The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 18

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

**Chapter 18**

**Gemma**

As Cassian’s hand wraps around my waist, I feel an electric jolt course through me, a mix of warmth and confusion. He pulls me close, and I’m enveloped by that familiar, cool scent that has always lingered around him—a scent that feels both comforting and unsettling all at once.

I can’t help but shudder beneath his touch, instinctively trying to pull away, but his grip tightens, holding me in place. He leans down, his lips grazing the shell of my ear, and his warm breath sends a shiver racing down my spine. “Grandpa’s here. You don’t want to disappoint him, do you?”

The words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken expectations. My teeth clench in frustration because, undeniably, he’s right. The headlights piercing through the dusk belong to Donovan’s car, a sight I recognize all too well.

Thank goodness for that. The last thing I want is to have yet another argument with Cassian about Reyna. Reyna, along with her mother—my father’s cherished mistress—has spent years weaving a web of manipulation around men, ensnaring them in her deceitful charms.

I’ve tried to explain this to Cassian before, but Reyna always seems to get to him first, planting seeds of doubt about me. Now, he believes I share her predatory nature. But I’ve long since stopped trying to persuade men about Reyna’s true character, thanks to my father’s influence.

The car rolls to a gradual stop beside the curb, and Donovan steps out, his presence commanding attention. In his prime, he was an imposing figure, one of the most ruthless mafia dons to ever walk the earth.

Even now, with his white hair and aged features, he still radiates that same power, looking down at me with an intensity that sends a thrill through my veins. But what I cherish most about him is the kindness in his smile whenever he meets my gaze.

“Sir,” Cassian greets him with a tone of respect, while I chime in, “Hello, Grandpa,” my voice warm with affection.

Donovan strides toward me, enveloping me in a hug that feels like a fortress against the world. He glances over my shoulder, nodding at Cassian, before taking my shoulders and gently pushing me back to assess my outfit. His eyes narrow slightly as he regards Cassian once more, this time with a hint of disapproval. “Cassian. Why is Gemma dressed so lightly? It’s chilly tonight. You need to take better care of her. Give her your coat.”

“Yes, sir,” Cassian replies, the reluctance evident in his voice. He shrugs off his suit coat and drapes it over my shoulders.

“Good,” Donovan says, his voice firm but laced with affection. “You have no idea what a treasure she is, Cassian. You must take care of her.”

“Of course. I do treasure her,” Cassian replies, but his words feel hollow. To prove his point, he leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek.

It takes all my willpower not to slap him. The coldness of his demeanor stings, but this feigned affection? It wounds me a million times deeper, revealing the love I crave yet cannot have from Cassian Blackwell.

“I brought the new supplement,” Donovan announces, reaching into the back seat and retrieving a small white paper bag, which he hands to me.

“Thank you,” I say, accepting the bag with a smile. “Would you like to come inside for a bit?”

Donovan waves one of his large, wrinkled hands dismissively. “No, I just came to check on you. And don’t forget to keep next week open for family dinner.”

“Family dinner?” I echo, my mind momentarily blank.

Oh no! That’s approaching fast. Once a year, the entire family gathers for a lavish dinner at Blackwell Mansion, where they pretend to love one another while metaphorically snapping at each other’s throats.

It’s all a charade, a performance to project unity to the other families, but I know it’s primarily about Donovan and Cassian reminding their clan of their power and responsibilities as Blackwells.

With everything happening lately, I completely forgot it was next week. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but with my divorce proceedings in motion, attending feels wholly inappropriate.

“Oh, Grandpa, I just remembered, on that day I—”

“Will be there,” Cassian interjects, cutting me off. “We’ll both be there, of course. Nothing is more important. Gemma knows that.”

I stare at Cassian, disbelief written all over my face, but Donovan merely nods in agreement. “I’ll see you both then.”

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