The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 178

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 178**

In stark contrast to the chilly reception he had received from Autumn, the responses from the rest of the people Mars called were nothing short of exuberant. Each voice on the other end of the line was overflowing with enthusiasm, eager to win his favor.

Compliments poured in like a torrent, saturating him with praise that inflated his ego to dizzying heights. He felt as if he were floating, buoyed by the sweet words of admiration, completely oblivious to the reality around him. It was a heady experience, one that made him feel invincible, until the moment the Lopezes arrived, abruptly grounding him back to reality.

“Mars, Lydia has to be there that day. I don’t care how you plan to spin this; our daughter cannot miss such an important event,” Mrs. Lopez declared, her voice firm and unyielding.

Lydia had always harbored dreams as vast as the sky, her ambition seemingly limitless. She envisioned herself marrying the most remarkable man, and now she was on the cusp of achieving that dream. If it weren’t for her sudden disfigurement, she likely would have already captured the attention of the CEO of the Bennett Group, a man of considerable influence and power.

When Mars learned that Lydia had set her sights on other prospects, a wave of relief washed over him. After all, he had begun to see Lydia as nothing more than a burden. The thought of her potentially clinging to him, refusing to let go, had been a source of anxiety. But now, if she wanted to pursue someone else’s affections? That was a welcome development in his eyes.

Yet, despite his relief, a simmering irritation bubbled within him as he faced Oliver and Mrs. Lopez. They were the ones asking for a favor, yet they acted as though they held the reins of power. It was almost laughable to think that the entire Lopez family was relying on him to keep them afloat, and yet here they were, barking orders as if he were their subordinate.

In the past, he had tolerated Lydia’s parents, driven by a desire to win Lydia’s heart. But now, his focus had shifted entirely to Autumn. He was acutely aware that behaving like he once did would only serve to alienate her further, especially given her strained relationship with her own family.

“I never said Lydia couldn’t come,” Mars retorted, casting a pointed glare at her parents.

This was his home, yet they seemed to treat it as if they had a claim over it, showing a complete lack of respect for him as their son-in-law.

“Of course she can come to my birthday party; she’s family. I’ll talk to Autumn about it,” he added, trying to keep the conversation civil.

“But that’s as far as my assistance goes. I can’t make any promises beyond that.”

Oliver seemed to accept Mars’s offer, but Mrs. Lopez was not so easily appeased.

“Mars, that’s a rather cold thing to say. We all know exactly how Lydia ended up in this situation. She was just an innocent girl when she got involved with you, and now look at her. Don’t you think it’s time you took some responsibility?”

Mars could see through their facade. It was clear they were cornered and desperately attempting to extract something substantial from him. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret for ever thinking that Autumn was the unreasonable one in this dynamic.

Living in a family like the Lopezes, it was a miracle that Autumn had managed to retain any kindness at all; it was a testament to her sheer willpower.

“How do you want me to take responsibility?” he shot back, refusing to mince words. “I never intended to marry Lydia. She made it clear she didn’t want to marry me either. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. I’ve done more than enough for her, both emotionally and financially.”

Oliver nodded, but before he could interject, Mrs. Lopez interrupted, her voice rising in indignation.

“How can you say that? My daughter was your mistress, with no title or recognition, and now you’re just dismissing her by saying you’ve ‘done enough’?”

“What else is there?” Mars’s gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Mrs. Lopez. “From the start, you were aware of her relationship with me. As her parents, not only did you not intervene, but you even sent Autumn away to create opportunities for us. That was all your doing, wasn’t it?”

As he spoke, Oliver exchanged a knowing glance with Mars, a silent agreement passing between them.

Mrs. Lopez’s fists clenched tightly, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. She realized that further argument would be futile. The two men had formed an alliance, and they would undoubtedly choose the path that served their interests best. Whether she and Lydia thrived or perished was of no concern to them.

Frustrated and unwilling to continue the fruitless debate, Mrs. Lopez declared, “I’m going to the hospital to take care of Lydia,” before storming out of the room.

As the door slammed shut behind her, Oliver let out a deep sigh of relief. He draped an arm around Mars’s shoulder, as if they were old friends. “Mars, my boy, I’ve just re-entered the business world, and there are so many people I still don’t know. How about you help me make some introductions?”

The unspoken understanding between the two men was palpable. Without hesitation, Mars nodded. “Of course, Dad. But let’s be clear: this is the last time. After the party, I’m bringing Autumn home, and from that moment on, I’m fully committing to her.”

Oliver chuckled heartily. “Deal!”

“Since this is the final hurrah, let’s go all out. Here’s the plan…”

Mars was taken aback by the wild ideas Oliver proposed; it was surprising to see a man of his age so unrestrained. An intrigued smile spread across Mars’s face as he listened, anticipation bubbling within him.

“Fantastic! Let’s do exactly as you suggested, Dad. I’ll make the calls right now.”