The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 44

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

Autumn sat in silence, her mind racing, grappling with the weight of a revelation that felt like a tidal wave crashing over her. In her heart, she had long convinced herself that Owen’s aloofness was a mere mask for indifference, a façade that hid his true feelings. She had thought his concern for her was only a byproduct of obligation, a duty he felt towards the little life growing inside her. But now, the truth unfolded before her like a delicate flower blooming in the spring—Owen had been quietly vigilant, meticulously ensuring her comfort, all while maintaining a watchful eye over her.

“You’ve been reporting to him ever since I moved in?” Autumn’s voice trembled slightly, a cocktail of disbelief and curiosity lacing her words as she addressed Mrs. Turner.

Mrs. Turner, sensing the gravity of the situation, offered a sincere response. “Not every day. I keep him updated on your meals, and sometimes Mr. Bennett will video call…” Her voice trailed off, leaving the air thick with unspoken words.

As the realization washed over Autumn, a wave of understanding surged through her. “You can return to your duties,” she replied, her tone softening, almost apologetic.

Mrs. Turner paused, her brow furrowing with concern. “Autumn… you’re not angry?”

Autumn forced a reassuring smile, though it did little to mask the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. “You were just doing your job. I’m not upset, and I don’t hold it against you.” Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered in the air like a heavy fog.

Now that the full context was laid bare, her anger felt misplaced, almost trivial. Owen’s actions were rooted in a genuine concern for her well-being as the mother of his child—what could be more noble than that? She couldn’t bring herself to accuse him of invading her privacy when he was the very one providing for her needs, ensuring she was fed, sheltered, and cared for. Turning against the hand that was feeding her felt not only unjust but cruel.

“Well, I’ll return to my work, then. Just let me know if you need anything,” Mrs. Turner said, her voice tinged with relief as she turned to leave, casting a nervous glance over her shoulder.

Alone now, Autumn sank into the softness of the sofa, her thoughts racing like a runaway train. After a moment of contemplation, she picked up her phone and dialed Owen’s number, her heart pounding in her chest.

He answered almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for her call. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice steady yet imbued with sincerity.

The unexpected apology caught Autumn off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. “If you don’t like it, I won’t do it again,” he added, and the weight of his words settled in the space between them.

She froze, a whirlwind of complex emotions swirling in her gaze. She had always believed that a man like Owen, with his wealth and influence, would be too proud to apologize, too accustomed to getting his way. The swiftness of his concession left her bewildered. *Is this for the baby, too?* she pondered, her heart softening at the thought.

“You don’t need to apologize,” she replied, her voice steady yet gentle. “I just… I had a really difficult experience with the Lopez family, so I’m a bit sensitive about these matters.”

“The one who should be sorry is me,” he countered, and a silence lingered between them for a few moments before he continued, “That’s all in the past. Things will only improve from here.”

Autumn nodded, feeling a flicker of hope igniting within her. “Thank you.”

“If you ever want to know anything, just ask me,” he added, his tone earnest, a promise hanging in the air.

She knew she was merely being polite in her response. After all, she was carrying Owen’s child. She assumed that as the father, he would want to be involved in every aspect of the baby’s growth, which explained his constant communication with Mrs. Turner. It made more sense for them to converse directly rather than rely on someone else to relay messages back and forth. Besides, the baby was still inside her; Mrs. Turner couldn’t see through her skin to understand what was truly happening as vividly as Autumn could.

“Great. Then I’ll just video call you directly next time,” Owen said, his tone casual, yet the implication of his words sent a ripple of surprise through her.

Autumn blinked, taken aback. *Wait, what? Did my words imply that?* Just as she was about to clarify, Owen interjected, “I’ve got another call coming in, I have to go,” and before she could respond, he hung up, leaving her in a state of confusion.

How was she supposed to articulate that she merely meant to send him a text update each day to assure him she was alright? Wasn’t a video call a bit too… personal?

Her thoughts spiraled, but she didn’t have much time to ponder. Her team had messaged her with an update regarding the Southside project, and her focus quickly shifted back to her work. She grabbed her laptop and retreated to the study, losing herself in her tasks until the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the window.

Mrs. Turner appeared, inquiring if she was ready for dinner. “Coming,” Autumn replied, closing her laptop and rising to her feet.

Descending the stairs, she was pleasantly surprised to find that the meals prepared for her, though designed for pregnant women, were anything but bland or unappetizing. Just as she was about to dig into her meal, a video call from Owen flashed across her screen.

“Or I could bring it to you,” she continued, rationalizing that she didn’t have much else to occupy her time, and she could use some exercise after dinner. However, a thought struck her—Owen might not appreciate her showing up at the Bennett Group. Just as she was about to retract her offer, Owen had already agreed.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you,” he said, his tone light yet sincere.

Autumn paused, realizing it was too late to back out now. She managed a smile at the man on the screen. “It’s no trouble at all.”

“So, I’ll bring it over in a little while?” he confirmed, clearly pleased with the arrangement.

Having not yet touched her food, it would be simple to have them pack up a portion for him. “Okay,” she agreed, feeling a sense of anticipation.

With the conversation winding down, she ended the video call, her mind still buzzing with the unexpected connection they had established. After eating her meal distractedly, Autumn picked up the insulated lunch container that Mrs. Turner had prepared and climbed into her car, heading towards the Bennett Group.

Meanwhile, at a nearby club, Mars Wright was reveling in the company of friends, the effects of alcohol heightening his bravado. Someone casually mentioned the Bennett Group, and in his inebriated state, Mars began shouting about heading over there to discuss business with Owen.

“When Mars Wright gets involved, nothing’s impossible!” he proclaimed, his voice booming with confidence. “Come with me! I’ll show you what I’m made of. Even the CEO of the Bennett Group will have to bow down when he sees me!”

In the quiet aftermath of her conversation with Owen, Autumn found herself enveloped in a newfound sense of clarity. The layers of misunderstanding that had clouded her perception began to dissipate, revealing the genuine concern and care Owen had for her and their unborn child. No longer did she see him merely as a wealthy benefactor; instead, he transformed into a partner navigating the complexities of impending parenthood alongside her. The emotional turmoil she had felt—exposure, vulnerability, and even resentment—was replaced by a cautious optimism. Autumn’s heart softened as she recognized that Owen’s actions stemmed from a place of compassion, not obligation. This realization sparked a flicker of hope within her, igniting the possibility of a relationship that could extend beyond their shared responsibility.

As she drove to the Bennett Group, a sense of anticipation bubbled within Autumn. The prospect of sharing a meal with Owen, of bridging the gap that had long existed between them, felt like a step toward a deeper connection. Their video call had opened a door she hadn’t realized was there, and she was eager to walk through it. The weight of her past experiences began to lift, replaced by the promise of a future where they could learn from each other, support one another, and perhaps even find joy in the journey ahead. With each mile she drove, Autumn embraced the idea that she was not just chasing light but also finding peace in the unexpected bonds that were forming, illuminating the path to a new beginning.

In the next chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can expect a deepening of the complex relationship between Autumn and Owen as they navigate the uncharted waters of their newfound connection. With Autumn’s decision to bring Owen dinner, the stage is set for an intimate encounter that could unravel the layers of misunderstanding that have lingered between them. Their video call has already hinted at a growing bond, but this face-to-face meeting promises to delve into their emotions, fears, and hopes regarding parenthood and their evolving dynamic. Will this dinner serve as a turning point, allowing them to confront the unspoken tensions and shared responsibilities that come with the impending arrival of their child?

Meanwhile, the unexpected intrusion of Mars Wright adds a layer of intrigue and tension to the narrative. His boisterous claims and alcohol-fueled bravado may lead to unforeseen complications, potentially disrupting the fragile peace that Autumn and Owen are beginning to establish. As Mars’s impulsive nature threatens to collide with Owen’s carefully curated world, readers will be left wondering how this confrontation will unfold. Will Owen be able to maintain his composure in the face of Mars’s antics, or will the chaos of the outside world seep into their private lives? With emotions running high and stakes escalating, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of revelations and confrontations that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.