The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 209

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 209**

Autumn had tossed and turned through the night, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts that refused to settle. When the morning light finally broke through her window, it found her weary and aching, a dull throb pulsing in her temples.

As she descended the staircase, the familiar scent of breakfast wafted through the air, but her stomach churned uncomfortably. Just as she reached the bottom, she encountered Owen Bennett, who had just returned home after what must have been a long night. He looked remarkably vibrant, his complexion glowing with a vitality that made her feel even more drained.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his brow furrowing as he took in the sight of her haggard face. “Did you have trouble sleeping?”

Owen approached her with long strides, concern etched across his features as he reached her. Autumn waved a hand in a dismissive gesture, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, “Just a rough night, nothing to worry about.”

Noticing that he hadn’t even bothered to change out of his clothes, she raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Did you work all night?”

“Yeah,” he grunted, taking a half-step back as if to create some space between them. Yet, his gaze remained locked on her, filled with an undeniable concern. “I had a few international meetings.”

He continued, “The Bennett Group has been looking to expand its overseas projects for the last few years. Things are finally progressing, but it means I have to attend a lot of meetings personally. It’s not an overwhelming amount of work, but it’s enough to keep me busy.”

Autumn’s expression shifted as she processed his words. She hadn’t expected someone of Owen’s caliber to be pulling all-nighters, which was precisely why she had inquired. His detailed explanation caught her off guard.

If anyone overheard this conversation, they might think I’m some sort of corporate spy trying to extract information from him.

“Oh, I see,” she replied, coughing slightly to mask her surprise and choosing not to delve deeper into his work.

However, Owen wasn’t ready to drop the subject. “I’m currently working on a project with Country Y. Your company, Stream Cloud Technologies, could provide the technical support we need. Would you be interested in collaborating?”

Autumn’s mind raced. “Wait, what? We aren’t even married yet, and I’m already looking to benefit from my husband’s work?”

The word “husband” had slipped into her thoughts so effortlessly that she felt her ears flush crimson. She glanced around, her movements becoming slightly awkward as she tried to regain her composure.

Noticing her discomfort, Owen frowned slightly. He was extending her a business opportunity, yet she didn’t seem excited. Did she think the project was beneath her? That I’m being stingy?

Clearing his throat, he tried to mask his irritation. “If this project doesn’t interest you—”

Autumn’s eyes widened in alarm. “Are you joking? A multinational project with Country Y? How could I possibly not be interested?”

She knew that if anyone else heard her enthusiasm, they would surely criticize her for being overly eager.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll have the legal department reach out to your company to finalize the contracts,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Autumn was momentarily speechless. So this is the true power of a commanding CEO, she thought, reflecting on the days when Cloudbreak Corporation was just a fledgling company. Mars Wright had tried so hard to project that same aura of authority, yet the difference was staggering. A hundred Mars Wrights couldn’t hold a candle to Owen Bennett.

“In that case… I’ll give you a thirty-percent cut of the profits,” she offered, knowing that any project that caught Owen’s eye would yield significant returns. Even with that cut, she would still reap substantial rewards.

In the world of business, gratitude was essential. When someone brought you a project, you had to acknowledge their contribution; otherwise, such opportunities could become scarce.

But as she spoke, she noticed a flicker of disappointment cross Owen’s face.

“Do we really have to keep such a clear tally?” he asked, his tone hinting at frustration.

Feeling a sudden wave of anxiety, Autumn replied, “Do you think that’s too little?”

His expression darkened further. “Sometimes, I really think you’re…”

He trailed off, straightening his clothes as if to regain his composure. “Forget it. I need to take a shower first.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned sharply and ascended the stairs, leaving Autumn standing there, bewildered and slightly hurt.

“Where are you going?” she asked, her surprise evident.

Owen’s annoyance was still palpable, but he responded honestly, “Aren’t we going for a dress fitting? I’m coming with you.”

Autumn opened her mouth to protest, but he added, “I need to get fitted, too.”

She quickly closed her mouth, realizing how close she had come to making a fool of herself. If she had outright refused, he might have thought she was being presumptuous.

“Alright,” she finally agreed.

The two of them stepped out of the house, one after the other. The driver was already waiting by the door, and Owen opened the car door for her, allowing her to slide in before he made his way around to the other side.

As she settled into her seat, Autumn instinctively began to shift over, not anticipating how quickly Owen would join her. Before she knew it, they were sitting so close that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.

Feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over her, she was about to shift back to her side when Owen gently took her hand. “Stay put.”

In an instant, she froze, her heart racing. Their legs were almost touching, the heat from his body seeping through the fabric of their clothes, creating an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere.

Mortified, Autumn felt trapped, knowing that even the slightest movement might draw his attention. Remembering his earlier irritation, she decided it was best to remain still, hoping to avoid any further conflict.

As the car began to move, she found herself lulled by the smooth ride. The driver was skilled, and soon, her eyelids grew heavy. Just as she was about to force herself to stay awake, she felt a gentle hand supporting her head. The warmth and softness enveloped her, and before she knew it, sleep washed over her, pulling her under in an instant.

In the rearview mirror, the driver caught sight of Autumn peacefully resting against Owen’s shoulder. A faint smile crept onto his face as he slowed the car and discreetly raised the privacy partition, allowing the couple a moment of tranquility.

**Chapter 210**