The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 115

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

“Mars!”

Lydia’s foot slammed against the floor, reverberating through the room as frustration surged within her like a wild inferno.

It was often said that a man’s heart aligns with his wealth, yet Lydia found herself questioning the sincerity of Mars’s affections. The extravagant gifts he showered upon Autumn felt like hollow gestures, mere baubles that did nothing to quell the gnawing insecurity that gripped Lydia. Each time he lavished her sister with opulent presents, it felt as though Lydia was fading into the background, an invisible specter in the very life she yearned to be a part of. How could she trust in the authenticity of his love for her when he seemed utterly captivated by another?

“Lydia, please, just give me a moment to explain,” Mars pleaded, his voice laced with urgency that fell flat against the tempest brewing inside her.

“Today is pivotal for both me and Cloudbreak. Networking like this is crucial. Since you’re stepping into the role of my executive secretary, it’s essential for you to meet these people. Your sister was a genius at this. She navigated our circle with such grace, charming everyone she encountered.”

He gestured toward the animated crowd, his expression earnest and pleading. “Let me introduce you to a few key figures right now, and you—”

“Is Autumn all you can talk about? If she’s so perfect in your eyes, why even bother with me?”

The words erupted from Lydia like molten lava, her anger spilling over uncontrollably. She felt like a porcupine, quills raised defensively, ready to strike at anyone who dared approach. “Autumn bullies me, you deceive me, and now you expect me to just roll over and comply with your demands? Do you both think I’m some kind of easy target?”

Mars’s brow furrowed, his patience beginning to fray. “What are you implying with that?”

“Can you just stop treating me like I’m some lunatic?”

The air thickened between them, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

Lydia froze, the sting of his insult cutting deeper than she had anticipated.

This was the first time Mars had ever labeled her so harshly. He had always seen her as his confidante, his refuge. He often said that simply being in her presence brought him joy and peace.

How had she suddenly morphed into a lunatic in his eyes?

At that moment, she felt like the most unjustly wronged person on the planet. She hadn’t committed any offense—yet here he was, branding her as unstable?

“Fine! Just remember, you’ll regret this!”

With those words, Lydia pivoted on her heel, her heart pounding as she stormed away, emotions swirling within her like a violent tempest.

Mars’s expression fell, concern etched deeply across his features.

He understood Lydia better than anyone; she was impulsive, and when her anger flared, she acted recklessly, throwing caution to the wind.

At an event like this, he could not allow her to become the butt of jokes.

“Lydia! Don’t be rash!”

He hurried after her, but as he watched her determination to ignore him, he seized her arm, pulling her into a nearby bathroom stall with a firm yet gentle urgency.

Lydia fought against him, her frustration palpable, and Mars softened his tone, trying to ease the immediate crisis. “It sounds like something’s happening out there. Did someone get hurt?”

Voices from outside drifted in, and as Lydia continued to resist, Mars leaned in and kissed her.

Fueled by a mix of anger and desperation, the kiss was fierce and passionate.

At first, Lydia struggled against him, but gradually, her resistance began to wane. Eventually, her hands found their way to his shoulders, and she pressed her body against his, surrendering to the moment.

The thrill of their clandestine rendezvous ignited Mars’s senses, and for a fleeting moment, he lost himself in the chaos that had unfolded outside. He wrapped his arm around Lydia’s waist, drawing her closer, their breaths mingling in the confined space.

Just then, someone entered the restroom, and the suggestive sounds emanating from the stall prompted a knowing glance between the newcomers.

Mars noticed their departure and felt emboldened. If Lydia was determined to create a scene, he thought mischievously, he would simply overwhelm her with passion until she had no strength left to argue.

It was a clever plan, one that he felt would resolve multiple issues with one bold stroke.

With this “heroic” mission in mind, Mars was filled with renewed fervor.

Lydia, too, was caught up in the moment, clinging to him as if she wished to merge into his very being.

Meanwhile, back in the banquet hall, Autumn had finished her meal and was beginning to wonder about the sudden absence of Mars and Lydia when a shadow loomed over her.

Startled, she instinctively shifted to the side, only to have her heel catch on the hem of her gown, sending her tumbling sideways.

“Ah—!”

Panic surged through her as she flailed, one hand instinctively flying to her stomach, her eyes wide with fear.

“Careful.”

A deep voice resonated as a strong hand wrapped around her waist, steadying her with a swift motion.

Once she regained her balance, Autumn looked up at her rescuer, still a bit shaken. “Thank you.”

Owen observed her, noting the surprise that flickered across her features. “You knew it was me?”

A small smile crept onto Autumn’s lips. “Your watch gave you away.”

Owen glanced down at his wrist, where a limited-edition Vacheron Constantin gleamed—one of only three in existence. It had been a cherished birthday gift from his father, engraved with his initials.

He returned her smile, warmth radiating from him. “I’ll make sure to announce my presence next time.”

Autumn hesitated, then realized he was referring to startling her. A blush crept across her cheeks. “It was really my fault. You had nothing to do with it.”

Owen nodded, choosing not to delve further into the matter.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify