The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 117

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

**Chapter 117**

Standing outside Owen’s house, Autumn felt as though she were caught in a tempest of emotions, each thought crashing into the next like tumultuous waves battering against the shore. *This is Owen’s home,* she mused, her heart fluttering with a flicker of hope. *Where could he possibly be?* Yet, as quickly as that hope surged, doubt seeped in, whispering to her that he hadn’t been around much lately. The way she framed her question felt almost like a silent plea, a desperate wish for his presence, and that realization sent a chill coursing through her.

“Ahem, what I meant was…” she faltered, her voice trembling as she struggled to gather her scattered thoughts. The silence between them stretched on, heavy and oppressive, as she wrestled with the right words to deflect his curious gaze.

“Hmmm?” Owen’s voice broke through her reverie, laced with curiosity as he awaited her response with an air of patient expectation.

With each passing moment, Autumn felt the heat rise in her cheeks, a wave of embarrassment washing over her. The longer she fumbled for words, the more her face flushed, a vivid reminder of the emotional turmoil roiling within her.

Just when she thought she might implode from the pressure, a soft chuckle drifted down from above, breaking the tension like a gentle breeze.

Owen reached out, his fingers playfully tousling her hair, his warm voice wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. “I have a few things to take care of, so I’ll be back later. You go on home and get some rest.”

In that fleeting moment, something inside Autumn shattered, leaving her momentarily stunned and bewildered.

She couldn’t quite articulate the cacophony of emotions swirling within her, but instinctively, she looked up, her eyes locking onto Owen’s radiant smile.

*God, this man is handsome,* she thought, her breath hitching slightly in her throat.

His features were strikingly sharp, perfectly sculpted, as if crafted by a master artisan. When he was serious, he exuded an aura of cold authority, wrapped in an indifference that could intimidate anyone who dared to cross his path. But now, with that soft smile gracing his lips, Autumn glimpsed a side of him that felt almost intimate, as if they shared a bond that transcended their brief acquaintance.

Yet, a voice in her mind whispered that they had only known each other for a fleeting month.

*Owen must be this kind to me because of the baby, right?* The thought made sense to her. After all, she was the mother of his child. Even if this baby wasn’t the typical “fruit of our love,” it was still a life they had created together, a connection that bound them in ways she was only beginning to understand.

With a heavy heart, Autumn lowered her gaze, attempting to ignore the flicker of loneliness that threatened to engulf her. She forced a smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil. “Okay.”

Owen noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor, but before he could voice his concern, Autumn had already turned and made her way to the car.

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet silent, following her lead without pressing further.

Moments later, the phone rang, the sound slicing through the air as the auction organizer reached out to Owen.

Despite the chaos of the day’s events not being their fault, they were profusely apologetic, promising to send over a gift as a token of their regret.

Autumn stood by, utterly speechless, absorbing the weight of the situation.

*This is the power of status,* she thought, marveling at the influence Owen wielded.

Owen’s expression remained stoic, revealing little as he listened to their apologies. He offered them no special treatment, simply responding with a curt “It’s fine” before moving on.

A laugh almost escaped Autumn’s lips.

*Is this the composed demeanor of the CEO of the Bennett Group?*

Here he was, the orchestrator of the entire drama, yet he accepted their apologies with the coolness of someone entirely unfazed. In that moment, the chasm between her and Owen felt more pronounced than ever.

*I could never pull something like that off,* she thought, shaking her head at the thought of her own insecurities.

“What’s so funny?”

Owen had hung up the phone, his keen eyes catching the curve of Autumn’s lips. His voice was deep, a rich timbre that sent a shiver down her spine.

Autumn froze, her hand instinctively brushing her lips. She hadn’t even realized she was smiling.

Clearing her throat to mask her embarrassment, she replied, “Nothing.”

“Just thinking it must be nice to be so important.”

Owen raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze as he grasped the implication of her words. He chuckled softly. “You’re getting an apology gift, too.”

“Huh?” Autumn was taken aback, genuine surprise washing over her. “I am?”

She had no connection to the auction organizer; why would they consider sending her a gift?

“You’re the future Autumn. It’s only natural he’d want to get on your good side.”

Autumn fell silent, her thoughts swirling. *How does he know that?*

Owen’s eyes met hers, a knowing smile gracing his lips, but he said nothing more.

For a moment, Autumn felt lost in a sea of confusion.

*Don’t tell me this is how Owen introduces me to people?*

In those days, Autumn had naively believed that love was all she needed, dismissing the significance of the ceremony itself.

Now, looking back, she realized that Owen, who had no emotional history with her, treated her with a level of respect and consideration that Mars had never shown. The man who claimed to love her had only ever belittled her.

If love doesn’t guarantee a good outcome, why not choose the better man?

“Yes.”

Autumn nodded, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “But I hope we can wait to announce it. It would be better for you that way.”

Owen had treated her with such kindness; it was only right that she considered his feelings too.

Relationships are indeed a two-way street. If one person gives without receiving, the balance will inevitably tip, leading to resentment and cracks in the foundation.

Right now, she just wanted to escape Mars, reclaim what was rightfully hers, and find a way to repay Owen’s kindness. She didn’t want to deal with any other complications.

“Okay.”

Owen’s gaze drifted out the car window, a subtle smile gracing his lips. “It’ll be soon anyway.”

His voice was soft, almost a whisper, and Autumn didn’t quite catch it. “What?”

Owen shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. “Nothing.”

Recognizing that he didn’t want to delve deeper into the topic, Autumn chose not to press him further.

After dropping Autumn off at the villa, Owen departed. She had just finished washing up and was about to settle down for some much-needed rest when her phone began ringing incessantly.

**Chapter 118**

In the quiet aftermath of their conversation, a profound shift began to unfurl within Autumn. The weight of her past with Mars started to lift, gradually replaced by the flicker of hope that Owen represented. His kindness and unwavering support had opened a door she once believed was forever sealed, inviting her to step into a new chapter of her life. The warmth of his smile lingered in her mind, a gentle reminder that she might be deserving of more than the shadows of her previous relationship. As she reflected on their exchange, she realized that her heart was no longer shackled by fear; instead, it pulsed with the possibility of love—real love, built on respect and understanding. In that moment, Autumn chose to embrace the uncertainty of her feelings for Owen, recognizing that moving forward meant allowing herself to be vulnerable once more.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over her villa, Autumn felt a serene sense of peace wash over her. The chaos of her past life faded into the background, replaced by a burgeoning excitement for the future. She was ready to reclaim her identity, to embrace the woman she had become through her struggles. The connection she shared with Owen, albeit new and untested, felt genuine and promising. With every heartbeat, she sensed the potential for a love that was not only passionate but also rooted in a deep understanding of each other’s journeys. Autumn knew that the road ahead would not be without its challenges, but for the first time in a long while, she felt equipped to face them. The light she had been chasing was no longer a distant dream; it was here, illuminating her path toward peace and hope for the future.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can expect to delve deeper into the evolving dynamics between Autumn and Owen. As Autumn grapples with her feelings of uncertainty and the implications of their connection, the tension between them is set to escalate. Will Autumn find the courage to embrace the possibility of a future with Owen, or will her past with Mars continue to haunt her? The emotional stakes are higher than ever, and the chapter promises to explore the complexities of love, trust, and the choices that define their paths. Moreover, the arrival of the auction organizer’s promised gift may serve as a catalyst for further revelations and decisions. How will this gesture impact Autumn’s perception of her relationship with Owen? Will it strengthen their bond or introduce new complications? As they navigate the murky waters of their intertwined lives, readers can anticipate moments of vulnerability, humor, and perhaps even unexpected twists that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Will Autumn finally allow herself to chase the light that Owen represents, or will the shadows of her past pull her back into darkness?