When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 130

+25 Bonus

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty: This Night Will Be Fun.

Ray adjusted the cuff of his watch as he and Garry made their way across the polished marble floor toward the two women. Their footsteps were slow and unhurried.

Aurora noticed them approaching.

Daisy was still animatedly describing something about a self–defense class when Aurora gently nudged her with an elbow.

“Don’t look now,” Aurora murmured, her lips barely moving. “But we have company.”

Daisy turned immediately.

She did not lower her voice. She did not compose herself. She did not pretend to be unaware.

“Oh. The Greek gods from aisle five?” she said bluntly.

Ray’s lips twitched. Garry laughed openly.

“Well,” Garry said smoothly as they stopped in front of them, “that’s the most honest greeting I’ve received all week.”

Aurora folded her arms lightly, composed as ever. “Hello, Garry.”

“Hello, Aurora.” His voice softened slightly when he said her name.

Ray’s gaze moved to Daisy. She was exactly as he remembered from a distance–expressive eyes, unapologetic posture, no calculated charm.

“Ray Simpson,” he said calmly, extending his hand.

“Daisy.” She shook it firmly. No flutter. No coyness.

Her grip was confident and warm.

Ray noticed.

Garry cleared his throat lightly. “We were shopping. For Ray’s place.”

Aurora glanced at the cart. “That’s a lot of interior design for a man who lives alone.”

“He rarely lives there,” Garry added dryly. “Hospital owns him.”

Ray ignored that. His eyes were still studying Daisy, though subtly.

“And you two?” he asked.

“Retail therapy,” Daisy replied. “Some essentials.”

Aurora coughed slightly at that word.

1/4

Oplundred And Thirty: This Night Will Be Fun

+25 Bonus

Ray’s brow lifted almost imperceptibly.

They moved together toward the checkout counters, a sleek private lane reserved for VIP clients. A staff member immediately stepped forward, smiling professionally.

Aurora began placing her items on the counter.

Candles, skincare, silk pillowcases. Then, discreetly, she attempted to slide a small matte–black shopping bag beneath the others.

Daisy saw it.

“Oh please,” Daisy said loudly. “Why are you hiding it? It’s not like they’ve never seen a toy before.”

Aurora froze.

Garry choked on absolutely nothing. Ray remained perfectly still, but something shifted in his eyes.

Aurora shot Daisy a look. “You are impossible.”

“What?” Daisy shrugged. “Self–care is important.”

Ray looked at Daisy then, properly.

No embarrassment. No need to impress. And no attempt to look innocent. She was unapologetically

herself.

He liked that far more than he should.

The cashier maintained her professionalism, scanning items without reaction. Garry discreetly cleared

his throat.

“Independence,” Ray said quietly, almost to himself.

Daisy tilted her head. “Excuse me?”

“I said,” he replied smoothly, “confidence is rare.”

Her lips curved slightly. “So is honesty.”

Aurora finished paying. Ray and Garry settled their own purchases shortly after.

Outside the mall, the evening air was cooler. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in muted gold and lavender hues. Luxury cars lined the private parking entrance.

For a moment, the four of them simply stood there.

It felt oddly natural.

“So,” Ray said calmly, slipping his hands into his pockets, “you both free tonight?”

Aurora arched a brow. “Depends.”

2/4

Hundred And Thirty This Night Will Be Fun

+25 Bonus

“On?”

“On whether this is an arrogant invitation.”

Ray’s mouth curved faintly. “Dinner. At my place.”

Garry blinked. “Oh, we’re doing this?”

Ray ignored him.

“I cook,” Ray continued. “You should watch out.”

Daisy laughed first.

“You cook?” she repeated, amused. “You don’t look like someone who knows his way around a kitchen.”

“What do I look like?” Ray asked, genuinely curious.

“Someone who orders.”

Garry burst out laughing. “She’s not wrong.”

Ray’s eyes remained on Daisy. “You’re welcome to supervise.”

Aurora looked between them, intrigued. “And what exactly are we cooking?”

“That,” Ray replied smoothly, “depends on what you like.”

Daisy exchanged a glance with Aurora.

“Well,” Daisy said finally, “if we’re going to your house, we’re helping. I don’t trust men who say they cook.”

Ray’s eyes warmed slightly. “Good.”

Aurora nodded slowly. “Alright. But if the food is terrible, I’m blaming Daisy.”

“Deal,” Daisy replied.

There was something light about the moment. Ray stepped closer to Daisy, just slightly. Not enough to invade her space. But enough to show intention.

He gently took her hand and, without hesitation or theatrics, pressed a brief, respectful kiss to the back of it.

Daisy blinked, surprised, but not flustered.

“Smooth,” she said.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify