The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 147

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 147**

“Autumn?”

The moment Mars Wright’s gaze fell upon Autumn Lopez at the entrance of his company, his heart jolted as if struck by a bolt of electricity.

It hadn’t been an eternity since they last crossed paths, but the absence felt like a lifetime, filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

Today, she wore a simple yet exquisitely tailored white maternity outfit that perfectly married comfort with elegance. The soft fabric draped over her form, accentuating her blossoming figure and casting a warm, inviting glow that radiated a gentle femininity. She looked positively radiant, a sight that stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Mars.

He had always perceived Autumn as attractive, and that allure had played a crucial role in his decision to marry her. After all, he mused internally, he was not settling for anything less than extraordinary.

Before the unexpected return of Lydia Lopez had turned his life upside down, he and Autumn had basked in a blissful period filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a deepening bond. But as is often the case in life, the initial thrill of daily companionship began to fade, and his heart yearned for something more.

Then, like a tempest, Lydia re-entered his life, and without a second thought, he rekindled their past romance. Yet lately, he found himself growing weary of Lydia’s unpredictable antics. While Hannah King introduced a refreshing spark into his existence, she couldn’t quite fill the void that lingered deep within him.

Lost in this tumultuous sea of thoughts, a gentle smile broke across his face as he approached Autumn, his heart swelling with a mix of hope and anxiety. “What brings you here today?” he asked softly, his voice imbued with warmth, longing to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

But as soon as the words left his lips, he felt the weight of two icy glares piercing through him—Hannah and Lydia were both present, their resentment palpable in the air like a thick fog.

His heart raced, and for a fleeting moment, he felt frozen in place, caught off guard by the palpable tension that enveloped them.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he redirected his frustration, the words spilling out before he could stop them. “It’s working hours. What are you two secretaries doing down here, away from the Executive Office?”

“Is this how you start your day? Slacking off?”

Instantly, the expressions on Hannah and Lydia’s faces soured, their displeasure evident, like storm clouds gathering before a tempest.

“I heard my sister was here, so I came down specifically to bring her back up,” Lydia shot back, her tone dripping with defiance. “After all, she was the last chief secretary. Who better to guide me than her? I’m sure she’s here to offer some invaluable advice.”

Her self-flattery was almost laughable, yet it only served to deepen the tension.

Hannah couldn’t help but scoff, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Let’s be honest here. A complete novice like you, who doesn’t even know how to operate a printer? Even if Autumn were a miracle worker, she wouldn’t be able to help you.”

“Lydia, I suggest you stop making a mess of things at the company and return to being daddy’s little princess,” Hannah added, her tone sharp and biting like a winter chill.

“You’re talking nonsense!” Lydia retorted, her eyes narrowing into slits as she directed a venomous glare at Hannah. She then turned to Mars, her voice dropping to a whiny pitch that grated on his nerves. “Mars, all I did was mistake the shredder for the printer and accidentally shredded one document. It’s not that big a deal! Look at how petty Hannah is! How many times is she going to bring this up before she’s satisfied?”

“I don’t care, you have to back me up!”

In the past, Mars would have been completely charmed by Lydia’s act, instinctively siding with her. But now, with both Hannah and Autumn in such close proximity, he felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He couldn’t afford to show favoritism, nor did he want to.

“That document was a crucial contract the company just finalized, and you sent it through the shredder? Lydia, do you think Cloudbreak is a daycare?”

Lydia’s jaw dropped, disbelief washing over her features like a tidal wave.

“You’re scolding me?”

Throughout their secret affair, Mars had always indulged her, showering her with affection and leniency. Now, in front of her two rivals, he was chastising her like a disobedient child. Did he have any respect left for her? Wouldn’t this only bolster Hannah’s arrogance and make Lydia feel even smaller?

Mars shot Lydia a meaningful glance, a silent plea for her to understand. He couldn’t comfort her publicly; he merely wanted her to apologize and retreat before the situation spiraled further out of control.

But Lydia, consumed by her anger, remained oblivious to the silent plea in his eyes. All she could focus on was the fact that Mars had scolded her, and he wasn’t attempting to soothe her wounded pride.

Watching Lydia stand there, on the brink of tears as if he were a heartless villain who had shattered her spirit, made Mars want to explode.

Was she trying to announce their relationship to the world? It might have been acceptable in the past, but the timing was all wrong! She knew he couldn’t be too close to her right now; what on earth was she thinking?

“You messed up. Shouldn’t you be called out for it?” Hannah chimed in, throwing more fuel onto the fire.

“Did you really think you were here to be treated like a princess? Get a clue! Mars is your sister’s husband, not yours. What’s with the pathetic act? Have you no shame?”

Lydia’s face flushed with rage, and those words struck a nerve, igniting a fire within her.

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