When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 152

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Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Two: There Was No Safety Net.

Corren looked calm in his opulent office. His eyes were glued to his computer screen.

He was reviewing a proposal when his assistant informed him that Cassienne was there.

For a split second, he froze. Then he stood immediately.

“Send her in.”

He didn’t realize he had already straightened his jacket until he caught his reflection in the glass wall.

When the door opened and Cassienne stepped inside, the room felt smaller.

She looked calm.

“Cass,” he breathed, already crossing the space between them.

He pulled her into a hug without hesitation.

His arms wrapped around her waist firmly, and possessively, like someone reclaiming something he feared he was losing.

She stiffened for just a fraction of a second. Then she relaxed politely.

He buried his face briefly in her hair.

“I missed you,” he murmured. 1

“I’ve been busy,” she replied softly.

He pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on her waist. His eyes searched her face, studying her

reaction.

Something felt different. He could feel it. But he leaned in anyway, intending to kiss her. Cassienne

turned her head gently, and his lips brushed her cheek instead.

Corren felt her resistance. He stepped back slowly.

“Okay,” he said quietly.

She hated that tone. But she knew it was her fault.

They moved toward the seating area by the window. He poured water for her, more out of habit than necessity.

“How are you?” he asked.

“Good,” she answered.

“And the offers?”

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Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Two Their With No Safety Nin

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Cassienne exhaled lightly. Grateful for business.

“They won’t stop. E–sport organizations. Tech sponsors. Entertainment companies. I shortlisted a few. I’m looking for something flexible.”

“Meaning?”

“I don’t want to be tied to any one team. I want freedom. Appear. Play, and leave.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Smart.”

“And you?” she asked.

“Same chaos. Different battlefield.”

A faint smile touched her lips. For a moment, it almost felt normal.

Corren leaned back in his chair, studying her again.

“You look different,” he said.

“How?”

“Settled.”

That word lingered. Cassienne’s fingers tightened slightly around her glass. He didn’t miss it.

But then, he continued. “Did you sleep with him?” 1

There it was. There was no anger in his voice. And he wasn’t accusing either. Just clarity.

Cassienne didn’t answer. And she didn’t look away either. Her silence was enough.

Corren inhaled slowly.

Then nodded.

“I figured.”

The air felt thinner.

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you,” she began.

“I know.”

He stood and walked toward the window, his hands slipping into his pockets.

“I always knew,” he continued quietly, his back facing her. “I was never competing with another man.”

He turned slightly, enough for her to see the faint sadness in his eyes.

“I was competing with your history.”

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Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–dwan. There Was Mosafely, Met

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That hit harder than anger would have.

“I cared about you,” she said.

“I know.”

“I still do.”

He gave a small smile.

“I don’t want to be the safe option, Cassienne.”

She swallowed.

“I don’t want to wake up one day and realize I was just the man you ran to while you figured him out.”

She stood now.

“I never used you.”

“I know that too.”

He walked back toward her, stopping at a respectful distance.

“But I deserve someone whose heart isn’t split.”

Her throat tightened.

“I tried,” he admitted softly. “God, I tried. I thought if I loved you steadily enough, you’d choose me

without hesitation.” 1

There was no bitterness in his voice. Only the truth.

“But every time he walks into the room… you light up.”

Her eyes stung. But he smiled faintly.

“I’m not angry. I’m just done fighting a ghost.”

The words settled between them. And it was final. Cassienne blinked back tears.

“I didn’t come here to hurt you.”

“I know.”

He stepped forward and this time, when he hugged her, it was different. Just a friendly hug. Very

innocent.

Some actions speak better than words would.

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