The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 279

**Autumn Lopez, How Could You?**

Autumn Lopez had always been aware of the fact that Owen Bennett possessed a face that could easily be described as impossibly handsome. Yet, standing before him in this moment, she was struck anew by just how breathtakingly attractive he truly was.

He had clearly made an effort to dress for the occasion, and his already captivating features seemed to radiate a warm glow, making it nearly impossible for her to hold his gaze.

“You…” she started, her voice barely a whisper.

In a sudden flurry of nerves, Autumn’s eyes flitted away, searching for a safe place to land. It had been ages since she had attended such a grand gathering, especially after her divorce, and the realization that all eyes were on her only amplified her discomfort.

Instinctively, she took a small step back, but Owen was quick to anticipate her movement. In one fluid motion, he closed the distance between them, dropping to one knee with a grace that left the crowd breathless.

A collective gasp rippled through the attendees, a wave of astonishment washing over them. Clearly, no one had expected Owen Bennett to take such a bold step.

“Owen…” she managed, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Autumn was just as taken aback by his gesture as everyone else. She instinctively moved forward, wanting to help him up, but he grasped her hand gently, holding her in place.

“Autumn,” he said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion.

With a warm smile that lit up his eyes, he continued, “Our beginning might have felt rushed, but I want to create a story for us that we will cherish forever.”

Autumn felt her heart stop, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

With sincerity, Owen declared, “The truth is, from the very first moment I laid eyes on you, you became imprinted on my heart.”

His words hung between them, heavy with meaning.

“I found myself so curious about you,” he confessed, “wondering what kind of strength it took for you to pull yourself together so swiftly after everything you’ve faced.”

“For a brief moment,” he continued, his gaze unwavering, “it felt as if looking at you was like gazing at another version of myself.”

As soon as he finished, a playful voice from the crowd broke the tension, “So Owen’s into people just like himself? No wonder no one could ever get his attention all these years!”

Laughter erupted, a warm, good-natured sound that filled the air.

But Autumn didn’t look up; her world had narrowed down to the man kneeling before her, and Owen’s intense gaze was fixed on her, as if she were the only person in the universe.

She noticed the subtle signs of his nervousness—the way his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard before continuing.

“When I discovered we had a child, I was genuinely overjoyed,” he admitted, his voice softening.

“I never envisioned myself getting married, nor did I ever think I would have a child of my own. It wasn’t due to any hidden health issues or a lack of interest in women. Rather, it was because I had never truly felt that spark.”

“My parents are deeply in love, and they instilled in me the belief that marriage and children should rest on a foundation of genuine feeling,” he explained, his words resonating deeply with Autumn.

“So I waited, I searched, and I hoped.”

With a tender movement, Owen pressed a gentle kiss to the back of Autumn’s hand, his eyes shining with sincerity.

“I’m so incredibly lucky. I found you.”

“Autumn Lopez, will you marry me?” he asked, his voice laced with emotion.

“I promise to spend the rest of my life proving my love for you.”

Tears that Autumn had been valiantly holding back finally spilled over, cascading down her cheeks.

She was crying, but a wide, radiant smile broke across her face.

In that instant, all thoughts of being reserved or shy evaporated.

She nodded fervently, her voice breaking as she exclaimed, “I will!” before throwing herself into Owen’s waiting arms.

Concerned for her pregnancy, Owen quickly stood, enveloping her in a protective embrace.

“Whooo!!!” Nina’s exuberant cheer rang out, her voice cutting through the stunned silence of the crowd.

“Kiss! Kiss!” the crowd began to chant, a chorus of excitement that echoed around them.

Many of the guests were high-profile executives and elegant socialites, yet in this moment, they were all united in their joyous celebration, chanting along with Nina.

“Kiss! Kiss!”

The cheers rose to a fever pitch, almost strong enough to lift the roof off the courtyard. Autumn, blushing fiercely, buried her face in Owen’s chest, suddenly aware that he had just proposed in front of a crowd.

To her surprise, Owen nodded in agreement, his expression sincere. “She’s right. Thank you, Autumn.”

Autumn pressed her lips together, feeling her cheeks burn with warmth.

“Oh, by the way, Owen, I think Mom and Dad are here,” she said, trying to shift the focus.

Owen nodded, a look of determination crossing his face. “I’ll go get them.”

Then, turning back to Autumn, he instructed, “Autumn, wait here for just a moment.”

Before she could fully process his words, Owen had already turned and walked away, leaving her in a whirlwind of emotions.

As soon as he was gone, other guests began to swarm around her, eager to congratulate and chat.

Autumn quickly composed herself, responding to their well-wishes, but it wasn’t until people started handing her business cards that the realization struck her—the so-called “family dinner” was merely a facade to bring her here.

If this were a genuine Bennett family gathering, there wouldn’t be so many outsiders present.

Were they being secretive about today’s proposal all along?

“Nina, a moment ago you mentioned ‘aunt and uncle’… you meant…”

The pieces began to fit together in Autumn’s mind.

“Owen’s parents, of course,” she murmured, her heart racing.

“It’s their son’s proposal; how could they possibly miss it? They had some trouble getting out and got stuck in traffic, but at least they didn’t miss this happy moment,” Nina explained, her enthusiasm contagious.

“Your brother’s parents?” Autumn’s eyes widened in realization.

Does this mean I’m about to meet his parents?

But she felt utterly unprepared for such a momentous occasion!

Opening her mouth to voice her concerns, she was abruptly interrupted by a voice booming from the entrance, filled with fury: “Autumn Lopez! How could you do this to me?”