The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 129

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 129**

**Chapter 129**

**Gemma**

Our stay at the manor stretches on for a few more days, and before I know it, time has slipped through my fingers like grains of sand.

Donovan’s birthday is just around the corner.

I glance at the reminder flashing on my phone screen, a small digital nudge that jolts me into action. Well, I’m still married to his grandson, after all. It seems only fitting that I should get him a gift.

After all, Donovan has always been nothing but kind to me. I still find myself reeling from the way he defended me against Cassian the other night.

Since that moment, a subtle shift has occurred between Cassian and me…

It’s palpable, this change in the air.

Cassian has become more forthcoming, almost to the point of being overly candid.

Now, whenever he steps out of the house, he makes it a point to inform me of his destination.

He takes Donovan’s birthday very seriously, and today, he’s come to me with a clear intention: to discuss how we should celebrate it together.

**17:42**

**Chapter 129**

Donovan has a profound appreciation for art.

As fate would have it, his favorite artist is currently hosting an exhibition, and one of the pieces on display is something Donovan has long dreamed of possessing.

Cassian’s grand plan? To purchase a few paintings that he knows Donovan will adore.

The moment he shares this idea, a flicker of annoyance sparks within me.

That was exactly my thought too.

It’s almost uncanny how our minds are in sync.

“Let me guess—I got it right, didn’t I?” Cassian shoots me a knowing glance, the kind that says, “I can read you like an open book.”

“When someone figures you out, you always bite your lip,” he adds, his eyes locked onto mine with a gaze that feels both intense and disarming,

open.

I can’t help but feel a rush of awkwardness at being so easily deciphered.

“No, I wasn’t thinking anything like that,” I mumble, my voice trailing off.

**2/8**

**17:42**

**Chapter 129**

Which, of course, is nothing but a fib.

Another quirk of mine—I can never admit it when someone sees right through me.

“You do realize you’re a terrible liar, right?”

**+3 Bonus**

Cassian is clearly suppressing a chuckle. “I’m not laughing at you. I just think you’re adorable when you act this way.”

His smile lights up his face, and I notice how his eyes crinkle at the corners, his lashes casting soft shadows that make him appear less distant than usual.

He’s been looking at me like this more frequently lately—focused, gentle, as if I’m the sole person in his universe.

It’s a sensation I find difficult to navigate.

“Alright then, let’s get Grandpa a painting. That’s exactly what I was thinking.” I press my lips together, feeling a mix of resignation and relief.

Since he’s already seen through my facade, I give up the act.

What truly matters is the gift for Donovan.

**3/8**

**17:42**

**Chapter 129**

**+3 Bonus**

This strange bond forming between Cassian and me… I could choose to ignore it.

“Oh, right! I have something for you. Just a moment.”

Cassian spins on his heel and dashes up the stairs.

A few moments later, he returns, a small white box cradled in his hands.

He doesn’t utter a single word; instead, he simply extends the box toward me, urging me to open it with a subtle gesture.

As I lift the lid of the jewelry box and catch sight of what lies within, my heart sinks instantly.

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