The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 132

**Chapter 132**

A sudden wave of surprise enveloped Autumn, catching her off guard.

“For real?”

The words slipped from her mouth before she could rein them in. As the weight of her response settled in, she scrambled to clarify, “Ahem, that’s not what I meant! I just…”

Her thoughts were a chaotic jumble, making it difficult to express what she truly felt. After a brief internal struggle, she decided to cast aside her reservations. “Screw it,” she thought, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “What do you need my help with?”

Owen, ever the perceptive one, saw right through her momentary fluster.

He lowered his gaze, trying to mask the playful grin that threatened to break free, and pulled out his phone. With a few swift taps, he sent her an address via WhatsApp.

“Come with me to this place.”

When Autumn’s eyes landed on the message, her heart did a little somersault. The location was one of the city’s most popular spots for a romantic evening, and disbelief washed over her. “What are we going there for?”

Could it be that Owen was actually inviting her on a date?

No, that couldn’t be right. Who would ask someone out while disguising it as a favor?

Or perhaps… he was simply too shy to make a straightforward proposition?

As her imagination began to spiral, Autumn concocted a myriad of scenarios, each more fantastical than the last.

Owen watched her expressions shift like the frames of a cartoon flipbook, and with each flicker of emotion, his smile widened.

“It’s about my aunt,” he finally revealed, his tone lightening. “She’s been insisting that I meet her niece.”

He continued, “I told her I already have a fiancée, but she doesn’t believe me. Since I can’t convince her, my only option is to deal with the niece directly.”

Understanding dawned on Autumn like the first rays of sunlight piercing through the darkness.

“So, you want me to help you scare her off, right?”

Owen nodded earnestly, his expression serious yet hopeful.

Autumn felt a surge of confidence course through her. “No problem at all,” she declared, giving an enthusiastic “OK” sign.

With a playful grin, she patted her round belly and chuckled, “The moment I walk in looking like this, she’ll definitely get the message and back off.”

Owen’s gaze followed her hand, landing on her stomach.

A hint of amusement flickered in his usually calm eyes, warming them with a playful glint.

“Then I’ll be counting on you, Autumn.”

For a brief moment, Autumn hesitated, then looked down, mumbling a soft “mm hmm.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

Owen had been her anchor through countless storms; it felt only right for her to lend him a hand this time.

Once they had settled on their plan, a wave of fatigue washed over Autumn, prompting her to express her desire to head back and rest.

Owen stood up, determination etched on his face. “I’ll walk you up.”

She almost protested, thinking it was just a flight of stairs, but the resolute look in his eyes made her reconsider. She nodded, “Okay.”

Together, they ascended the staircase side by side. Though the distance was short, it felt monumental, as if they were climbing toward something grand and transformative.

In her mind, Autumn could almost hear a dramatic, inspiring score swelling in the background, enhancing the significance of the moment.

Is this what it feels like to be with the right person?

There was no exhaustion, no anxiety gnawing at her thoughts about the future.

Instead, a serene, tranquil feeling enveloped her, as if their bond could weather any storm.

It felt exquisite.

A gentle smile blossomed on Autumn’s face.

If only time could stand still, she mused, it wouldn’t be such a bad fate…

Owen glanced at Autumn’s softened profile, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

He reached out, resting his hand lightly on her arm.

The brief contact sent a jolt through Autumn, causing her to tense momentarily, but she quickly relaxed, allowing him to hold her arm.

Their silhouettes appeared as harmonious as a beautifully crafted oil painting, drawing the attention of Mrs. Turner, who observed from downstairs with a teary-eyed gaze.

Wiping a stray tear from her cheek, she immediately texted Charlotte Bennett, bubbling with excitement over the good news.

Learning that her son had finally come to his senses, Charlotte felt an overwhelming urge to book a flight home that very night to meet her wonderful future daughter-in-law.

Yet, recalling how Owen had insisted they stay abroad a little longer, she suppressed her excitement, forcing herself to be patient.

“That little rascal,” she thought, a smile creeping onto her face. “No wonder he didn’t want his father and me to come home. He wanted to keep his fiancée all to himself.”

Mars, still dazed and confused, vaguely heard Hannah’s words and frowned. “No…”

“Autumn wouldn’t leave me…”

Autumn loved him too much for that. How could she possibly walk away?

This person is lying!

Mars forced his eyes open, struggling to focus on the blurry silhouette of a woman before him, thinking he was at some business dinner. He reached out, trying to push her away. “Get away from me! I only want Autumn!”

Hannah’s eyes burned with fury.

“Autumn already betrayed you! What’s the point of being so hung up on her?”

“Look at me, Mars! I’ll definitely love you more than Autumn ever did.”

“Please, just look at me!”

Mars’ limbs felt weak. The hangover remedy had helped somewhat, but not enough to free him from Hannah’s grasp.

As they grappled, it became unclear whose lips brushed against whose first. An uncontrollable urge swirled in his mind, finally breaking free from its cage. Mars’ grip tightened, and he pushed Hannah down onto the sofa.

He couldn’t contain his passion, showering her lips with kisses.

“Autumn, don’t leave me…”

“Don’t say things I don’t want to hear. I know I was wrong… Let’s just live a good life together.”

Mars replayed the recent conflicts with Lydia in his mind, coming to the conclusion that life with Autumn felt infinitely more comfortable.

He was being sincere. He longed to settle down and return to his family.

“Let’s be a happy family of three… No Lydia, no one else, okay?”

**Conclusion**

As Autumn and Owen made their way up the staircase, a profound sense of connection enveloped them, transcending the simple act of walking side by side. The playful banter and shared smiles had transformed their earlier uncertainties into a budding camaraderie that felt both exhilarating and comforting. Autumn realized that in this moment, she wasn’t just helping Owen; she was stepping into a role that felt natural and right, one that suggested an unspoken promise of support and partnership. The warmth radiating from Owen’s gaze and the light touch on her arm ignited a flicker of hope within her, hinting that perhaps this was the beginning of something beautiful.

Meanwhile, the contrasting scenes unfolding in the background highlighted the complexity of love and relationships. Mars, caught in a tumultuous web of emotions, was grappling with his own feelings of betrayal and longing, while Hannah’s misguided attempts to win him over only deepened the rift. As Autumn savored the possibility of a future with Owen, she couldn’t help but reflect on the fragility of love—how easily it could be lost or misinterpreted. Yet, in her heart, she felt a burgeoning sense of peace, a recognition that life was about embracing the present and the connections that brought joy, even amidst the chaos surrounding them. With every step they took, Autumn felt more certain that this journey with Owen was one worth pursuing, a path illuminated by the promise of new beginnings.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect the tension between Autumn and Owen to deepen as they navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship. The seemingly innocent favor of pretending to be engaged for Owen’s aunt will likely lead to unexpected revelations and emotional confrontations. Will Autumn’s playful confidence hold up when faced with the reality of a family dynamic that could complicate her feelings for Owen? As they prepare for the date-night spot, the stakes will rise, and the line between friendship and romance may blur irreversibly.

Meanwhile, the subplot involving Mars and Hannah is set to take a dramatic turn. Hannah’s determination to win Mars over will clash with his lingering feelings for Autumn, creating a whirlwind of emotions that could lead to heart-wrenching decisions. As Mars grapples with his past and the allure of a new connection, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering if he will choose the comfort of familiarity or risk it all for a chance at true love. The tension in both storylines promises to keep readers eagerly turning the pages, as they anticipate the consequences of these pivotal moments.