The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 219

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

**Chapter 219**

**Gemma’s POV**

Mikhail’s gaze sparkles with an intensity that catches me off guard, even as the photographer’s voice rises in protest, slicing through the air like a knife.

“We need someone who fits the brief, not just a warm body standing in front of the camera!” Geoffrey’s tone is sharp, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His eyes scan me from head to toe, and I instinctively mirror his posture, crossing my arms defiantly.

“I suppose you’re suggesting me for this, because…?” I inquire, my curiosity piqued, though I can sense the impending refusal.

“Yes,” Mikhail responds without a moment’s hesitation, his confidence unwavering. “And as for the reason… I just feel like you’ll be a great substitute.”

A scoff escapes my lips, my disbelief palpable. “No! I’m not a model.” The words tumble out, laced with a hint of indignation.

Geoffrey’s scrutiny intensifies, tilting his head slightly as if he’s just now uncovering a hidden gem.

“Actually… she’s got the look. Clean lines, expressive eyes… if she can pull it off, we might be able to save this shoot,” he muses, his voice taking on a tone of reluctant admiration.

“At least, let her try,” Mikhail adds, his persistence unwavering.

I shake my head vigorously, rejecting the eager, bright-eyed looks from both men.

“Forget it! I’m not your one-size-fits-all solution,” I insist, my voice firm, but inside, I feel a flicker of uncertainty.

Mikhail leans closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. “I know it’s an easy job for you… and you won’t leave empty-handed.”

I blink, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

His next words tumble out in a rush, each one more shocking than the last. “If you step in and finish the shoot, I’ll pay you three hundred thousand. On top of that, I’ll approve three paid vacations per year, no calls, no work interruptions. And… a luxury car. Worth at least a million.”

A laugh bubbles up inside me at the audacity of his offer, but then I pause, the weight of his words sinking in. A car…?

I’ve been meaning to buy one for ages, but the chaos of life had always held me back—time, budget, and the sheer knowledge of choosing the right one eluded me.

And here he is, dangling exactly what I need right in front of me.

He notices my hesitation and presses on, his tone earnest. “I’ll put it in writing! You have my word.”

I exhale slowly, the absurdity of the situation washing over me. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous, but persuasive. So, do we have a deal?” he counters, a hint of hope threading through his voice.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, a sigh escaping me. “Fine. But if I end up looking like a fool, it’s on you.”

“Deal,” Mikhail replies instantly, his voice rising in triumph. “We have a model, everyone!”

Geoffrey claps his hands, a wide grin breaking across his face, suddenly radiating enthusiasm. “Excellent! Let’s get her into wardrobe.”

XXXXX

The studio buzzes with frenetic energy, a whirlwind of movement and color. I’m fitted into a sleek gown that hugs my form just right, perfectly showcasing the diamonds that shimmer like stars against the fabric.

Geoffrey wastes no time, ushering me under the bright lights with a commanding presence. “Stand here. Chin up! Relax your shoulders,” he instructs, his voice sharp yet focused.

His rapid-fire commands come at me like a storm, and I do my best to comply, but halfway through, he frowns, his frustration palpable.

“No, no, no. This pose is a little too stiff! The jewelry should look like it’s being shown to someone special, not as if you’re in front of a firing squad,” he critiques, his voice laced with urgency.

Heat floods my cheeks, embarrassment creeping in. “I told you, I’m not a model. Don’t expect miracles.”

Geoffrey rubs his temples, muttering under his breath, “If only we had someone to partner her…”

Mikhail steps forward, a spark of determination in his eyes. “Use me.”

I whip my head toward him, incredulous. “You? Don’t be ridiculous—”

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