When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 372

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains of Cassienne's observation room. She barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the same image of her husband. Especially his promise before leaving home.

"I'll come back."

The memory alone was enough to bring fresh tears to her eyes.

A gentle knock came from the door before a female doctor entered with two nurses.

"Good morning, Mrs. Tremont."

Cassienne forced a faint nod.

The doctor smiled kindly as she reviewed the chart. "How are you feeling this morning?"

Cassienne didn't answer immediately.

Instead, her hand instinctively rested on her stomach. "The baby?"

The doctor looked up and smiled reassuringly. "The baby's heartbeat is strong."

A quiet breath escaped Cassienne.

"But," the doctor continued gently, "your body has been through severe emotional stress. Your blood pressure is improving, but you still need complete rest."

She closed the file and looked directly at Cassienne. "We're still going to keep you under observation. No unnecessary stress, no excitement, and absolutely no emotional shocks."

Mrs. Rawlings nodded in agreement.

Abigail did too.

Jessica remained quietly beside the window.

The doctor continued. "You are very close to your due date now, your body needs every bit of strength it can get."

Cassienne listened quietly.

Then she asked the only question that mattered. "When can I see my husband?"

The room became silent.

The doctor hesitated. "I'm afraid that isn't advisable right now."

Cassienne looked at her.

"He is still in intensive care. We're trying to keep the environment around him as stable as possible."

Abigail gently placed a hand over Cassienne's. "Sweetheart..."

Cassienne slowly shook her head. "No."

The doctor frowned slightly. "Cassienne, I understand how you feel."

"No."

This time her voice was firmer. "I want to see him."

Jessica walked closer. "Cass, the doctors are only thinking about you."

Cassienne looked at her cousin. "And I'm thinking about my husband."

Nobody spoke.

The doctor tried again. "Mrs. Tremont, you also have to think about your baby."

Cassienne nodded. "I do." She gently rubbed her stomach. "I already love this baby more than my own life." Her voice softened. "But Dreston..." Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "...Dreston is my life."

A tiny smile appeared on Cassienne's face. "I learned from my husband."

That answer finally drew a small laugh from everyone.

It was the first genuine laugh the room had heard since Dreston was admitted.

Outside the intensive care unit, Ray Simpson stepped away from the consultation room after another discussion with Dreston's surgical team.

His expression remained serious.

The surgery had been successful.

But survival was no longer in the surgeons' hands alone.

Now Dreston's own body had to fight.

Ray took out his phone and dialed Joseph. The call connected after only two rings.

"Ray."

Joseph's voice came through immediately.

Ray didn't waste time. "Mr. Tremont, you need to return to Southvale, immediately."

Silence followed.

Then came the question Ray knew he would ask. "How is my son?"

Ray looked through the glass panel toward the intensive care unit. He couldn't lie even if he wanted to. After all, this has to do with life and death. And Dreston is fighting to stay alive at the moment.

"He's still critical." His voice remained calm. "But he's fighting."