The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 146

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 146**

**Chapter AA**

**Cassian**

Despite Gemma’s apparent reluctance to engage with me, her hand remains firmly clasped in mine as we step through the doorway. It’s a curious contradiction—her body language speaks volumes of her desire to distance herself, yet her fingers linger, as if they’re seeking some unspoken connection.

The moment we cross the threshold, Donovan greets us with a warm smile, beckoning us to join him at the dining table. The aroma of a sumptuous dinner fills the air, and I can see the servants bustling about, bringing out dish after dish, each one more enticing than the last.

“Cassian, it seems like you’ve been quite absorbed in the syndicate operations lately. Has it been as chaotic as it sounds?” Donovan asks, his tone shifting from jovial to serious as he leans forward, genuinely interested.

I pause, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. “Well, there hasn’t been a surge in smuggling activities recently, but the engineering department is still grappling with some issues. We need to optimize the cargo space on the planes we’re redesigning inside and out.”

Donovan’s brow furrows, and I can sense the weight of his concern. “The engineering department has a manager for a reason. You should consider delegating some of these responsibilities. Once you step fully into my role, you won’t be able to juggle all these tasks at the warehouse. I understand your passion for flying, but it’s becoming increasingly perilous for you to be involved in those flights.”

I don’t argue; instead, I simply nod in agreement. “You’re right, Grandpa.”

“Now that we’ve cleared that up, there’s an overseas partnership brewing that requires your immediate attention. You can take Gemma with you. I recall her mentioning that she has a fondness for Nassau Island. This could be the perfect chance to make up for that honeymoon you both missed three years ago.”

His words catch me off guard. What is he suggesting? I can’t help but recall the brochure Gemma had given me back when we first got married, her hopeful eyes sparkling as she spoke about Nassau. At that time, I was consumed by my responsibilities with Blackwell Industries, deeply entrenched in planning routes and captaincy for our smuggling operations. I dismissed her dreams, thinking she was being naïve, more focused on leisure than the gravity of our lives. I had been harsh, assuming she was better off as a blissfully ignorant wife who wouldn’t complicate my dealings.

Back then, I had seen the disappointment on her face, a sadness that I failed to comprehend. I thought she merely wanted to flaunt our marriage, not realizing how much I had let her down.

Now, reflecting on the past, it’s clear to me that I owe her that honeymoon. I never considered her feelings or desires; I was too wrapped up in my own world.

“Grandpa, why don’t we wait for another opportunity?” Gemma interjects, her voice steady yet hesitant.

Donovan’s expression shifts to one of concern as he turns his gaze toward me. “Would this be inconvenient for you?”

This is not the moment to oppose him. He seems resolute about this trip, and I know better than to challenge him and risk his displeasure. “No, not at all! We’ll go together,” I assert, taking Gemma’s hand and gently caressing the back of it, hoping to convey reassurance.

Her eyes widen in surprise, as if my agreement has taken her aback. Donovan’s demeanor brightens, the tension in his brow easing. “Excellent! Then you both need to prepare. The meeting is set for next Monday, which gives you a week to get ready.”

Gemma falls silent again, her acknowledgment still distant, but I can sense a flicker of something unspoken between us.

The days leading up to our trip become a whirlwind of activity. There’s an overwhelming amount to organize and finalize, and I find myself questioning how I’ll manage to wrap everything up in time.

—

**Rhett**

I sit at my desk in the warehouse office, my eyes glued to Reyna as she engages in a conversation on the phone. My focus is so intense that I barely register Liam’s snort of amusement.

“You might want to tone it down a bit, bro,” he teases, a smirk playing on his lips.

I shoot him a glare, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “Isn’t your family curious about why you’re still single, Rhett? Or has Aunt Elisa given up on you and assumed you’re gay?”

Liam and I have been trading barbs since our school days, and while I’m accustomed to his jabs, it’s particularly annoying that he’s bringing this up with Reyna nearby. Thankfully, after years of this banter, everyone else in the office seems to have grown immune to it.

“Don’t pretend you’re not in the same boat,” I retort, my tone sharp.

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