The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 53

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

**Chapter 53**

**Gemma**

The driver, taken aback by my sudden demand, actually pulls the car over to the side of the road.

“What are you doing?” Cassian snaps, his irritation palpable.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I fling the door open before he can bark further orders at the driver to continue. I step out, leaning down to speak through the now-open door. “I’m leaving. I’m not your little rabbit to command. I told you I can manage this on my own, and I can. I don’t need your help.”

His laughter is sharp and mocking, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Yes, you do.”

I feel a surge of anger building within me, so intense it feels as if steam could burst from my ears. “No. I don’t. To hell with you, Cassian. To hell with your help, your power, and your money. I. Don’t. Need. You!”

His expression shifts, darkening with a mix of anger and something else—perhaps disappointment. “You really believe you can navigate this world without me? Without everything I’ve provided for you?”

“I already am!” I shout, my voice ringing out defiantly.

He gazes at me, his eyes filled with a foreboding promise. “Fine. If that’s how you see it, then so be it. I won’t offer any assistance. You won’t receive a single thing from me.”

“Perfect,” I reply, a sense of triumph swelling within me.

With that, I slam the car door shut with a satisfying thud, pivoting on my heel and striding away. The rush of empowerment surges through me, and I can’t help but feel a sense of victory.

*****

**Gemma**

That feeling of satisfaction lingers throughout the day, wrapping around me like a warm blanket, until the next afternoon when my phone buzzes insistently with a text. I glance down to see it’s from a custom leatherworking company.

My payment has failed to process.

A frown creases my forehead as I recognize the implications immediately.

Months ago, in a moment of thoughtfulness, I had set out to find a special gift for Cassian, which led me to a place specializing in custom leatherwork. I had ordered a stunning hand-tooled leather wallet for him, something I believed he would cherish.

After what felt like an eternity, the order had finally arrived. Yet now, it seemed my card had failed to work.

I realize with a sinking feeling that the card in question was one Cassian had given me, linked directly to his accounts.

He had always been generous, never hesitating to share his wealth with me. Ever since our marriage, I had enjoyed unrestricted access to all of Cassian’s finances. In fact, he had encouraged me to spend freely, insisting it was essential for me to “maintain a certain standard of life.”

It’s then that I pick up the phone to call the bank, my heart racing as I brace myself for the worst. The representative confirms my fears—Cassian has canceled all of my cards and removed me from his accounts.

Moments later, the company I ordered the wallet from calls. The woman on the line is polite, but there’s a condescending undertone that makes my skin crawl.

“Hello, ma’am. Your wallet is ready for pickup. Would you like to pay in person, or would you prefer to have it delivered after making an online payment?”

“Neither,” I respond sweetly, masking my irritation. “Feel free to sell it to someone else. I no longer need it.”

With that, I hang up the phone and find myself seated at Zina’s kitchen table, tapping my fingers against my lips as I contemplate my next move.

“I’d like to sell this,” I say, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach.

Her expression shifts, a mix of awe and concern flashing across her face. “A-are you sure? This piece… it must be worth…”

“I want two hundred thousand dollars for it,” I state firmly.

The shop operates on consignment, meaning I won’t receive my money until someone buys the ring, but it’s a start.

After leaving the shop, I meet Zina for lunch. As we settle down, I say, “It’s just going to be water for me.”

She raises an eyebrow, concern etched on her face. “Aren’t you hungry?”

My stomach growls audibly, a sound I know she hears all too well.

With a sigh, I admit, “Cassian froze all my cards. I just bought an apartment near Jace. The payments for our other jobs haven’t come through yet. But I’m selling my wedding ring, so hopefully, I’ll get something from that soon.”

Zina lets out a low whistle, her eyes widening. “No worries, friend. I’ve got lunch covered, and I think we have a few more jobs lined up. Do you think the ring will sell quickly?”

I shrug, uncertainty gnawing at me. It’s a considerable sum, and only a select few in the city might be willing to purchase it.

I certainly don’t expect the call I receive from the shop the very next day.

Nor could I have anticipated the identity of the person who wishes to buy it from me.

But in hindsight, perhaps I should have seen it coming.