Chapter 98

In Chapter 98 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma grapples with a shocking revelation about her husband, Cassian, and his relationship with another woman, Reyna. The chapter opens with Gemma feeling incredulous as Cassian insists that she should help clear Reyna’s name, despite the rumors circulating about their relationship. Gemma’s frustration boils over as she confronts Cassian, questioning why she should defend the woman who seems to have taken precedence in his life. The tension between them escalates as Gemma feels betrayed and trapped in a narrative where she is unfairly cast as the villain.
As the conversation unfolds, Cassian’s demeanor shifts from defensive to contemplative when he learns from his assistant, Adam, that a misunderstanding during a conference call has fueled the gossip about Reyna being the other woman. This unexpected twist catches Cassian off guard, and Gemma seizes the moment to push back against his demands. She asserts her worth and proposes a deal: if Cassian wants her help in resolving the situation, he must file for divorce immediately. The stakes are high, and Gemma stands firm, revealing her determination to take control of her life.
Cassian’s initial shock at Gemma’s ultimatum gives way to a reluctant acceptance as he agrees to go to the courthouse the following day. Gemma, feeling empowered, retrieves the divorce papers she had prepared in advance, ready to finalize their separation. However, when Cassian tears the documents in frustration, insisting on drafting his own agreement, Gemma remains unfazed. She is determined to see the divorce through, regardless of who writes the terms. The chapter concludes with Gemma feeling a mix of exhaustion and hollowness, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of finally getting the divorce she has long desired, yet recognizing that it is motivated by Cassian’s need to protect Reyna’s image rather than a genuine concern for her well-being.
Ultimately, this chapter highlights Gemma’s emotional turmoil as she navigates the complexities of her marriage and the impact of Cassian’s actions on her sense of self. The tension between them serves as a catalyst for Gemma’s empowerment, but the underlying pain of being overshadowed by Reyna lingers, leaving her grappling with feelings of inadequacy and betrayal.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 98**
**Gemma**
This is utterly absurd.
I find myself staring at him, disbelief washing over me like a cold wave. Is he genuinely serious about this?
A dry, bitter laugh escapes my lips, a reflex to the ridiculousness of the situation. “What do I need to clarify? Isn’t that simply the truth?”
Cassian’s expression darkens, a storm brewing in his eyes. “It’s not like that—”
“Oh, really?” I challenge, folding my arms defiantly across my chest. “Then enlighten me, what exactly is it like?”
I shake my head, frustration bubbling within me.
“So now I’m supposed to salvage her reputation? The very same woman who calls you at ungodly hours for every trivial issue? The one everyone whispers about as if she’s your secret lover?”
Cassian’s jaw tightens, the tension palpable in the air. “Don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be. Just say a few words, and everything will settle down.”
12:06
A wave of disgust churns in my stomach, a bitter taste of betrayal. “And what happens then? She continues to cling to your side like she always does? While I remain the official wife that everyone secretly pities?”
Cassian exhales sharply, his patience clearly fraying at the edges. “This isn’t a big deal.”
“To you, maybe,” I retort, taking a step back as if to distance myself from his obliviousness. “I’m the one who spent years being the perfect wife while you were too busy tending to her needs.”
I’ve truly lost all hope of expecting anything meaningful from Cassian. Yet, this man keeps pushing my boundaries, his casual words striking me right where it hurts the most.
To Cassian, Reyna represents pure kindness, while I am painted as the villain in this twisted narrative. Every time Reyna sheds a tear, he swiftly lays the blame at my feet, completely blind to the pain he’s inflicted upon me.
“Cassian, I have no clue what’s happening or why people are labeling her as the other woman. You should be investigating the origins of this rumor and why it’s suddenly exploded in your work text thread, instead of directing your anger at me. Clearly, you’ve lost sight of the real issue here.”
2/7
12:07
Without hesitation, he calls his assistant, Adam, placing the call on speaker so I can hear the unfolding conversation.
“Mr. Blackwell, during your video call today, you inadvertently played a voice message from Mrs. Blackwell. Everyone in the conference room heard it, which led to the misunderstanding,” Adam explains, his tone professional yet sympathetic. “Moreover, before today’s meeting, Ms. Campbell has never denied your relationship, so everyone assumed she was the other woman based on how you treat her.”
Cassian’s face morphs into one of surprise, caught off guard by this revelation.
The look on his face is almost comical, and I can’t help but laugh. “You weren’t expecting that, were you? Like I said, stop always placing the blame on me.”
His eyes narrow at me, a flicker of annoyance flashing across his features as he abruptly hangs up the phone, cutting Adam off mid-sentence.
“Looks like you’re going to have to fix your own damn mess with Reyna. For once.”
His expression shifts, a dawning realization washing over him that he is, indeed, part of the problem.
3/7
12:07
He lets out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “I want to clear things up, but if I’m the only one speaking, it’ll only complicate matters further. Reyna is crucial to our operations. But…” His voice trails off for a moment, as if he’s grappling with the admission he’s about to make. “Everyone seems to prefer you. They always have. They think Reyna is… difficult. You’re the best person to help.”
This is my opportunity. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what comes next. “What’s in it for me if I decide to help?”
Cassian blinks, clearly taken aback. “What?” He steps closer, staring at me as if I’ve lost my sanity. “We’re married. Even if you gain nothing, you should still assist.”
“We won’t be for much longer,” I reply, a sharp laugh escaping me.
His jaw clenches, tension radiating off him. His eyes are bloodshot, reflecting his frustration. “Are you truly that selfish?”
I stand my ground, unwavering. “Absolutely. So, here’s the deal. You file for divorce now instead of dragging it out for another year, and I’ll help you untangle this mess. Take it or leave it.”
I’ve been waiting for a way to force his hand, and now he’s handed me the perfect opportunity on a silver platter. There’s no way I’m letting this slip away.
Cassian remains silent for a moment, the air thick with his simmering anger.
“You genuinely want this?”
“Yup,” I reply, popping the “p” for emphasis.
“Fine. We’ll go to the courthouse tomorrow and end this.”
Perfect.
I pivot on my heel, rushing to my room, and returning with the divorce papers I had meticulously prepared weeks ago. “Just sign. Everything’s ready.”
Cassian snatches the papers, flipping through them hastily. The look on his face twists into one of disbelief.
“Relax,” I say, attempting to soothe the rising tension. “The terms are fair. I’m not asking for anything beyond what we agreed upon before signing the one-year contract. If you don’t trust me, have your lawyers review it.”
I just want my mother’s villa. That’s all.
12:07
But before I can even blink, he rips the document in two, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silence.
“I’ll draft my own agreement.”
I shrug, unfazed. “Fine by me.”
As long as he signs it, I don’t care who writes it.
Cassian looks at me, his expression a mixture of frustration and something else, something he seems reluctant to voice. Then, without another word, he storms upstairs. Probably to rewrite the damn thing.
Now, it’s just me. I exhale a long breath, sinking into the couch, allowing the silence to envelop me.
The exhaustion crashes over me like a wave, the calm façade I had maintained crumbling.
I feel… hollow.
I’ve been yearning for this divorce for what feels like an eternity. A clean break. No strings attached.
But Cassian has never agreed to it.
Not until Reyna called, spurring this chaos because everyone thinks she’s the other woman.
One call from her, and he doesn’t hesitate for a second. It’s as if all he cares about is preserving her image. Meanwhile, he remains indifferent to what happens to me in the process.
Even though I’ve longed for a divorce, the reason he’s finally acquiescing stings more than I care to admit.
If he divorces me, Reyna won’t be the other woman.
In the aftermath of their heated confrontation, Gemma finds herself grappling with a tumult of emotions. The weight of betrayal and the bitter taste of resentment linger as she reflects on her years of unwavering loyalty to Cassian, only to be overshadowed by the whims of Reyna. The stark realization that her husband is more concerned about preserving another woman’s reputation than acknowledging her own pain cuts deeper than she anticipated. Each moment spent in this tumultuous exchange pulls her further into a chasm of loneliness, where the prospect of freedom feels tainted by the circumstances that led her to this point. The divorce she once craved now feels like a hollow victory, a bittersweet liberation that comes at the cost of her dignity and self-worth.
Yet, within this emotional turmoil, a flicker of resolve ignites in Gemma’s heart. She understands that this moment of confrontation was not merely about her marriage but a pivotal turning point in reclaiming her narrative. The boldness she displayed in demanding a divorce signifies a newfound strength, a refusal to remain the villain in a story that has long painted her as such. As she sinks into the silence of her home, she recognizes that though the path ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, it is hers to navigate. With each breath, she begins to shed the remnants of her old self, embracing the possibility of a future unshackled from the chains of her past. The rain may soon touch the earth, but for Gemma, it heralds the promise of renewal and the gentle warmth of self-discovery.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the storm of emotions brews between Gemma and Cassian, the next chapter promises to unravel the complex web of their relationship further. With the divorce papers shredded and Cassian retreating to draft his own agreement, tensions are bound to escalate. Will Gemma’s resolve hold strong against Cassian’s attempts to manipulate the situation? The stakes are higher than ever as she grapples with the bittersweet realization that her long-awaited freedom comes with a price—one that is intricately tied to Cassian’s loyalty to Reyna. Expect a battle of wills as both characters navigate their tumultuous feelings and the consequences of their choices.
Moreover, the chapter hints at deeper revelations waiting to surface. What lies behind Cassian’s fierce defense of Reyna? Will Gemma uncover hidden truths that could shift the balance of power in their relationship? As she prepares to confront the fallout of her decision, the emotional turmoil promises to reach a crescendo, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Will Gemma find the strength to reclaim her narrative, or will she remain ensnared in a cycle of betrayal and heartache? The next chapter is set to explore these questions, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of a woman determined to redefine her future amidst the chaos.
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