When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 253

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Chapter Two Hundred And Fifty–Three: This Is Not A Game.

Cassienne lay on her side of the bed, staring at nothing in particular. The soft glow from the bedside lamp stretched across the walls, leaving shadows that shifted with every small movement. The night was calm, almost peaceful, yet her mind would not settle from too many thoughts and questions.

Ever since she found out that Tina was after her parents, something inside her had changed. It was not fear, not panic, but anger.

It wasn’t just Tina, but at Dreston too. He had known, and he chose to keep it from her. He had decided, on his own, that she needed protection. That she could not handle the truth.

Cassienne closed her eyes briefly. She wasn’t fragile, she had never been. If anything, it was the silence that made things worse.

Suddenly the door opened. The soft click pulled her out of her thoughts.

Dreston stepped in, fresh from the shower. His hair was still slightly damp, his sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his forearms. He wore a simple pair of lounge pants and a white shirt, casual, relaxed.

“I thought you were sleeping,” he said as he walked toward the bed.

Cassienne did not respond. She remained still, her gaze fixed away from him. Dreston paused for a second. He understood her anger. He moved closer and climbed into the bed beside her. The mattress shifted slightly under his weight. Without hesitation, he reached for her hand and placed it in his.

His grip was warm, and familiar. His grey eyes searched for hers, but Cassienne turned her face away.

“I am sorry,” he said quietly.

She said nothing.

“I was only trying to protect you… and the baby.” His voice remained calm, but there was something firm beneath it. “And I am not going to stop, Cass. Even if it hurts you. Even if you hate me for it. I will still protect you both.”

Cassienne’s fingers tensed slightly in his hand.

“I need you to trust me,” he continued. “Whatever happens, don’t let it break you. Everything I do… I do it for you.”

Silence followed his promise. Then Cassienne slowly pulled her hand back and sat up. She adjusted her posture, turning to face him fully this time. Her expression was calm. “Was it because of Tina… that you rushed the marriage?”

The question landed quietly, but it carried weight. Dreston did not answer immediately. He hesitated. For a moment, his gaze dropped, as if weighing how much to say.nThen he looked back at her. “Yes.”

Cassienne did not react. She only watched him carefully. His eyes did not shift. There was no hesitation now. No attempt to hide.

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Hundred And Fifty Three. This is Not A Conne.

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The truth was there. It had always been there. “Tina is targeting the company,” Dreston said. “And she is targeting you.”

Cassienne remained silent.

“She wants to reopen a closed case in Auralink,” he continued. “The one that involved your parents.”

Cassienne’s eyes did not move.

“I did not even know about it until my father confirmed it,” he added. “He said your parents were innocent. That everything was cleared. But Tina…” His jaw tightened slightly. “She wants to bring it all back.”

Cassienne leaned back slightly, resting her weight against the headboard.

“And if she succeeds?” she asked.

Dreston met her gaze. “It will damage the company,” he said. “Severely. It will drag your parents into public scrutiny again.” He paused.

Cassienne watched him. “Go on,” she said.

Dreston exhaled slowly. “It might force your mother to answer questions about the past. Everything will be exposed again. And…” He hesitated again, then continued, “Your identity as NULLWRAITH will be questioned. Your credibility. Your position. Everything.”

The room fell silent. Cassienne absorbed his words without interruption.

Dreston shifted closer to her. “I will not allow that to happen,” he said firmly. “I love you. I will fight for you, for us, for our child–No matter what it takes, I will fix this.”

Cassienne looked at him for a long moment, then she smiled.

Dreston froze. That was not the reaction he expected. A smile?

“Tell me,” Cassienne said calmly, “what does Tina want?”

Dreston frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“She is not doing all this for nothing,” Cassienne replied. “People like her always want something in

return.”

Dreston hesitated. Then answered. “She wants me to announce her as my fiancée. Publicly. And bring

her back into Auralink.”

Cassienne’s smile deepened slightly. “And in return?”

“She stays quiet.”

Cassienne let out a soft breath. Dreston studied her face.“You’re taking this too calmly,” he said. “This is not something to-”

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Chapter Two Hundred And Fifty–three: This is Not A Game.

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“How many people know about our marriage?” she asked, cutting him off.

Dreston blinked. “My parents. A few close friends. No one else.”

Cassienne nodded. “Then do as she says.”

Dreston stared at her. “What?”

“Announce her,” Cassienne repeated.

“Have you lost your mind?” he asked, disbelief clear in his voice.

Cassienne leaned slightly forward. “Dreston,” she said softly, “you of all people should know that I am a gamer.”

He frowned, confused.

“I read games,” she continued. “Patterns. Moves. Intentions. If Tina wants to play a game…” Her eyes sharpened slightly. “Then we should play it with her.”

Dreston did not speak. He was trying to understand. Cassienne continued. “First question. Is there any

evidence that proves everyone’s innocence? Including the company?”

Dreston’s expression darkened slightly. “There was,” he said. “But we do not have access to it anymore.”

Cassienne watched him. “And getting it back?”

“It is risky,” he replied. “And I do not want you involved in that.”

Cassienne held his gaze for a moment longer. Then nodded. “Very well,” she said. “I will not ask.”

Dreston frowned slightly.

“But from now on,” she added calmly, “you do not hide anything from me again.”

Her tone was not loud. But it was firm.

Dreston said nothing.

“I will play along,” she continued. “I will give Tina exactly what she wants. That will buy you time.”

Dreston shook his head slightly. “Cass-”

“I am not finished,” she said.

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