The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 205

**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 205**

**Chapter 205**

**Gemma’s POV**

The moment I step into the hotel lobby, my fingers absently twisting my bracelet, I am jolted from my thoughts by a bright, cheerful voice calling my name. At this hour of the night, such exuberance seems almost surreal.

“Mrs. Blackwell!”

I halt in my tracks, forcing a polite smile as I pivot to face the source of the sound. “Yes?”

The receptionist beams at me, her smile as practiced and radiant as her tone.

“Regarding your room, will you be extending your stay? We actually need to settle the charges for an additional night in your original suite if you wish to keep it.”

My smile falters, confusion washing over me.

“Isn’t it paid for, in advance?” I ask, my voice tinged with disbelief.

“Indeed, the payment was made for the room under Mr. Blackwell’s name, originally booked for several nights,” she explains, her tone condescending, as if I were a child struggling to understand a simple concept.

“But he changed rooms this evening and specified that you would be responsible for the charges on the original presidential suite upon your return.”

For a fleeting moment, relief floods through me. Cassian moving to another room means I can breathe, at least for a little while—distance from his stifling presence feels like a precious gift.

A rebellious joy bubbles up within me. Could anything be more perfect than this unexpected freedom?

“No problem!” I exclaim, my voice perhaps too bright given the tumultuous day I’ve had.

“Excellent. By how many days should I extend the booking?” she asks, her fingers dancing across the keyboard.

“Two, for now,” I declare, a surge of independence coursing through me. If only I knew that my relief would last a mere three seconds.

The receptionist continues to type, her sweet, monotonous voice slicing through my thoughts.

“Great. The total for two additional nights will be $886,000.”

I blink, disbelief washing over me. “Eight hundred-what?”

She repeats it, unfazed: “Eight hundred eighty-six thousand dollars, ma’am.”

My mouth goes dry. That amount isn’t just exorbitant; it’s downright extortionate.

For a fleeting moment, I envision myself pulling out my credit card, swallowing the absurd fee just to maintain my pride. But no! Paying that amount would mean Cassian wins in whatever twisted game he’s playing.

Technically, I could afford it; the payout from my recent hacking job is burning a hole in my account. But the very principle of it ignites my fury. He cannot leave me with this bill while he lounges in another room, absolutely not!

I lean closer to the desk, lowering my voice conspiratorially.

“Actually, I think my husband has gotten confused. There must be some misunderstanding, and I should probably go and discuss this matter with him directly.”

“Sure, ma’am. Please wait while I check the number of his new suite…”

The receptionist blinks, her smile faltering into a look of confusion as I turn on my heel, not waiting for her response.

I don’t need Cassian’s number; I know exactly whose door I need to knock on first.

By the time I reach Zina’s floor, my irritation simmers just beneath the surface, hot and prickly against my skin. I rap sharply on her door.

Zina opens it groggily, her hair tousled in a messy bun, eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Gem? What’s wrong? You look like you’re about to murder someone.”

I step inside without a word, tossing my clutch onto the nearest chair with a huff.

“That’s because I am! Cassian switched rooms and left me holding the bill for the presidential suite. Do you have any idea how much that place costs?” I pace the room, the frustration bubbling over. “$443,000 a night! For two nights, that’s $886,000! Do I look insane enough to throw that kind of money away?”

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