Chapter 190

In Chapter 189 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself in a moment of introspection amidst a raging storm outside. She confides in her friend Ina about the emotional toll her marriage has taken on her over the past three years. Despite Ina’s encouragement to pursue legal action against her husband, Gemma feels overwhelmed by family expectations and the fear of public scrutiny. The weight of her situation leaves her feeling exhausted, and she longs for a peaceful resolution rather than a tumultuous courtroom battle.
As the storm continues to pour outside, Jace arrives with news of their upgraded accommodations, providing a brief respite from the tension. The change in environment allows Gemma to feel a sense of rejuvenation, even as her friend Zina posts cheerful updates on social media. Zina’s carefree attitude contrasts sharply with Gemma’s internal struggles, leading to a moment of levity as they decide to flaunt their happiness in response to the turmoil surrounding them.
Meanwhile, Reyna, who is also grappling with her own feelings of jealousy and insecurity, sees Zina’s post and recognizes the potential fallout it could have on her relationship with Cassian. She uses the post to manipulate Cassian’s emotions, subtly insinuating that Gemma’s absence and the storm are suspicious. Reyna’s internal monologue reveals her determination to keep Cassian close while plotting to undermine Gemma’s stability.
As Cassian becomes increasingly agitated by Gemma’s lack of communication during the storm, Reyna feigns concern, hoping to position herself as a source of comfort for him. However, Cassian’s frustration leads him to attempt to reach out to Gemma, only to be met with silence. Reyna’s satisfaction grows as she witnesses Cassian’s turmoil, believing that she can finally secure his affection by keeping him close during this crisis.
The chapter concludes with Reyna’s emotional outburst as Cassian leaves, highlighting her desperation and anger towards Gemma. The storm outside mirrors the chaos within the characters, creating a tense atmosphere filled with unresolved feelings and the looming threat of emotional fallout. Reyna’s frustration and Gemma’s weariness set the stage for a potential confrontation, leaving readers eager to see how these intertwined lives will navigate the challenges ahead.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 189**
**Gemma’s POV**
As the storm raged outside, I found a moment of calm within myself, though the tension in the air still hung heavy. Ina, sitting across from me, straightened her posture, her expression shifting to one of earnest concern.
“Gem,” she began, her tone serious and firm, “I made a promise not to delve into this, but darling… you absolutely have the right to pursue legal action. Why should you let them escape unscathed?”
The rain poured down in relentless sheets, as if the heavens had decided to unleash an entire ocean upon our little island.
“I’m just so tired,” I admitted, the words spilling from my lips before I could hold them back.
“Tired?” Ina echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“Three years of this marriage, Zina. Three long years of feigning happiness when inside I feel anything but. The weight of my family’s expectations, Cassian’s icy demeanor, Reyna’s constant shadow looming over us… I simply don’t have the strength to engage in a courtroom battle right now. Can you even fathom the rumors that would swirl? I refuse to become the punchline of a public joke.”
“You wouldn’t be the joke, babe. He would be,” she countered, her voice filled with conviction.
I curled my knees up to my chest, shaking my head in defiance.
“People always find a way to shift the blame onto the woman. And let’s not forget about my mom; if she hears about this, given her fragile state, I can’t bear the thought of jeopardizing her recovery. I just want a clean break, even if it takes another year.”
Ina sighed deeply, wrapping her arms around my shoulders in a comforting embrace.
“Okay, I understand. You deserve tranquility over triumph,” she said softly, her words a soothing balm for my frayed nerves.
A gentle knock interrupted our moment of solace, and Zina swung the door open to reveal Jace standing there, a sheepish grin plastered across his face.
“My room was a total disaster, and since we’re stuck here until morning, I went ahead and booked us two penthouse suites. Hope you two can manage to share comfortably?”
Zina let out an exaggerated whistle. “Look at Mr. Moneybags! Living large, are we?”
Jace shrugged nonchalantly. “What can I say? Perks of working and saving while abroad.”
The suite we entered was a stark contrast to the cramped quarters we had just left behind. After indulging in a hot shower, I emerged with my hair loosely braided, feeling somewhat rejuvenated. Zina was sprawled out on the plush bed, her legs in the air as she typed furiously on her phone, her focus unwavering.
“What are you up to?” I inquired, sliding onto the mattress beside her. She didn’t even glance up, her fingers still dancing over the screen.
“Posting,” she replied simply.
“Posting what?” I pressed, curiosity piquing my interest.
With a flourish, she turned the screen toward me.
It was a carousel of snapshots from our day: us grinning on the snorkeling boat, a breathtaking view of the island from the water, a vibrant school of fish swirling around our legs, Zina embracing the striking instructor, and more.
“When life throws storms at you, turn it into a five-star adventure! #vacationmode #privateisland #blessed,” she announced, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her boldness. “If they’re going to flaunt their shameless antics, then we should showcase our happiness. Let’s make her burn with envy.”
**Reyna’s POV**
I knew I had to delete that post.
Zina’s reckless comment stirred the waters far more than I anticipated, and the last thing I needed was for Cassian to catch wind of anything before I laid the groundwork just right.
But it wasn’t a complete loss; my phone buzzed incessantly with messages from concerned followers, and even a few randoms slipping into my DMs.
“Girl, are you okay
“Omg, was that your new man?? Why didn’t you show his face…”
“Please stay safe!”
I typed a response, a small smile creeping onto my face as I did.
“Thank you for your concern <3 His ex-wife is unfortunately quite unstable, so I can’t reveal his identity just yet. But we’re managing it together!” I felt a fleeting sense of relief, until a notification from Zina Patel caught my eye. Oddly enough, I hadn’t even realized she had unblocked me until this moment. The photo she posted was stunning: a sunset backdrop, vibrant corals, and the tropical ocean—everything looked idyllic. My mind raced as I zoomed in, and a smile crept onto my lips. How perfect! You wanted the cheaters to be exposed, didn’t you, Zina? Let me ensure that happens. I turned the screen toward Cassian, who was just slamming his own phone face down on the couch, his frustration palpable. It didn’t matter; he wouldn’t feel the urge to hear from her anymore. “Cassian… look,” I said softly, my voice laced with concern. “I-I wasn’t going to mention anything, but… don’t you find this odd?” He turned, a frown etching deeper into his features. “What is this?” “Zina posted it,” I murmured, handing him my phone. “She and Gemma seem to be on a private island right now. I know it’s not my place to say, but doesn’t it strike you as strange that Gemma hasn’t even sent a single message to let you know she’s safe, especially with the tropical storm brewing?” His expression darkened, and I felt the anticipation build within me—this was the final push. I scrolled to the picture of Zina wrapped around a tanned guy, then to a selfie of Gemma and Jace standing side by side, looking far too comfortable. “I don’t know if I should… um… doesn’t it look like a double date?” Cassian’s jaw clenched tightly as I paused on the image of a golden key card held in a man’s hand. “Wow. Someone’s treating them well.” I could almost feel the storm of anger brewing inside him, rising like the tempest outside. I inhaled softly, lowering my gaze. “I’m sorry. She didn’t even bother to inform you that she’d be staying overnight? Cass, I know it’s not my place, but I hate seeing you taken for granted…” I waited for his response, but he set my phone down abruptly and stood up, his frustration palpable. He grabbed his phone again, his finger jabbing at Gemma’s name to call her once more. But again, there was no answer. How could that be, with such dreadful weather outside? I watched him call her repeatedly, his knuckles whitening around his phone as he began to pace, trying to rein in his anger. “Please don’t be angry, Cassian. I don’t want to create misunderstandings between you two…” His lips pressed into a thin, hard line, as if he were on the brink of snapping. He tried calling her again, but it went straight to voicemail, and I couldn’t help but hide a satisfied smile behind my phone. If I just remained close enough during this moment… I would make him mine, once and for all. The storm outside rattled the windows, and I took a step closer, letting tears glisten in my eyes. “Cassian, I know you’re upset. But the storm is getting worse, and I—I’m scared. Can you stay with me just a little longer? Until it passes, please?” I bit my lip, recalling how he used to stay in my dorm during thunderstorms, his presence a comforting shield against the chaos. “I don’t think that’s appropriate, Reyna. I’m married, and besides, your health seems to be much better now. If you feel a headache coming on, just take the medicine on the nightstand.” The tears froze in my eyes, a lump forming in my throat. He buttoned his jacket, picked up his phone, and headed for the door. “Where are you going?” I called after him, my voice louder than I intended, but all I received in response was the sound of the door slamming shut. I grabbed the nearest pillow and hurled it across the room in frustration. It hit the wall with a pathetic thud before falling to the ground. I glared at it, my chest heaving with anger. “Stupid, useless, idiot!” I snatched another pillow and slammed it down, kicking it across the floor. Why! Why can’t she just disappear already? In the midst of the storm, Gemma found a flicker of strength within herself, a realization that her happiness was worth fighting for, even if it meant facing the tumultuous waves of legal battles and judgment. Surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the promise of a new beginning, she began to see that her journey towards freedom from Cassian’s suffocating grasp could be navigated on her own terms. The laughter shared with Zina in their luxurious suite served as a reminder that joy could still exist amidst chaos. For the first time in years, she felt the weight of her burdens begin to lift, replaced by a sense of hope and the possibility of reclaiming her narrative. Conversely, Reyna’s desperation spiraled deeper into a dark abyss, as her attempts to manipulate the situation only deepened her isolation. The storm outside mirrored the tempest within her, and as Cassian walked away, she was left grappling with the realization that her actions had pushed him further from her grasp. In her quest for control, she had unwittingly set into motion a chain of events that could unravel everything she had hoped to achieve. The anger and frustration she felt were not just directed at Gemma, but at herself for her inability to secure the love she so desperately craved. As the rain continued to pour, the emotional divide between the three women grew, each facing their own battles, yet intertwined in a narrative that promised both heartache and liberation. **What to Expect in the Next Chapter?** As the storm continues to rage outside, tensions are set to escalate both within the penthouse suites and beyond. Gemma finds herself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of her decisions and the looming specter of her past. Will she finally summon the strength to confront Cassian about their fractured relationship, or will she choose to retreat further into her own fears? With Jace and Zina by her side, the possibilities for liberation and empowerment are tantalizingly close, but the storm brewing outside is nothing compared to the emotional tempest that awaits her. Meanwhile, Reyna’s machinations are far from over. As she plots her next move, the stakes rise higher than ever. Cassian’s frustration is palpable, and the uncertainty of Gemma’s whereabouts will push him to a breaking point. Will Reyna’s manipulative tactics backfire, or will they succeed in driving a wedge between Cassian and Gemma? The foundations of their relationships are fragile, and each character must navigate their own storm—both literal and metaphorical. Expect revelations, betrayals, and perhaps a moment of clarity that could change everything as the rain continues to fall, washing away the old and heralding the new. Adminj