The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 96

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest**
**Chapter 96**

**Gemma**

“This is your final warning. Head home right now, or you will regret it.”

Another message from Cassian flashes on my phone, and a frustrated sigh escapes my lips. Whenever he communicates like this, it’s a clear indicator that he’s teetering on the edge of fury. And when Cassian Blackwell is angry, the repercussions are unpredictable and often explosive.

Reluctantly, I realize I have no option but to comply. If I wish to steer clear of his wrath, I must acquiesce to his demands.

Casting a glance at Jace, I can’t help but feel a wave of awkwardness wash over me. This situation is beyond embarrassing, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m dragging him into my personal chaos.

Before I even manage to articulate my thoughts, Jace, ever perceptive, reads my mind.

“He wants you to go home?”

I hate the admission, but I find myself nodding anyway, my cheeks warming with embarrassment.

Jace is my friend, and yet, he’s still a man. I’ve spilled my marital troubles to him, bared my soul, and then had a heated argument with my husband right in front of him. It’s a complete train wreck, and I can only hope he doesn’t think less of me.

“I’m really sorry, Jace. We could’ve spent more time together, but I need to leave right away,” I say, my voice tinged with regret.

He offers a gentle smile, the kind that seems to convey understanding. “It’s okay. Do you need a ride?”

“Oh no, that’s alright. But I truly appreciate it, Jace. Thank you,” I reply, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

In truth, I yearn to delve deeper into the conversation about the new job opportunity with him, but it appears that will have to wait for another time.

My phone buzzes again, another message from Cassian demanding I pick up specific dishes from a restaurant he’s chosen.

Goddamn him.

It’s dinner rush hour, and the restaurant he’s picked will be a mad house. I let out a heavy sigh, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He could easily dispatch any of his staff to retrieve this food, but no, it seems he’s hell-bent on aggravating me.

“Hey, Gemma, you know we’re all here for you,” Jace says, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I look up at him, a small smile escaping my lips as I nod in acknowledgment. He seems concerned, and I silently convey that I’m alright, even if I’m not entirely sure that’s true.

When I finally return to the house with Cassian’s meticulously detailed order, I can already sense that I’ve crossed his deadline. He’s perched on the couch in the living room, his gaze icy as he watches me walk in. The house feels eerily quiet, not a single member of the staff in sight.

“You’re forty minutes late,” he states, his voice low and laced with a deadly calm as he scrutinizes me.

I let out a resigned sigh, dropping the takeout bag onto the dining table with a thud.

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