The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 232

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 232**

**Chapter 232**

**Gemma’s POV**

The restaurant buzzes with a soft hum of conversation, the clinking of silverware mingling with laughter, creating a backdrop that feels both intimate and chaotic. Thankfully, the patrons seem preoccupied, their attention diverted from any newcomers like us.

We slide into a cozy booth tucked away in a corner, Jace settling in beside me. Zina, however, casts a glance toward her designated seat a few tables away, her posture impeccably straight, but I can see the tension bubbling just beneath her forced smile.

Leaning in closer to her, I whisper urgently, “If anything feels off, don’t hesitate. Just run. The car downstairs is already running, and Jace will follow you right behind.”

Zina gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, her voice light yet tinged with bravado. “Chill out, Gemma! I’ve got this. This isn’t my first rodeo, remember?”

But as she strides toward her seat by the window, I catch a glimpse of her hands, tightly clenched to suppress the tremors betraying her nerves. I let out a slow breath, trying to dispel the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach.

Minutes stretch out, each tick of the clock echoing louder than the last as we wait for the meeting to commence. Zina’s gaze remains fixed outside, her expression a careful mask of patience. Meanwhile, Jace’s eyes scan the room, narrowing at every unfamiliar face that crosses the threshold.

I lean towards him, my voice barely above a whisper. “I need to step away for a moment. Keep an eye on her, will you?”

**18:24**

**Chapter 232**

**+44 Bonus**

The restroom is surprisingly luxurious, a space that almost tricks my mind into believing the exorbitant price tag is justified for just a few moments of solitude. I splash cold water over my face, inhaling deeply, attempting to steady my racing heart.

As I step back into the hallway, a sudden chill runs down my spine, and I freeze in my tracks.

There he is—a familiar figure with broad shoulders and a gait that I could recognize anywhere.

Cassian.

Instinct kicks in, and before I can think twice, I pivot on my heel, intent on disappearing from his line of sight. But just as I turn, his head lifts, and our eyes lock in an instant.

“Gemma…?”

His voice slices through the corridor, sharp and unmistakable. Damn it!

Of all the people I could run into, it had to be him, at this moment. I force a casual smile and turn back slowly. “Oh! What a coincidence.”

His eyes narrow, suspicion etching deep lines across his face. “What are you doing here?”

The weight of his question hangs heavily in the air. He doesn’t believe in coincidences, not when it comes to me.

**18:24**

**Chapter 232**

**+44 Bonus**

Before I can second-guess myself, the words spill out like a protective shield. “I’m here to catch you red-handed, cheating on me!”

I cross my arms, lifting my chin defiantly, summoning every ounce of courage I can muster.

“Look, I caught you in the act. Where’s Reyna? Waiting in your suite upstairs?”

His expression shifts abruptly, all traces of emotion draining away, replaced by a simmering anger.

“I’m not. Come up with me! See for yourself if there’s anyone in that room.”

His tone is dead serious, and I refuse to back down. I tilt my chin higher, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter.

“If there’s no one, I’ll take your word for it. But it doesn’t matter! I’ll come check another time.”

I pivot on my heel, ready to escape back to the restaurant where Zina is waiting.

But suddenly, his arm shoots out, blocking my path with an intensity that makes my heart race.

“Gemma.” His voice drops to a low growl. “You’ll come up. NOW.”

**18:24**

**Chapter 232**

**+44 Bonus**

I can’t shake the thought that Zina could already be sitting across from the man we’re supposed to meet, all alone. I attempt to inject a bit of levity into the situation, surrendering with a feigned nonchalance.

“Fine. I won’t catch you anymore, okay? You win.”

His eyes narrow, reading me like an open book. “No.”

Panic surges through me. He’s not letting me go. With Zina’s safety at risk and Cassian’s stubbornness looming over me, I feel the pressure mounting. I’m running out of time, and I have no idea which fire to extinguish first.

**Cassian’s POV**

I refuse to let her slip away, even if it means losing sight of my original purpose. I can’t let her go, especially now that she looks ready to bolt.

“Gemma—!”

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