The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 163

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 163**

**Chapter 163**

**Reyna’s POV**

As soon as Gemma storms out, Cassian’s body tenses, his instinct to chase after her palpable. I can see the turmoil in his eyes, but I grasp his hand tightly, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine, and finally, the floodgates open. The tears I had been holding back pour out uncontrollably.

“Cassian! I don’t know what to do…” My voice trembles, a mix of desperation and fear.

He exhales slowly, his gaze steady and unwavering. “I know my sister better than anyone. If she’s convinced that I’m the villain in this story, then that’s the narrative she’ll cling to. There’s nothing I can do to change her misunderstandings, but I need you to trust me.”

His words resonate deeply within me, and I cling to his sleeve, pressing my cheek against the fabric, letting my tears seep into it.

“I didn’t expect Mr. Blackwell to react like that… I only wanted to wish him a speedy recovery. I brought some roses, beautiful ones, but he just threw them in the trash and told me to leave! I didn’t want to provoke him further, so I left right away!” I wipe my eyes with the heel of my palm, my voice cracking with each word.

“If I had known that just showing my face would jeopardize his health, I swear I wouldn’t have gone! You have to believe me!”

**Chapter 163**

“Grandpa’s health isn’t very stable. Don’t take his words to heart,” Cassian says briefly, his tone clipped.

My heart sinks at his words. What?! I think, a wave of bitterness washing over me as I steal a glance at his expression. I feel my teeth clench in frustration. That Gamma, why does she have to make everything so complicated for me?

His features remain inscrutable, and I know I need to make my last attempt. If this doesn’t work, I fear I’ll be lost. I rise to my feet, smoothing down my clothes with a determined gesture.

“I just need a moment to change. Can you please drop me off at home?” I plead, my eyes searching his for understanding, but the conflict etched in his handsome brow tells me he’s still preoccupied with her.

Before I can utter another word, he clears his throat, stepping back and shaking off my hand.

“I’ll send the driver with you,” he replies curtly, turning away as if retreating from a battlefield.

My heart sinks further. He’s going back to the queen of tantrums, leaving me in the wake of my own despair. My smile fades instantly. Let her enjoy her moment of triumph; I’ve already sown the seeds of her downfall.

**Chapter 163**

**Gemma’s POV**

I carefully nudge the lilies into position, placing them next to the vibrant bouquet of orchids that have been sent to Grandpa’s hospital room. The flowers are countless, crowding every available surface in the private ward, their sweet fragrance a welcome reprieve from the sterile smell of the hospital.

Donovan is half-reclined, his eyelids heavy from the medication he received after dinner. A sleepy smile dances across his face as I chatter away, my words a desperate attempt to lift his spirits.

I move to the foot of the bed, adjusting the blankets around him, tucking the corners neatly. Suddenly, an unsettling sensation creeps over me, as if someone is watching. I glance toward the glass window, and my heart skips a beat when I lock eyes with Cassian’s midnight blue gaze, his expression one of intense scrutiny.

I quickly turn away, but he pushes the door open quietly, entering the room. My body tenses, bracing for Donovan’s reaction.

The text thread stares back at us, a testament to my innocence.

Cassian takes the phone from my hand, and I watch as his eyes scan the messages, his lips pressing into a thin line.

His grip tightens around my phone, a dark energy radiating off him, as if a storm is brewing just beneath the surface.

“You don’t need to worry. I’ll look into this employee’s profile and investigate why she lied—because clearly, we didn’t have any client meetings scheduled for today.”

In mere seconds, the small flicker of hope in my chest snuffs out, leaving a cold emptiness behind.

I snatch my phone back, frustration boiling over. “Never mind!” I retort, shaking my head and shoving the phone into my bag. “I just won’t speak to anyone from Blackwell Industries anymore.”

How can I make him see what he refuses to acknowledge?

In his mind, Reyna will always be beyond reproach. The evidence is there for anyone willing to see it, but what about someone who chooses to remain willfully blind?

The elevator dings open behind me, and he stands just inches away. If I turn now, I’ll likely bump into him, and the thought sends a delicious shiver down my spine. But instead, I hold his gaze defiantly.

“I don’t care how often you associate with her outside, but ensure that Grandpa doesn’t see her again. Or don’t blame me for whatever happens next.”

Without waiting for a response, I stride out, leaving the tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud, ready to burst.