When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 400

For a moment, Cassienne simply watched them all.

Joseph and Abigail were speaking with Emily while Lilly moved between them, demanding attention from everyone.

Jessica sat close to Kael.

Nora was smiling at something Seth had sent to her phone. While Daisy and Ray were still arguing about something.

Aurora leaned against Corren while their son played nearby.

Garry held Ariana’s hand with one arm while carrying their daughter with the other.

Merrick remained surrounded by people trying to uncover his secret relationship.

Even Lucien and Viviana had sent a message earlier that day, wishing Lilly a happy birthday from another city, where they had started rebuilding their lives away from Alessandro’s name and everything he had done.

The Ethan Rhodes Innovation Foundation had also grown beyond what Joseph expected.

It supported young inventors, researchers, and developers who wanted to protect their work without losing their principles, and Emily had attended the first anniversary event with Cassienne, where Ethan’s name was finally spoken with respect instead of suspicion.

Cassienne looked around her, she saw everyone of her loved ones, no one was missing. And she was filled with pride.

Dreston moved closer and placed one hand against her lower back. “You are quiet.”

“I am looking at everyone.”

He followed her gaze. “They are too loud.”

Cassienne smiled. “Yet you love it.”

“I tolerate it.”

“Hmm.”

Dreston looked toward Lilly, who was now trying to feed Joseph a piece of cake with her fingers.

A smile appeared on his face. “Maybe.”

Cassienne leaned against him. “We made it.”

He looked at her. “Yes.”

The simple answer carried everything they had survived.

The fear that almost took away the future they now lived inside.

Dreston touched her hand. “We did.”

…….

Later that evening, after the guests had left and Lilly had finally fallen asleep, the mansion became quiet again.

Cassienne stood beside the child’s bed and pulled the blanket higher over her small body.

Lilly was still holding one of the ribbons from the party.

Cassienne smiled before carefully removing it from her fingers and placing it on the bedside table.

Dreston stood behind her, watching.

“She had a good day.”

“She had too much cake.”

“Well, your mother gave it to her.”

“Your father also gave her some.” Cassienne turned toward him. “You are worse.”

Dreston smiled. “I gave her very little.”

“You gave her another piece after I said no.”

Cassienne shook her head and walked past him. Dreston followed her into their bedroom and closed the door.

Cassienne removed her earrings and placed them on the table before sitting in front of the mirror.

For a few seconds, Dreston simply watched her.

Years had passed, but there were moments when he still looked at her as if he could not believe she had stayed.

Cassienne noticed his reflection in the mirror. “Why are you staring?”

“I am thinking.”

“Thinking is dangerous.”

Dreston walked closer. Cassienne looked at him through the mirror. “What are you thinking about?”

“Lilly needs a sibling.”

Cassienne slowly turned around. “What?”

Dreston smiled. “You answered too quickly.”

“I already know where this conversation is going.”

“She needs someone to play with.” Dreston pressed on.

“She has Corren and Aurora’s son.” Cassienne countered.

“He does not live here.” Dreston didn't back down as well.

Cassienne looked up at him. “One troublesome Tremont child is enough.”

“Lilly is not troublesome.”

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