The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 71

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

**Chapter 71**

Gemma

“Gemma,” Sibille’s voice rings through the phone, smooth and syrupy. “What a delight it is to hear from you. It feels like ages since we last connected.”

“How can I assist you?” I reply, my tone clipped, barely masking the tension beneath.

“Well, darling, there’s an upcoming gathering—a charity event for families, you know? And I happen to have a plus one. You were the very first person who came to mind.”

By “the families,” she’s referring to the elite mafia clans that hold this city in a vice grip.

I suppress the urge to snap back, demanding to know why she thought of me. “How thoughtful of you. What made me your first choice?”

“Well, I’ve heard that your connection to Cassian has recently become public knowledge. That means you’ll be expected to make appearances at various events. I thought accompanying me might help you ease into the right circles.”

I almost let out a derisive snort at the notion of any member of Cassian’s toxic family introducing me to the so-called “right” people.

In my eyes, the “right” people are Zina, Jace, and my mother—individuals who genuinely know me and care for my well-being. Not those who wish to flaunt me like a new trophy, parading me around for their amusement.

Certainly not the kind of people who would eagerly gather to watch me perform like a trained pony at a circus.

Yet, Sibille is not wrong. Now that Cassian has publicly acknowledged me as his wife, my life is about to take a turn for the more complicated.

I must be hesitating for longer than I realize because Sibille’s voice cuts through my thoughts with a sharp edge. “People are always watching us, Gemma. You’re well aware of that by now. You will attend this party. Be ready by seven. A car will pick you up.”

Ah, there’s the familiar tone of condescension from Sibille that I’ve come to expect.

Part of me wants to refuse out of sheer annoyance and spite. But instead, I take a deep breath, steadying myself, and reply, “That’s incredibly generous of you. Thank you, Auntie. I will be ready when the car arrives.”

A few days later, I step out of Zina’s building, adorned in an off-the-shoulder silver gown that shimmers softly under the streetlights. The car is waiting, but it seems to have been there for quite some time. I’m not even a minute late.

Yet, as I slide into the backseat, Sibille immediately says, “You really need to work on your time management.”

It takes every ounce of restraint not to roll my eyes in response.

Upon arriving at the party, I watch as Sibille glides through the crowd, effortlessly engaging with various dons and their wives, mingling with some of the most dangerous and influential people in the room.

The venue is cloaked in dim lighting, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the sound of laughter mingling with hushed conversations. Older guests huddle in shadowy corners, their voices barely above whispers, while their twenty-something children twirl and sway on the dance floor, lost in their own world.

“Sibille,” one of the guests, a woman with an air of authority, calls out as she approaches. “Who is this stunning young lady? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her before.”

“Oh,” Sibille replies, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. “This is Cassian’s wife, Gemma. She’s been with him for a few years now, but he’s kept her hidden from this side of his life.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify