Chapter 20

In Chapter 20 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma grapples with intense emotions as she faces her sister Reyna, who has returned from a trip and is now intruding upon Gemma’s life with Cassian, her husband. Gemma’s frustration and anger simmer beneath the surface, particularly as Reyna pretends that their past conflicts are nonexistent. This facade only heightens Gemma’s feelings of betrayal and isolation as she observes Reyna’s manipulative behavior, exemplified by her saccharine smile and condescending remarks.
As they travel to Blackwell Mansion, tension escalates in the car. Cassian’s irritation with Gemma’s refusal to change into the dress he brought adds to her resolve to resist the situation. Gemma’s silent rebellion against the expectations placed upon her reflects her inner turmoil, as she feels trapped between her past with Cassian and the present humiliation of being judged by his family. The dynamic between the three of them is charged with unresolved feelings, making Gemma feel like a third wheel in her own life.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Gemma is confronted by the disdainful gazes of Cassian’s aunts, who embody the judgmental nature of high society. Their cruel whispers only serve to reinforce her feelings of inadequacy, yet she surprises herself with newfound indifference. The realization that their opinions do not define her worth empowers her as she ascends the stairs to change. In the bathroom, she transforms herself with a stunning dress and bold red lipstick, symbolizing her desire to reclaim her identity and assert her presence.
Gemma’s metamorphosis is not merely physical; it represents her determination to no longer be overshadowed by Reyna or her circumstances. She is ready to confront the challenges ahead and make a statement, both to herself and to those who have underestimated her. This chapter captures Gemma’s journey from feeling like a victim of her situation to embracing her strength and individuality, setting the stage for a more assertive version of herself.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 20**
**Gemma**
My fingers curl into tight fists, a primal urge surging within me to unleash my fury upon her, to claw at her face and let her feel the weight of her actions.
What on earth is Cassian thinking?
Reyna spins around, her face lighting up with a saccharine smile that feels as genuine as a plastic flower.
“Gemma! Oh, it feels like ages since we last saw each other, sister! I just got back from my trip abroad a few days ago, and guess what? I still don’t have a car! I asked Cassian if he could drop me off somewhere on his way to his family’s house. You don’t mind, do you?”
How charming of her to frame it as a question, as if my opinion holds any weight in this scenario. She’s already here, as if my consent was ever necessary.
It’s almost laughable how she pretends we haven’t crossed paths in what feels like forever. She saw me at that warehouse, yet chose to act as if I were invisible, a mere shadow in her world.
Besides wreaking havoc in my life, her favorite pastime is pretending I don’t exist.
Her voice drips with sweetness, yet there’s a smirk dancing on her lips—one that Cassian, blissfully unaware, cannot see due to the angle she’s positioned herself at. I recognize that smirk all too well; it’s a mask she wears effortlessly.
At least, I remind myself, she won’t be joining us for dinner.
I have zero interest in being a spectator to Reyna and Cassian’s public displays of affection, standing there like a forgotten third wheel while they bask in their twisted romance.
“Your dress is in the bag in the back,” Cassian states, his tone laced with boredom, as if this is just another mundane task on his to-do list. “You can change in the car on the way over.”
Every year, without fail, Adam picks out a stunning dress for me to wear, and his taste is impeccable.
I slide into the back seat, the door clicking shut behind me as Cassian pulls away from the curb. I make no move toward the bag containing the dress; it remains untouched, a silent rebellion against the situation unfolding around me.
“What are you doing?” Cassian snaps, his irritation palpable as he turns a corner, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. “Get dressed.”
“I’ll change in the bathroom when we get to Blackwell Mansion,” I reply, my voice steady, refusing to let his frustration seep into my resolve.
He meets my gaze in the mirror, and I can almost feel the judgment radiating from him, dissecting my non-designer, budget-friendly attire.
“Change now,” he growls, his voice low and threatening.
I remain silent, letting the tension in the car thicken, a heavy cloud of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. There is no way in hell I’m changing my clothes in front of my future ex-husband and my sister, the embodiment of betrayal.
Reyna lets out a tinkling laugh, the kind that drips with condescension. “Oh, Cassian. I’m sure she’s just embarrassed because I’m here.”
“What are you talking about? You two grew up together,” Cassian responds, confusion lacing his voice.
I don’t bother to reply; my silence speaks volumes. We’ve arrived at the grand, imposing mansion, its architecture a testament to wealth and power. It sprawls across a vast property yet remains close enough to the city that Reyna could easily stroll wherever she pleases.
If she’s actually going somewhere, that is, and this whole charade isn’t merely a ploy for her to ride around in the car with my husband.
I grab the dress bag and fling open the door, my heart racing as I do so. I’m fortunate to have acted quickly, for Cassian’s hand darts toward the lock, an attempt to trap me inside. I can only assume his intention is to force my compliance.
Screw that.
“I’ll see you inside,” I say, my voice firm as I stride away, eager to escape before I have to witness Reyna kiss him goodbye.
Upon entering the mansion, I’m met with a group of people lounging in the living room just off the foyer. Their heads turn in unison, their gazes locking onto me as the door swings open, and I feel a wave of dread wash over me.
I had hoped to slip past them unnoticed, to reach the bathroom and change in peace, but now I’m stepping into battle without any armor.
To the wealthy, makeup, clothing, and hairstyles serve as armor—tools that elevate their status, allowing them to transcend the ordinary, to escape the consequences of their actions.
I clutch the dress bag tightly as their eyes scrutinize me, and I can see the disdain etched upon their faces. Cassian’s aunts are the worst; they revel in looking down on me, judging every little detail of my existence.
Cassian never stays long enough to witness their cruelty, so he remains blissfully ignorant. I’ve always tread carefully, avoiding any confrontation that might rock the boat.
Once, I confided in him about their rudeness, and he brushed it off, claiming I was overreacting.
That moment sealed my vow to never bring it up again.
“Is she really the wife of the acting head of the family, dressed like that?” I overhear one whisper, her tone dripping with scorn.
“It’s true what they say,” another chimes in. “A duck can never become a swan.”
Their words wash over me, and I brace myself for the familiar sting of embarrassment. But instead, I find myself oddly indifferent.
Without their makeup and designer clothes, they’re all just ducks too.
Besides, none of them would dare hurl any truly cutting remarks in my direction. Even without Cassian’s protection, they all know I have Donovan’s backing.
“I just need to change,” I say, forcing a bright smile. “I’ll be right back.”
I ascend the stairs, my heart pounding as I reach the sanctuary of the bathroom. Slipping into the dress, I admire its immaculate design. Adam truly has an eye for beauty.
Gazing into the mirror, I assess my understated makeup, then pull out my secret weapon for the evening: a bold red lipstick.
I know this shade will transform my entire look. With my dark red hair, it will pop against my complexion, creating a striking contrast.
No more timid rabbit. No more fading into the background as Cassian’s perfect little wife.
Tonight, I’m ready to make a statement.
In this moment of transformation, Gemma steps beyond the shadows cast by Reyna and the judgment of Cassian’s family, reclaiming her identity and power. The once timid figure, burdened by the weight of betrayal and insecurity, now stands poised to confront the world with newfound confidence. As she applies the bold red lipstick, it symbolizes not just a change in appearance but a reclamation of her voice and agency. The disdainful whispers that once stung her now bounce off her armor of self-assurance. She is no longer merely a spectator in her own life; she is ready to assert herself, to challenge the narrative that has been written for her.
As Gemma descends the stairs, adorned in the stunning dress and her fierce red lips, she embodies the strength that has been simmering beneath the surface. The mansion, once a fortress of judgment and condescension, now feels like a stage where she can finally shine. With each step, she embraces the warmth of her memories and the resilience forged through her struggles. No longer defined by her circumstances or the people who seek to undermine her, Gemma is prepared to face whatever awaits her with grace and determination. In this pivotal moment, she realizes that she is not just a reflection of those around her; she is a force in her own right, ready to take on the evening—and her future.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As Gemma steps out of the bathroom, transformed and emboldened, the atmosphere at Blackwell Mansion is charged with anticipation. With her newfound confidence, she is poised to confront not only the judgmental gazes of Cassian’s aunts but also the simmering tension between herself and Reyna. The next chapter promises to unravel the intricate dynamics of this family gathering, where Gemma’s boldness may either shatter the facade of perfection or ignite a fierce confrontation that has been brewing beneath the surface.
Expect secrets to be unveiled as Gemma navigates the treacherous waters of her husband’s family, armed with her striking new look and an unyielding spirit. Will she finally stand up to Reyna and assert her place in this world, or will the weight of their shared history pull her back into the shadows? With each interaction, the stakes will rise, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether Gemma can reclaim her identity or if she will be swallowed whole by the very people who seek to belittle her. The tension promises to escalate, leading to a confrontation that could change everything.
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