The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 250

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 250**

**Chapter 250**

As Cassian stood in the dim light of the hallway, he felt an unexpected rush of warmth wash over him. His gaze was drawn to the staircase, where his wife was making her entrance. Her copper-red hair was pulled back into a casual ponytail, and she wore a bright red football jersey that seemed to glow against the muted backdrop of their home. The simplicity of her attire was deceiving; on her, it radiated an effortless allure that struck him like a bolt of lightning.

He had always recognized her beauty, but today, the sight of her slinging her bag over her shoulder hit him with a force he couldn’t quite articulate. It was as if time had stood still for her; not a single wrinkle marred her youthful visage, no shadows of worry or fatigue lingered there. In stark contrast, Cassian found himself drawn to the mirror nearby. He caught a glimpse of his own reflection and felt a pang of despair. The sharper lines of his jaw, the dark circles that had taken residence beneath his eyes, and the faint crease on his forehead that hadn’t existed three years prior all screamed of the passage of time.

A frown creased his brow as he pressed his fingers against his temple, trying to ward off the unsettling thoughts. Do I really look that much older? Is that why she seems to be drifting away from me? The realization hit him like a cold wave; the sting of self-doubt was sharper than he anticipated. Could it be that she had grown weary of the sight of him?

Cassian shook his head, frustration bubbling within him. He was losing his grip, standing there like an insecure fool, measuring himself against his wife. With a determined effort, he rubbed the back of his neck and forced a neutral expression, hoping she wouldn’t catch on to the turmoil swirling inside him.

“Okay. I’ll be out for most of the day anyway,” she said, bending down to tie her shoelaces, her focus entirely elsewhere.

“Where are you going?” The question slipped from his lips before he could rein it in.

She straightened up, meeting his gaze with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. “You don’t need to know everything.”

“It’s not about needing to know; it’s just me worrying about you—”

“Worrying? Or controlling?” Her words landed like a slap, leaving him momentarily stunned.

“If it was about control, I’d stop you from going. I’m only asking; there’s a difference,” he countered, trying to keep his voice steady.

For a fleeting moment, he saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, as if she recognized the potential for him to follow her. Yet, she shook her head, her ponytail swishing back and forth. “I’ll be back tonight, that’s all you need to know.” With that, she opened the door and slipped out, leaving him standing there, staring at his reflection once more. Had he really just questioned his own appearance?

I’m losing my mind. Absolutely losing it.

—

As the day wore on, Cassian found himself wandering through the college campus, a place that once held so much promise and excitement. He noticed a group of students gathered near a booth, their expressions serious as they twisted Rubik’s cubes in their hands. Curiosity piqued, he approached them.

“Hey,” he said to the girl sitting closest to him. “Can people who aren’t from this college participate too?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected him to address her. “Of course! The race is timed. If you can solve it in under a minute, you qualify to join.”

A faint smile crept onto his face. “Sounds fun.” With no one else in line, he took a seat at the empty chair, feeling the weight of their gazes upon him. The student responsible for timing nearly dropped his phone when he noticed Cassian, his cheeks turning a bright shade of crimson as he fumbled to get the timer ready.

Cassian could hear the whispers from the students behind him. “Such a pretty girl, in our club booth?” one remarked, while another added, “If… if you’re ready, I’ll press start…”

He could sense their skepticism, but it only fueled his determination.

—

Memories flooded back to him, transporting him to a time when he was first introduced to the Backwell family by his grandfather. In those early days, he had felt so isolated during family gatherings, and his Rubik’s cube had been his only companion. That was until Cassian had seen him with it and deemed it childish. After that, he had set it aside, seeking his wife’s approval and abandoning a part of himself in the process.

Now, as he prepared to compete, regret washed over him. How foolish it had been to give up something he loved simply to gain someone’s acceptance.

Just as the boy was about to press the button, a voice broke through the moment. “Who let her in? What is she going to do? Just show off her beauty? A genetic lottery, instead of something she earned.”

Cassian looked up to see a tall boy approaching, his expression one of disdain. The girl beside him frowned. “Charles, that’s blatant discrimination. What if she can solve it?”

He smirked, folding his arms across his chest. “If she can solve it under a minute, I’ll stand upside down and eat shit.”

The girl gasped, her eyes wide. “Really? Then let’s bet. Whoever loses does it!”

Charles seemed smug, but the girl hesitated, wrinkling her nose. “Actually, it’s disgusting! How about whoever loses has to run through the whole campus thrice while announcing they’re an idiot?”

The girl coughed, attempting to diffuse the rising tension. “Um, you don’t have to—”

—

If he wanted to challenge Cassian, so be it. After three years of navigating Cassian’s moods, a college boy’s arrogance was hardly going to rattle him.

Before he could react, Charles plopped down beside him, a brand-new Rubik’s cube in hand. “I’ll use the newly opened one, in case you accuse me of cheating.”

Cassian blinked at him, utterly speechless. Accuse him? Had he even said a word since sitting down? It was as if Charles had been having a full conversation with himself.

The boy in charge of the timer leaned forward, fingers hovering nervously over the button. Cassian adjusted the cube in his palm, ready to begin, when suddenly, a thought struck him.

“Wait!” he exclaimed, raising a hand.

—

In this chapter, Cassian’s internal conflict is laid bare as he wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and the looming fear of losing his connection with his wife. The stark contrast between his aging reflection and her youthful vitality serves as a metaphor for the emotional distance that has crept into their relationship. His insecurity manifests in a moment of vulnerability, revealing just how deeply he values her presence and how her independence challenges his perception of their bond. The tension between them, underscored by their brief exchange, showcases the complexities of love—where concern can sometimes be misconstrued as control, leading to misunderstandings that threaten to widen the chasm between them.

Meanwhile, the scene shifts to a college setting where Cassian’s wife finds herself in a moment of unexpected empowerment, reclaiming her identity through the simple act of solving a Rubik’s cube. This juxtaposition of Cassian’s self-doubt against her newfound confidence illustrates a pivotal moment for both characters. As she engages with the students and faces off against Charles, she steps into her own power, shedding the weight of past expectations—both from Cassian and herself. The chapter closes with the promise of a challenge that could redefine her role, hinting at a potential reconciliation not just with Cassian, but with herself. Together, their journeys reflect the struggle to balance love, independence, and the search for self amidst the complexities of their intertwined lives.

—

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate an electrifying showdown between Cassian’s wife and Charles, the arrogant college boy who has dared her to a Rubik’s cube duel. With tensions running high, the stakes are set: if she wins, she walks away free, but if she loses, she must join the club and all its accompanying drama. This unexpected twist not only tests her skills but also her resolve against the kind of arrogance she has faced with Cassian for years. Will she rise to the occasion and prove herself, or will the pressure of the challenge make her falter?

Simultaneously, Cassian’s internal struggle continues to deepen as he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of losing his wife to the relentless march of time. His reflections on aging and self-worth will add a poignant layer to the narrative, creating an emotional backdrop as the duel unfolds. As he watches from the sidelines, will he find the courage to confront his insecurities and support her, or will he remain trapped in his own doubts? The chapter promises to blend competition, self-discovery, and the intricacies of love, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these dynamics play out.