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.

This was no trivial matter. The guests at this auction were all influential figures; any injury to one of them could lead to catastrophic repercussions.

Moreover, if a fire truly broke out, it would pose a significant threat to everyone’s safety.

An undercurrent of anxiety surged through the crowd as they turned toward the source of the commotion, fear gripping them as they worried it would spread to the main hall.

“It’s a real fire! Someone go check it out!”

Fortunately, the hotel staff was well-trained in emergency protocols. As they rushed in with fire extinguishers, the other guests, seeing no immediate danger, followed out of sheer curiosity.

With Owen by her side, Autumn joined the throng, her heart racing with anticipation.

Moments later, a harsh curse erupted from the smoky bathroom.

“What the hell! Who’s spraying a fire extinguisher?!”

All eyes turned, stunned, as a man—completely naked and wildly swinging the extinguisher—stumbled out, creating a scene that would be talked about for ages.

—

In the chaotic aftermath of the evening, Lydia found herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The kiss shared with Mars, ignited by frustration and desperation, had momentarily dulled her anger, but as she stepped back into the reality of their situation, the sting of his words lingered like a bitter aftertaste. She had fought so hard to assert her worth, yet the confusion of love and betrayal left her feeling more vulnerable than ever. In that moment, she realized that her journey was not just about seeking Mars’s affection or recognition; it was about reclaiming her own identity amidst the shadows of his expectations and the looming presence of Autumn. The fire that had erupted outside mirrored the turmoil within her, a reminder that sometimes, one must embrace the chaos to find clarity.

As the guests of the event turned their attention to the absurdity unfolding before them, Lydia stood at the precipice of change, her heart racing not just from the confrontation but from the possibilities that lay ahead. The night had been a crucible, testing her resolve and illuminating the fractures in her relationships. With Mars’s fleeting passion and Autumn’s silent rivalry, Lydia understood that peace would not come from chasing after someone else’s light but from illuminating her own path. The laughter and chaos around her transformed into a backdrop for her awakening; she would no longer be the passive participant in her own life. In the midst of the absurdity, she felt a flicker of hope—perhaps this was the moment she had been waiting for, the moment to step into her own light and find the peace she so desperately sought.

—

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Lydia grapples with her conflicting feelings for Mars amidst the chaos of the auction event. The aftermath of their heated confrontation in the bathroom promises to unravel deeper layers of their tumultuous relationship. Will Lydia confront Mars about his treatment of her, or will the unexpected arrival of chaos lead to a moment of clarity for both? As tensions rise and secrets simmer, the stakes will undoubtedly escalate, forcing Lydia to confront not only her feelings for Mars but also her own self-worth.

Meanwhile, Autumn’s growing suspicions about Lydia and Mars’s connection will take center stage, particularly as she navigates her evolving dynamic with Owen. With the fire incident serving as a catalyst for unexpected revelations, readers can expect a blend of humor and tension as the characters grapple with the unfolding drama. Will Owen’s hidden motivations come to light, and how will Autumn respond to the chaos surrounding her stepsister and Mars? As the chapter unfolds, the intertwining fates of these characters will lead to pivotal moments that could change everything, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what happens next.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of the chaotic night, Lydia stood amidst the laughter and absurdity, feeling a profound shift within herself. The confrontation with Mars had been a catalyst, igniting a fire that forced her to confront not only her feelings for him but also her own identity. The kiss, fueled by a mix of anger and desperation, had momentarily dulled her pain, but the reality of his harsh words lingered like an unwelcome shadow. As she watched the spectacle unfold around her, Lydia realized that her journey was not about chasing Mars’s affection or competing with Autumn; it was about reclaiming her own voice and embracing her worth. The chaos outside mirrored her internal turmoil, reminding her that sometimes, one must navigate through the storm to find clarity and strength.

With a newfound sense of determination, Lydia recognized that peace would not come from seeking validation in someone else’s light but from illuminating her own path. The laughter and chaos around her transformed into a backdrop for her awakening, sparking a flicker of hope within her. She would no longer be a passive participant in her own life; instead, she would embrace the possibilities that lay ahead. As she took a deep breath, Lydia felt the weight of her insecurities begin to lift, replaced by a burgeoning sense of empowerment. This was her moment to step into her own light, to find the peace she had been searching for all along, and to redefine her narrative on her own terms. With each passing moment, she became more resolute in her journey, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her with courage and grace.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can expect a dramatic escalation as Lydia confronts the emotional fallout from her passionate kiss with Mars. The chaotic aftermath of the fire incident will serve as a backdrop for pivotal revelations and confrontations. With tensions running high, Lydia must decide whether to voice her frustrations and reclaim her identity or to retreat into the shadows of Mars’s affections. Will she muster the courage to stand up for herself and redefine her relationship with him, or will the chaos around her distract her from the truths she needs to face? The stakes have never been higher, and Lydia’s journey toward self-discovery promises to take center stage.

Simultaneously, Autumn’s growing suspicions about Lydia and Mars’s connection will add another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. With Owen by her side, the two will navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations. As the night progresses, the fire incident will not only ignite chaos but also spark hidden emotions and unresolved tensions among the characters. Will Owen’s true feelings about Mars come to light, and how will Autumn react to the revelations about her sister? The chapter is poised to blend humor and tension, leaving readers eagerly anticipating how these dynamics will evolve and what choices the characters will make as they chase their own paths toward peace and understanding.