**TITLE: Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**
**Chapter 86**
**Gemma**
A laugh escapes my lips, laced with a heavy dose of sarcasm. It’s almost amusing how predictable this all is.
“If you trust me, I’ll tell you,” I reply, my gaze fixed on him, icy and unyielding.
“It’s always the same story. The moment she walks into the room, I’m the one left holding the blame.”
“Reyna and I aren’t what you think,” Cassian insists, his tone pleading yet defensive.
Not what I think? For the last three years, every argument we’ve had has revolved around her. To him, she’s the dazzling wolf, the mastermind behind smuggling operations, while I’m just a worthless gold digger, clinging to the scraps. I’m exhausted by this endless cycle.
“Then why do you always scream at me because of her?” I shout, my voice rising in frustration. “Who’s your real wife, Cassian?”
I’ve tolerated so much, even convincing myself to step back so they could have their moment together. What a fool I’ve been.
“Cassian, let go. You’re hurting me!”
He finally registers the pressure of his grip, loosening it slightly. Taking a deep breath, he tries to regain his composure, but the edge in his voice remains.
“Tell your people to stop. Leave Reyna alone.”
“Huh?” I respond, confusion knitting my brow.
“Don’t play dumb.” His patience is wearing thin, and I can see the storm brewing in his eyes.
“I genuinely have no idea what you’re talking about. You barged in here, shouting at me, and I’m completely in the dark about what I allegedly did to Reyna.” I yank my hand away, stepping back, wincing as I notice the red mark left on my wrist.
Cassian pauses, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.
“Reyna called me. She said she received a threatening message. Someone called her a bitch… said she’s a mistress and needs to be dealt with.”
“What does that have to do with me?” I retort, a mix of indignation and disbelief bubbling within me.
“That person claimed to be your friend and sent Reyna pictures of us together,” Cassian explains, his voice sharp. “They told Reyna that if she doesn’t leave me alone, she will be dealt with.”
“Which friend of mine?” I ask, my mind racing. Since our marriage, my circle has shrunk significantly. The only one I still talk to is Zina. Sure, I could see Zina pulling something like that, but she would never threaten Reyna without consulting me first.
“Gemma, Reyna’s innocent. She received those threatening texts and was set up. Tell your friend to apologize, and this will all be over,” Cassian states, as if his suggestion is the most logical solution.
I stare at him, disbelief and hurt coursing through my veins. He’s never truly trusted me. Just one whisper from Reyna, and he’s convinced I’m behind this harassment. “How do you know it’s my friend? Why do you trust Reyna so blindly? You think I would waste my time or resources to stoop so low as to threaten a lowlife like her?”
“Which friend? The one who took you to the bar, of course! Her personal life is a disaster, and she constantly gives you terrible advice—who else could it be?”
A surge of anger ignites within me. I had no idea Cassian harbored such disdain for Zina.
“Cassian, enough. You have no right to say that. Reyna has no proof, but you’ve fallen for her lies like a fool. Don’t drag me and my friends into this mess.”
His jaw clenches, but I’m done being the victim. “Zina is my friend. If you don’t like her, that’s your issue. But don’t you dare insult her. Ever.”
Cassian hesitates, clearly taken aback by my defiance. His frown deepens as he turns toward the nightstand, grabbing his keys. “I need to check on Reyna.”
I roll my eyes, the irritation bubbling to the surface. Right. Because Reyna is such a fragile flower, trembling at the slightest hint of danger. Cassian is completely blinded by her act.
As he heads for the door, I step forward, my resolve hardening. “I’m coming with you,” I state firmly, locking eyes with him. “Since you’re so convinced I did this, let’s go confront her together. Watch closely and see if it’s really me.”
Cassian sighs, clearly reluctant but recognizing the validity of my point.
When the car pulls up in front of Reyna’s place, he turns to me with a stern look.
“Listen,” he says, his voice low but firm. “Don’t go in there and start a scene. I know you thrive on drama, but for once—just once—can you be calm and nice?”
“I’m not making any promises,” I reply, swinging the car door open. “Just make sure your girl doesn’t get on my nerves.”
I step out and walk inside. The house is shrouded in darkness, the only illumination coming from a dim floor lamp in the living room, casting elongated shadows that dance along the walls.
“Reyna?” Cassian calls out, his tone echoing in the silence.
A shadow shifts from the couch almost immediately. Reyna’s clothes are rumpled, her hair a chaotic mess. Her complexion is pale, but her lips are painted a bold red, as if she’s just returned from a wild night out. Despite the disarray, she still possesses that effortless beauty that seems to draw everyone in.
She must have anticipated Cassian’s arrival alone because she instinctively moves to fall into his arms. But the moment she spots me trailing behind him, she freezes, her expression shifting as if she’s seen a ghost.
“Gemma?” Her voice drips with anger and jealousy, a palpable tension filling the air.

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