The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 101

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**

**Chapter 101**

**Gemma**

The night had stretched on, filled with laughter and whispered secrets as Zina and Jace lingered in the dim light of the living room. Their voices echoed softly, a comforting backdrop to the anticipation of a new day.

As dawn broke, I found myself teetering on the edge of sleep, the warmth of my blankets wrapping around me like a cocoon. Time slipped away, and I nearly surrendered to the embrace of slumber. Just then, my phone buzzed, jolting me back to reality. It was Jace, his cheerful voice crackling through the speaker, announcing that he had brought breakfast.

I glanced at the clock, its hands mocking me with their relentless march forward. With a resigned sigh, I pushed myself up, the sheets sliding off my body as I shuffled to the door.

“Good morning,” Jace greeted me, his smile brightening the chilly morning air. He stood there, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a breakfast sandwich in the other, a picture of casual charm.

I stepped aside, waving him in with a grateful smile. “Thanks for this. You’re a lifesaver.”

We settled at the small kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the enticing scent of the sandwich. As I took a bite, I felt a flicker of warmth in my chest. After breakfast, I hurried through my morning routine, my thoughts racing ahead to the courthouse. Before stepping out, I sent a quick text to Cassian, a small hope blooming that he wouldn’t keep me waiting.

Standing on the courthouse steps, the sun casting a gentle glow around me, my phone chimed again. I glanced down to see a message that sent a wave of relief washing over me: Seaside Manor is now in your name.

My heart lightened at the realization that Cassian had taken that step for me. It was a gesture I hadn’t expected, and in that moment, I decided to let go of my annoyance over his tardiness.

Finally, he arrived, over thirty minutes late. My breath caught in my throat as I took in his appearance—he looked impossibly good in that tailored black suit, his hair tousled by the wind, exuding an effortless bad-boy charm that made my heart race.

“Come on,” I urged, trying to mask my mixed feelings. “Let’s hurry up and get this done.”

Cassian followed, a shadow of annoyance crossing his features as we walked in silence toward the courtroom. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, the tension palpable between us.

As we entered the small courtroom, it was as if a spell had been cast. The moment Cassian stepped inside, all eyes turned to him, jaws dropping in disbelief. Even the judge’s stoic demeanor faltered for a heartbeat, surprise flickering across his face. It was a rare sight—seeing a notorious mafia boss willingly walk into a courtroom. I could almost hear Cassian’s silent vow to avoid this place at all costs.

The judge peered at me over the rim of his glasses, his expression serious. “Are you certain you want to proceed with the divorce?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I nodded firmly. “Yes, we’re sure.”

The judge lifted his stamp, ready to finalize the papers that would free me from this chapter of my life. I could almost taste the freedom, the relief that was within reach.

But just as the judge was about to press the stamp down, a sudden, jarring slap echoed through the room as someone struck Cassian hard on the back of the head, sending him stumbling forward.

Stunned, Cassian’s face morphed into a mask of fury.

“No! You’re not divorcing!” a thunderous voice boomed from behind us, cutting through the tension like a knife.

We turned to find Donovan Blackwell standing there, leaning heavily on a cane, his expression a storm of anger.

“Damn it! If I hadn’t caught wind of this, you would have gone through with it,” he bellowed, his eyes blazing.

In an instant, Donovan seized Cassian, yanking him away with a force that left me momentarily speechless.

“Come with me. Now,” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

I had rarely witnessed Donovan in such a state. His presence was magnetic, a force of nature that commanded respect and fear. In moments like this, it became clear just how powerful he truly was—the don of the Blackwell family.

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