When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 132

Chapter One Hundred And Thirty–two: Love Is An Understatement.

“Are you guys back together?”

Ray’s voice was curious. It wasn’t teasing. It was calm. Clinical, almost like a surgeon asking a question he already had an answer to.

The laughter that had filled the dining space moments ago faded into a thick, awkward silence.

Dreston didn’t speak. He simply leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers loosely wrapped around the stem of his wine glass. His grey eyes shifted to Cassienne.

He wanted to speak for them. But he wasn’t sure if she would like his answer. So he kept quiet.

Cassienne inhaled softly and placed her fork down. The warmth of Ray’s penthouse, the low golden lights, the scent of rosemary and butter from the kitchen, the city skyline glowing beyond the glass walls, suddenly felt more interesting.

She cleared her throat.

“It’s… complicated,” she began gently. “My mom just got discharged from the hospital. She’s staying with us for a month. She can’t know about the divorce. Not yet. So we’re…” she paused and smiled faintly, playing married.”

For a heartbeat, Ray simply stared at her.

Then Garry’s brows shot up. “Wait, what?”

Ray leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Emily’s back?”

Cassienne nodded. “She’s doing better than we expected. She’s stable and strong. But stress is still dangerous for her.”

Understanding immediately softened Ray’s features. He knew. He remembered those years.

He had seen the hospital reports. He had seen Cassienne sitting alone in sterile waiting rooms as a teenager. He had seen how quiet she became whenever someone mentioned family.

Garry was the first to react.

“So you’re moving back into the mansion?” he asked.

Cassienne nodded again.

“And sharing a room?” Daisy blurted from her seat, eyes widening dramatically.

Aurora kicked her lightly under the table.

Cassienne laughed, a little embarrassed but honest. “Yes. Sharing a room.”

Garry slapped his thigh. “That’s the most dramatic fake marriage comeback I’ve ever heard.”

ne Hundred And Thirty, two Love Is An Understatement

+25 Bonus

Ray, however, didn’t laugh. He looked at Dreston.

“You’re doing this properly?” he asked.

It wasn’t about logistics. It wasn’t about pretending.

It was about whether Dreston understood the weight of it.

Dreston didn’t hesitate. “I am.”

Ray studied him for a second longer searching for cracks, for insincerity. But he found none.

And a slow nod followed.

“Good.”

The tension eased now.

Garry raised his glass. “Well then. To fake marriages with real feelings.”

Daisy cackled. Cassienne rolled her eyes.

But Ray wasn’t finished yet. He has more questions. “I saw you look at Cassienne with love in your eyes. Do you love her now?”

Cassienne choked from her drink and coughed. She wasn’t expecting Ray to be that direct. But Dreston replied without even looking away from Cassienne.

“Love is an understatement.”

The words were heavy. And the room froze. All eyes widened in shock.

Aurora stopped mid–sip. Garry blinked. Ray’s eyes narrowed slightly. Even Daisy’s smile faltered.

Cassienne felt the air leave her lungs. Her head snapped toward him.

“What?” she whispered, barely audible.

Dreston didn’t look embarrassed. He didn’t look like he regretted his words. So he looked steady.

He was looking at her the way a man looks at something he has finally admitted he wants.

The silence stretched.

Aurora, bless her instincts, clapped her hands lightly.

“So! The wine!” she chirped brightly. “Garry, this is your family’s latest harvest, right?”

Garry jumped at the lifeline. “Yes! Finally, someone who appreciates greatness.”

The room exhaled. And conversation resumed.

But Cassienne couldn’t stop feeling Dreston’s words lingering on her skin like warmth.

2/5

Hundred And Thirty–two: Love is An Understatement.

+25 Bonus

The wine discussion took over the table.

Garry launched into an enthusiastic explanation about his family’s vineyard just outside Southvale.

“Our estate spans over two hundred acres,” he said proudly. “We specialize in small–batch aged Cabernet and late harvest whites. Everything is handpicked. No industrial nonsense.”

Aurora leaned forward, genuinely interested. “I’ve never seen a vineyard in real life.”

“Then you’re invited,” Garry said immediately. “Private wine tasting. Sunset tour. Barrel room access.”

Cassienne’s eyes lit up. “I’ve never seen one either.”

“Done,” Garry grinned. “All of you. Next weekend.”

Daisy raised her glass. “As long as I don’t have to stomp grapes barefoot.”

“You absolutely will,” Garry replied.

Laughter returned fully.

Soon, Aurora and Garry stood to clear the table together, bickering playfully as they carried dishes toward the open kitchen.

Dreston leaned closer to Cassienne as the others dispersed.

“You okay?” he asked quietly.

She looked at him. There was something different in his expression tonight. He looked less guarded, and

more…. certain.

“I didn’t expect you to say that,” she admitted.

“Neither did I.”

She laughed softly.

He reached out instinctively and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

The gesture was simple and natural. But it was far too intimate for something that was supposed to be

fake.

Cassienne’s heart betrayed her by fluttering. She quickly looked away.

Meanwhile, Daisy slipped toward the terrace, wine glass in hand.

The night air was cool and refreshing.

Ray’s penthouse overlooked the city lights and below, a sleek infinity pool shimmered like blue water.

She leaned against the railing, sipping slowly. A high stool stool beside her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify