When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 73

Chapter Seventy–Three: You Still Love Him.

“And why would anyone reject you?” Garry asked, lifting his glass from the table.

“Yes, Dreston,” Daisy chimed in playfully. “What makes you think you’d ever be rejected?”

Dreston let out a soft chuckle. “Just kidding,” he said with a smile tugging at his lips. He extended his hand, greeting the women one after the other, starting with Aurora.

“Hi, Destin,” Aurora grinned, deliberately mispronouncing his name just to tease him.

“Hello,” Dreston replied, amused by her tone. He moved on to Daisy, who greeted him warmly, then finally to Cassienne.

“Hey,” he said, his tone gentler this time.

Cassienne smiled politely at him, the way she always did. “Hello, Dreston. You’re welcome to join us,” she replied, keeping her voice as steady as possible.

“Thanks for the invite,” he said, releasing her hand before turning to Garry.

Garry rose from his seat and pulled Dreston into a brief, brotherly hug. They exchanged a few words and laughter, showing how familiar they were with each other. When Garry gestured toward the empty chair beside Cassienne, Dreston took it without hesitation. The move was very much intentional.

Earlier, Cassienne had been seated beside Daisy. But the moment Dreston arrived and finished greeting everyone, Daisy smoothly vacated her spot, sliding away as if it were the most natural thing to do, making room so Dreston could sit closer to Cassienne. Cassienne noticed of course, but she didn’t question it.

Tonight, she had decided, Dreston was simply her boss and her friend. Not her ex like most people knew.

It was a conscious choice, a necessary one. This night was meant for relaxation, for laughter, for pretending that complicated feelings didn’t exist any more. 1

Conversation flowed easily after that. More laughter spread through the table as Daisy launched into a story from their past, exaggerating certain parts until everyone was laughing again.

Soon, it became a group discussion, with Garry and Dreston drifting into a more personal exchange while Daisy enthusiastically kept them entertained.

After a while, Cassienne rose from her seat, a flute of champagne in hand. She walked toward the railing and leaned forward slightly, looking down into the club below.

Music thumped through the space as people moved, snickered, and danced beneath the glow of the building’s soft lights.

Aurora soon joined her. “Are you okay?” She asked, keeping her voice soft.

Cassienne smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” she replied. “I’m just chilling, trying to enjoy the moment.”

Aurora took a slow sip of her drink and narrowed her eyes. “Hmm.”

Cassienne turned toward her, leaning back against the railing. “What was that?” she asked with a light smile.

“It seemed more like you’re avoiding someone,” Aurora said casually, then shrugged and turned her attention back to the crowd below.

Cassienne didn’t respond. She couldn’t, because Aurora was right.

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When no reply came, Aurora continued, her tone softer now. “You know what?” she said. “You still love him.”

Cassienne remained quiet for a moment, drifting her gaze back toward the table. She watched Daisy animatedly speaking to Garry and Dreston, her hands moving as she talked.

Whatever she was saying had them howl again. Cassienne couldn’t hear the words, but she knew Daisy well enough to know she was putting on a show.

Finally, turning back to Aurora, she sighed. “It doesn’t matter what I felt… or what I’m still feeling,” her shoulders sagged as if the weight of the truth had finally settled on her. “He’s getting married to Tina soon. I should be happy for them.”

Aurora studied Cassienne closely and saw the sadness lingering in her eyes. She chose not to push further. Instead, she shifted the conversation. “So… about Garry,” Aurora said lightly. “What was he like?”

Cassienne knew where the conversation was going with a question like that. “You like him, don’t you?”

Aurora didn’t hesitate. “Maybe,” she admitted. “And I’m not in a relationship. If you think he’s a good guy, why not? I could give him a chance.”

“So he already asked you out?” Cassienne asked and Aurora nodded, confirming that.

Cassienne turned her gaze back to the dance floor below them, watching the shifting lights and moving bodies.” To be honest, I don’t really know Garry anymore,” she started. “After high school, I stopped paying attention to all of them. But from what I can tell… I think he’s a nice guy.”

“Hm,” Aurora replied, thoughtful but pleased with the response.

“Can you hold this for me?” Cassienne asked, lifting her champagne flute. “I need to use the restroom.”

Aurora smiled and took the glass from her. Cassienne gave her a quick nod before turning away and heading down the hallway toward the restrooms.

Across the room, Dreston’s eyes followed Cassienne as she walked away. He kept his face very neutral as he studied her movement.

Cassienne had almost reached the restroom when an uneasy sensation crawled up her spine.

She felt something, there was no denying it. It seemed like the unmistakable awareness of being followed.

Before she could turn around, a sharp force slammed into her head, driving it hard against the wall. Pain swam through her skull, making her scream from what just happened.

The sound cut through the music, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. Before she could recover from the shock, another blow landed, this time it was a brutal kick to her ribs.

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