When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 222

Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty–Two: Where Are You?

+25 Bonus

Cassienne was at a loss for words. For a brief moment, her mind went completely blank, as if everything she had carefully held together over the past few days had suddenly come undone. Her mother was not supposed to know anything about Dreston’s condition. That had been the one line they had all agreed never to cross. It was not safe for her health, and it was not something Cassienne had been prepared to explain.

“Cassienne, I asked you a question,” Emily’s voice came again, firm and edged with warning. “And don’t dare lie to me.”

Cassienne swallowed hard. Her lips parted, but no words came out. “Mom, please…” she began, but even she could hear how uncertain she sounded.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the call, and when Emily spoke again, her tone had changed. It was no longer a question. “Never mind. I am taking the next flight to Southvale.”

Cassienne’s heart dropped instantly. “No, mother-”

The line went dead.

Cassienne lowered the phone slowly, staring at the screen as though it might change if she looked at it long enough. “This should not be happening,” she whispered.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the device.

“What have I done?”

The realization came to her in pieces. She had meant to call her mother earlier. She had even dialed the number. But then Daisy and Aurora had walked in, and she had forgotten to end the call.

Her breath caught. “She must have heard everything,” she said under her breath. “I am in trouble… what

have I done?”

“Cassienne.” Aurora’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Calm down,” Aurora said as she stepped closer. ” You are not helping yourself like this.”

Daisy joined her, her expression equally concerned. “Exactly,” she said. “Right now, Dreston needs you. You know that. So you cannot afford to fall apart. Your mother will be fine.”

Cassienne exhaled slowly, forcing herself to sit back down. She placed her phone on the table and reached for the sandwich in front of her. Her movements were slower now, more deliberate, as if she was trying to regain control of herself through routine. She took a bite and chewed quietly.

Aurora sat beside her, watching closely. “Listen to me,” she said gently. “Whatever is going on, we will handle it. But right now, you need to focus on yourself, the baby, and Dreston. Those are the priorities.”

“I agree,” Daisy added. “You worry too much.”

Cassienne nodded faintly, though her thoughts were still unsettled. “I am fine,” she said, her voice low as

1/3

Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty Two Where Are You?

she continued eating.

Neither of them fully believed her, but they chose not to push further.

+25 Bonus

At the Tremont residence, the atmosphere was no less tense. Abigail stood near the center of the room, her expression filled with concern as she looked at her husband. “What do you mean Emily is coming?” she asked.

Joseph had just ended the call, and his face remained serious. “She said she is on her way,” he replied. ” We have to pick her up from the airport.”

Abigail shook her head slowly. “This is not good,” she said. “Cassienne is already dealing with so much. How is she supposed to handle Emily on top of everything else?”

Joseph walked over to the chaise lounge near the floor–to–ceiling window and sat down. He leaned back, his gaze fixed ahead as he considered the situation. “Do not speak as though Emily is fragile,” he said. ” She is stronger than you think.”

Abigail crossed her arms lightly. “I am not saying she is weak,” she replied. “I am worried about Cassienne. That girl is carrying too much already.”

Joseph exhaled slowly. “Then we manage Emily,” he said. “We make sure she does not add to Cassienne’s burden. That is what matters.”

Abigail did not respond immediately. She knew he was right. But she also knew that nothing about this situation was simple.

They fell into silence, each lost in their own thoughts, both aware that things were beginning to spiral beyond their control.

Far away from the waking world, Dreston stood in a place that felt both real and distant. He was in the bathroom. Cassienne stood in front of him, her back turned slightly as he gently washed her hair. Water ran softly, and the air was warm.

Everything felt real. He could feel her. “I need you to trust me,” he heard himself say. “I will never intentionally hurt you again.”

His hands moved carefully through her hair. “I will love you until my last breath,” he continued. “That is

my promise.”

The moment lingered, filled with a quiet intimacy that felt undeniable. Then it changed. The scene shifted, and now they were in a bedroom. Cassienne lay beneath him, her expression soft, her body responding to his touch as he moved over her. The closeness, the connection, everything about it felt real. “You taste like heaven,” he heard himself say.

The words echoed. Then everything changed again. Now they were inside a luxurious van. Laughter

2/3

Chapter Two Hundred And (worry hax Where Are You?

+25 Bonus

filled the space. Their friends were there, both his and hers, and the atmosphere was light. Cassienne turned toward him. “DT,” she called. The sound of that name lingered.

Then the world shifted once more. This time, the air was heavy. He was standing in front of Tina. Her expression was tense, her words sharp as they argued. The conversation escalated quickly, filled with accusations and tension. He could see it clearly now.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify