The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 176

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 176**

As Autumn settled into the car, she glanced at the rearview mirror, catching a fleeting glimpse of Mars Wright standing at the door. He lingered there for a mere three seconds before abruptly turning on his heel and retreating back inside.

A smirk danced on her lips.

That’s so quintessentially Mars.

No matter how charmingly he attempted to present himself now, the reality was stark and undeniable.

Deep down, in the recesses of his heart, she would always be overshadowed by Lydia and his parents.

His recent displays of affection weren’t the result of some profound realization regarding his true feelings.

It was a calculated move, a realization that without Autumn Lopez, his life might face challenges, but the stability of Cloudbreak Corporation would undoubtedly waver.

So, regardless of how much Mars’s impatience grew, he was bound to ensure her happiness.

With a sigh, Autumn tore her gaze from the mirror and directed her attention to the driver. “Did Mr. Bennett send you to pick me up?”

She had already texted Owen while leaving with Mars, so for the driver to be waiting at the exact moment, it had to be Owen’s orchestration.

“Yes, ma’am.”

The driver’s response confirmed her suspicions, stirring a complicated mix of emotions within her.

This seemingly considerate gesture was, in reality, a glaring reminder that Owen was meticulously monitoring her every move.

It wasn’t that she believed Owen was purposefully spying or keeping tabs on her.

Yet, his actions undeniably made her feel uneasy.

It was as though she was perpetually under his watchful gaze, trapped in a gilded cage.

They were partners, after all.

And she had always been grateful for his support, especially since he had been there for her when she needed help the most.

But that didn’t mean she was a mere pet bird in a cage, or a kite he let soar while still holding onto the string.

Autumn despised this sensation—feeling as if she had freedom, yet knowing she was tethered.

“Where is he now?” she inquired, her voice laced with an edge of irritation.

The driver hesitated, sensing her displeasure. “Mr. Bennett should be back at the villa.”

Autumn nodded, her expression unreadable. “Then let’s head back.”

The driver, attuned to the shift in her mood, sensed the tension but chose silence, fearing that any words might worsen the situation.

“Of course.”

He complied promptly, redirecting the car away from downtown and toward Owen’s villa.

Throughout the journey, Autumn’s mind churned with thoughts on how to address her concerns with Owen.

Upon arriving at the villa, she spotted Owen lounging in casual attire, a cup of tea in hand, as if he had been patiently awaiting her return. This sight ignited something within her.

“Were you waiting for me?” she asked, her tone icy.

As she moved, cradling her belly, her steps were measured, her demeanor seemingly unchanged.

Owen glanced up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. “I was. Did everything go smoothly today?”

His question struck a nerve, hitting too close to the truth.

Autumn’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Smoothly or not, wouldn’t Mr. Bennett already know?”

The formality in her address shattered the fragile calm between them, prompting Owen to raise an eyebrow. “You’re angry?”

“Yes.”

Autumn didn’t hold back, her voice firm. “I’m very angry.”

Owen studied her intently, a mix of concern and confusion etched on his face.

He slowly rose from his seat, moving toward her with an imposing presence that made her feel small.

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