Chapter 23

In Chapter 23 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself in a tense situation with her husband, Cassian, during a family gathering. Despite the awkwardness, Cassian’s grandfather, Donovan, misinterprets their interaction as a sign of intimacy, which causes Gemma to feel guilt for not correcting him. Cassian’s teasing remarks spark a mix of embarrassment and frustration within Gemma, highlighting the complicated dynamics of their relationship. For the first time, Cassian stands up for Gemma, expressing concern about her health, which brings a flicker of warmth to her heart, even as she grapples with her desire for a divorce.
As the dinner progresses, the atmosphere becomes charged with tension when Adrian, Cassian’s cousin, arrives late. Their exchange is laced with sarcasm and underlying competition, revealing a rivalry as Adrian suspects Cassian of foul play in his business dealings. The tension escalates until Cassian abruptly decides to leave with Gemma, further complicating their already strained relationship. Donovan’s lighthearted comments about their marriage add to Gemma’s internal conflict, as she feels the weight of her lies and the scrutiny of Cassian’s family.
Once outside, Gemma asserts her independence by pulling her hand away from Cassian, expressing her frustration about their situation and the impending divorce. Cassian, however, challenges her, insisting on maintaining a facade of their marriage in front of others. Their conversation reveals deep-seated issues, with Gemma questioning Cassian’s commitment and love. Despite their differences, Cassian acknowledges the way his aunts treat Gemma, promising not to let them speak to her disrespectfully in the future. This moment of vulnerability hints at a potential shift in their relationship, leaving Gemma both hopeful and wary of what lies ahead.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 23**
**Gemma**
This moment is hardly the right time to engage in a heated discussion with Cassian, yet he’s making it nearly impossible to avoid.
As I glance over at him, I anticipate seeing Donovan’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, ready to intervene. To my surprise, his gaze sparkles with amusement.
When I part my lips to explain the current tension between Cassian and me, Donovan waves his hand dismissively. “Don’t fret, my dear. All married couples have their little secrets. It warms my heart to witness how you two confide in each other,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.
A wave of guilt washes over me, knowing how profoundly he has misinterpreted the scene before him. Yet, Cassian merely chuckles, his voice light and teasing. “That’s good to hear, Grandpa, because I certainly couldn’t repeat what Gemma just said to me out loud.”
A blush creeps up my cheeks, and I shoot daggers at him, my glare met with laughter from the others at the table, who seem to find our banter entertaining.
Bastard.
“Gemma, have you had a chance to try the supplements I brought for you?” Donovan inquires, his voice filled with genuine concern. “Do you think they’ll be effective?”
I freeze, the memory of that little white bag buried in the corner of my room at Zina’s place rushing back to me. I had completely forgotten about it.
“Um…” I stammer, searching for words.
“It’s only been a day,” Cassian interjects, his tone slightly reproachful as he addresses his grandfather. “It can’t possibly be working yet.”
To my surprise, a sense of relief washes over me. In all these years of our marriage, Cassian has never once stood up for me like this.
Of course, he chooses this moment to defend me, just as I yearn for him to sign the divorce papers.
Yet, I can’t help but feel a flicker of warmth at the realization that Cassian is finally here, showing up for me, even if it’s too little, too late.
For three long years of marriage, that’s all I ever wanted.
But before I let myself get lost in this moment, I remind myself that it’s far too late for such sentiments. I’ve made it clear that we’re finished. That’s the only reason he seems to want me now. I’ve told him he can’t have me.
“Forgive an impatient old man,” Donovan continues, his voice softening. “But please do keep taking it, Gemma. Regardless of pregnancy, it’s beneficial for your health.”
“Of course, Grandpa,” I reply, forcing a smile.
Inside, I feel as if I’m crumbling. Lying to Donovan weighs heavier on my conscience than the scornful glares from Cassian’s four aunts, who seem to relish every moment of my discomfort.
Most of all, I despise the proximity to Cassian, the way his knee brushes against mine beneath the table, sending shivers of confusion through me.
I loathe how he piles food onto my plate, engages me in conversation, and pretends to care when I know he doesn’t.
It just hurts.
As we sit in silence, the atmosphere thick with tension, Adrian strides into the room.
He stands tall and striking, just a few years older than Cassian, exuding a magnetic charm that seems to draw everyone’s attention.
With a warm smile, he bends down to kiss his grandfather’s cheek. “Sorry I’m late,” he says, his voice smooth as he removes his coat and hands it to a servant before taking the only remaining seat at the table—directly across from me.
“It’s quite all right, Adrian,” Cassian remarks, sarcasm dripping from his words. “Everyone else here, who manages international enterprises, managed to arrive on time, but you must be exceptionally busy.”
Adrian’s business ventures pale in comparison to the vast empire that Cassian oversees, lacking the same level of ruthlessness and cunning. Everyone at this table is acutely aware of that.
Yet, Adrian doesn’t retaliate; he merely nods, piling food onto his plate as if their conversation is nothing more than casual business talk, devoid of any underlying hostility.
“I am, especially these past few days. We’ve managed to uncover a mole at Nautilus, which required considerable effort and some serious string-pulling on my part to find someone with the necessary programming skills,” he explains, his eyes momentarily flickering to Cassian’s, a silent challenge passing between them.
I sense the tension; Adrian suspects Cassian of being behind the spy in his company.
Cassian, however, remains unfazed, lifting an eyebrow in a nonchalant manner. “Sounds like your programmer did the heavy lifting, not you.”
Before Adrian can muster a retort, Cassian sets down his fork decisively and rises from his seat, extending his hand toward me. “We’re done here. It’s time for us to head home, Grandpa.”
Donovan glances at his watch, a frown creasing his brow. “It’s still early.”
Cassian takes my hand, placing it firmly on his arm as if preparing to escort me from the room. “Well, we need to see if that new supplement you received works, don’t we?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks as his family members snicker behind their hands, but Donovan’s laughter is warm and genuine. “Of course. With such a beautiful wife, I can’t blame you. Drive safely.”
We both nod respectfully to Donovan and make our exit.
Once we step outside, I yank my hand free from Cassian’s grip. He looks at me with irritation.
“What are you doing?” he asks, his tone sharp.
“I don’t want to hold your hand! And don’t pretend that you’re going to have sex with me when you won’t. We’re getting divorced!”
He steps closer, reclaiming my hand with a firm grasp, pulling me toward him as he lowers his face to mine, as if he’s about to kiss me.
My heart races, but he hisses, “Be quiet, wife; we’re still too close for others to overhear.”
“Do you genuinely believe it’s your obligation to remain married to a woman you don’t love?”
My grandfather does, and that’s all that really matters to him. “You haven’t convinced me otherwise yet.”
Still, he releases my hand as we wait for a servant to fetch the car.
As we stand there in the lingering silence, he speaks softly, “I heard how my aunts speak to you. I should have believed you before.”
I’m taken aback by his words, left momentarily speechless. Before I can gather my thoughts, he continues.
“I won’t allow them to speak to you that way moving forward.”
In the aftermath of the evening’s tension, a fragile yet undeniable shift begins to take root between Cassian and me. His unexpected defense during dinner, though tinged with irony and confusion, ignites a flicker of hope within me—a hope that perhaps he is capable of change, of understanding the weight of his actions. Yet, as I wrestle with the reality of our impending divorce, I can’t help but feel the bittersweet sting of this newfound connection. The warmth that once felt so familiar now feels like a distant memory, overshadowed by the pain of our unraveling. I remind myself that this moment, as fleeting as it may be, is not enough to erase the years of neglect and misunderstanding that have defined our relationship.
As we stand together in silence, Cassian’s words linger in the air, a promise of protection that feels both comforting and terrifying. The thought of him finally acknowledging the hurt I’ve endured stirs something deep within me—a longing for the bond we once shared, now marred by the scars of our past. Yet, I know that the path forward is fraught with uncertainty; the specter of our divorce looms large, and with it, the question of whether we can truly rebuild what has been broken. In this moment, I am left grappling with the complexity of our emotions, torn between the memories of love and the reality of separation, and wondering if it is possible to find warmth in the rain of our memories before they touch the earth once more.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, tensions are bound to escalate as Gemma grapples with her conflicting feelings for Cassian amidst their impending divorce. With Cassian’s unexpected show of support and his determination to protect her from his family’s harsh words, Gemma will have to confront the complexities of their relationship. Will this newfound camaraderie lead her to reconsider her decision to end their marriage, or will it only deepen her resolve to break free? As their emotional barriers begin to crack, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Gemma navigates the fine line between love and resentment.
Furthermore, with Adrian’s presence at the dinner table hinting at a brewing rivalry between him and Cassian, the stakes are raised. The underlying tension between the two men will likely come to a head, forcing Gemma to choose sides in a battle that could change everything. As secrets are revealed and alliances shift, Gemma’s world will become increasingly complicated. Will she find the strength to stand up for herself, or will she be swept away by the currents of familial loyalty and expectation? Prepare for a chapter filled with unexpected twists, emotional confrontations, and the potential for a reckoning that could alter the course of Gemma’s life forever.
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