The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 211

**Title: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 211**

**Chapter 211**

**Gemma’s POV**

As I had anticipated, Grandpa’s reaction to my announcement was far from warm. Instead of engaging with my words, he feigned ignorance as if they had simply floated away in the air.

“I’m sorry, dear,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief. “I couldn’t quite catch what you said. I think my hearing is failing me in my old age—”

“Grandpa, I want to move to the city center,” I interjected, my voice steady yet laced with the urgency of my need. “My work is based there, and commuting from the mansion every day is becoming increasingly inconvenient.”

He froze mid-bite, his fork and knife suspended in the air, as his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart race.

“Are you truly considering moving out? Gemma, if it’s the commute that troubles you, we could easily arrange for a driver. Or perhaps Cassian could take you—”

I shook my head firmly, cutting off his suggestions. “It’s not merely a matter of convenience, Grandpa. The core issue lies in time management. The office I’ve joined is situated near the city center.”

“Let me have a word with your boss then. Where exactly will you be working, dear?”

“Dream International,” I replied, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension.

Donovan’s eyes narrowed momentarily, a flicker of recognition crossing his features before they widened in surprise. “Dream International? The multinational corporation?”

For a fleeting instant, he scrutinized me with the same calculating gaze he had worn the day he decided to arrange our marriage. It was as if he were assessing my worthiness, evaluating me from head to toe.

“That is no small feat, Gemma. You never cease to astonish me.”

With a slight bow of my head, I acknowledged his compliment, though his pride quickly shifted into concern. “But are you absolutely certain? Those companies are merciless, and the pressure is tenfold compared to Blackwell Industries—”

Before I could respond or Grandpa could finish his thought, footsteps echoed from the doorway, interrupting the tense atmosphere.

“Grandpa, if Gemma insists on moving, then let’s return to Oakhaven. If she needs to be in the city for work, it would be better for us to go there together. I’ll look after her—”

I kept my eyes glued to my plate, unwilling to meet his gaze, while Donovan lightly tapped his cane against the floor, a gesture that conveyed both authority and concern.

“Cassian, you’ve made such promises before.”

“This time, I mean it from the depths of my heart, not merely to placate you. I won’t allow Gemma to suffer.”

The irony of his declaration was almost laughable, considering he was often the greatest source of my anguish, yet Donovan took his words with utmost seriousness.

He turned his gaze toward Cassian, then let out a heavy sigh.

“Very well. You two may reside at Oakhaven. However, if I hear even a whisper of you mistreating her again, I will ensure you never come within ten feet of her. Do you comprehend?”

“Yes, grandfather,” Cassian replied, his tone subdued.

“Good! You should know that I mean every word. I still possess enough vigor in my old bones to enforce my will. And yes…”

He pointed his cane at both of us, emphasizing his authority. “Every week, I will send someone with a medicinal concoction for you two. I expect you both to take it together after lunch, and if those bottles aren’t emptied, I will know you aren’t living as husband and wife.”

The message was unmistakable. He harbored doubts about Cassian, and he certainly didn’t trust me to give him a fair chance either.

My plan to live independently crumbled before my eyes, but I clung to this small victory as my own.

Returning to the city felt like stepping into a world that was both familiar and alien after spending so much time at the Blackwell estate.

I set my purse down with a soft thud and turned to Chloe, the housekeeper.

“Chloe, please prepare the second bedroom. I will be moving my belongings there.”

Cassian raised an eyebrow, his voice low and threatening. “Gemma—”

“Yes?” I interrupted, cutting him off before he could voice his objections.

“Don’t misunderstand me. Behind these walls, we will maintain our distance, avoiding interference with one another. We will play our roles when Donovan visits, just as we used to. But otherwise, we will stay out of each other’s way.”

“Dear, it’s enough that you came to see me. Mr. Blackwell told me all about your vacation, but you must have been exhausted, right?”

I returned her smile, while my mind wrestled with the realization that clearly, Grandpa hadn’t shared any details with her—otherwise, she wouldn’t be greeting me with such warmth.

Hoping she wouldn’t pry into any honeymoon details, I opened the lid of the box.

Her eyes widened as they fell upon the bracelet and necklace, and she let out a soft gasp.

“Gemma, why did you spend money on this!?”

“Because you deserve it,” I replied, fastening the bracelet around her wrist, noticing how her eyes sparkled even as she tried to contain her emotions.

“Remember when you admired Aunt Lydia’s jewelry? I promised you I would get you something even better.”

She stroked the delicate bracelet, tears welling in her eyes.

“You shouldn’t waste money on me.”

“It’s not a waste, Mom. I know you’ve always loved jewelry but never indulged yourself, apart from what Dad gave you. Now, your daughter is here to take care of you, alright? There’s no need to hold back.”

Mom looked at me, pride and worry flickering in her gaze, and I waved it off, determined not to let my own emotions surface.

“And besides, your condition is stable now. When the weather cools down, I’ll take you out for a walk. You’ve been cooped up for too long.”

Her face lit up, hope softening her features. “Really?”

“Of course, Mom.”

“Gemma… I heard about Lydia pushing you for Kitty’s internship. Dear, you can ignore her if you want, don’t feel pressured for my sake…”

I smiled faintly, trying to reassure her. “Mom, after everything we’ve been through, do you think I still concern myself with such people? My only priority is you. If Kitty can keep her place there, good for her. If not… that’s Cassian’s problem, not mine.”