When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 282

Chapter Two Hundred And Eighty–Two: I cannot Stay Away From You Anymore

Dreston leaned back against the sofa and closed his eyes for a brief moment. The exhaustion was clear on his face now. For days, he had forced himself to stay calm and follow a plan he already hated. But tonight had changed something inside him.

Watching Cassienne almost fall because of Tina had shaken him badly. If he had reacted even a second later, she could have been hurt. Their baby could have been hurt. And he could not forgive himself for

that.

When he opened his eyes again, they settled completely on Cassienne Rhodes. “I cannot stay away from you anymore, Cass,” he admitted quietly. “It is torture.”

Cassienne looked at him without interrupting. She could hear the sincerity in his voice. Dreston was not pretending now. He was too exhausted for that.

“I am calling off the engagement,” he continued. “And I am announcing our marriage publicly. Whatever this costs us, we will face it together.” He paused briefly before adding, “I also got new information. Tina is not the real enemy. She is just playing her role. Someone else is behind all this.”

Cassienne frowned immediately. “And you did not think I needed to know that?”

Dreston leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he sighed heavily. “I did not want to drag you deeper into this,” he replied honestly. “Besides, we still do not know who this person is. My father and I are trying to figure it out first.”

Silence followed. Cassienne lowered her eyes for a moment, thinking carefully. Too many things were beginning to connect now. Tina’s confidence. The timing of everything. The strange pressure around their families. None of it felt random anymore.

Slowly, she looked back at him. “Should I talk to my mother?”

Dreston’s brows pulled together slightly.

Cassienne continued before he could reply. “Maybe she is not as fragile as we think she is. If she understands what is happening, maybe she can help us.”

Dreston did not answer immediately. Not because he disagreed. But because the thought had crossed. his mind too. Still, there was Abigail. His mother had made it very clear that Emily should not be dragged into this matter again.

Cassienne noticed his hesitation instantly. “Look,” she said softly, “there has to be a way out of this. I do not want us making emotional decisions because we are frustrated.” She paused briefly before continuing. “If our parents are truly innocent of whatever Tina is blackmailing them for, then maybe there is evidence somewhere proving it.” Her eyes held his steadily. “Do you not think so?”

Dreston stared at her quietly. And once again, he found himself admiring the kind of woman she was. Even now, pregnant, emotionally exhausted, publicly humiliated, and constantly under pressure, Cassienne still thought clearly. That was one of the many reasons he loved her.

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Chapter Two Hundred And Eighty Twe cannot Stry Away From You Anymore

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Finally, he stood up slowly and walked toward her. “Let us stop talking about this for tonight,” he said quietly.

Cassienne looked up at him as he crouched in front of her and gently took her hand into his. “I missed you,” he admitted again, this time softer. “And I want you.”

His eyes said the rest.

Cassienne’s heart tightened slightly. Because she had missed him too. More than she wanted to admit.

She let out a slow breath before finally speaking. “I missed you too.” The confession came quietly, but honestly.

She lowered her gaze briefly before continuing. “I was not angry because of Tina. I was hurt because you made the announcement earlier than we agreed.” She looked back at him. “But I guess you had your

reasons too.”

Dreston rose to his feet and gently pulled her up with him. His hands moved to her face carefully, as though she was something precious he was afraid of breaking. “I will never do anything to hurt you, Cass,” he said softly. “You and the baby are my priority.” His thumb brushed lightly against her cheek.” You mean more to me than you realize.”

Cassienne’s breath caught slightly. “DT,” she whispered softly.

That nickname alone weakened whatever restraint Dreston still had left. He leaned down slowly and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss started gently. Carefully. Like he was reminding himself that she

was real.

Cassienne closed her eyes immediately. Her fingers curled lightly against his shirt as she kissed him back. She had missed this. The warmth, the closeness, and the feeling of being wanted by him.

Dreston deepened the kiss gradually. His hand slid to her waist as he pulled her closer against him. Not aggressively, but possessively. As though he needed to feel that she was still his.

Cassienne could feel the tension he had been carrying for days in the way he kissed her now. The frustration. The fear. The longing he kept hiding every time they stayed apart. And honestly, she felt the

same way too.

When Dreston finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavier than before. Their foreheads rested lightly together for a moment.

Then Dreston smiled faintly. “I know you are hungry,” he said softly.

Cassienne laughed quietly. The sound surprised even her. Because it felt natural again.

Dreston took her hand and began leading her toward the kitchen. “Come,” he said. “Let us eat something. before I remind you properly how much I missed you.”

Cassienne shook her head, laughing softly again. “You are impossible.”

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