Chapter 218

In Chapter 217 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Mikhail seeks to unwind after a long day by meeting his friend Liam for drinks. As they settle into a luxurious rooftop bar, Mikhail reveals that Gemma, whom Liam believes to be just a housekeeper, is actually a cybersecurity researcher at Dream International. Mikhail enjoys the intrigue of this revelation, knowing that Gemma is keeping tabs on him under his father’s orders. The conversation takes a turn as Mikhail warns Liam against any romantic notions regarding Gemma, reminding him of her marriage to Cassian, which he sees as an opportunity to further his own agenda.
As the night progresses, Mikhail’s confidence is shaken when his attempts to pay with his credit card fail repeatedly, a situation that embarrasses him in front of Liam. The tension escalates, and he cannot shake off the feeling that Gemma is somehow behind his financial troubles. This moment of vulnerability contrasts sharply with his earlier bravado, revealing the cracks in his carefully constructed facade.
Meanwhile, Cassian grapples with his own misconceptions about Gemma after learning from his assistant that she is, in fact, a highly skilled cybersecurity researcher. This realization forces him to confront his pride and the harsh judgments he has made about her. He attempts to reach out to Gemma, but she rebuffs his efforts, highlighting the emotional distance that has developed between them. Cassian’s shame and regret are palpable as he struggles to find the right words to mend their fractured relationship.
The chapter concludes with Cassian’s grandfather advocating for reconciliation, urging Gemma to give Cassian a chance to apologize. However, Gemma remains cold and indifferent, illustrating the depth of her hurt. As Cassian invites her to a social gathering, her outright refusal underscores the emotional chasm that now exists between them. The tension between anger and regret simmers within Cassian, leaving him uncertain about how to bridge the gap he has created.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 217**
*Mikhail’s POV*
As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden hue across the horizon, I step out of the office, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. I need to unwind, to shake off the tension that has built up in my chest, and without a second thought, I reach for my phone, dialing Liam before I’ve even settled into my car.
“Drinks tonight,” I state, my tone more of a command than a request, as if I’m summoning him to fulfill an obligation. There’s a brief silence on the line, a moment where I can almost hear him processing my words.
“Where?” he finally replies, curiosity lacing his voice.
In less than thirty minutes, we find ourselves nestled in the plush confines of a private lounge atop a rooftop bar, the city sprawling beneath us like a glittering tapestry. Our glasses are filled to the brim with amber liquid, the scent of aged whiskey swirling in the air. Liam, with his ever-watchful gaze, swirls his drink but hesitates to take a sip, his eyes narrowing as he studies me, perhaps trying to decipher the storm brewing within.
“I still don’t get it…” he murmurs, his brow furrowing slightly. “Is that girl really your housekeeper? And what does she have on you—”
I can’t help but smirk, leaning back into the cushioned seat as the warmth of the whiskey spreads through my chest. “Housekeeper? Is that really what you think she is?”
Liam’s expression shifts, confusion knitting his brows together. “Isn’t that what you said? That your dad has saddled you with a housekeeper to keep you in check?”
“That’s the illusion I’ve let everyone believe…” I clarify, savoring the taste of my drink as I take another sip. “The reality is far more intriguing.”
His interest is piqued, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. “Then tell me.”
“Gemma is not just a housekeeper; she’s a cybersecurity researcher at Dream International. My father hired her to keep tabs on me, but not in the traditional sense. She’s like a high-tech mole, monitoring my every move, and so far, I haven’t managed to outsmart her.”
Liam blinks, clearly taken aback. “Cybersecurity!?”
“Don’t look so shocked. I know she doesn’t fit the stereotype,” I reply, amusement dancing in my voice.
He shakes his head, muttering under his breath, “I didn’t know she could do something like that…”
I lean forward, intrigued by his reaction. “You sound almost interested. Careful, Liam. You’ve already asked too many questions about her.”
He stiffens, defensiveness creeping into his tone. “I’m not—don’t twist my words.”
“Relax.” I pour him another drink, the ice clinking against the glass. “But it’s best if you don’t get any ideas. Whatever fantasies you might be entertaining, let them go. She’s already married to Casian, the heir to the Blackwell Group. Do you really want to entangle yourself in that kind of mess?”
Liam’s shoulders tense, and I can see the realization dawning on him. “Definitely not.”
“Good.” I swirl my whiskey, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me.
He might not have any romantic intentions towards Gemma, but every seed of discord I plant between her and Cassian brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal. Their relationship is already strained, and when the cracks begin to widen, I’ll be right there, waiting to watch the Blackwell golden boy falter.
Time slips away in a haze of laughter and clinking glasses, and by the time the waiter arrives with the bill, our table is a chaotic mess of empty glasses and the lingering aroma of fine liquor.
Liam reaches for the bill, but I wave his hand away dismissively. “This one’s on me. It’s our first drink since my return.”
I slide my platinum card across the table, leaning back as the waiter takes it to process the payment. The machine beeps, but the sound is anything but reassuring.
“Sorry, sir. This card cannot be used.”
My smile falters, a knot tightening in my stomach. “Try again.”
He does, but the same denial echoes back.
A frown creases my brow as I toss another card onto the table. Seconds tick by, and the beep of rejection reverberates again.
“What the hell…” I mutter under my breath, my pulse quickening. The waiter’s patience begins to wane, his politeness flickering. “Sir…”
“Impossible!” I snap, shoving a fifth card towards him, desperation creeping into my voice. The waiter shakes his head, his expression apologetic yet firm.
“Sir, none of your cards are going through.”
Liam glances between us, concern etched on his face. “What’s going on, Mikhail?”
“Nothing, it must be a system error,” I reply, though my voice lacks conviction.
I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but Liam, ever the reliable friend, pulls out his own card. “It’s okay, I’ll cover it.”
My jaw tightens as I watch the payment go through, the weight of my embarrassment heavy on my shoulders.
Once outside, the chill of the evening air hits me, and I can’t help but recall Gemma’s smug warning about the spending limits on my card. Annoyance prickles beneath my skin… it has to be her doing.
*Cassian’s POV*
As I step out of my study, ready to confront Gemma, I’m met with the sound of the bolt sliding shut, the unmistakable signal that she has locked herself away in her room.
With a heavy sigh, I retreat back to my study, pulling out my phone to text Ethan, my assistant. I need to delegate a task that should have been completed ages ago.
“Verify Gemma’s file at Dream International. I want every detail… position, clearance, background, hiring process.”
Within the hour, my phone buzzes with an incoming call from Ethan.
“Boss, the information is confirmed. Mrs. Blackwell is not a housekeeper at Dream International. She’s registered as a cybersecurity researcher, and she officially started today.”
Staring at the screen, my throat tightens. “A researcher?”
“Yes, boss. High-level clearance. She was offered the role by Mr. Smith himself.”
The realization hits me like a cold wave. I had been wrong all along.
I had assumed she settled for something beneath her, her arrogance leading her to reject her previous position at Blackwell Industries. Instead, she’s doing respectable work… work that my own arrogance dismissed without a second thought.
For the first time in years, I feel the sharp sting of shame.
Standing outside her door, I grapple with my pride, battling against the urge to knock. Finally, I raise my hand, letting my knuckles brush lightly against the wood.
“Gemma…? Gemma, open the door.”
Silence greets me from the other side.
“I saw the light under your door. I know you’re awake. I just want to talk.”
Still, there’s nothing but silence.
The words catch in my throat, heavy and unyielding.
“I know I was wrong about the job. About… a lot of things. Just open the door so we can—”
“I don’t want to talk about it!” she snaps back, her tone icy, mirroring the countless times I’ve dismissed her. The difference now is that I’m the one left outside, yearning for her forgiveness.
I linger there longer than I should, but my pride refuses to let me beg. Eventually, I turn away, retreating to my study… restless and unable to find solace in sleep.

The next morning, I find my grandfather sitting in the living room with Gemma—his expression warm and gentle, hers cold and indifferent.
He glances at me pointedly, ensuring I can’t escape the shame that washes over me.
“Dear, Cassian has already admitted to me that he misunderstood you. He made a foolish mistake, but he’s willing to correct it if you give him a chance. Will you?”
I step forward, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “Gemma, I was too harsh. I shouldn’t have judged you without knowing the truth. I’m… sorry.”
For a fleeting moment, her eyes meet mine, but it’s only for an instant. “Noted.” Her response is devoid of warmth or forgiveness, a solid wall standing between us.
Grandpa sighs, patting my shoulder gently.
“Then, I’ll leave first. I have a doctor’s appointment to attend. And yes, Cassian, let her work. Don’t you dare stand in her way to success.”
I nod, though the words taste bitter on my tongue.
XXXXX
Without asking, I follow her to the car. She doesn’t protest, but her silence speaks volumes, and she avoids making eye contact with me.
Halfway through the drive, I finally clear my throat, breaking the tension. “There’s a small gathering this weekend with some friends. I thought you might want to come with me.”
Her gaze remains fixed on the window, unyielding. “I can’t.”
“You don’t even know the date yet.”
“I don’t need to know. I won’t go.”
Her refusal cuts deeper than I anticipated. In the past, she would have asked questions, perhaps even pressed me for details.
“Gemma, everyone is bringing their wives and girlfriends. It wouldn’t hurt you to—”
She interrupts, her voice sharp. “I don’t have time. My job doesn’t pause for your weekends.”
My temper flares, but a more potent force holds me back: guilt. I wronged her, pushed her away, and now every word she speaks is a reminder of my mistakes.
The anger and regret twist together in my chest, leaving me uncertain of which emotion burns more fiercely.
In the aftermath of the evening’s revelations, Mikhail’s emotional landscape shifts dramatically. The camaraderie he shared with Liam, once a source of comfort, now feels overshadowed by the gnawing realization of his own precarious situation. The weight of his financial troubles, compounded by the revelation of Gemma’s true identity, looms larger than before. As he watches the city lights flicker in the distance, the warmth of the whiskey fades, replaced by a chilling sense of vulnerability. The seeds of discord he hoped to sow between Gemma and Cassian now seem futile in the face of his own unraveling. The laughter and clinking glasses that once brought him solace now echo hollowly, a reminder that beneath the surface of his bravado lies a man grappling with the consequences of his actions and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Meanwhile, Cassian stands at the precipice of his own emotional reckoning. His initial dismissal of Gemma’s capabilities has given way to a profound sense of shame, igniting a desire for redemption that he struggles to articulate. The silence between them is deafening, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of their past interactions. As he grapples with his pride and the fear of rejection, he realizes that the walls he built around himself have only served to isolate him further. The invitation to the gathering, intended as a gesture of reconciliation, only highlights the chasm that now exists between them. In the stillness of the moment, both men find themselves at a crossroads, their paths entwined yet fraught with tension, each yearning for connection while haunted by the ghosts of their past decisions.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension between Mikhail and Gemma continues to simmer, readers can expect a deeper exploration of their intricate relationship dynamics. Mikhail’s calculated maneuvers to undermine Cassian’s confidence in Gemma will likely escalate, leading to unexpected confrontations that could shatter the fragile balance they’ve managed to maintain. With Liam’s curiosity piqued and Cassian’s growing realization of Gemma’s true capabilities, the stage is set for a tumultuous clash of loyalties and ambitions. Will Mikhail’s plans backfire, or will he find an opportunity to manipulate the situation to his advantage?
Meanwhile, Cassian’s struggle with his own pride and the consequences of his past judgments will take center stage. As he attempts to mend his relationship with Gemma, the emotional stakes will rise, revealing the depth of his regret and the lengths he’s willing to go to earn her forgiveness. The upcoming chapter promises to delve into Cassian’s internal conflict, showcasing his vulnerability as he navigates the fallout from his earlier arrogance. Will he succeed in breaking down the walls Gemma has built around herself, or will his efforts only drive her further away? The tension is palpable, and the answers lie just beyond the horizon.
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