The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 145

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 145**

**Chapter 145**

**Gemma**

As Cassian steps into the elevator, a sudden clarity washes over him, as if a fog of intoxication has lifted. He moves with purpose, and Reyna follows closely behind, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

What had felt like a spacious elevator now seems suffocatingly small, the air thick with tension. The familiar scent of Cassian’s cologne, once a comforting reminder of our past, now twists my stomach into knots, a nauseating reminder of everything that has gone wrong.

“Are you okay?” Jace’s voice cuts through my swirling thoughts, his concern palpable.

I press my lips together, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes, and shake my head slightly. “I’m fine. Just… a little out of breath.”

I can almost feel Cassian’s gaze boring into me, a searing heat that I desperately try to avoid. The elevator dings, signaling our arrival at the first floor, and without a second thought, I stride out, Jace trailing closely behind me.

I don’t spare a glance back at Cassian and Reyna. My focus is singular; I need to get a taxi, to escape this suffocating situation.

“Gemma, wait!” Cassian calls out, his voice slicing through the chaos in my mind.

I refuse to look back, my eyes glued to the road as I raise my hand, trying to flag down a cab.

But then, he steps right in front of me, his expression a mix of confusion and determination. “I need an explanation. Why are you at this hotel?”

I can’t help but let out a hollow laugh, glancing at Reyna who stands beside him, her expression unreadable. “Maybe you should take care of your own mess before questioning me.”

Just moments ago, he had walked out of that hotel with Reyna, both of them looking like they had just rolled out of bed. And now he has the audacity to demand answers from me?

Cassian seems to realize the absurdity of his own question. He takes a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders.

“Reyna and I… It’s not what you think.”

“Oh yeah?” I retort, my voice sharp, my eyes narrowing into slits. His disbelief only fuels my anger.

Isn’t this exactly what Donovan warned me about yesterday? That Cassian would try to paint himself as the victim, seeking redemption in the most absurd ways? Being seen at a hotel with Reyna—was this his idea of making amends? I feel foolish for having believed even a fragment of his excuses.

At first, I had thought that if Cassian genuinely wanted to make things right, perhaps after our one-year contract, we could part ways amicably. But reality hits me hard, like a slap across the face, reminding me of the endless cycle of disappointment.

“Gemma, please listen—I—”

I cut him off, unwilling to hear any more of his excuses.

Just then, a taxi pulls up, and I seize the opportunity. I swing the door open and turn to Jace. “Are you coming?”

He hesitates for a moment, his eyes darting between me and Cassian, then climbs in without uttering another word.

I can see Cassian’s jaw tighten, an expression of barely contained rage flashing across his face. The intensity of his gaze suggests he might just take Jace out right here, in the glaring daylight of the hotel entrance.

“Close the door,” I command, my tone brooking no argument.

Jace obeys, slamming the door shut with a finality that echoes in the confined space.

**Jace**

As we sit in the backseat of the cab, I glance at the rearview mirror and see Cassian standing there, his figure a silhouette of frustration.

“He’s following us,” Jace mutters, a resigned sigh escaping his lips.

“Yeah,” I reply, pinching the bridge of my nose in exasperation. “Let him.”

*****

I guide the cab back to the apartment I purchased for myself, a sanctuary away from the chaos. I plan to gather my belongings from the estate tomorrow, when I’m certain Cassian won’t be around to complicate things.

“I was getting some files from a client—”

Cassian cuts me off, his tone surprisingly calm. “I believe you.”

I blink in surprise, taken aback by his unexpected trust.

“Can you believe me too?” he asks, his voice softening as he steps closer, gently turning me to face him. His hands slide down my arms, finally resting in mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

My mind races. Should I trust him? Does it even matter anymore?

“I don’t know…” I murmur, closing my eyes tightly, trying to block out the warmth of his touch. “You should go.”

“I can’t. Grandpa’s going to worry if I go back without you. He’ll think we’re fighting.”

He grips my shoulders again, desperation lacing his words.

“You can’t do this. We already have trust issues. How can I go back and pretend everything’s fine in front of him? Like we’re some perfect couple?”

I’m no actress; I’ve never been good at pretending. If this continues, I fear I might crumble under the weight of it all.

Just as Cassian opens his mouth to speak again, his phone rings, cutting through the tension.

“Where the hell are you? Why haven’t you come back?” Donovan’s voice booms from the other end, authoritative and demanding.

“We’re on our way now,” Cassian replies quickly, one hand still gripping mine as if he’s afraid I’ll bolt at any moment.

“Gemma went out this afternoon. Bring her back. I need to talk to you both.”

Donovan’s order hangs heavy in the air, leaving me with no choice but to go back with Cassian, despite my reservations.