The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 135

**Chapter 135**

“Did they truly create such a scene?”

Autumn struggled to fully comprehend the magnitude of the chaos that had just been described to her.

Was Lydia really so oblivious to her surroundings? Spotting Hannah with Mars, and within mere moments, she was exploding in rage? Not even pausing for a heartbeat to collect her thoughts?

Did she not experience even a flicker of doubt about what she had just witnessed?

“Absolutely.”

The private investigator chuckled, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glee, as though he had just witnessed the most riveting spectacle.

“At first, Mars attempted to calm Lydia down, urging her to keep her composure, warning her of the embarrassment that would follow if things escalated. But you know Lydia—she never listens to reason. She just lunged at Hannah, fists flying.”

“Seeing that, Mars didn’t hold back either. He grabbed Lydia’s arm and slapped her, trying to knock some sense into her.”

“That really stirred the pot. Lydia erupted into screams and tears right there in the shop, and the owner had no choice but to intervene and kick them all out.”

Just hearing the investigator’s account, Autumn could vividly envision the chaotic scene unfolding in her mind’s eye.

She had known Lydia all too well.

The girl had been spoiled rotten by their parents, never once considering the feelings of others in her words or actions.

When she caught sight of Hannah with Mars, realizing that Hannah had taken her place, it must have felt like a piece of her world had been snatched away.

To Lydia, that was simply intolerable.

On top of that, she had always believed someone would swoop in to clean up her messes, no matter how reckless her behavior was. That was precisely why Lydia dared to act so impulsively.

In the past, Mars would have undoubtedly sided with her.

But now, he had Hannah, who outshone her in every conceivable way.

There was no point in even comparing the two.

At the very least, Hannah was the new girl, and Mars was still caught up in that thrilling phase of infatuation. His arrogant, chauvinistic nature would never allow him to stand by and watch Lydia bully the newcomer.

Mars was a complete scumbag. He had never held much affection for Lydia to begin with; deep down, he was only ever enamored with himself.

He probably hadn’t intervened today out of any genuine feelings for Hannah, whom he had just met.

It was more about how it would make him appear manly, thinking it would make Hannah fall for him even harder, which would ultimately serve his own interests.

“And then what happened?”

Autumn asked casually, taking a slow sip of her hot water.

There was a certain thrill in witnessing both Mars and Lydia in distress; it brought her immense satisfaction.

It would be nothing short of perfect if this entire situation erupted and exposed their tangled three-way relationship.

That would save her a mountain of trouble.

“Then the shop owner called the cops, and they all ended up at the station.”

“Oh?”

Autumn sprang to her feet, excitement coursing through her veins.

“Well, I absolutely must see this train wreck for myself.”

The PI promptly sent her the address.

After hanging up, Autumn quickly touched up her appearance, smoothing her hair and adjusting her outfit, preparing to leave.

“Heading out?”

Owen’s voice echoed from the top of the stairs. When Autumn looked up, their eyes locked, and she could sense his curiosity.

“Yeah, going to witness some drama unfold.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, Autumn decided to take the initiative. “Care to join me?”

Owen nodded. “I don’t see why not.”

They hopped into the car, setting off straight for the police station when Autumn’s phone buzzed.

It was her father.

His voice sounded like it had aged decades in a mere instant, hoarse and utterly drained.

“Autumn, I need you to come home.”

This was, without a doubt, the gentlest Oliver Lopez had ever been with her.

Autumn surmised that he was at his wit’s end with the chaos surrounding Lydia and Hannah, left with no other choice but to call on her for help.

According to her plans, this was the moment she was supposed to keep her distance.

But the thought of missing out on such prime drama would gnaw at her all night, so she reluctantly agreed to go.

“I’m really sorry about this…”

Since she was heading to the Lopez family home, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Owen to tag along.

Autumn’s arrival did nothing to alleviate the turbulent atmosphere in the living room.

In fact, when Lydia caught sight of Autumn, she began to wail even louder, as if Autumn were the one who had just pummeled her.

Autumn discreetly rolled her eyes.

It baffled her how Lydia could be the instigator of the fight yet still cry with such self-righteous indignation.

Did she genuinely believe that tears could resolve everything?

“Why did you call me back?”

Autumn’s gaze landed on Mars, who was avoiding her eyes like they were a hot flame. “What are you doing here?”

Oliver had been on the verge of demanding to know why Autumn was late, but her question made his entire demeanor tighten.

Mars tensed as well, the word “guilty” practically stamped on his forehead.

“1…”

Mars licked his lips, which were so dry from anxiety that they were beginning to crack.

He winced in pain, his mind racing, but he couldn’t form a single coherent sentence.

“I’m the one who called you back. Why are you interrogating Mars the moment you walk in?”

In the end, Oliver couldn’t bear to see his son-in-law being questioned, so he impatiently interjected.

Autumn smoothly shifted her gaze back to her father, her tone cool and collected. “Then why did you ask me to come?”

Autumn’s calm demeanor was like a thorn in Oliver’s side.

He was at his breaking point, so what gave her the right to be so unruffled?

“Do I need a reason to call you home? Autumn, have you forgotten you’re a Lopez? Do you even remember how to act like a daughter anymore?”

In the chaos of familial turmoil and emotional upheaval, Autumn finds herself at a crossroads, caught between the tumultuous world of Lydia’s drama and her own sense of identity. As she steps into the Lopez villa, the weight of her father’s expectations presses down on her, challenging her resolve to remain detached from the chaos she once thrived on. The sight of Lydia’s tears, though initially satisfying, now feels like a reflection of the deeper issues at play within their family dynamics. Autumn’s determination to rise above the petty squabbles and her father’s disappointment reveals a growing sense of self-awareness. She realizes that her role is not merely to witness the unfolding drama but to confront the complexities of her relationships and assert her own boundaries.

Ultimately, this chapter marks a pivotal moment for Autumn, as she grapples with the duality of her loyalty to her family and her desire for personal peace. The confrontation with her father exposes the cracks in their relationship, forcing her to reassess what it means to be a Lopez. As she navigates this emotional landscape, Autumn is propelled toward a newfound clarity—understanding that true strength lies not in indulging in the chaos but in seeking peace amidst it. The journey ahead promises to be fraught with challenges, yet Autumn stands resolute, ready to reclaim her narrative and forge a path that honors both her past and her aspirations for the future.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As Autumn stands at the precipice of family drama, the tension in the Lopez villa is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever. With Lydia’s emotional outburst still echoing through the room and Mars caught in a web of guilt, readers can expect a whirlwind of confrontations and revelations that will leave everyone questioning their loyalties. Autumn’s poised demeanor is about to be tested as she navigates the murky waters of family expectations, personal grievances, and the chaos stirred up by Lydia’s impulsive actions. Will she manage to maintain her composure, or will the mounting pressure force her to confront the painful truths about her family and herself?

Moreover, the unexpected arrival of Autumn has set the stage for a dramatic showdown. With Oliver’s frustration simmering just beneath the surface, Autumn’s defiance could ignite a fierce clash between father and daughter. As secrets threaten to unravel and alliances shift, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering how far Autumn is willing to go to protect her own sense of identity amidst the turmoil. The chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex dynamics of the Lopez family, revealing hidden motives and long-buried resentments that could change everything.

And what of Owen, waiting anxiously outside? His concern for Autumn hints at a deeper connection that could blossom amidst the chaos. Will he play a pivotal role in her journey, or will he remain an observer, powerless to intervene? As the chapter unfolds, the tension will escalate, and the stage will be set for a dramatic confrontation that could redefine Autumn’s relationship with her family and herself. Prepare for a riveting exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for personal peace in the next chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace.”