The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 229

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

Autumn Lopez found herself lost in thought, contemplating the delightful array of gifts she had received from the Bennetts. Each item was a token of their affection, beautifully wrapped and brimming with thoughtfulness. Yet, she felt a twinge of uncertainty about what to do with them.

Nina Bennett, Owen’s cousin, came to mind as the perfect recipient. Their bond was strong, and Autumn was sure that gifting her the jewelry would not only please Nina but also respect the intentions of the Bennetts.

“Thanks, Autumn, but really, it’s fine! My cousin has already taken care of everything,” Nina replied, her voice light but dismissive.

Autumn felt a flicker of disappointment at this news. “Oh, I see. Well, if you ever find yourself in need of accessories, just let me know. I’d be more than happy to help you out.”

“Okay, okay!” Nina responded, a hint of excitement sparking in her eyes.

With that, Autumn led Nina to her office, eager to spend more time with her. As they stepped into the elevator, the atmosphere buzzed with potential conversation. Autumn decided to delve a little deeper into Nina’s world. “So, what’s your major?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I’m studying illustration!” Nina exclaimed, her face lighting up. “My dream is to become a concept artist for video games.”

Autumn raised an eyebrow, surprised by this revelation. She had assumed that as a member of the Bennett family, Nina would be pursuing something more conventional, perhaps in finance or business. The notion of her being an art student was entirely unexpected.

“Do your parents support that choice?” Autumn inquired, her tone shifting to one of concern.

At the mention of her parents, Nina’s smile faltered, replaced by a shadow of disappointment. “Nope,” she replied flatly.

“Actually, the only reason they allowed me to come back to the country was that I lied and told them I’d be interning at my cousin’s company. Otherwise, I’d still be stuck overseas, which I really didn’t enjoy. No one seems to understand why I want to pursue a career as a game artist.”

Autumn could sense the frustration bubbling beneath Nina’s surface. “Our family already has someone who broke the mold. I don’t understand why my parents are so against me doing the same.”

Intrigued, Autumn pressed further. “Someone in your family broke the mold? What field did they go into?”

Nina’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she spoke. “Acting.”

“Really?” Autumn’s interest deepened. “What’s their name?”

Nina’s expression transformed into one of pride. “She’s incredibly famous! She has so many awards that they had to create a whole room just to display them, and she has tons of devoted fans.”

“Wow! That’s impressive,” Autumn remarked, genuinely fascinated. “Is she still active in the industry?”

“She retired years ago, but whenever she makes an appearance, it creates a huge sensation,” Nina shared, her voice filled with admiration. “I just really look up to her.”

Autumn’s mind raced as she realized how little she knew about the Bennetts. The idea that they had such a prominent figure in their family was surprising. Despite her curiosity, she held back from asking more, respecting the boundaries of their conversation.

“So, what’s your plan moving forward?” Autumn asked, genuinely interested in Nina’s aspirations.

“I’m looking for an internship,” Nina responded, determination creeping into her voice. “I’ve been teaching myself in secret for the past few years, but I want to go somewhere professional to learn game concept art properly.”

A flicker of recognition crossed Autumn’s face. “If it’s about games…”

Nina’s eyes widened with excitement. “Autumn, do you know someone who works in the game industry?”

After a brief hesitation, Autumn nodded. “I do know a guy from college who creates games. In fact, his latest project is a massive hit. You might have heard of it.”

Nina’s expression morphed into one of eager anticipation. “Don’t tell me it’s Shenzhou?”

Now, with Lydia’s greatest asset diminished, all he felt was repulsion, devoid of any lingering affection.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped, his voice icy and laced with impatience.

Mrs. Lopez, her complexion pale, stepped forward, pushing Lydia into Mars’s line of sight. “We agreed you’d come discuss the wedding after you handled the birthday party!”

“Why didn’t you show up?” Mars retorted, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

“We waited for you at the hospital for ages!” Lydia’s mother insisted, her voice tinged with desperation.

Oliver Lopez remained silent, but his piercing gaze conveyed a clear message: if Mars didn’t provide an explanation today, they wouldn’t leave quietly.

“Mars… you can’t just abandon me because I’m disfigured now,” Lydia stammered, her voice trembling. “My face might not fully recover, but I’ll find a way… I’ll get cosmetic procedures.”

“Mars, please, will you marry me?” she pleaded, her vulnerability laid bare.

“Autumn betrayed all of us. We need to band together now more than ever, or she’ll pick us off one by one,” Lydia’s mother added, desperation creeping into her tone.

Mars frowned, skepticism etched on his face. He had little faith in the Lopez family, viewing them as pawns in Autumn’s game. What could they possibly offer him?

Yet, as he weighed his options, he realized he was isolated and lacked support. Autumn had Owen Bennett backing her, and if he didn’t align himself with the Lopezes, he would be left with no alternatives.

“You’re right. Come inside, let’s talk,” he finally relented, though his tone remained guarded.

“But let’s clarify one thing first: marriage is off the table. Everything else, however, is negotiable.”