When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 353

The smell of freshly prepared breakfast drifted through the house long before Cassienne opened her eyes.

For a few moments, she remained curled against Dreston, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

The previous night had been peaceful.

For the first time in what felt like forever, neither of them had been forced to think about enemies, conspiracies, or investigations.

They had simply been husband and wife. And Cassienne had missed that more than she realized.

A gentle knock sounded on the door.

Then one of the maids spoke from outside. "Miss Emily asked me to inform you that breakfast is ready."

Cassienne smiled.

Only her mother would prepare breakfast personally when she had an entire household staff available.

Beside her, Dreston groaned.

Cassienne laughed. "Get up."

He buried his face deeper into the pillow. "I need to be with you some more."

"Dreston."

"No."

Cassienne rolled her eyes.

"You are acting like a child."

His voice emerged from the pillow. "Tell your mother to stop cooking."

Cassienne laughed harder. "You like her cooking."

"I do."

"Then what's the problem?"

Dreston finally looked up.

"Because she feeds me like she's preparing me for hibernation."

Cassienne burst into laughter.

A few minutes later, they finally left the room.

The moment they stepped downstairs, they found Emily directing the kitchen like a military commander.

Several maids moved around her.

One carried fruit.

Another arranged dishes.

A third one, who just resumed this morning, was bringing fresh bread from the oven.

Meanwhile, Emily stood proudly in the middle of everything.

The moment she spotted them, her face brightened. "There you are."

Cassienne walked over and hugged her. "You should be resting."

Emily immediately dismissed the idea. "I rested yesterday."

"Mom."

"I am serious."

Cassienne shook her head.

Dreston wisely decided not to get involved. And that earned him a suspicious look from Cassienne.

Traitor.

A few minutes later, everyone settled around the dining table.

The breakfast spread looked impressive. Fresh fruits, eggs, toast, pancakes, and fresh juice.

And several dishes Dreston couldn't even identify.

Emily immediately began serving Cassienne.

Then serving her again.

Then again.

"Mom."

"You're eating for two."

Cassienne sighed. "I'm pregnant, not starving."

Emily ignored her completely.

Dreston wisely focused on his own plate.

Emily noticed immediately. "Dreston."

His fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "Yes?"

"You look thinner."

Cassienne almost choked on her juice.

Dreston stared at Emily. Then at his plate. Then back at Emily. "I don't think anyone has ever accused me of being thin."

Emily waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense." Then she added another serving to his plate. "Eat."

Cassienne laughed so hard she nearly cried.

The meal continued peacefully.

For a little while, the problems outside the house didn't exist.

They simply enjoyed being together.

Then Emily suddenly asked, "So."

Cassienne immediately became suspicious.

Whenever her mother started a sentence like that, trouble usually followed.

Emily smiled. "Do you know the baby's gender yet?"

The poor man immediately straightened.

"Yes?"

Emily nodded approvingly. "Don't neglect your responsibilities."

That was it. Dreston completely lost control. His laughter echoed through the room.

Cassienne covered her face. She couldn't believe this was happening.

Meanwhile Emily looked perfectly satisfied. A few moments later, even Cassienne started laughing.

Because honestly?

There was no point fighting anymore. Eventually the conversation moved on, but the laughter remained, the warmth remained.

And for a little while, everything felt normal again.

Then Dreston's phone rang. The sound immediately drew everyone's attention.

Dreston glanced at the screen, and saw that it was Steve. His smile faded slightly. Not completely. Just enough for Cassienne to notice.

He excused himself from the table. "I'll be right back."

Then he walked toward the nearby living room. The moment he answered, Steve spoke. "Sir."

Something in Steve's voice immediately made Dreston alert.

"What happened?"

"We found Garry's personal assistant."

Dreston straightened.

The smile vanished completely now. "Where?"

A brief silence followed. Then Steve answered. "We found him."

Dreston's expression darkened. "But?"

Steve exhaled. "But someone got to him before we did."

The room suddenly felt much colder.

Dreston's jaw tightened. "What condition is he in?"

"Alive." Another pause followed. "Barely."

Dreston's eyes narrowed. The message was clear. Someone was cleaning up loose ends, and they were moving faster than expected.

Steve continued. "The investigators are waiting."

Dreston looked toward the dining room where Cassienne and Emily were still laughing together.

For a brief moment, he wished he could remain there.

Just a little longer. But reality had returned. And reality wasn't finished with them yet. "I'll be on my way."

The call ended, and slowly, Dreston lowered the phone. Then he turned back toward the dining room, toward his wife, his mother-in-law and toward the peace they had managed to enjoy for a few short hours.

And he knew that his resting time was over, because the hunt had just begun.