The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 177

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace – Chapter 177**

“Why?”

The single word slipped from Autumn’s lips, curiosity piquing her interest. Owen’s silence was palpable, and she felt an irresistible urge to delve deeper into his thoughts.

Who genuinely enjoys it when others lose their temper in their presence?

“Because it means you’re comfortable enough to be yourself around me.”

Autumn’s brows knitted together in surprise at his unexpected response.

Is he suggesting that I was too stiff and formal with him before?

But isn’t that the right thing to do?

Even though we’ve entered into this contract marriage, we are still, at our core, strangers navigating uncharted waters.

Sure, we’ve shared moments and glimpses of our lives, but can a few brief encounters truly bridge the gap between us?

This is Owen Bennett—the formidable CEO of the Bennett Group.

If he were truly so easy to win over, he wouldn’t still be single, would he?

“I wasn’t being guarded with you.”

Autumn pondered this. She sensed that Owen wasn’t the type to harbor grudges simply because she had kept her distance.

There must be another reason behind his words.

To clarify her stance and avoid any potential misunderstandings, she decided to explain her side.

Owen responded with a faint smile, a soft hum of agreement escaping his lips.

Autumn’s frown deepened.

Understanding him was becoming increasingly difficult, like trying to solve a complex puzzle with missing pieces.

Her mind was a swirling storm of thoughts, and she hesitated to speak casually, worried that a careless remark might strike a nerve.

Silence enveloped them, heavy and awkward, as she pressed her lips together, hoping for a change in the atmosphere.

Fortunately, their quietude was short-lived.

Once inside the cozy confines of their home, Owen gently settled Autumn onto the sofa before heading to the bathroom. She watched, bewildered, as he retrieved a basin for her herbal foot soak.

His actions caught her off guard, and instinctively, she attempted to rise, but he halted her with a gentle command. “You stay put.”

Autumn froze, uncertainty coursing through her veins.

She wanted to assist him, but he appeared entirely self-sufficient.

Yet, the notion of simply standing idly by while he prepared a foot bath for her made her feel overwhelmingly spoiled.

This is Owen Bennett we’re talking about!

Even if he genuinely wanted to treat her, the thought of actually using his thoughtful gesture filled her with embarrassment.

What have I done to deserve such kindness from him?

“Sit.”

Owen’s voice, soft and soothing, broke through her thoughts as he glanced at her, concern etched on his features.

Autumn felt like a marionette, compelled to obey his every word.

“You really don’t have to do this.”

After a moment’s pause, she felt an urge to clarify her feelings with Owen.

“Whether it’s about the baby or our arrangement, I need to take responsibility, too.”

Owen looked up, his gaze piercing. “What responsibility do you need to take?”

Autumn’s mouth fell open, momentarily robbed of speech.

The truth was, she was uncertain about the responsibilities she was supposed to shoulder.

When it came to the baby, she felt like a mere victim, with Mars and Owen poised to benefit.

In that regard, she had nothing to reproach herself for.

It was just that Mars’s complete lack of remorse had led her to mistakenly believe that all men were cut from the same cloth.

Even someone as influential and esteemed as Owen probably sought her out solely because of the life growing within her.

It was about the baby, not about me as an individual.

Though she thought this, the words remained unspoken.

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