The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 17

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 17**

**Gemma**

“Gemma,” Donovan’s voice resonates through the line, rich and deep like a warm blanket on a chilly night. Despite his age, it carries an undeniable authority that wraps around me, even from a distance.

“Good evening, Mr. Blackwell,” I respond, trying to maintain a semblance of formality.

He chuckles softly, a sound that feels like sunshine breaking through clouds. “None of that, my girl. You know to call me Grandpa. Now, tell me, did I disturb your rest?”

It’s impossible for me to shield myself from the affection that flows from Donovan’s words. Perhaps it’s because, aside from my mother, he is the only person who has ever spoken to me with such kindness and warmth.

I still struggle to reconcile this gentle man with the one who cornered me into marrying his grandson.

“No, I’m awake,” I reply, curling my knees up to my chest in the back seat of the car, watching the city lights flicker by like stars falling from the sky. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no, nothing like that. I’ve just been in conversation with a new doctor, someone who specializes in infertility. He’s quite knowledgeable about the various treatments and medications available.”

A sinking feeling settles in my stomach as I hear his words. I know exactly where this conversation is headed.

“I’ve obtained another supplement for you to try. I’m on my way to drop it off personally. This time, I’m certain you’ll conceive,” he assures me with a confidence that feels heavy.

I bite my lip, the taste of anxiety flooding my senses. Donovan’s desire for an heir from Cassian is palpable, and after three long years without a child, he assumes the issue lies with me. The thought is suffocating.

I can’t bring myself to tell him the truth: that Cassian has steadfastly refused to engage with me in that way—or at least, he did until recently. Maintaining this facade means swallowing all the potions, pills, and remedies Donovan insists I try.

Should I finally rip off the band-aid and reveal the truth about Cassian’s unwillingness to have children, about the impending divorce? But how can I bear to disappoint one of the two people in this world who genuinely love me?

“Okay,” I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll see you there.”

After we hang up, I instruct the driver to change course, directing him toward the house I once shared with Cassian.

“Please wait for me in that shadowed alley,” I request, my heart racing. If I play this right, Cassian will remain oblivious to my presence, and I can slip back to Zina’s apartment and still manage to catch a few hours of sleep.

But fate has other plans; Cassian arrives home just before Donovan does.

With nowhere to conceal myself, I stand awkwardly by the gate, my heart pounding as he pulls up in his car.

**Cassian**

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