The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 168

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

Mars Wright was utterly convinced that he had Autumn Lopez completely entranced, a triumphant sparkle dancing in his eyes as he spoke with unrestrained enthusiasm.

“Autumn,” he declared, his voice brimming with uncontainable joy, “marrying you was undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. I can’t express enough gratitude to the heavens. If fate hadn’t brought you into my world, how could I have ever achieved this level of success?”

His words flowed like a river, each sentence a testament to his perceived fortune. “I’m about to become a father, and Cloudbreak is flourishing more than ever—none of this would have come to fruition without you. Autumn, you’re my lucky charm. Having you by my side fills me with a sense of completion that allows me to face the world without a single regret.”

Yet, as Mars continued to ramble on, a wave of sarcasm washed over Autumn. “Is that genuinely what you believe?” she retorted, her tone laced with a bitterness that he seemed blissfully unaware of.

“Of course! Would I ever lie to you?” he chuckled, his laughter heavy with affection. “If you doubt me, just ask any of my friends. Which one of them wouldn’t be envious of having such a capable wife?”

“Not only are you an incredible partner in business, but you’re also the ideal wife at home, and you’re even eager to have my children… Autumn, I truly love you. Promise me you’ll never leave. Let’s build a joyful life together, just the three of us.”

This wasn’t the first time Mars had uttered those sweet words.

The very first time he had said them, Autumn had been so deeply touched that tears had nearly brimmed in her eyes, a flood of emotion she had thought would never recede.

She recalled the warmth of his embrace, her face nestled against his chest, listening to the strong, rhythmic beat of his heart—a melody of security that had once filled her with pure bliss.

“Mars, I don’t care about your family’s background. All I know is that if we work hard, we can forge a brighter future together. I want to stand by your side, and from this moment on, we’ll only grow happier.”

Back then, as he held her tightly, she had genuinely felt his love enveloping her, her heart swelling with hope and dreams of a life filled with happiness.

Yet, the Autumn of those days had been blissfully unaware that his love was not as pure as it seemed.

She had thought he felt guilty for not being able to offer her a better life, for making her toil and struggle alongside him even after their marriage.

In truth, his guilt stemmed from a far more sinister place.

Mars had been plotting from the very beginning, weaving a web of deceit that Autumn had been blind to for over a decade. But thankfully, the fog had finally lifted, and she had opened her eyes just in time.

“I have some matters to attend to. Let’s have a proper conversation when we see each other on your birthday,” she said, her tone icy and unyielding, the words slipping from her lips like ice daggers.

With that, Autumn ended the call, her heart hardened and her spirit unyielding.

Mars had become utterly repugnant to her, a man whose charm had morphed into a source of disgust. She couldn’t muster the energy to maintain the charade any longer.

If she continued to play along with that despicable man, she feared she might actually be sick.

Ping. A new message lit up her phone screen, the familiar sound sending a shiver down her spine.

[Why did you hang up so quickly? I didn’t even get to say goodbye to the baby in your belly. Fine, fine, if you want to talk on my birthday, we’ll talk then. Whatever the lady of the house desires, the lady gets, okay? Take care of yourself, and call your husband if you need anything. I’ll be there in a flash. Love you, babe. I’ll be waiting for my birthday surprise~]

Reading his text, Autumn could vividly picture Mars, self-satisfied and brimming with confidence as he typed, his smugness radiating through the screen.

A faint smile graced her lips as she crafted her reply: [Stay tuned.]

Chapter 168

In truth, it wasn’t just Mars eagerly awaiting that day; she was too.

What would that day look like when the truth finally emerged, when all of Mars’s sordid little secrets were dragged into the light for all to see?

“I’m done on my end. Let’s proceed,” she declared, her voice steady as she turned to her lawyer, who had been waiting patiently, his demeanor calm and professional.

The lawyer reciprocated with a courteous grin, spreading the documents before him and gesturing to the clauses as he continued his thorough explanation.

Autumn listened intently, her focus unwavering, determination burning brightly within her.

If she was going to exact her revenge, she wouldn’t merely expose the scandalous affair between Mars and Lydia Lopez. No, she intended to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

In addition to the capital and connections she had extracted from the Lopez Group, she also wanted her share of their marital assets.

Cloudbreak was a company they had built together, brick by brick, sweat and tears woven into its very foundation. Back then, to ensure Mars maintained absolute control, she had agreed to a significantly smaller share of the stock than he held, a decision she now regretted bitterly.

The only reason Mars was so comfortably seated in the CEO’s chair now was due to his disproportionately higher share percentage compared to anyone else.

When they founded Cloudbreak, Autumn had told Mars that the Lopez Group had survived due to its numerous shareholders, a lesson learned from the past.

Yet, the very reason for its decline was the same—too many shareholders, each with their own agendas.

“Then it all hinges on who you choose to sell to,” the lawyer advised, his tone serious.

He didn’t need to elaborate; their eyes locked, and Autumn instantly grasped his meaning.

“I know what to do.”

Taking out her phone, Autumn sent a message with a sense of purpose.

Less than five minutes later, a reply pinged back, and a slight smile danced on her lips. “It’s getting late, so I’ll take my leave for today. If anything else arises, I’ll return to trouble you again. Thank you for your assistance today.”

“Don’t mention it. You can reach out to me anytime,” he replied, his voice warm and reassuring.

After bidding farewell to her lawyer, Autumn made her way to The Private Club, her heart racing with anticipation.

This time, she was meeting the owner of a private company—and one of Mars Wright’s rivals, a connection that could very well alter the course of her life.

**Conclusion**

As Autumn stood on the precipice of her new beginning, a sense of clarity washed over her, illuminating the path she had long been too blinded to see. The emotional turmoil of her marriage had transformed into a fierce determination, a resolve to reclaim not just her rightful place in Cloudbreak, but her own sense of self. The weight of Mars’s betrayal had been heavy, but it had also forged an unbreakable spirit within her. With every calculated step she took, she was shedding the remnants of a life that had once been filled with false promises and hollow affection.

The anticipation of her birthday, once a day of celebration, now loomed as a turning point—a day when truth would finally unveil itself, and she would no longer be a passive player in her own story.

In that moment of empowerment, Autumn felt the warmth of hope rekindle within her. No longer would she allow the shadows of deceit to dictate her future; she was ready to take control. Her heart, once heavy with sorrow, now beat with the rhythm of a woman who had found her voice. The choices ahead were daunting, yet they were hers to make.

As she prepared to confront Mars and dismantle the façade he had so meticulously crafted, Autumn was not just chasing light; she was embracing it, ready to find peace on her own terms. The journey would be challenging, but she was resolute in her belief that from the ashes of betrayal, she would rise stronger, reclaiming not only her dignity but also her dreams.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As Autumn steps into the world of corporate intrigue and personal vendetta, readers can expect the stakes to rise dramatically in the upcoming chapter. With her resolve hardening and her plans taking shape, the tension between her and Mars will reach a boiling point. The carefully laid groundwork for her revenge is about to unfold, and every calculated move she makes will bring her closer to reclaiming not just her dignity but the very essence of her identity that Mars has tried to strip away.

Will she successfully navigate the treacherous waters of business and betrayal, or will unforeseen complications arise that threaten to derail her plans?

Moreover, the dynamics of Autumn’s relationships will be put to the test as she aligns herself with Mars’s rival. This new alliance could either serve as a powerful catalyst for her ambitions or lead her down a path fraught with unexpected consequences. As the chapter unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, questioning whether Autumn’s newfound strength will lead to her liberation or plunge her deeper into a web of deceit. The anticipation of revelations, confrontations, and perhaps even a face-off with Mars looms large, promising a thrilling continuation of Autumn’s journey toward reclaiming her life and finding peace amidst the chaos.