The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 143

**TITLE: Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**

A whimsical thought flitted through Owen Bennett’s mind, igniting a warm smile that illuminated his features.

“Could you whip up a late-night snack for me? If my wife feels even the slightest pang of hunger, I’d appreciate it if you could bring it right to her,” he said, his voice light yet tinged with sincerity.

Mrs. Turner’s smile blossomed into a radiant beam, her eyes sparkling with a genuine warmth. “Of course, Mr. Bennett. I’ll ensure it’s done.”

With a satisfied hum escaping his lips, Owen ascended the staircase, the soft thud of his footsteps reverberating gently against the polished wooden steps.

In her room, Autumn Lopez felt a surge of anxiety ripple through her. The thought that Owen might decide to follow her up sent a shiver down her spine.

This moment was peculiar—she had let her childish, petulant side peek through, a side she had never dared to unveil to him before.

What had compelled her to act so whimsically? The huff that had escaped her lips was impulsive, a tiny act of rebellion against the suffocating constraints of her life.

Her past, so deeply entwined with the expectations of the Lopez family, had gradually eroded her true essence. The whirlwind of her married life had further diluted her identity.

At times, she found herself struggling to recall who she truly was beneath the layers of obligation and expectation.

In that ephemeral moment, it felt as if she could hear the sound of chains snapping, the burdens of her past lifting ever so slightly.

With Owen, she realized she didn’t have to wear the facade of the perfect daughter or the dutiful wife, tirelessly laboring behind the scenes for her husband.

She could simply be Autumn—unfiltered and authentically herself.

If unhappiness shadowed her, she could sulk or even throw a minor tantrum without fear of judgment. If joy bubbled within, she could laugh freely, unrestrained. If a craving struck, she could indulge it without a second thought.

Owen was like a vast, welcoming ocean, embracing her regardless of her mood, and it felt liberating.

Biting her lip, Autumn scolded herself internally. “Get a grip, Autumn. You need to pull yourself together.”

Owen and the Bennetts were genuinely interested in the life growing within her, not in her as an individual.

She couldn’t allow herself to be swept away simply because someone showed her kindness.

To do so would be to test her luck, to exploit his generosity, and that was something she couldn’t permit herself to do.

A notification pinged on her phone, breaking her reverie. It was a message from the private investigator. The news that Mars Wright had visited Hannah King immediately after leaving the Lopez house sent a chilling shiver down her spine. Suppressing her emotions, she typed back with steady fingers: [Keep watching him. The more evidence, the better.]

**Chapter 143**

The moment for confrontation was drawing ever closer, and Autumn was resolute in her determination to remain vigilant.

Even though Mars and his associates appeared blissfully unaware of any underlying tension, she understood that one misstep could jeopardize her chances for a smooth divorce.

[Don’t worry.]

Her case had funded a significant technological upgrade for the firm—now they could capture high-definition video. She had no doubt that they would execute her instructions flawlessly.

In fact, they were eagerly anticipating the moment when the truth would finally come to light.

The reactions would undoubtedly be monumental.

Autumn was blissfully unaware of the thoughts swirling in the investigator’s mind. She tidied her space a bit, feeling the weight of fatigue tugging at her.

Pregnancy was making her increasingly drowsy, her body growing heavier with each passing day. She resolved to strike a balance between work and rest.

It was crucial to ensure she got enough sleep while also monitoring the duration of her naps to avoid being wide awake come nightfall.

After a brief respite, she opened her laptop, diving back into work.

Despite the new company steadily gaining momentum, Autumn was not one to be a distant owner.

She was actively involved in every project, ensuring that operations remained firmly under her control.

After Mars’s betrayal, she had learned a vital lesson: a career would never betray you.

She had to maintain a firm grip on her own destiny.

Meanwhile, Mars had found Hannah and shared his decision with her.

To his surprise, she didn’t object. In fact, a glimmer of eagerness sparked in her eyes.

“Mars, Lydia and I will be sharing an office space. You won’t show favoritism toward her, will you?” she asked, a playful hint in her voice.

Mars smiled, lifting Hannah’s chin gently. “Of course not.”

“You’re superior to her in every way. Anyone with eyes can see who the right choice is,” she declared, her laughter ringing like music in the air.

Hannah enveloped him in a warm embrace, her joy palpable. “That’s wonderful! I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to support you.”

Mars pulled her close, savoring the moment.

She was a new conquest, and he was still basking in the thrill of the chase.

Especially considering how Autumn had not rejected his kiss earlier that day, and the tantalizing promise of a surprise for his birthday lingered in the air.

Hannah frowned, annoyance flickering across her features as the mood shifted.

Desperate not to reveal his predicament, Mars took a step back, creating space between them.

“Why don’t you go take a shower? I’ll run out and grab some… you know,” he suggested, attempting to salvage the situation.

Hannah, fueled by desire, was not about to let him leave.

She coiled around him once more. “We don’t need any.”

“No,” Mars insisted, his tone firm yet tinged with self-righteousness.

“Hannah, you’re too good to me. How could I bear to let you risk getting pregnant?”

“Be a good girl. Go take your shower, and I’ll be right back, okay?” he coaxed, hoping to redirect her.

Reluctantly, she complied and left the room.

Once she was gone, Mars frantically searched for a solution, but no matter what he tried, his body refused to respond as it should.

Hearing Hannah call out to him from the other room, he steeled himself and ordered an on-demand delivery for some of those little blue pills.

After what felt like an eternity, Hannah, her patience wearing thin, was finally met with Mars as he pushed the door open.

He leaped onto the bed like a wolf, and the atmosphere in the room ignited with palpable tension.

**Conclusion**

As the chapter draws to a close, Autumn stands at a pivotal crossroads, embodying the emotional turmoil that has defined her journey thus far. The flickering light of self-discovery shines brighter as she embraces the notion that she can be more than just a dutiful wife or daughter; she can reclaim her identity amidst the chaos. The weight of her past begins to lift, and for the first time, she feels the exhilarating possibility of being unshackled from the expectations that have long stifled her spirit. Yet, this newfound freedom is tinged with caution. The looming threat of Mars and his manipulations serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of her situation, urging her to tread carefully as she navigates the treacherous waters of her life.
Meanwhile, Mars’s internal conflict reveals the complexity of his character, caught in a web of desire and regret. His interactions with Hannah expose a man torn between the thrill of a new conquest and the consequences of his actions. As he grapples with his feelings for Autumn, the tension builds, hinting at the inevitable confrontation that awaits. The contrasting emotional arcs of Autumn and Mars underscore the themes of identity, betrayal, and the pursuit of peace. In this moment of uncertainty, both characters stand on the brink of transformation, poised to confront their truths and the choices that will ultimately define their paths. The chapter leaves readers anticipating the unraveling of these intertwined fates, as the light of hope flickers in the distance, promising the possibility of peace amidst the chaos.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of *Chasing Light, Finding Peace*, readers can expect to dive deeper into the tumultuous emotions swirling around Autumn as she grapples with her identity and the impending revelations about Mars. With the stakes rising, Autumn’s determination to reclaim her life will be put to the test. The high-definition surveillance footage promised by her investigator is set to unveil secrets that could shatter the carefully constructed façade of her marriage. Will she find the strength to confront Mars and reclaim her sense of self, or will the shadows of her past continue to haunt her?
Meanwhile, the dynamic between Mars and Hannah will take a surprising turn as their relationship teeters on the edge of chaos. As Mars wrestles with his conflicting feelings for Autumn and the thrill of his affair with Hannah, tensions will escalate, leading to unexpected confrontations and revelations. The emotional stakes will be heightened as Hannah’s desire for commitment clashes with Mars’s reluctance to sever ties with Autumn. What will happen when the truth finally comes to light, and how will it affect the fragile bonds that hold these characters together? Prepare for a chapter filled with suspense, passion, and the quest for freedom as Autumn and Mars navigate the turbulent waters of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

**Conclusion**

As the chapter concludes, Autumn finds herself standing at the precipice of change, her heart racing with the exhilarating yet daunting prospect of self-discovery. The chains of her past, once heavy and suffocating, begin to crack under the weight of her newfound resolve. For the first time, she allows herself to envision a life where she is not merely defined by her roles as a wife or daughter, but as an individual with desires, dreams, and the right to pursue her own happiness. This emotional awakening is both liberating and fraught with danger, as the shadows of Mars’s manipulations loom large, reminding her that the road ahead is treacherous. Autumn’s journey is not just about reclaiming her identity; it is about gathering the courage to confront the truths that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed world.
Simultaneously, Mars’s internal struggle adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Caught between the thrill of his affair with Hannah and the weight of his past actions, he grapples with a sense of longing and regret that complicates his desires. His interactions with Hannah reveal a man at war with himself, torn between the allure of a new beginning and the consequences of his choices. As both Autumn and Mars navigate their respective paths, the tension between them escalates, setting the stage for inevitable confrontations that will force them to confront their truths. The chapter leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the unfolding drama, as the fragile threads of their lives intertwine in a dance of betrayal, desire, and the quest for peace.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of *Chasing Light, Finding Peace*, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Autumn stands on the precipice of monumental change. With the investigator’s surveillance footage poised to reveal Mars’s hidden truths, the tension will escalate dramatically. Autumn’s resolve to break free from the shackles of her past will be tested like never before. Will she muster the courage to confront Mars, or will fear of the unknown hold her back? As the layers of deception begin to peel away, the stakes rise, and the potential for liberation becomes tantalizingly close yet perilously distant.
Simultaneously, the relationship between Mars and Hannah is set to intensify, with unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Mars grapples with his feelings for both women, his internal struggle will culminate in a series of explosive confrontations that could change everything. Will Hannah’s desire for a deeper commitment push Mars to make a choice, or will his unresolved feelings for Autumn complicate matters further? The emotional tension is bound to reach a boiling point, and the consequences of their actions may ripple far beyond their immediate desires. Prepare for a chapter filled with suspense, passion, and the relentless pursuit of truth as Autumn and Mars navigate the intricate dance of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.