The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 208

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 208**

**Chapter 208**

**Gemma’s POV**

Snap!

The moment I bring the clasp of my suitcase down, the sound reverberates through the hotel room, a metallic proclamation of my resolve. It feels louder than it should, as if the very walls are eavesdropping on my decision. I don’t linger on it, pushing forward to gather the remaining clothes strewn across the bed. One by one, I fold them meticulously, sliding each piece into my backpack with a sense of finality.

Suddenly, I hear hurried footsteps behind me, and before I can process it, Cassian’s anxious voice cuts through the air.

“Gemma, wait! Please tell me first, did you get injured that day?”

I turn my gaze toward him, my heart heavy with uncertainty. Is it even worth the effort to respond? Zina, lounging on the sofa with her arms crossed defiantly, lets out a sharp, mocking laugh that slices through the tension.

“Oh, so now you remember to care about your wife and ask if she’s okay? How touching! Let me mark the date; it will go down in history…”

Her sarcasm is a breath of fresh air, and I almost smile at her audacity. Keeping my tone flat, I refuse to meet his eyes as I continue folding.

“It’s none of your business if I’m injured. You would do better to save your care and concern for Reyna. Isn’t that what you’ve been preoccupied with anyway?”

Cassian’s brow furrows in deep confusion, his expression a mix of disbelief and hurt. “What do you mean by that?”

I steal a glance at his face, my hands still busy tucking away my clothes.

“Don’t act like you don’t know, Cassian. I’ve known for a long time that your priority is always going to be her. And frankly, I’m not complaining this time because that’s just how things are with you. I’ve finally come to accept this fact—”

“Gemma! What the hell are you talking about? I’m here, standing in front of you, aren’t I? If I cared about Reyna—”

“If you cared about me,” I raise my voice, letting my frustration seep through, “then you would have been here on the day of the shooting! Do you even remember where you were? Fetching soups and medicines for Reyna and spending the night in her room. And you know what the worst part is? I was left to deal with all this humiliation, your ignorance, your disdain—everything—alone. But now, the whole world knows, thanks to her social media posts. She made sure of it.”

His expression freezes, shock and realization dawning on him.

“I didn’t see anything on her social media…?! And how do you know about that day—”

“Because I exposed her fake ass in the comments, and she had to delete it!”

Zina snorts with delight, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“But of course! It’s only you, blind as ever, who thought it was some harmless coincidence that she put up those affectionate posts on the day Gemma was most vulnerable. If I hadn’t taken a stand for Gemma, people would be celebrating your love story and cursing my best friend. Tell me, is it also a coincidence that she keeps dragging you away from her with every excuse?”

Cassian looks genuinely shaken, his mind racing to connect the dots.

“I didn’t… I didn’t realize she posted anything publicly… now that you mention it… she was acting strangely in the lobby, as if she wanted to avoid the TV completely and wanted me to do the same.”

“Only someone as clueless as Reyna could think of such lame excuses, and only someone like you could keep falling for the same bullshit over and over.”

His face pales, and I can see the gears turning in his mind as he finally starts to understand.

I turn to face him fully, the weight of my words heavy in the air.

“Cassian, let me ask you directly. If you are really this concerned, why can’t I see it? After the incident, I tried to reach you, but you didn’t answer a single call.”

“I accept your apology.”

I exhale slowly, closing my suitcase with a definitive snap and rising to my feet.

“But it doesn’t change anything regarding my decision.”

His gaze snaps to me, confusion etched across his face. “Decision? What decision?”

“I mean, I’m going back. I’ll return home early, and—”

Shock flickers in his eyes, his voice rising in panic. “No, wait! Gemma, you can’t just… Grandpa—”

“I have already told him.” My tone sharpens, cutting through his protests. “And he understands my reasons too, at least better than you ever did.”

“Gemma—”

“Step aside, Cassian.”

He falls silent, his broad frame blocking the door momentarily. But when I step forward, he doesn’t move to stop me.

Cassian’s shoulders slump, an unspoken plea hanging in the air as if he wants to call me back, to make me stay. But there’s nothing he can do. Family reasons, obligations… nothing can bridge the distance between us now.

I feel a wave of satisfaction wash over me, a sense of control settling as I drag the suitcase past him. I glance over my shoulder once and catch Zina rising to her feet, waving her hand in his face.

“Goodbye, Cassian. Enjoy your little damsel in distress! But my friend and I won’t waste any more time here.”