The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 55

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

**Chapter 55**

**Gemma**

“Wow,” I exclaim, a hint of disbelief coloring my tone. “I thought you were staunchly against social media. Seems like I misjudged you. That was quite the quick response.”

“Just answer the question,” he replies, his voice laced with an icy, simmering anger that sends a shiver down my spine. It’s this particular tone that truly unsettles me, reminding me of the depths of his character I often try to ignore.

In that moment, I am starkly aware of the reality of who I’m dealing with.

A drug smuggler. An arms dealer. A cold-blooded killer.

A man who has always gotten his way… but not with me. Not anymore.

“Yes. I sold the ring,” I admit, the fatigue evident in my voice. “I thought you’d be ecstatic. After all, you told her to get something she liked. That ring? She adores it. Always has.”

“Why on earth would I be thrilled?” he shoots back, his frustration palpable. “I got that ring for you. I had it crafted specifically for you.”

A ring designed to mirror the sky, a constant reminder of what he truly cherishes? It’s a painful realization that he holds things in higher regard than me.

Cassian didn’t have that ring made for me. He wouldn’t even know what kind of ring would suit me—though, ironically, he was close with that choice.

But he never truly knew me, so how could that ring ever be intended for me?

The truth is, I had never even been his friend. That’s the crux of our predicament. Genuine romances, the ones that flourish, are built upon trust and mutual affection.

I’ve always found something to admire in Cassian. From the very first moment our paths crossed, I enjoyed his company, relished our conversations, and appreciated his humor, his sharp wit, and his unwavering sense of duty and loyalty.

Deep down, I even thrill at the danger that surrounds him.

Yet, it has always been a one-sided affair, and one-sided relationships are destined for failure.

“Our marriage is over, Cassian,” I declare, my voice firm, trying to assert control over the situation.

“In a year,” he counters, his tone defiant. “Not yet.”

“Yes, yet!” I retort, exasperation bubbling up within me. “I’m done with this. With you. I don’t give a damn about our agreement, Cassian! Just sign the ridiculous papers and let’s end this! Why do you relish torturing me when you could simply divorce me tomorrow and pursue the woman you truly desire?”

With that, I sever the call, my heart racing.

His phone rings again, and I ignore it.

He tries once more, but I dismiss the call without hesitation.

Another attempt comes through, and I finally block his number.

The silence that follows is almost blissful.

A sense of dread washes over me, as if the ground has crumbled beneath my feet. I grip the arm of the couch tightly. “What do you mean?”

He exhales deeply, and I can sense his frustration. “Gemma, you know I don’t have control over these decisions. It’s all determined by the board.”

“How could this happen?” I can hear the tremor in my voice, the anxiety morphing into panic. Dr. Rojas must detect the tears threatening to spill over.

“The list was prioritized. Your mom was first. You confirmed that.”

“It’s the board’s decision. Not mine. We’ll have to wait. In a couple of years, the drug should be approved for mass production, and then there won’t be a list anymore.”

“No!” I leap to my feet, my laptop tumbling to the side, forgotten. “Absolutely not. My mom needs this! You said this medicine could improve her situation.”

My mother has had her ups and downs. The last time I visited with Cassian, she seemed almost normal. But the visit before that? She had been so low, so distant—it was as if she didn’t recognize me at all.

“Do you know who took my mother’s place?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, breathing deeply to maintain my composure.

I could approach Cassian about this. I’m not too proud to ask for help, especially when it concerns my mom. I don’t care that I just told him I didn’t need him.

Dr. Rojas lowers his voice, almost conspiratorial. “All I know is that a call was made to the hospital, and then she was removed from the list.”

“Who called?” I demand, frustration bubbling over. “Who has that kind of influence?”

He whispers into the phone, “Cassian Blackwell.”