When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 153

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Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Three: He Falls Hard When He Wants Something.

Finally, Cassienne has agreed to meet up with Tina. She specifically chose the location herself.

She chose a quiet rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. A place she likes a lot.

She was first to arrive. It was a windy evening. The skyline glowing amber as the sun dipped lower. Cassienne sat straight–backed, composed, fingers lightly wrapped around a glass of sparkling water.

When Tina arrived, she looked polished as always. Cream blazer. Soft makeup. And a controlled smile.

“Cass,” Tina greeted warmly, as if they had never been enemies.

“Tina.”

They hugged briefly and they sat down. 1

For the first few minutes, the conversation stayed strictly professional.

Tina discussed a proposal and a restructuring idea for Auralink’s partnership pipeline. She spoke clearly, and confidently. Cassienne listened, asked questions, and corrected a few projections.

It was efficient and civil. Almost normal. Then Tina’s tone shifted.

“I’m glad we’re at least talking again,” she said softly.

Cassienne didn’t respond, she only listened.

“I know I did things I’m not proud of.”

Cassienne thought that was new. So she watched her carefully.

I

“I was jealous,” Tina admitted. “And insecure. I thought I was fighting for something that was mine.”

“You were fighting,” Cassienne replied evenly. “That part I remember.”

Tina accepted that without protest.

“I won’t pretend to deserve forgiveness. But I don’t want to carry bitterness anymore.”

Cassienne folded her hands calmly.

“Why now?”

Tina smiled faintly. “Because he chose you.”

Cassienne’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“I’m not here to compete anymore. I lost.”

Her words sounded sincere. But Tina was always good with tone.

“I just want peace,” Tina continued. “And maybe… closure.”

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Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Three The Falls Hard When He Wants Something.

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Silence continued to stretch. Then Tina leaned slightly forward.

“Can I ask you something honestly?”

Cassienne nodded.

“Are you sure he didn’t just choose you because the timing shifted?”

Cassienne’s expression didn’t change. She only asked. “What do you mean?”

“You became famous. Powerful, and untouchable.” Tina gave a small shrug. “Men respond to status. It’s instinct.”

“That’s not Dreston.”

Tina smiled softly. “Maybe.”

She didn’t argue. That was the strategy. No push. Just give a suggestion.

“He stayed with me for years while you were married to him,” Tina added gently. “He didn’t suddenly wake up loving you.”

Cassienne’s fingers tightened slightly on the table.

She kept her voice level. “He said he loves me.”

“I believe he thinks he does,” Tina replied calmly.

That sentence was crafted like a blade wrapped in silk. And Cassienne felt it. 2

“He’s intense,” Tina continued. “He falls hard when he wants something. But when he cools down… he becomes distant. You know that better than anyone.”

Cassienne did not react.

But Tina sighed softly.

“I’m not trying to sabotage you, Cass. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you blindsided.”

She reached across the table briefly.

“If he truly changed, then I’m happy for you.”

And she stood up. “Just don’t forget who he was.”

Then she left. No dramatic exit. No smirking and no visible agenda, which made it worse.

Cassienne drove in silence, but he wasn’t shaken. Tina’s words lingered.

“Men respond to status.”

Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Three He Falls Hard When He Wants Something

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“He didn’t suddenly wake up loving you.”

“Don’t forget who he was.” 1

When she arrived at Dreston’s place, the house lights were warm. He was waiting.

The moment she stepped inside, he looked up from the couch, and relief washed across his face.

“You’re here.”

He crossed the room quickly, pulling her into his arms.

This hug was different from Corren’s. Cassienne didn’t fight it. She embraced it.

“I thought you were avoiding me again,” he murmured into her hair.

“I had a meeting.”

“With Tina?”

She stiffened slightly.

“Yes.”

He pulled back, searching her face.

“What did she say?”

“Work. Mostly.”

He studied her longer than usual.

“You’re distant.”

“I’m just tired.”

He didn’t argue. Instead, he cupped her face gently.

“Cass… if you feel pressured, tell me.”

She blinked. “Pressured?”

“Marriage. Us. Moving fast.” His voice softened. “We don’t have to rush anything.”

Her chest tightened.

“I don’t want you to think you owe me something just because I finally came to my senses.”

He smiled faintly, self–aware.

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