The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 41

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

**Chapter 41**

In the cramped confines of the elevator, a peculiar blend of emotions hung in the air, creating a palpable tension. Autumn Lopez stood there, her figure undeniably radiant, the glow of impending motherhood illuminating her features. She cradled her belly gently, a tender gesture that seemed to encapsulate the joy bubbling within her. The sight of her rounded stomach brought a surge of warmth, a constant reminder of the new life she was nurturing, a life that filled her with an overwhelming sense of purpose.

Beside her, Mars Wright was a stark contrast. His face was etched with irritation, his eyes darting to his phone as it vibrated incessantly, a relentless reminder of his sister-in-law Lydia’s calls. Each buzz sent a fresh wave of frustration coursing through him, a feeling that had become all too familiar. The thought that Lydia’s interference could jeopardize a crucial contract weighed heavily on his shoulders, igniting a fire of anger deep inside him.

As he stared at the screen, Lydia’s name loomed ominously, and Mars felt his pulse quicken. This was the second time today she had interrupted him, and it was becoming painfully clear that her timing was anything but coincidental. The notion that Lydia’s meddling might have cost him a significant deal made him seethe with frustration.

He glanced sideways at Autumn, who was blissfully lost in her own world, her smile radiant and carefree. For a moment, he envied her ability to be so at peace, while he felt as if he were drowning in a storm of chaos. With a deep breath, he chose silence over confrontation, opting to decline the call. He hastily typed out a text to Lydia, pleading for her to stop calling, claiming he was in an important meeting.

But no sooner had he sent the message than his phone buzzed again, the sound slicing through the air like a knife.

“Mr. Wright, is everything alright?” the head of Mistveil Group inquired, a knowing smile playing on his lips, as if he could sense the tension radiating from Mars.

Caught off guard, Mars flinched at the question, feeling the weight of scrutiny on him. It was as if the walls were closing in, and he could almost hear the silent judgment of his colleagues. Yet, as he took a moment to breathe, he realized that it was merely his own anxiety spiraling out of control.

“Everything’s fine, really,” he managed to reply, forcing a chuckle that felt more like a nervous laugh. “Just a little sales call, nothing to worry about. I thought I’d help a young person out, you know? They sounded eager to learn, and I didn’t want them to fall into any traps.”

“Quite the Good Samaritan, aren’t you?” the executive remarked, his amusement evident.

Mars waved his hand dismissively, a proud smile creeping onto his face. “Just doing my part, just doing my part.”

Autumn couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer; it bubbled forth, ringing like a melody in the confined space.

“What’s so funny?” Mars asked, turning to her, his brow furrowed in confusion.

With a playful glint in her eye, Autumn leaned in, pretending to be serious. “Maybe I should speak to this young lady myself. You know, woman to woman. She might listen to me more.”

As she reached for his phone, which continued to vibrate with relentless urgency, Mars recoiled as if she had touched a hot stove.

“Don’t!” he exclaimed, snatching his hand back.

Autumn feigned surprise, her eyes wide with mock innocence. “Why not?”

The executive chimed in, “Mars, perhaps if someone else were to speak with her, this salesgirl would finally leave you alone? You could always block her number.”

Sweat began to bead on Mars’s forehead as he realized that his story was full of holes. Yet, the words had already slipped out. Retracting them now would only raise further suspicion.

“I mean, it’s complicated,” he stammered, searching for a way out. “This girl has some issues; I’ve made some progress with her, and I don’t want to undo that. Saving a life is important, right?”

“Indeed it is,” the executive replied, a knowing smile on his face, leaving the conversation hanging in the air.

Mars exhaled a sigh of relief, but a mischievous smirk crept across Autumn’s face. In a swift motion, she answered the call, gasping dramatically as she clutched her belly, feigning distress.

Both men turned their attention to her, concern etched on their faces.

Desperate to maintain his image as a devoted husband in front of the executive, Mars rushed to her side, a flurry of worried questions tumbling from his lips. Autumn couldn’t help but suppress a roll of her eyes at his over-the-top display.

Yet, to his credit, his concern seemed to resonate with the executive, who remarked, “You two are truly in love.”

Mars’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “Honestly, my wife and I share a wonderful relationship. I’m incredibly grateful for her. She’s not just giving me a family; she’s also working tirelessly for my company. You’d be hard-pressed to find another woman like her.”

“Make it work, you hear?” the executive warned, his tone suddenly serious. “Otherwise, I might just lose faith in love altogether.”

A wave of realization washed over Mars, and his smile faltered, becoming awkward. “Y-Yes, absolutely. A wife like mine… I would never let her down.”

The executive nodded, his smile betraying no further thoughts.

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