The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 212

**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 212**

**Chapter 212**

**Gemma’s POV**

“Gemma, are you truly okay with this?”

Mom’s eyes are filled with concern as she studies my expression, searching for any hint of doubt.

“Yes, Mom,” I assure her, forcing a bright smile that I hope reaches my eyes. “Last time, Cassian only agreed out of kindness.”

“Oh… okay,” she replies, her voice trailing off, though I can sense the lingering worry in her tone.

Dealing with the complexities of that mother-daughter dynamic is Cassian’s problem now, not mine. I’ve distanced myself from that world and have no intention of returning. To me, it’s merely background noise, a constant hum that I won’t expend energy on, especially since I never asked for this in the first place.

I gently smooth the blanket over her legs, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Just concentrate on getting stronger, Mom. Leave the rest to me.”

Sleep eludes me the night before my first day at Dream International. Despite having worked behind the scenes already, the weight of this day feels more significant, more official.

After a refreshing shower, I find myself staring at the meticulously arranged row of formal outfits tucked away in the corner of my wardrobe.

In the end, I settle on a cream blouse to tuck into a navy blue pencil skirt, completing the look with a pair of heels. As I glance at my reflection, I see a more polished version of myself staring back, and I step out after applying a touch of makeup to enhance my features.

Opening the bedroom door, I’m greeted by the sight of Cassian already waiting downstairs, an impressive breakfast spread laid out before him—thankfully, not prepared by him.

As I descend the stairs, the sound of my heels clicking against the floor draws his attention. He looks up, his gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that makes me self-conscious.

“That skirt doesn’t suit you,” he states bluntly, causing me to halt mid-step.

“Excuse me?” I retort, disbelief etched across my face.

He sets down his coffee cup, leaning back with an air of nonchalance. “It’s too short; it makes your legs appear disproportionate. A longer, flared hemline would be far more flattering.”

For a moment, I can only stare at him, taken aback. This is how he chooses to greet me? I would take cold silence over this any day.

“Did you just call me fat?” I challenge, my voice rising slightly.

His jaw tightens, but his gaze remains unwavering. “I’m saying this for your own good. The clothes are too tight…”

His eyes flicker over my waistline before darting away. “Do you want every man in the building to gawk at you?”

An eyebrow arches involuntarily, as I suddenly grasp the underlying reason for his critique—jealousy!

“Maybe I want them to,” I reply with a smirk, enjoying the reaction I see in him.

His jaw clenches, muscles tensing. “Haven’t you noticed you’ve put on weight lately? If you don’t want to appear unprofessional, it’s better to change.”

Never mind that—I’m baffled. Why would he feel jealous of anyone else when he doesn’t even value me?

“How generous of you, Cassian, to sacrifice your morning just to insult me,” I shoot back, sarcasm dripping from my words.

“Gemma, I promised grandfather I wouldn’t let you be wronged again. That includes people at work taking advantage of you…”

I shake my head, turning on my heel to head back upstairs, desperate to avoid a lecture.

“You’re unbelievable!” I call out, frustration bubbling within me.

I change into a pair of black pants and button the same shirt, this time tucking it in loosely instead of high at the waist. Not because I care what he thinks, but because I refuse to waste my energy fighting him before I even step into work.

When I eventually come back downstairs, Cassian’s expression visibly softens.

“That’s much better. Have breakfast, and then I’ll drive you—”

“No, thanks. I’ve already called a taxi,” I interject, cutting him off.

“What—?”

Chloe, our housekeeper, who has been quietly setting the table, glances between us. I can’t help but notice the way she presses her lips together, stifling a smile as she witnesses Cassian’s expression sour.

“Call me crazy, but I’d prefer to start my first day without you breathing down my neck,” I say, slipping on my shoes and heading toward the door.

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