Chapter 130

In Chapter 130 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Cassian is consumed by regret and confusion after Gemma leaves him, particularly fixating on the wedding ring he repurchased in hopes of rekindling their relationship. Despite his efforts, Gemma has made it clear that she does not want the ring, leading Cassian to question the state of their marriage. Overwhelmed by emotions, he chooses to sleep on the couch rather than face the emptiness of their shared bedroom. Meanwhile, he grapples with a looming business threat from a rival company, Moonlight, which complicates his already tumultuous personal life.
Gemma, on the other hand, is trying to assert her independence. After receiving a premium credit card from Cassian intended for buying a birthday gift for her grandfather, she accepts it without intending to use it, as she wants to maintain her autonomy and pay for the gift herself. The tension between them is palpable, and Gemma feels that their bond has completely dissolved. She quickly stashes the card away, symbolizing her desire to move on from Cassian and their past.
As Gemma prepares for an auction featuring one of her grandfather’s favorite artists, she contemplates selling a painting inspired by her former love with Cassian. Initially hesitant, she decides to part with it to fund the gift for Donovan, her grandfather. This decision signifies her commitment to moving forward and letting go of memories tied to Cassian. Despite the emotional weight of the painting, she understands that it no longer holds the same significance and is determined to prioritize her financial needs.
Gemma’s conversation with her friend Zina highlights her resolve to rid herself of remnants of her past with Cassian. She is focused on selling the painting, viewing it as a necessary step towards her independence. The chapter closes with Gemma’s determination to sell the painting and move forward with her life, emphasizing her desire to break free from the emotional chains of her relationship with Cassian.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 130**
**Cassian**
Once Gemma departs, I find myself fixated on the wedding ring resting on the table, its presence heavy and suffocating. The bitter ache in my chest feels like a lead weight, pulling me down into a sea of regret.
I’ve just spent three times the amount Reyna originally paid to reclaim it, believing that the gesture would spark joy in Gemma’s heart.
Yet, to my dismay, she has made it abundantly clear that she has no desire for it.
What does that mean for our marriage?
Is it truly so irreparably broken?
The thought gnaws at me, a relentless headache that refuses to dissipate with time.
That night, I make the decision to avoid the bedroom altogether, opting instead for the couch in the living room. The cushions, meant for comfort, feel foreign and unwelcoming.
Today, I find myself in the study, my eyes burning holes into the report my assistant has sent over.
My mood darkens further as I read the figures.
Ever since Moonlight took control of the project, everything has gone off without a hitch.
Despite having one of the industry’s top hackers on our team, they pale in comparison to the prowess of Moonlight.
[Mr. Blackwell, Moonlight has just taken on a new project. This one is linked to Fortress Entertainment.]
The message hits me like a sledgehammer, intensifying the throbbing in my temples.
[Mr. Blackwell, should we consider a partnership with Moonlight? If they continue to assist our rivals, it could spell disaster for us in the future.]
It’s not that I’m against collaborating with Moonlight.
They’ve made their stance crystal clear—they refuse to engage in any projects that have even the slightest connection to Blackwell Industries or myself.
So what options do I have left?
If Moonlight hadn’t intervened, Fortress Entertainment would have been a significant victory for us and our legitimate ventures.
Those legitimate holdings are essential to support our less-than-legal activities.
But now?
The prospect of that victory seems increasingly distant.
I find myself hesitating, caught in a web of uncertainty.
Moonlight is far more formidable than I had anticipated.
At this rate, they could soon become a serious threat to the future of the Blackwell family.
I need to figure out a way to win them over, but the method eludes me.

**Gemma**
I’ve just finalized a new collaboration and am about to close my laptop when the bedroom door swings open unexpectedly. Instinctively, I sit up straighter, my defenses rising as Cassian steps into the room.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with surprise.
He looks weary, as if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. He approaches me, extending a sleek black card toward me.
“This is for you. Use it to buy a birthday gift for Grandpa.”
I recognize the card immediately. It’s a premium credit card, boasting an impressively high limit—much higher than the supplementary card he had previously given me.
Donovan’s favorite artwork doesn’t come cheap, and it’s clear Cassian assumes I wouldn’t be able to afford it with the old card.
But I’ve just signed a lucrative contract and received a substantial deposit. I’m not short on funds—not anymore.
I glance at the card in his hand before accepting it without a word.
“Got it.”
I don’t clarify whether I’ll use it or not. The moment I take it from him, I can see the tension ease from his shoulders, as if he has been holding his breath since he walked in.
But the truth is, I have no intention of using this card.
The gift for Donovan is my own expression of respect. It has nothing to do with Cassian. Even if we were officially divorced, I would still want to get something special for Donovan.
That’s precisely why I want to pay for it myself.
There’s nothing left between Cassian and me; the bond we once shared has dissolved.
I don’t refuse the card; it feels pointless to waste my breath on a rejection.
Once he exits the room, I quickly toss the card into the nightstand drawer, not sparing it a second glance.
A few days later, an auction featuring one of Donovan’s favorite artists is set to begin.
I find myself with some free time and decide to drop by to check it out.
Before I leave, I look up the price of the painting that’s been on my mind. The cost is steep—far more than what I’ve earned today. My excitement deflates instantly.
My gaze drifts to the drawer where Cassian’s black card lies.
I hesitate for a moment, the temptation swirling within me, but I don’t reach for it.
Instead, I pull out my phone and dial Zina.
“Zina, is that painting I left at your place still there?”
“Of course! That thing’s valuable—I wouldn’t dare touch it.” Zina has been guarding that piece like it’s made of gold.
“I’m coming to get it.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and then she exclaims, “Wait, what? Have you finally come to your senses? Planning to burn it? Make a clean break from Cassian?”
“Burn it? Why would I do that? If I can sell it for a good price, I’m selling it. There’s an auction today. With a bit of luck, I might even get a decent sum for it.”
The painting was inspired by the love story that once existed between Cassian and me. I used to hold it dear, unwilling to part with it no matter how high the offer.
But now? Getting Donovan a proper gift takes precedence. The figures in that painting no longer share love; what’s the point in holding onto it? I’m done deceiving myself.
Very few people know that I once pursued oil painting seriously—and even excelled at it. When that piece first debuted, it garnered a lot of admiration. But I couldn’t bear to let it go, so I withdrew it from the exhibit and tucked it away.
Honestly, if I weren’t so financially strapped, I might have forgotten it existed altogether.
Zina lights up when I tell her I’m selling it. She was just as thrilled when I sold my wedding ring to Reyna for an outrageous price.
I’ve always felt compelled to rid myself of everything that reminds me of Cassian.
I hop into a cab to Zina’s to retrieve the painting. She tries to persuade me to stay for lunch, but I politely decline.
“What’s the rush?” she asks, her brow furrowing with concern.
“It’s been sitting around long enough. Why delay the sale?”
“I need the money. The sooner I can get this done, the better. Once I get paid, lunch will be on me. Bye!”
And with that, I turn and walk away, determined to move forward.
In the wake of Cassian and Gemma’s turbulent exchanges, a palpable sense of finality lingers in the air. Cassian grapples with the weight of their fractured marriage, the wedding ring a constant reminder of what was lost and the uncertain future that lies ahead. His attempts to reach out through gestures, like offering the credit card, feel increasingly futile as Gemma’s resolve solidifies. She recognizes that their bond has frayed beyond repair, and the act of selling her painting symbolizes her commitment to moving on. No longer shackled by the memories of their love, she embraces her independence, choosing to honor her grandfather in her own way, free from Cassian’s shadow.
As the chapter closes, both characters stand at a crossroads, each grappling with their own emotional burdens. Cassian’s internal struggle reflects a deep yearning for reconciliation, yet he is met with the stark reality of Gemma’s detachment. Meanwhile, Gemma’s decision to sell the painting serves as a powerful metaphor for her transformation; she is no longer defined by her past relationship but is instead carving out a new identity for herself. This poignant conclusion encapsulates the bittersweet essence of love lost, leaving the reader with a sense of hope for both characters as they navigate their separate paths toward healing and self-discovery.
In the next chapter, readers can expect a tense confrontation between Cassian and Gemma, as the emotional distance between them continues to deepen. Cassian’s attempts to reconnect with Gemma through material gestures, like the credit card, will clash with Gemma’s newfound independence and resolve to move on. As she prepares for the auction, the stakes will rise, forcing both characters to confront their past and the remnants of their once-cherished relationship. Will Cassian’s desperation to win back Gemma push him to take drastic measures, or will Gemma’s determination to sever ties finally prevail?
Moreover, the looming threat of Moonlight’s dominance in the industry will add another layer of tension. Cassian’s internal struggle with his business decisions will intertwine with his personal life, creating a volatile mix of ambition and heartbreak. As he grapples with the potential loss of Blackwell Industries, readers will witness the lengths he is willing to go to protect his legacy. Will he find a way to outmaneuver Moonlight, or will his focus on Gemma’s rejection cloud his judgment? The next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and unforeseen consequences that will leave readers breathless and eager for more.
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