The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 136

**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 136**

**Chapter 136**

**Gemma**

A tight knot forms in my chest, squeezing the breath from my lungs.

Just yesterday, his warm breath was tickling my ear, his voice a soft murmur as he attempted to return my wedding ring—my damn wedding ring.

And now? Now he’s standing there, side by side with Reyna.

Of course, it makes sense. Those who thrive on playing roles can weave lies so effortlessly, often deceiving even themselves in the process.

Reyna strides confidently next to Cassian. When she catches sight of us, her steps falter, surprise flickering across her face.

“Cassian, isn’t that Gemma? Who’s the guy next to her?” she asks, her tone feigning innocence.

Cassian’s gaze snaps to Jace and me, and I can see the storm cloud gathering in his expression. He abruptly shuts off his phone, the gesture sharp and decisive, and begins striding toward us.

An unsettling feeling creeps up my spine.

“What are you doing with him?” Cassian’s voice is taut, almost laced with accusation.

We stand in the bustling square, surrounded by a sea of people, yet it feels like we’re trapped in our own private bubble, the air thick with tension.

“I should be asking you the same thing. What are you doing here with her?” I retort, hurling his words back at him with a fierce determination.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Gemma,” Reyna interjects quickly, her smile polished and polite. “Cassian and I were just discussing a work project. The engineering department is handling it, so I came to check on the progress.”

“A whole engineering project, and they didn’t even bring the manager? Just you?” I shoot back, my voice sharper than intended as I prepare to turn away. I’ve had my fill of this charade.

But Cassian is quick. He closes the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close.

“Since we’ve run into each other… why don’t we all grab dinner together?” he suggests, his tone casual but his eyes glinting with something more.

Reyna and I freeze, caught off guard by his unexpected invitation.

Dinner? With all four of us?

I’m ready to refuse outright, but then I catch the tightness in Reyna’s expression, and a mischievous thought nudges at me. Perhaps this could be entertaining.

“Sure. Why not?” I say, a smirk creeping onto my lips. I’m curious to see how this little dinner party will unfold.

At the restaurant, Cassian settles beside me. Honestly, I had expected him to choose Reyna’s side instead.

Jace, ever the gentleman, hands me a menu. “Gemma, you like spicy Mexican food. Want to try the steak and grilled chicken?” he offers, his voice warm and inviting.

Before I can respond, Cassian leans over, snatching the menu from my hands, his body invading my space. I lean away, irritation bubbling up inside me, but he only inches closer.

With no way to escape, I remain still, my focus shifting to Jace.

Asking someone what they’d like to eat is a simple enough question, right?

“Jace, what about you? Anything you want?” I inquire, hoping to steer the conversation away from the mounting tension.

He looks up, his demeanor calm and collected. “I’m good with whatever you get. I’ll eat what you eat,” he replies, a teasing lilt in his voice that raises an eyebrow from me. I can feel the energy shift beside me—Cassian’s tension palpable.

I didn’t want to get dragged into this, so I pivot to Reyna. “What about you?”

“I’ve got a sensitive stomach. Can’t handle anything too spicy,” she responds sweetly, a hint of hesitation in her tone.

“Oh no… I already ordered spicy dishes. You’re okay with that, right?” I smile as I close the menu, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and mischief.

Reyna bites her lip, indecision washing over her. “Cassian prefers mild food too,” she adds, glancing at him as if seeking his approval.

What is she trying to prove by saying that?

Feigning innocence, I turn to Cassian. “Really? You don’t eat spicy?”

Cassian meets my gaze, fully aware of my game, yet he responds automatically, “I can handle it.”

A wave of satisfaction washes over me, while I notice Reyna’s expression souring at the exchange.

I jump in, cutting him off. “If you’re craving Mexican, I’ll have the chef make it for you at home. No need to wait in line.”

Money does make life easier.

Then I lock eyes with Jace. “If there’s anything you want, the chef can make it for you too,” I add, my tone firm.

My gaze snaps back to Gemma. There’s a bit of sauce at the corner of her mouth, and without thinking, I reach out to wipe it away gently.

Her eyes widen, shock evident on her face.

“Stop it!” she hisses quietly, turning away, focusing back on her food.

The others at the table are just as stunned, but I ignore them and start cutting her steak for her.

No one else at the table seems to eat much. When we finish, Gemma says goodbye to Jace, and we make our way toward the manor together. I hold her hand tightly, hoping she’ll stay quiet.

Reyna lags behind us, her steps shaky and uncertain.

Suddenly, she clutches her stomach, a pained expression crossing her face. “Oh, Cassian, it hurts… my stomach’s killing me. Can you take me to the hospital?”

Sweat beads on her forehead as she reaches for my sleeve, and she doesn’t look like she’s faking it.

I glance at Gemma, hesitating, unsure of what to do.

She rolls her eyes—hard.

Just as I’m about to explain, Gemma jumps into a cab and slams the door shut.

She rolls down the window, her expression cold. “Go with her. Make sure she gets checked out. It must be hard for her being alone, no family or friends. Stay at the hospital tonight, alright? I’ll talk to Grandpa instead.”

That was my line from before…

Before I can respond, Gemma instructs the driver to go.

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