The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 114

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace – by Rohan Verma**

**Chapter 114**

A flicker of guilt danced across Mars Wright’s face, a fleeting shadow that hinted at the tempest swirling within him. He had pledged his loyalty to Lydia, promising her a life filled with gifts and affection, yet here he was, having squandered his resources on Autumn instead. The weight of his betrayal gnawed at him relentlessly, sending an icy chill spiraling down his spine. He could already envision the storm that would erupt from Lydia, her fury as fierce and unyielding as a hurricane poised to unleash its wrath.

Just the mere thought of it made him wince internally, his heart racing at the impending confrontation.

His gaze drifted toward Autumn, silently pleading for her to intervene, to say something that might ease the tension crackling in the air. Maybe, just maybe, if she truly understood the gravity of the situation, she would extend a gesture of goodwill toward Lydia, a small token that could pacify the brewing storm.

But Autumn, with her keen insight, grasped the weight of his look all too well. Yet, why should she bend to his wishes? In the past, Mars had expertly navigated the tricky waters of his dual life, playing the devoted husband while keeping Autumn blissfully unaware of his clandestine dealings. Now that Autumn had uncovered the truth, did he genuinely expect her to step back? To allow the cheater and his mistress to frolic in their newfound happiness? Not in a million years!

Instead of offering a conciliatory gesture to Lydia, Autumn wore a smile that felt like a dagger, sharp and piercing. “What’s the matter, Lydia? Are you upset that your brother-in-law has been generous to me?” she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery.

“Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were the one wielding his credit card,” Lydia shot back, her voice laced with venom, each word a bitter pill to swallow.

Lydia’s expression froze in disbelief, a myriad of emotions flickering across her face. She was acutely aware that to avoid raising Autumn’s suspicions, she should be attempting to smooth over the situation. But the bitterness churning inside her was a heavy burden, far too much to bear! Today was meant to be her moment of triumph, her day to bask in the limelight. Why was Autumn the one basking in glory now? What on earth was wrong with Mars? Why had every promise he made to her ended up in Autumn’s grasp?

“Are you mocking me, Autumn? What have I ever done to you? Every word you utter feels like a stab in my back,” Lydia exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.

“If you have a problem with me, just say it outright. Why do you have to humiliate me like this?” Autumn countered, her defiance unwavering.

“You’ve already slapped me at the door—wasn’t that enough? Now you have to rub your victory in my face?” Lydia retorted, her frustration boiling over.

“I never realized you were such a petty person,” Autumn shot back, her tone sharp as a knife.

The exchange intensified, Lydia unleashing her frustrations in a torrent, her voice rising with each word, the tension palpable. To any bystander, it appeared as though Autumn was wielding her authority as the elder sister to bully the younger one mercilessly. Mars’s heart ached for Lydia, and he instinctively moved closer, softening his tone in an attempt to mediate. “Lydia, your sister didn’t mean it like that. Please, don’t get worked up—”

“I meant every word,” Autumn interjected, raising her chin defiantly, her eyes narrowing as she fixed her gaze on Mars, a storm brewing in her heart. “You both spoil her endlessly. That’s why she feels entitled to speak so freely.”

“Lydia, as your sister, I must tell you: don’t ever pull a stunt like this again. Next time, I won’t be so forgiving,” Autumn warned, her voice firm.

Lydia’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief washing over her. How dare Autumn threaten her with consequences? Hadn’t she been acting like a lunatic lately, slapping her at will? And that was leniency? What more did she expect from her?!

“What gives you the right, Autumn?” Lydia exclaimed, overwhelmed by fury as she abandoned all restraint, lunging toward Autumn, her mind set on revenge, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

Mars, sensing the impending chaos, quickly seized her arm, desperation flooding his system. “Lydia, don’t do something you’ll regret!” he implored, his grip igniting a spark of rage within her.

“You’re taking her side? Did you not hear what she just said?” Lydia spat, her anger palpable.

Autumn stood there, arms crossed, her pregnant belly a prominent reminder of her status, adding fuel to the fire. “He’s my husband. Who else would he side with, you? Lydia, it’s time for you to mature. You can’t keep acting like a spoiled child. Once you’re out of the Lopez family, do you think anyone in the real world will tolerate your antics?”

“You dream of being the executive secretary at Cloudbreak Corporation while behaving like this? You’d better go home and practice for a few more years,” Autumn continued, her voice steady.

Mars caught the jealousy lacing her tone, and a conflicted expression flickered across his face, torn between loyalty and the truth. “Lydia, I know you have your reservations about your sister, but it’s evident to everyone how capable she is.”

Lydia nearly ground her back teeth to powder, frustration boiling over. So, Autumn’s talents were obvious, but hers were invisible? Who did he think he was looking down on?!

“But you promised you’d buy me things! I don’t care; I want what she has!” Lydia insisted, her voice rising.

Mars felt a headache brewing, a thunderous pressure building behind his eyes, the weight of their conflict pressing down on him. “Stop making a scene. This party is a golden opportunity to network. I’m going back now.”

Are you kidding me? Where was Mars supposed to conjure up more funds at this moment? Were these two sisters truly intent on draining him dry, leaving him gasping for air in the chaos of their rivalry?

**Conclusion**

In the tumultuous aftermath of the auction, Mars found himself standing at the crossroads of his life, torn between his fierce loyalty to his wife and the suffocating expectations of his sister-in-law. The sharp exchanges between Autumn and Lydia had exposed the fragile bonds that tethered them, revealing a web of jealousy, resentment, and unfulfilled promises. As Lydia’s simmering anger ebbed into reluctant acceptance, Mars realized that the peace he desperately sought was not merely about placating the women in his life; it was about confronting the truth of his own choices. He understood that he could no longer navigate the storm by playing the peacemaker, for the very act of trying to mediate had only deepened the rift between them. Instead, he needed to embrace the chaos and acknowledge the consequences of his actions, for only then could he hope to find a semblance of harmony.

Meanwhile, Autumn, emboldened by her newfound confidence and the recognition of her worth, stood resolute against the tide of Lydia’s bitterness. Her sharp words, once a rarity, had transformed into a shield, a declaration that she would no longer be a passive participant in a game dictated by others. As she walked away, the weight of her pregnancy a constant reminder of the life she was nurturing, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the turmoil. The confrontation had revealed the depths of their relationships, pushing her to redefine her role not just as a sister, but as an individual deserving of respect and autonomy. In this moment of clarity, Autumn realized that finding peace would require not only the courage to stand her ground but also the willingness to forge a new path, one where she could chase the light of her aspirations without the shadows of doubt or resentment holding her back.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can expect the tension between Mars, Autumn, and Lydia to reach a boiling point. With Lydia’s jealousy simmering just beneath the surface and Mars caught in the crossfire, the stakes are higher than ever. As the thank-you reception approaches, the complex web of relationships will unravel further, revealing secrets and motivations that could change everything. Will Mars be able to maintain the fragile peace he has created, or will Lydia’s fury lead to a confrontation that could shatter their family dynamic?

Moreover, Autumn’s newfound confidence and assertiveness may provoke unexpected reactions from both Mars and Lydia. As the dinner party unfolds, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation, and the characters will be forced to confront their insecurities and desires. Expect unexpected alliances to form and shocking revelations to surface, as each character grapples with their own motivations. Will Autumn seize the opportunity to redefine her place in the family, or will Lydia’s bitterness prove too powerful to overcome? Prepare for a chapter filled with emotional confrontations and pivotal moments that could change the course of their lives forever.