When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 101

Chapter One Hundred And One: Corren isn’t Like You, Dreston.

Today was officially marked as Day One of the Global Tech Expo, and from the early hours of the morning, the venue was already alive with activity. Although all participating companies had completed registration weeks earlier, the first day always began with a final routine check, formalities that reinforced the importance and exclusivity of the event.

Badges were scanned for biometric access at every entry point, security teams moved with quiet efficiency, and the booths, each designed to reflect the identity of its company–stood ready.

The three top–leading companies–Auralink, Coralreach, and Vortex Synth Systems–had been assigned the most spacious and strategically placed booths, a silent acknowledgment of their influence in the industry.

Media crews were everywhere. Some clustered near popular booths, microphones in hand, while others moved freely through the exhibition floor, stopping developers for short interviews or capturing candid footage. Cameras flashed constantly as groups posed for photos, laughter and excitement filling the air. With that, the expo had officially begun.

Cassienne was spotted with her team early on. She stayed with them for a while, offering last–minute guidance, answering quiet questions, and making sure everyone was confident in their roles. But the moment investors began flooding their booth with interest and inquiries, she excused herself without hesitation.

She understood her position well. Her presence alone could shift attention, and she didn’t want to overshadow her developers. They deserved to shine.

At that moment, everyone seemed occupied. CEOs stood in small circles, engaging in calculated conversations masked as casual banter, while teams worked tirelessly to impress potential partners and investors.

Cassienne’s gaze drifted across the hall and landed briefly on Tina, who was deep in conversation with a group of investors. Tina looked composed, confident, and professional. Cassienne nodded faintly to herself, a small sense of relief settling in her chest.

At least she’s taking this seriously.

The day was demanding, mentally and physically. Though everything was unfolding exactly as the organizers had planned, the pressure was relentless. Cassienne felt the weight of it pressing down on her shoulders. She needed a moment. Just one moment

to herself.

Quietly, she stepped away and made her way toward the balcony.

The instant she stepped outside, the cool breeze brushed against her face, carrying with it a calming freshness. Cassienne leaned against the railing and let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

Her thoughts drifted, uninvited, back to the previous night.

Her fingers lifted unconsciously to her lips, brushing them lightly as memory flooded her senses. The warmth, the closeness, Dreston’s lips against hers.

Her first kiss with Dreston.

Five years of marriage, and he had never once tried to get close to her. Never held her like that. Never kissed her. She didn’t even know what his embrace truly felt like until that night. And yet, when it finally happened, it felt… right. Natural, but dangerous in

some ways.

Her chest tightened.nNow guilt crept in, and it was heavy and unwelcome.

Just days ago, she had accepted Corren. She had accepted the possibility of something new, something steady. And yet, here she was, having kissed Dreston and clung to him like he was still everything to her.

Because once upon a time, he was.

Cassienne shook her head slowly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She didn’t feel victorious. She didn’t feel relieved. She felt torn ashamed for betraying herself, and worse, for betraying Corren.

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“Are you okay?”

The deep, familiar voice came from behind her.

Cassienne startled, her body tensing as she spun around. Dreston stood just inside the doorway, watching her closely.

“You startled me,” she said, her hand pressing briefly to her chest.

“I’m sorry,” Dreston replied quickly, his tone gentle. “I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s fine,” she said, forcing calm into her voice. Then she straightened slightly. “What are you doing here?”

He stepped forward until he stood beside her at the railing, the space between them charged with unspoken tension.

“I thought we should talk about last-”

“Last night was a mistake,” Cassienne cut in sharply. “And it won’t happen again.”

The words landed like a blow.

Dreston froze, his expression shifting instantly. That was not what he’d expected. Not after the way she’d held him. Not after the way she’d looked at him.

“What?” he asked quietly.

“Last night shouldn’t have happened,” she repeated, and her words were firmer now. “We were emotional. It was wrong.”

He searched her face, trying to understand the sudden distance.

“Cassienne,” he said slowly, “you were scared last night. Something happened. What was it?”

She looked away, gripping the railing as her thoughts raced. The threatening message, her fear, and yet… nothing else had happened since.

She turned back to him, her expression composed. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.

Dreston frowned. “Is it Corren?” The question slipped out before he could stop himself. “Did he hurt you?”

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