When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 72

Chapter Seventy–Two: Don’t Reject Me.

The weekend arrived faster than expected, and the excitement was almost tangible across the company.

For most employees, it meant two days of rest. For others, it was a brief pause before the storm, especially with the tech expo just around the corner.

Every major tech company had been working tirelessly for this moment. The expo was more than a showcase; it was a statement. A chance to show the world what was new, what was next, and who was leading the future. Innovation was the heart of it all.

The event wasn’t just about launching products or claiming the title of the best company in the industry. It was about connection, discovering fresh talent, exchanging ideas, forming alliances.

Deals would be made, investors would be found, partnerships would be born. There would also be a rise of new friendships and opportunities. For many, the expo wasn’t just business; it was renewal.

Every company anticipated it, and every company came prepared. Of course Auralink was no exception.

Cassienne had worked day in and out with her team, pushing them without breaking them, guiding without controlling.

They were ready, fully prepared, and confident. She could feel it in the way they worked, the way they communicated. This was a team she trusted with her all.

This wouldn’t be Cassienne’s first tech expo with Auralink. In fact, it would be her third, but the previous two barely counted.

Back then, she had attended only in name. She had stayed in the shadows, avoiding attention, avoiding conversations because she was busy playing the role of a good, obedient wife. Always standing behind Dreston, trying not to be seen.

And no one noticed her. No one cared. At the time, Tina hadn’t even started working at Auralink yet, but she had always been there, by Dreston’s side. He had proudly shown Tina around, introduced her to everyone, and laughed with her openly.

But Cassienne? She had learned, quietly and painfully, that Tina was the one with access to her husband’s heart. Tina never missed an opportunity to make sure she knew it.

But all of that belonged to the past now. None of it mattered anymore.

Her career mattered. Winning mattered. And since she worked for Auralink now, Auralink’s success was her success. Tina was no longer her concern.

Truthfully, Cassienne no longer saw her as a threat. Maybe once, long ago, she had. But not now, because she had learned something vital, definitely life–changing.

Respect didn’t come from begging to be seen. It came from knowing your worth. From valuing yourself, valuing what you bring to the table. And without even trying, that new mindset was already working in her favor. Cassienne intended to keep it that way.

Lux Haven was alive, buzzing with energy and filled with the people who mattered in Southvale.

The city’s elites, innovators, socialites, and power players had all gathered under one roof. The low hum of conversation blended effortlessly with the flow of music and clinking champagne glasses.

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Cassienne and her friends occupied a secluded corner of the VIP section, their table lit by soft golden lights. Laughter boomed from them in waves, mingling with the rhythm of the bar as if they owned the night.

From her seat, Cassienne’s eyes moved across the crowd and then she spotted Garry.

She rose, not wasting a second, before stepping toward the railing and lifting her hand to wave.

Garry noticed her immediately and smiled, lifting his own hand in response. Satisfied, Cassienne returned to her

seat.

“What was that about?” Daisy asked, leaning closer with interest.

“Sorry,” Cassienne apologized. “I was expecting someone. An old friend.”

“Ohooo,” Aurora teased. “Don’t tell me you’re already reconnecting with someone.”

Cassienne waved her off, taking a quick sip of her drink before placing the glass down. “No, not like that. Just a friend I used to know. He’s also a very good friend of Dreston.”

“Oh.” Aurora nodded, instantly understanding and letting it go. But then her gaze shifted and stayed in place, settling on something.

Someone was walking toward their table. The lights briefly illuminated his face, and recognition struck her immediately.

That face wasn’t unfamiliar. That man had stood in her boutique more than once, flipping through fabrics and giving decent smiles.

Before Aurora could react further, he reached their table and stopped. Only, he wasn’t looking at her. His attention was on Cassienne.

Cassienne stood at once. “Girls, meet my friend, Garry Richardson,” she said warmly. “He’s a close friend of Dreston and he’s in the wine business.”

Then she turned to him. “And Garry, these are my best friends. They’re family to me, the sisters I never had. This is Daisy.” She said, gesturing to Daisy.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Garry said, shaking Daisy’s hand.

Daisy returned the gesture with a bright, approving smile.

“And this is Aurora Stephen,” Cassienne added.

Garry turned to Aurora and paused. Though he shook her hand, he didn’t let go immediately. Aurora smiled, slightly flustered.

“Don’t I know you?” Garry asked, his brows pulling together in curiosity.

“I think you do,” Aurora replied. “You shop at my boutique.”

“Aurora’s Place?” His face lit up. “That was you?”

“Come here,” Garry said suddenly. “Give me a hug.”

Aurora didn’t hesitate. She stepped forward and hugged him, her smile widening.

Daisy and Cassienne exchanged a knowing look before sitting back, amused as they watched the interaction unfold.

Once Garry joined them, the mood shifted. The table filled with laughter, stories, and teasing remarks, the night

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growing warmer and lighter by the second.

“You don’t mean it,” Daisy said between laughs. “He was really like that?”

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