Chapter 99

In Chapter 99 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma finds herself in a tumultuous emotional state as she contemplates her troubled marriage to Cassian. A servant approaches her with hesitant encouragement, suggesting that the tension will soon pass, but Gemma questions whether their marriage is worth saving. The moment becomes more intense when Cassian returns with a divorce agreement, and despite her inner turmoil, she signs it without reading, trusting him yet feeling the weight of their history.
After signing the papers, Gemma feels an overwhelming tightness in her chest, indicative of the conflicting emotions she faces. Cassian’s irritation at her lack of caution only heightens her anxiety, and as she retreats to her room, she locks the door behind her, desperate for solitude. The sound of Cassian leaving in his car, presumably to see Reyna, deepens her sense of abandonment. Despite her attempts to reassure herself that this is for the best, she struggles with doubt as she sinks into her bed.
Unable to sleep, Gemma turns to her work, hacking into systems and sending files to her friend Zina. Their conversation reveals a mix of excitement and disbelief over her impending divorce, and Gemma’s spirits lift slightly as she prepares to embrace her newfound freedom. She resolutely decides to leave her current situation, packing her essentials and dismissing a servant’s concerns about her departure. The weight of Cassian’s generous divorce terms momentarily stuns her, as she realizes he has given her not just her mother’s house but also financial security.
Arriving at her new place, Gemma is greeted by Zina and Jace, who bring a sense of camaraderie and support. As they indulge in food and drinks, laughter fills the air, but Gemma’s facade of happiness begins to crack. Despite her attempts to appear joyful, tears unexpectedly spill down her cheeks, revealing the depth of her pain. Zina’s comforting gesture and Jace’s attempts to lighten the mood highlight the complexity of Gemma’s emotions as she grapples with the reality of her divorce while trying to navigate her newfound independence. Ultimately, she dismisses the past, determined to move forward, even as the echoes of her old life linger in her heart.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**
**Chapter 99**
**Gemma**
As I drift into my thoughts, a servant approaches me with a hesitant look.
“Forgive me for intruding, ma’am,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But… we all know how Mr. Blackwell can be. This will blow over by tomorrow, and he won’t bring it up again.”
I manage a wry smile, though it feels more like a grimace. “Do you genuinely believe this marriage is worth saving?” I ask, my voice laced with uncertainty.
She freezes for a moment, her lips twitching in an attempt to respond, but silence hangs heavily in the air between us.
Less than thirty minutes later, Cassian strides back down the stairs, a new divorce agreement in hand. The weight of the moment presses down on me.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I take the pen and scrawl my signature across the paper.
The instant the pen lifts from the page, a tightness constricts my chest. I’m reluctant to confront the whirlwind of emotions that surge within me, each one more tumultuous than the last.
12:07
“You didn’t even read it,” he says, irritation evident in his tone. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll walk away with nothing?”
I mutter, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor, “No need.” I fear that if I look up, he might see the turmoil etched on my face. “I trust you. You wouldn’t scam me over a little money, would you, dear husband?”
My eyes dart to the paper, where our names sit side by side, a stark reminder of what was and what will never be. My vision blurs with unshed tears, but I refuse to let him witness my vulnerability. Without uttering another word, I turn on my heel and dash upstairs, locking the bedroom door behind me with a click that echoes in the silence.
Not long after, I hear the roar of an engine igniting outside. The headlights of Cassian’s favorite sports car slice through my window before the sound fades into the night, leaving an unsettling quiet in its wake.
I know exactly where he’s headed.
Reyna.
We’ve barely signed the papers, and already he’s eager to leave.
A long, shaky breath escapes my lips as I sink into the comfort of my bed. This is for the best, I remind myself, trying to quell the rising tide of doubt.
Unable to sleep, I power up my laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as I launch into a series of hacked programs.
An hour later, I send the completed system of secret mafia client jobs to Zina. It’s late, but she responds almost immediately.
“Wow! That was super fast,” Zina texts back after reviewing the files.
“No way in hell I’m losing both—love and work,” I reply, my fingers moving swiftly.
There’s a pause before Zina finally responds.
“You finally got the divorce?”
“Yeah, we’ll submit the paperwork tomorrow.”
A shocked emoji pops up on my screen, and I can’t help but smile.
I can hardly believe it myself. Just yesterday, I was mired in uncertainty, wondering how much longer this battle with Cassian would drag on. And now? It’s over. Perhaps I should send a thank-you note to Reyna for delivering me from what I had been yearning for.
“Since you’re about to be single again, why not come out and have some fun?”
I chuckle at her message. “On my way!”
Grabbing my suitcase, I hurriedly pack my essentials and make my way downstairs.
One of the servants spots me and her expression shifts to one of concern. “Ma’am, you’re leaving tonight? But…”
I cut her off, my resolve unwavering. Cassian has kept me here against my will for days, but not anymore. I refuse to waste another precious moment.
“There’s no need to worry. I’ve already found a place to stay.”
Once I slide into the car, I take a moment to glance at the agreement Cassian drafted.
He didn’t just give me my mother’s house—he included a substantial sum of money, and on top of that, he’s relinquished the entire estate.
But I’m coming back here.
Just stepping into this house sends a shiver down my spine.
Every wall, every room, holds memories of the woman I used to be—the one who spent three long years pleading for love.
When I arrive at my new place, I’m taken aback to find not only Zina waiting for me but also Jace.
As soon as I step inside, Zina rushes over and wraps her arms around me.
“I ran into Jace on the way, so I brought him along,” she says, nudging me toward him playfully.
We’re standing far too close for comfort.
I know exactly what Zina is trying to orchestrate, but in my current mood, I let it slide.
I order an absurd amount of food and even more alcohol.
A few bottles in, laughter fills the room as we become increasingly tipsy.
Jace looks at me, his brown eyes warm and inviting behind his black-rimmed glasses.
“So, you’re officially divorced. Happy about it?”
I squint at him, a grin breaking across my face. “So happy!”
12:07
So happy that I can barely keep it together.
Zina’s brow furrows. “Yeah, sure. Worst lie ever. Who are you trying to fool?”
I burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the room, but then, out of nowhere, tears begin to spill down my cheeks, fast and furious.
I hastily wipe my face, taking another deep gulp of wine, not caring if they see me like this. Not tonight.
Zina sighs, brushing her fingers against my cheek gently. “It’ll get better.”
I glance at Jace, suddenly feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I drop my gaze, unable to hold his stare.
“Hey, my friend said your phone’s fixed. You can use it again,” Jace says, perhaps attempting to shift the conversation.
My mind feels like a tangled mess, and it takes me a moment to remember that I recorded my conversation with Reyna on that phone.
But by tomorrow, I’ll be divorced. That recording will be irrelevant.
12:07
I wave it off dismissively. “Forget it. I don’t need that anymore.”
In the aftermath of signing the divorce papers, Gemma stands at a crossroads, her heart a tumultuous blend of relief and sorrow. The weight of her decision hangs heavy, yet a flicker of hope ignites within her. As she packs her suitcase, she sheds the shackles of her past, determined to reclaim the pieces of herself that had been lost in the shadows of a loveless marriage. The laughter shared with Zina and Jace serves as a balm for her wounded spirit, a reminder that while love had faltered, friendship and camaraderie still thrived. Each sip of wine and burst of laughter is a step toward healing, a testament to her resilience in the face of heartache.
As the night unfolds, Gemma allows herself to feel the full spectrum of her emotions—joy, sadness, and everything in between. The tears that spill down her cheeks are not just a release of pent-up grief but also a sign of her newfound freedom. In that moment, surrounded by friends who care for her, she begins to understand that moving on doesn’t mean erasing the past; it means embracing it as part of her journey. With every laugh shared and every tear shed, she starts to envision a future filled with possibilities, a life where she can truly be herself. The road ahead may be uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Gemma feels a sense of anticipation, ready to face whatever comes next.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As Gemma embraces her newfound freedom, the emotional aftermath of her divorce begins to unfold in unexpected ways. In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of her internal struggles as she navigates the complexities of moving on from Cassian and the life they once shared. Will the laughter and camaraderie with Zina and Jace provide the comfort she desperately seeks, or will the shadows of her past continue to haunt her? The juxtaposition of joy and sorrow will create a compelling tension, drawing readers into Gemma’s journey of self-discovery.
Moreover, the arrival of the recording Gemma dismissed may prove to be a pivotal moment. As she begins to settle into her new life, the implications of that conversation with Reyna could resurface, challenging her resolve and forcing her to confront the reality of her choices. Will she find the courage to face the truth, or will the allure of her newfound freedom lead her down a path of reckless abandon? Expect surprises and revelations that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Gemma’s story unfolds amidst the swirling emotions and the promise of new beginnings.
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