let her go.
“I think Mr. Butler should look for someone else to pursue. Gemma is my wife.”
The banquet hall descends into complete silence.
In the midst of the chaos, a profound realization washes over me. The tension that had been building throughout the evening, the uncertainty of Gemma’s whereabouts, and the anxiety of impending partnerships all culminate in this singular moment. As I stand before the crowd, my heart racing, I am no longer just Cassian Blackwell, the stoic head of a powerful family; I am a man fiercely defending what is mine. The whispers surrounding us fade into the background, and the only sound that matters is the steady rhythm of my heartbeat. I can feel the warmth of Gemma’s presence beside me, and it ignites a fierce determination within me. No longer will I allow the expectations of others to dictate my choices or my relationships. In this moment, I reclaim my voice, my agency, and my love.
Gemma’s expression shifts, and I see a flicker of recognition in her eyes—a shared understanding that transcends the chaos around us. Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, I know that this moment marks a turning point in our journey. The weight of my emotions—fear, jealousy, and possessiveness—melts away, replaced by a resolute commitment to protect our bond. As I hold her close, the murmurs of the crowd become a distant hum, and the world outside this banquet hall fades into insignificance. Together, we will navigate the complexities of our lives, defying the expectations of those who doubt us. In this embrace, amidst the swirling rumors and judgments, I finally understand: love is not just a feeling; it is a declaration, a promise, and a fierce choice that I am willing to fight for.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension in the banquet hall thickens, readers can anticipate an explosive confrontation between Cassian and Kane that will reveal not only the stakes of their rivalry but also the hidden depths of Cassian’s feelings for Gemma. With the entire room watching, the implications of Cassian’s bold declaration will send shockwaves through the social hierarchy of the families involved. Will this public display of possessiveness ignite a feud between the two men, or will it force Gemma to confront her own feelings for Cassian? The atmosphere is charged with uncertainty, and the reactions of onlookers will only add fuel to the fire.
Moreover, Gemma’s unexpected transformation and her position alongside Kane will raise questions about her intentions and loyalties. As Cassian grapples with jealousy and the fear of losing Gemma, the readers will be left wondering whether her appearance on Kane’s arm was a calculated move or a mere coincidence. The chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of their relationship, revealing hidden motivations and unspoken desires that could either bring them closer together or push them further apart. With the stakes higher than ever, the next chapter is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the tumultuous waters of love, loyalty, and ambition.
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