The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 35

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

An unexpected moment had just unfolded, and a thick veil of awkward silence descended between Owen Bennett and Autumn Lopez, enveloping them in a cocoon of unspoken tension. Autumn, her heart racing like a wild drum, cast a sidelong glance at Owen. He sat there, an image of calm and collectedness, his expression a stoic mask that betrayed none of the inner turmoil she was wrestling with. Was she meant to find solace in his tranquility, or should she feel a sting of disappointment that he seemed so unfazed by the gravity of their predicament?

Technically, she was still married, though that felt like a distant memory, a mere formality as she stood on the edge of divorce. Compounding the complexity of their situation was the undeniable truth that she was pregnant with Owen’s child. Yet, despite the weight of their circumstances, their relationship felt more like that of strangers than partners, bound together by fate but lacking the warmth of familiarity.

The sheer awkwardness of this encounter sent her thoughts spiraling into chaos, and a dull throb began to pulse at her temples. Why hadn’t someone as commanding as Owen Bennett—who was known for his authoritative presence—uttered even a single word to shatter the silence? Was he so accustomed to navigating uncomfortable moments that he could simply sit there, unperturbed?

But then again, she recalled the whispers that had followed him through the corridors of their shared world; he had been single for as long as anyone could remember. Or perhaps there was a hidden relationship lurking in the shadows of his past, one that had managed to stay beneath the radar. Autumn found that theory more plausible than she wanted to admit. After all, he wasn’t getting any younger. It was hard to believe that someone like him had never shared his life with anyone else, right?

Pushing aside the strange discomfort that bubbled within her, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before clearing her throat. “If you’re busy, you can go ahead and leave,” she said, her voice firm yet tinged with an undercurrent of vulnerability.

I really need some solitude to sort through my thoughts, she mused internally, wishing for a moment of clarity amidst the chaos.

Owen’s gaze snapped to her, his dark eyes cutting through the silence with an intensity that made her heart race. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, his voice steady, yet laced with curiosity.

Autumn blinked, momentarily taken aback. “What do you mean, what does it mean?” she shot back, incredulity creeping into her tone. Isn’t it clear that I’m asking you to leave?

Is the CEO of the illustrious Bennett Group genuinely unable to read between the lines?

Realizing her internal dialogue was growing increasingly aggressive, she inhaled deeply, attempting to regain her composure. I must be losing my grip. It’s probably the pregnancy hormones wreaking havoc on my emotions. This has nothing to do with any imagined past relationships he might have had.

With her gaze lowered, she tried to gather her thoughts. The more she attempted to convince herself of her indifference, the more it felt like a flimsy facade that could collapse at any moment. Autumn shook her head, as if trying to physically dislodge the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind. “Mr. Bennett—”

She addressed him formally, her tone crisp and professional, a thin veneer of distance that she hoped would shield her from the emotional storm brewing inside.

Owen’s eyes, dark and fathomless, seemed to hold secrets she couldn’t quite grasp. “You don’t have to be so distant,” he replied, his voice smooth yet tinged with a hint of challenge, as if daring her to breach the walls she had erected.

He continued to stare at her, an intensity in his gaze that made her heart race. “We’ve already kissed. You can just call me by my name.”

Autumn felt her jaw drop slightly, her mind racing to process his words. “What did you just say?” she stammered, disbelief coloring her voice.

His lips curled into a teasing smirk at her incredulity. “I said, you’re about to be Autumn. No need to act like a stranger. Just call me Owen.”

Her mouth opened, but the simple name “Owen” felt like a weight too heavy to lift from her tongue. Finally, she relented, “I’ll just call you Owen Bennett, then.”

Using his full name felt strange, but it maintained a safer distance than simply “Owen.” Deep down, she knew they weren’t at that level of intimacy yet, and she wasn’t about to overstep that boundary.

Owen remained silent for what felt like an eternity. Just as she began to worry that she had offended him, he abruptly stood up. “I’ll head back, then. If you need anything, remember to contact Julian Moore.”

A wave of relief washed over Autumn, almost imperceptible yet palpable. “Okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He cast her one last penetrating look before turning away, his broad shoulders retreating into the distance. As she watched him leave, a new layer of confusion clouded her thoughts.

The atmosphere between us just now was so peculiar… I can’t shake the feeling that he’s not as indifferent as he appears. But why? And what could possibly be causing this shift in him?

[Ding-]

At that moment, her phone buzzed, jolting her from her reverie. She glanced down, her attention diverted as the little episode with Owen faded into the background.

—

**Chapter 35**

Meanwhile, back at the Bennett Group, the atmosphere was thick with curiosity and speculation.

An assistant had noticed that Mr. Bennett seemed distracted ever since he returned to the office, his usual confidence replaced by an air of preoccupation. Intrigued, he approached a colleague, eager to share his observations.

“What’s going on with Mr. Bennett?” he asked, lowering his voice as if the very walls might overhear.

“Did he run into a tough project or something?” the colleague replied, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.

The assistant winced, smacking his forehead in realization. “My bad, my bad.”

The colleague chuckled, casting a sidelong glance toward Owen’s office, deep in thought. “I don’t think this recent change has anything to do with work. It might be because of… someone.”

The same question echoed in a private room at a bustling club, where whispers of gossip filled the air like a thick fog.

“There’s no way the news is wrong. It’s all over high society—Owen Bennett is getting married! I heard it sent shockwaves through Grand City’s elite circles. All the business magnates are scrambling to find the perfect wedding gift. After all, this is for the head of the Bennett family. If it’s not priceless and unique, they can’t possibly show their faces.”

“Mars, you’re the most connected one in our group. Do you have any idea who Mr. Bennett’s fiancée is?”

As the man finished speaking, all eyes turned to Mars Wright, the social butterfly of their circle.

With Autumn preoccupied with company matters, Mars had found himself with ample free time to indulge in nightlife and revelry. He was a natural partygoer, and while Autumn used to keep him somewhat grounded, now that she was confined to the hospital, Mars was living life to the fullest.

“I honestly have no idea.”

Mars smirked, his voice dripping with a mix of jealousy and envy. “A guy like Owen Bennett… his fiancée must be someone extraordinary. We probably wouldn’t even recognize her.”

“It’s such a shame about last time. We were so close to catching a glimpse of Owen Bennett, but he left so abruptly.”

“Speaking of which, did they ever recover the security footage from that night? How did Autumn Lopez even slip away? Something about it just feels off to me.”

—

In the aftermath of their encounter, Autumn found herself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty and hope. The tension that hung in the air during her brief exchange with Owen was palpable, igniting a flicker of something she had not anticipated—a connection that transcended mere circumstance. Despite the chaos of her emotions and the complexities of their situation, there was an unmistakable spark, a promise of something more that lingered in her mind. As she watched Owen walk away, a mix of confusion and intrigue filled her heart. The weight of his presence had shifted something within her, drawing her closer to the light of possibility, even as shadows of doubt loomed over her.

Meanwhile, Owen’s world was unraveling in ways he had never imagined. The news of his impending marriage sent ripples through the corporate landscape, and yet, beneath the surface of his composed exterior lay a tumult of feelings he struggled to articulate. The whispers and speculation about his personal life stirred a sense of vulnerability he had long buried beneath layers of professionalism. As he navigated the expectations of his position, the thought of Autumn—a woman who had unexpectedly infiltrated his carefully constructed life—remained at the forefront of his mind. In that moment of realization, he understood that chasing light was not merely about ambition; it was also about embracing the warmth of connection and the peace that came from allowing oneself to be vulnerable. Together, they stood on the brink of a new beginning, ready to explore the uncharted territory of their intertwined destinies.

—

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can anticipate the tension between Owen and Autumn to escalate as the implications of their unexpected kiss linger in the air. Autumn’s emotional turmoil will deepen, forcing her to confront the reality of her feelings for Owen and the complexities of their situation. With the news of Owen’s impending marriage now circulating, Autumn will grapple with a whirlwind of emotions—jealousy, confusion, and a desperate need for clarity. Will she confront Owen about his relationship status, or will she retreat further into her own insecurities? The stakes are high, and the decisions she makes could alter the course of their lives forever.

Meanwhile, the buzz around Owen’s engagement will ripple through the elite circles of Grand City, drawing the attention of those who thrive on gossip and speculation. As Mars and his friends dig deeper into the identity of Owen’s fiancée, their fascination will reveal hidden dynamics and rivalries that could impact both Autumn and Owen’s lives. Will Autumn’s past with Owen come back to haunt her as the social elite converge to uncover the truth? The chapter promises to unveil secrets, ignite passions, and challenge the characters to confront their pasts as they navigate the treacherous waters of love, ambition, and societal expectations. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave readers eager for more revelations and unexpected twists.