Chapter 18

In Chapter 18 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma experiences a tumultuous encounter with Cassian, who pulls her close, igniting a mix of warmth and confusion within her. His touch is both comforting and unsettling, and as he whispers about her grandfather’s arrival, Gemma feels the weight of expectations bearing down on her. She grapples with her disdain for Reyna, Cassian’s mother’s manipulative nature, and the misunderstandings that have driven a wedge between her and Cassian.
When Donovan, Gemma’s grandfather, arrives, his commanding presence brings a sense of safety and affection. He expresses concern over Gemma’s outfit, highlighting Cassian’s perceived neglect. Donovan’s protective nature is evident as he insists that Cassian take better care of Gemma, further complicating her feelings towards Cassian, who seems to feign affection. Despite the warmth of her grandfather’s hug, the coldness of Cassian’s demeanor stings, leaving Gemma feeling wounded and unvalued.
As the chapter unfolds, Donovan mentions an upcoming family dinner, which Gemma dreads due to her ongoing divorce proceedings. Cassian’s insistence that they both attend the dinner, despite Gemma’s reluctance, adds to her frustration. When she confronts him about it, she finds herself standing her ground against his anger, feeling a newfound determination to pursue her divorce. This confrontation marks a pivotal moment for Gemma as she resolves to stop waiting for Cassian to change and asserts her independence.
Meanwhile, Cassian reflects on his feelings for Gemma, grappling with the realization that she may be serious about the divorce. His internal conflict reveals a mix of annoyance and desire, as he acknowledges that Gemma has begun to occupy his thoughts more than he would like. In a moment of frustration, he decides to sell Seaside Manor, hinting at his desire to regain control over the situation and to remind Gemma of his power.
The chapter concludes with a sense of unresolved tension between Gemma and Cassian, highlighting their complicated relationship. Gemma’s determination to move on contrasts sharply with Cassian’s possessive instincts, setting the stage for further conflict and emotional turmoil in their story.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 18**
**Gemma**
As Cassian’s hand wraps around my waist, I feel an electric jolt course through me, a mix of warmth and confusion. He pulls me close, and I’m enveloped by that familiar, cool scent that has always lingered around him—a scent that feels both comforting and unsettling all at once.
I can’t help but shudder beneath his touch, instinctively trying to pull away, but his grip tightens, holding me in place. He leans down, his lips grazing the shell of my ear, and his warm breath sends a shiver racing down my spine. “Grandpa’s here. You don’t want to disappoint him, do you?”
The words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken expectations. My teeth clench in frustration because, undeniably, he’s right. The headlights piercing through the dusk belong to Donovan’s car, a sight I recognize all too well.
Thank goodness for that. The last thing I want is to have yet another argument with Cassian about Reyna. Reyna, along with her mother—my father’s cherished mistress—has spent years weaving a web of manipulation around men, ensnaring them in her deceitful charms.
I’ve tried to explain this to Cassian before, but Reyna always seems to get to him first, planting seeds of doubt about me. Now, he believes I share her predatory nature. But I’ve long since stopped trying to persuade men about Reyna’s true character, thanks to my father’s influence.
The car rolls to a gradual stop beside the curb, and Donovan steps out, his presence commanding attention. In his prime, he was an imposing figure, one of the most ruthless mafia dons to ever walk the earth.
Even now, with his white hair and aged features, he still radiates that same power, looking down at me with an intensity that sends a thrill through my veins. But what I cherish most about him is the kindness in his smile whenever he meets my gaze.
“Sir,” Cassian greets him with a tone of respect, while I chime in, “Hello, Grandpa,” my voice warm with affection.
Donovan strides toward me, enveloping me in a hug that feels like a fortress against the world. He glances over my shoulder, nodding at Cassian, before taking my shoulders and gently pushing me back to assess my outfit. His eyes narrow slightly as he regards Cassian once more, this time with a hint of disapproval. “Cassian. Why is Gemma dressed so lightly? It’s chilly tonight. You need to take better care of her. Give her your coat.”
“Yes, sir,” Cassian replies, the reluctance evident in his voice. He shrugs off his suit coat and drapes it over my shoulders.
“Good,” Donovan says, his voice firm but laced with affection. “You have no idea what a treasure she is, Cassian. You must take care of her.”
“Of course. I do treasure her,” Cassian replies, but his words feel hollow. To prove his point, he leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek.
It takes all my willpower not to slap him. The coldness of his demeanor stings, but this feigned affection? It wounds me a million times deeper, revealing the love I crave yet cannot have from Cassian Blackwell.
“I brought the new supplement,” Donovan announces, reaching into the back seat and retrieving a small white paper bag, which he hands to me.
“Thank you,” I say, accepting the bag with a smile. “Would you like to come inside for a bit?”
Donovan waves one of his large, wrinkled hands dismissively. “No, I just came to check on you. And don’t forget to keep next week open for family dinner.”
“Family dinner?” I echo, my mind momentarily blank.
Oh no! That’s approaching fast. Once a year, the entire family gathers for a lavish dinner at Blackwell Mansion, where they pretend to love one another while metaphorically snapping at each other’s throats.
It’s all a charade, a performance to project unity to the other families, but I know it’s primarily about Donovan and Cassian reminding their clan of their power and responsibilities as Blackwells.
With everything happening lately, I completely forgot it was next week. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but with my divorce proceedings in motion, attending feels wholly inappropriate.
“Oh, Grandpa, I just remembered, on that day I—”
“Will be there,” Cassian interjects, cutting me off. “We’ll both be there, of course. Nothing is more important. Gemma knows that.”
I stare at Cassian, disbelief written all over my face, but Donovan merely nods in agreement. “I’ll see you both then.”
Before I can muster the courage to correct him, he climbs back into his car and drives away, leaving a heavy weight settling in my chest. As the red glow of Donovan’s taillights disappears around the corner, I whirl around to face Cassian, jabbing my elbow into his side with surprising force.
He’s caught off guard, and though there’s no way I could genuinely hurt someone as strong as he is, I relish the quiet grunt that escapes him.
Instantly, my mood lifts.
“Gemma, what the hell?” Cassian growls, irritation lacing his voice.
“I’m not going to dinner with your criminal family anymore!” I declare defiantly.
“You better come up with an excuse, because you’ll be the only one there to explain why I’m absent. Also, sign the divorce papers! Neither of us wants this to drag through the courts.”
“Gemma!” Cassian barks again, his tone now laced with genuine anger. I can hear the violence simmering beneath his command.
In the past, that tone would have made me shrink back, cowering under the weight of his fierce presence. This is the unyielding, brutal side of Cassian—the side that rules the criminal underworld with an iron fist.
But not anymore.
I straighten my back, determination coursing through me. “I’m getting a divorce one way or another. It’s up to you whether it’s easy or not.”
With that, I turn and stride away, despite my legs trembling beneath me.
I’m so exhausted from waiting for someone who doesn’t love me to change.
Romance novels are such bullshit.

**Cassian**
I watch her retreat, her mouth-watering curves swaying as she disappears into the shadows. My body curses me for messing things up once again. If I had played my cards right, she could have ended up in my bed tonight.
I growl lowly, shoving that thought aside.
Gemma has always been an annoyance, like a persistent fly buzzing around the periphery of my life. Whenever she becomes too bothersome, I simply swat her down without a second thought.
But now, she’s occupying my thoughts more than I’d like to admit.
I’m beginning to suspect she’s serious about this divorce.
But that doesn’t make sense. She went to great lengths to con her way into this marriage in the first place.
I’ve tolerated her buzzing for my grandfather’s sake, but this time, she’s genuinely pushing my buttons.
Pulling out my phone, I dial my assistant, Adam. “Put Seaside Manor up for sale.”
The next time Gemma shows up, it will be to beg for my forgiveness.
I’ll make sure of it.
It’s time to remind her just who she’s dealing with.
In this chapter, the emotional arc of Gemma reaches a pivotal moment as she confronts the tangled web of her relationship with Cassian. The electric tension between them is palpable, but it is underscored by a profound sense of frustration and betrayal. Gemma’s internal struggle is laid bare as she grapples with her feelings for Cassian, who embodies both comfort and confusion. His dismissive actions and the looming presence of family obligations amplify her sense of entrapment, pushing her to reclaim her autonomy. The moment she asserts her decision to pursue a divorce marks a significant shift; she is no longer willing to be a pawn in Cassian’s game or a mere reflection of Reyna’s manipulative legacy. Instead, she chooses to prioritize her own desires and well-being, demonstrating a newfound strength that has been dormant for too long.
On the other hand, Cassian’s perspective reveals the internal conflict brewing within him. He is torn between the desire to control the situation and the unsettling realization that Gemma may be serious about her independence. His initial arrogance gives way to confusion as he contemplates the implications of her decision, indicating a crack in his previously unyielding facade. The chapter closes with Cassian’s determination to remind Gemma of his power, but it also hints at a deeper vulnerability that he is unwilling to acknowledge. As their paths diverge, both characters stand at a crossroads—Gemma, resolute in her choice to break free, and Cassian, grappling with the fear of losing the very thing he has taken for granted. The emotional stakes are higher than ever, setting the stage for a confrontation that will challenge both their hearts and their identities.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will escalate as Gemma grapples with the weight of her family obligations and her tumultuous relationship with Cassian. With the looming family dinner at Blackwell Mansion, she must navigate the treacherous waters of familial expectations and her own burgeoning desire for independence. As she prepares to confront her past and the painful memories tied to her marriage, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Gemma’s inner strength and resolve. Will she find the courage to stand her ground against the manipulative forces surrounding her, or will the pressure of the family legacy pull her back into the web of deceit?
Meanwhile, Cassian’s determination to reclaim control over his life and his feelings for Gemma will take center stage. As he grapples with his own demons and the consequences of his actions, the stakes will rise. Will his attempts to manipulate the situation backfire, pushing Gemma further away? Or will he find a way to bridge the growing chasm between them? With emotions running high and secrets waiting to be unveiled, the next chapter promises to be a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and revelations that will leave readers breathless and craving more.
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