The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 70

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

**Chapter 70**

**Gemma**

The sound of Reyna’s sobs pierces through the air, her voice trembling and desperate as she pleads into the phone. “Please, Cassian. She’s in the hospital. She really needs that medicine, and they won’t give it to her!”

I stand there, a silent observer, and a wry smile creeps onto my lips, a mocking reflection of the turmoil around me.

“You’ll never choose me,” I say, my voice laced with a mixture of bitterness and resignation. “Just go.”

Cassian’s gaze snaps to mine, and I can see the tension in his grip; his knuckles whiten as he clutches the phone, as if it might shatter under the pressure of his emotions.

With a deep breath, he exhales slowly, trying to steady himself. “I’m on my way, Reyna. Don’t worry. Aunt Angela will be fine.”

The call ends abruptly, and he casts me a hesitant look, one that seems to linger in the air between us, before he turns and strides away down the hall, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space.

I stand there, trembling slightly, as the weight of the moment settles over me like a heavy blanket.

I know I haven’t shaken him off the path of discovering my secret identity.

I’m Moonlight. He’s not oblivious to the signs. Yet, for now, I’ve managed to buy myself a little more time.

With a heavy heart, I make my way downstairs, each step feeling like a small battle against the gnawing anxiety in my chest. When I reach the ground floor, I find Zina waiting for me, her expression curious.

“I just saw Cassian leave,” she says, her tone light yet knowing. “His driver pulled out like a bat out of hell.”

I can’t help but offer her a wry smile in return, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration. “Reyna called. She needs him. Her mom was in an accident.”

Zina’s expression shifts to one of understanding. “Let me guess. You’ve changed your mind about going out.”

“Yeah,” I admit, my voice softening. “I’ve changed my mind. I want to go visit my mom and make sure she’s really getting those meds.”

“All right,” Zina says, her tone supportive. “No worries. I’ll call Jace.”

She winks at me, a gesture of camaraderie, and we both step outside to hail different cabs. While she heads off into the night for her adventures, I find myself on the way to Sacred Hope Hospital, a place that feels both familiar and daunting.

I call ahead, my heart racing as I learn that they’ve already administered some of the experimental medication to my mom. The relief washes over me like a gentle wave; she’s lucid, almost normal.

As I arrive at the hospital, I make my way to the elevator. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a figure pacing back and forth in the hallway, their movements erratic and tense. They don’t enter any rooms, and an unsettling feeling creeps up my spine.

But when I turn to get a better look, the figure has vanished, leaving me with an inexplicable sense of unease.

I shake it off, telling myself it’s just my imagination, and step into the elevator, ascending to the mental health floor.

When I arrive, I’m greeted by my mother’s warm smile, a sight that instantly brightens my heart. “Gemma! Where’s Cassian?” she asks, her voice filled with a hopeful lilt.

I suppress an exasperated sigh, knowing I have to maintain the facade. “Working,” I respond automatically, the word feeling heavy on my tongue.

Her voice trails off, and I can hear the soft sobs that escape her lips.

“Those other two,” as she refers to Reyna and her mother, Angela, are a reminder of the unfairness of it all. My father had managed to leave them with a small inheritance while leaving my mother and me drowning in debts that had nearly cost us our lives. It was only my marriage to Cassian that had provided a lifeline, preventing us from being swallowed whole by the mafia.

I stay by my mother’s side until her eyelids grow heavy, and she drifts off into a peaceful sleep. I stroke her hair gently, savoring the moment. Once I’m sure she’s out, I quietly exit her room, my heart still heavy with the weight of our conversation, and seek out Dr. Rojas.

“You got the medication!” he exclaims brightly, his enthusiasm a stark contrast to my serious demeanor.

“I did,” I reply, my tone much graver than his. “And I need you to do something for me. Don’t tell anyone about it. Not even my husband.”

If Cassian discovers that I’ve already switched things around, he’ll catch on sooner rather than later. But this will buy me some precious time.

“Of course,” Dr. Rojas assures me, his expression sincere. “I’d be happy to do that for you.”

I nod in gratitude and walk away, feeling the exhaustion of the day settle over me like a thick fog. I’m still wearing that delicate lace dress, a reminder of plans that never came to fruition.

But all I crave now are cozy pajamas and perhaps a bowl of ice cream. Then, I just want to rest and forget the world outside for a little while.

My thoughts are abruptly interrupted when my phone rings, the sound slicing through the stillness. I pull it out, and my eyebrows shoot up in surprise at the name flashing on the screen.

It’s Cassian’s aunt, Sibille Blackwell. Claire’s mother.

What could the old witch possibly want with me?