When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 131

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–One: Are You Guys Back Together?

+25 Bonus

The intercom on Dreston’s desk buzzed softly. He glanced at the panel and pressed the button. “Yes?”

Cassienne’s voice came through, calm but slightly distracted. “My mother is at your parents‘ place. Abigail insisted she stay the night there. She says they have a lot to catch up on.”

Dreston leaned back in his chair, one hand sliding into his pocket. “That’s good. She’ll enjoy it.”

There was a small pause from him.

“And,” he added, almost casually, “Ray invited us for dinner tonight.”

Cassienne was silent.

“Ray?” Cassienne repeated, stunned. “Ray Simpson?”

“Yes.”

She blinked, standing in her office with her tablet still in hand. Ray. She hadn’t been close to him since high school. Even during the five years of her marriage, he had been distant. He was polite but detached. Though recently, things had shifted. Garry had become warmer, more present. And Ray… Ray had been the one who treated her when she was attacked.

“You’re serious?” she asked.

“He’s cooking,” Dreston said, and there was the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.

Cassienne let out a soft laugh. “Ray cooks?”

“That’s what he claims.”

Another pause followed. Then she replied. “Alright. We’ll go.”

Later that evening, Cassienne stood in front of the mirror in Dreston’s bedroom.

She had chosen something simple but elegant. A cream silk blouse tucked into high–waisted charcoal trousers. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders. Minimal makeup, just enough to highlight her natural glow.

Dreston stepped out of the dressing area in a dark fitted shirt and tailored black trousers. The sleeves were rolled neatly to his forearms, a silver watch resting against his wrist.

For a second, their eyes met in the mirror.

They looked… good together.

He didn’t comment. Neither did she. But the silence held something unspoken.

Ray’s penthouse sat high above Southvale’s glittering skyline.

1/5

Chonly Ons hundred And Thirty–One: Are You Guys Back Together?

+25 Bonus

When Dreston rang the bell, the door swung open to the warm glow of ambient lighting and the unmistakable scent of something rich and savory. Something more garlic and butter.

“Finally,” Garry said from inside, stepping aside to let them in.

The space had sleek but not cold, dark wood floors, floor–to–ceiling windows, low modern furniture, art that looked expensive but not loud.

And from the open kitchen.

Ray stood at the island counter wearing a black apron over a fitted gray shirt. Fabric gloves covered his hands as he handled a cast–iron skillet.

He looked less like a surgeon and more like a private chef tonight.

Daisy squeaked the moment she saw Cassienne.

“You’re here!” she exclaimed, practically launching herself forward for a hug.

Aurora followed with a graceful smile. “Congratulations, superstar.”

Cassienne laughed, hugging them both. “You two are impossible.”

Ray removed his gloves and apron carefully before stepping forward to greet Dreston first with a firm handshake.

“Good to see you,” he said.

Then he turned to Cassienne.

His gaze softened slightly. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” she replied warmly.

Back at the kitchen island, the atmosphere felt alive.

Aurora stood beside Ray arranging plated appetizers–grilled zucchini rolls filled with herbed ricotta and

sun–dried tomatoes.

Daisy leaned against the counter, watching Ray slice vegetables with practiced precision.

His knife moved fast, well controlled and mastered.

He diced bell peppers into even cubes without looking strained. His forearm flexed with each smooth motion.

Daisy tilted her head, observing.

Very Interesting.

There was something attractive about competence. About a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

2/5

Anne Hundred And Thirty–One Are You Guys Back Together?

+25 Bonus

She caught herself staring and smirked faintly.

“Are you analyzing his technique or imagining something else?” Aurora whispered under her breath.

“Multitasking,” Daisy replied without shame.

Ray’s eyes flicked up briefly, catching the tail end of that exchange.

He said nothing. But he heard.

Soon, everyone gathered around the long wooden dining table.

Ray served rosemary butter steak, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a creamy mushroom reduction sauce.

The wine, Garry’s family brand, of course, was poured generously.

They toasted to Cassienne.

“To the most unexpected legend of our generation,” Garry said.

“To the only woman who turned a friendly match into a global moment,” Daisy added dramatically.

Cassienne shook her head, laughing. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Oh please,” Daisy scoffed. “When you said ‘Enough play, let’s get serious‘ -I almost fell off my chair.”

Garry burst into laughter. “She rewound that clip six times.”

“I did not!” Daisy protested.

“You did,” Aurora confirmed calmly.

Ray watched Daisy as she animatedly reenacted the expo finale, standing halfway from her seat, mimicking Cassienne’s stance.

“And then Syntax tried to flank her, but no. She disappeared and came from behind. BOOM!” Daisy smacked her hand on the table for effect.

Everyone laughed. Even Dreston.

He reached forward absentmindedly and tucked a loose strand of Cassienne’s hair behind her ear.

The gesture was instinctive. Soft, and protective.

Cassienne looked at him with love, smiling. And Ray noticed.

He noticed everything.

Dinner continued with playful debates over his cooking.

“Rate it,” Ray demanded calmly, arms crossed.

3/5

One Hundred And Thirty–One Are You Guys Bock Together?

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify