The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 97

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

**Crest 97**

**Chapter 97**

**Gemma**

As he speaks, Cassian shifts his hips ever so slightly, a motion that sends a rush of heat flooding to my cheeks.

My heart races, and I find myself frozen in place, refusing to move even a fraction.

His grip on my wrists eases just a little, and I can feel the tension in the air thickening between us.

“Gemma, just listen to me, okay?” His voice, now smoother, rolls over me like a warm wave. “Thank you for bringing me food.”

I blink, taken aback. My eyes search his, trying to decipher the sincerity in his expression.

Is he… actually being genuine?

The thought is baffling. Since when has Cassian ever expressed gratitude towards me?

Noticing that I have ceased my struggles, he finally releases my wrists, his hands sliding to rest on my waist.

“I was really angry when I saw you with that guy,” he confesses, his tone steady yet laced with an undercurrent of vulnerability.

12:06

I freeze, my mind racing.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty creeping in.

His gaze is locked onto mine, and I can feel the undeniable hardness pressing against me, a stark reminder of the tension that crackles in the air.

With his grip now relaxed, I should seize the moment to leap away from him. But, inexplicably, I remain rooted to the spot. His fingers begin to move, a slow, teasing caress that sends a jolt of desire coursing through me, igniting a fire deep within.

“These past few days, I think I’ve started to understand some things. I—”

Suddenly, the shrill sound of Cassian’s phone interrupts, vibrating with such intensity that we both feel it pulse against our skin.

He hesitates for a moment, a sigh escaping his lips as he fumbles to pull it from his pocket. The moment he glances at the caller ID, his expression shifts, and he shoots me a look that is both curious and wary.

“Hello, Reyna.”

2/7

12:06

Ah, of course.

I make a move to get up, frustration bubbling within me. I am so done with this.

But Cassian tightens his grip on my waist, anchoring me in place. His sharp gaze serves as a warning, a silent command to remain.

Is this some twisted game he’s playing? Forcing me to sit here and endure his phone call with his mistress?

“Cassian, I… I didn’t know who else to call. Please don’t be mad. I know I shouldn’t be reaching out right now, but I’m really stuck.”

Reyna’s voice trembles, cracking under the weight of her emotions, and I can hear the quiet sobs echoing from the other end.

Concern flashes across Cassian’s face as his brows knit together. “What happened?”

She sniffles, her voice quaking. “Everyone in the office group chat… They’re talking about me. Saying awful things.”

Reyna still hasn’t ended the call with Cassian, but her sobs have faded to a mere whisper now.

In a broken murmur, she says, “Cassian… no, Mr. Blackwell…”

5/7

12:06

There’s a pause, and then her voice softens even further.

“Can you talk to Gemma? Ask her to clear this up for me?”

“Stop crying. I’ll take care of it.” Cassian’s tone shifts, becoming gentle, as if he’s trying to soothe her pain.

Reyna’s sobs begin to subside. “Thank you, Cassian.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes, noting how quickly Reyna slips back into calling him “Cassian” again. It’s barely been ten seconds.

Reyna is always like this. It’s as if she has a routine for calling him.

Every night without fail. Her reasons vary, each one crafted just enough to elicit his concern. Sometimes it’s about a broken light bulb at home; other times, it’s a vague threat at her door that sends her into a panic. She lives alone, and her late-night calls always manage to tug at his heartstrings.

I seize the moment to stand up, attempting to slip away while Cassian’s attention is diverted. I make my way toward the guest room, telling myself that this entire mess is no longer my concern.

I need to get out, and I need to do it quickly.

“Wait, Gemma.” Cassian’s voice halts me in my tracks.

I turn to face him, curiosity piqued about what he wants now.

“Reyna is having problems at work. Everyone in the group chat is calling her a homewrecker. Things are spiraling out of control. Can you jump in and clear things up?”