Chapter 90

In Chapter 90 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” the tension between Gemma and Cassian escalates after an incident involving Gemma’s phone being thrown into a fish tank by Reyna. Gemma tries to explain that she recorded Reyna confessing to framing her, but Cassian’s instinctive reaction is to defend Reyna, which infuriates Gemma. Despite the anger, she notices Cassian’s attractiveness, highlighting the complicated emotions she feels towards him. As their conversation unfolds, Gemma’s frustration turns to sadness, and she chooses to leave the room, unable to endure the emotional turmoil.
The day continues in silence, with Cassian skipping work for reasons unknown to Gemma. Their paths cross again during dinner, where Gemma deliberately avoids eye contact and tries to ignore him. Cassian, on the other hand, feels a growing emptiness in their shared home, particularly in their bedroom, where he realizes the absence of Gemma’s presence and warmth. This shift in their dynamic leaves him panicked and longing for the connection they once had, but Gemma remains distant.
The following morning, Gemma wakes alone in the guest room, frustrated with her broken phone and the limitations it imposes on her job search. Cassian surprises her by skipping work again and preparing breakfast, a chaotic sandwich that she finds unappetizing. Their interaction in the kitchen is charged with tension, as Cassian insists that Gemma must fulfill her “wife’s duties” until their divorce is finalized. Gemma’s anger boils over as she challenges his expectations, leading to a bitter exchange that underscores the deepening rift between them.
Overall, the chapter captures the emotional complexity of Gemma and Cassian’s relationship, marked by frustration, sadness, and unresolved tension. Their inability to communicate effectively and the weight of their past choices create a palpable atmosphere of conflict and longing. As they navigate their feelings, both characters are left grappling with their desires and the reality of their situation, setting the stage for further developments in their tumultuous relationship.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 90**
**Gemma**
“Why in the world would she toss your phone into a fish tank?” Cassian’s strikingly handsome face contorts in confusion, his brow furrowing deeply.
It infuriates me that, even in this moment of tension, I can’t help but notice how attractive he is.
With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, I respond, “I recorded her confessing that she framed me, and she didn’t want you to hear it.”
“If you want me to uncover what she’s really up to, I can check Reyna’s texts. But for now, lay off the insults. You don’t need to be all sassy just to make her look bad,” he retorts, his tone a mix of irritation and concern.
A dry, humorless laugh bubbles up from my throat. “Sure, you will. I knew you wouldn’t believe me, no matter what evidence I presented.”
Reyna doesn’t even have any actual proof, yet Cassian had sprinted upstairs to confront me, gripping my arm so tightly that it left a red mark.
That action alone speaks volumes about his true feelings. His instinctive response is to rush to her defense.
He dashed to Reyna without a second thought, but when it comes to me, all he ever seems to muster is skepticism.
Does he even realize how he treats me?
My anger quickly morphs into a familiar sadness. I’ve navigated this emotional rollercoaster too many times before. It’s always the same.
I brace myself for another round of accusations, expecting him to raise his voice at me again. But to my surprise, he remains silent.
I glance up, confusion washing over me. Why isn’t he hurling accusations my way like he usually does?
This time… this time Cassian hesitates. He meets my gaze, and for a fleeting moment, I catch a glimpse of something in his eyes—sadness.
Wait… is he genuinely sad?
Ugh. I don’t want to delve into this anymore. It feels utterly pointless.
Without uttering another word, I pivot and exit the room. I can’t bear to share the same space with him any longer; it’s driving me insane.
The remainder of the day passes in silence between us.
He stays home from work—I can’t fathom why—but I act as if he doesn’t exist. The house is expansive; surely there are corners where I can avoid him.
Yet, fate has other plans, and we find ourselves face to face again at dinner.
We sit at opposite ends of the long dining table, the staff bustling around us, placing dishes laden with food before us. I concentrate on my plate, resolutely ignoring his presence.
Cassian clears his throat—a telltale sign that he’s about to initiate one of his absurd attempts to break the ice.
Before he can utter a word, I swiftly set down my fork and nod to the servant, signaling that I’ve finished. Then, without a glance back, I rise and leave the dining room.
I make a beeline for the guest room, seeking refuge.

**Cassian**
The servant announces that dinner is ready, and I know Gemma is on her way to the dining room, deliberately avoiding me. Yet, I can’t let this opportunity slip away; I need to see her.
“Don’t mess this up again,” I silently chide myself.
As Gemma sits down to eat, she doesn’t cast a single glance my way. Just as I’m about to speak up, she abruptly stands and walks out.
It’s as if I’m entranced—I can’t find the words to call her back.
Later, after my shower, I return to our master bedroom, and the stillness feels eerie.
The bed remains untouched—perfectly made, utterly empty.
An inexplicable sense of emptiness seeps into my chest.
Gemma and I have shared this bed countless times. In those moments, she would always leave the bedside lamp on, waiting for me to emerge from the bathroom. When I did, she would gaze at me with eyes brimming with quiet anticipation.
Now, that look is a rarity.
Panic, unfamiliar and unwelcome, creeps into my heart.
Everything has flipped.
I’m the one left waiting this time.
But she never comes.

**Gemma**
I wake up in the guest room, another night of solitude stretching before me.
My phone remains broken, so I open my laptop instead.
By now, Cassian is probably at the office. I don’t have to worry about him catching a glimpse of my screen and growing suspicious.
Since I can’t stay at Zina’s place for the time being, I must tread carefully with my job choices. It’s frustrating.
Suddenly, the bedroom door swings open, startling me. In an instant, I switch the screen and close the coding page.
Cassian strides in as if nothing is amiss. “Breakfast is ready. Come down,” he states matter-of-factly.
What? He skipped work again? It’s nearly ten. Doesn’t Blackwell Industries require their CEO?
I remain silent, shutting my laptop and slipping on my slippers, then I walk past him, heading downstairs.
In the kitchen, I spot a sandwich and a glass of milk waiting for me on the table. The sandwich is a chaotic mess—crusts left on, vegetables and ham haphazardly thrown together. It looks utterly unappetizing. My appetite vanishes, and I decide to whip up some pasta instead.
“Mr. Blackwell made this for you—”
The servant’s words are cut short by a cough from Cassian, who has appeared behind me.
Wait… what? He actually made this sloppy sandwich? No way. I quickly dismiss that thought.
I grab a pot and turn on the stove.
“Ma’am, what are you doing? I can cook for you,” the servant insists.
“No need, thanks. I’ll make pasta myself,” I reply with a polite smile.
Cassian’s low voice interrupts from behind me. “Make some for me too.”
I can’t help but let out a mocking laugh. “Why? Don’t you have hands? Make it yourself.”
The kitchen staff freezes, their eyes wide with apprehension. No one dares to speak. One brave soul sneaks a glance at Cassian, clearly worried he might explode.
After all, no one wants to incur the wrath of Lord Douchebag of Mafia Land.
“Until we’re officially divorced, you still have a wife’s duties to fulfill,” Cassian states, his tone firm.
“Cooking is only a wife’s duty?” I shoot back, incredulous.
He frowns, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face. “If you still want a divorce, do as I say.” With that, he strides out of the kitchen.
I stand there, seething with rage, glaring at his retreating figure.
“Jerk,” I mutter under my breath, the word laced with bitterness.
In the aftermath of their tumultuous exchanges, both Gemma and Cassian find themselves grappling with the weight of unspoken emotions that linger in the air like a heavy fog. The tension between them has morphed into a silent battle, each retreating into their own corners, yet neither willing to let go completely. Gemma’s frustration is palpable; she oscillates between anger and a deep-seated sadness, feeling the sting of being misunderstood and undervalued. Cassian, on the other hand, is confronted with a growing sense of loss as he recognizes the distance that has formed between them—a chasm filled with resentment and unresolved feelings. Despite their harsh words and stubborn pride, the flicker of care remains, hinting that there is still a thread connecting them, even if it’s frayed and tangled.
As they navigate their separate paths, the undeniable truth is that both are yearning for something more than just a resolution to their conflict. Gemma’s resolve to assert her independence clashes with Cassian’s desperate attempts to reach out, even if they manifest in clumsy gestures like a poorly made sandwich. The emotional arc of this chapter reveals a poignant moment of vulnerability for both characters, where their defenses momentarily drop, exposing the rawness of their feelings. It becomes clear that their journey is not just about the potential for divorce but rather about rediscovering the warmth and connection that once defined their relationship. The question lingers: will they be able to bridge the gap and confront their fears, or will they continue to drift apart, forever haunted by what could have been?
In the next chapter, the tension between Gemma and Cassian is set to escalate as their unresolved emotions bubble to the surface. With Cassian’s unexpected attempt at domesticity and Gemma’s fierce independence clashing head-on, readers can expect a confrontation that will either bridge the chasm between them or deepen their divide. Will Cassian’s insistence on traditional roles push Gemma further away, or will it ignite a spark of realization in both of them? The stakes are high, and the air is thick with unspoken words and lingering feelings.
As the day unfolds, the dynamics of their relationship will shift in surprising ways. Gemma, still grappling with the fallout of Reyna’s betrayal, is determined to reclaim her autonomy, while Cassian’s attempts to connect may reveal vulnerabilities he’s been hiding. Expect revelations that will challenge their perceptions of each other and force them to confront the truth of their feelings. Will they find common ground, or will their past mistakes haunt them, preventing any chance of reconciliation? The next chapter promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover what lies ahead for Gemma and Cassian.
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