The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 48

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

**Chapter 48**

The unsettling words of his friend echoed relentlessly in Mars Wright’s mind, weaving themselves into the fabric of his swirling doubts and fears.

“Someone mentioned that it might have something to do with that incident at the club,” his friend had said, the weight of the implication pressing heavily upon Mars’s chest.

“I knew there was something deeply wrong about that security footage mysteriously disappearing! What if Mr. Bennett was the one who rushed to save Autumn Lopez and, in a panic, erased the evidence to protect himself?”

“I witnessed it all firsthand. Mr. Bennett dashed over there like a man possessed. You’d think it was his own child Autumn Lopez was carrying!”

As those words tumbled from his friend’s lips, the atmosphere shifted, darkening like the ominous clouds before a storm.

Mars’s gaze ignited with a fierce fury, his eyes practically flickering with an inner fire.

“Mars… Mars, are you alright?”

His friend’s voice sliced through the haze of anger that enveloped him. Mars clenched his jaw, pressing his lips into a thin, hard line, a storm brewing within him. “Let’s go.”

The effects of the alcohol from earlier were fading, yet the acrid scent still clung to his clothes like a persistent shadow, a reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.

He cast a long, hard glance at the towering Bennett Group skyscraper, its imposing structure a stark reminder of the battles waged within its walls. “Get someone to keep an eye on her. The moment Autumn Lopez steps outside, I want her brought straight to the office. I’m determined to uncover the secrets she’s hiding from me!”

“From now on, ensure this young lady is admitted without any questions,” he added, his voice firm and resolute, leaving no room for dissent.

Julian Moore, who had rushed over, observed as Autumn and Owen Bennett entered the CEO’s private elevator. He turned to the receptionist, his expression serious and focused.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, curiosity etched on her face. “Julian, who exactly is she?”

Julian recalled that Owen and Autumn weren’t ready to reveal their relationship to the world, so he opted for a title he felt permitted to disclose. “She’s the CEO of the Lopez Group.”

The Lopez Group?

Once a titan in the industry, its reputation had waned significantly. Rumors circulated that it was teetering on the brink of collapse, largely due to the previous owner’s incompetence.

Could this young woman truly be his daughter?

Though her mind buzzed with questions, the receptionist wisely refrained from voicing them, sensing the gravity of the situation.

“Yes, understood,” she replied, nodding with a mix of respect and intrigue.

Julian felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, a flicker of hope igniting amidst the uncertainty.

—

**Chapter 49**

As Julian stepped into the elevator, he made his way to the company’s infirmary, the urgency of the situation propelling him forward. Upon his arrival, he spotted a doctor attending to Autumn, her face pale yet determined.

“Mr. Bennett, he’s gone,” the doctor reported, his tone clipped, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Julian positioned himself to the side, poised and waiting for Owen to respond before taking any further action.

When Autumn caught sight of him, she offered a small nod, a flicker of relief dancing in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of their shared concern.

Julian returned the gesture with a smile, a brief moment of warmth amidst the tension that hung thick in the air.

Owen, however, observed this exchange with narrowed eyes, his expression unreadable, a mask of composure that betrayed nothing.

“Ms. Lopez is fine,” he stated curtly, his voice lacking the warmth that Autumn longed for.

“Her heart rate is slightly elevated due to the shock,” the doctor added, his demeanor calm and professional. “She’ll be alright after some rest.”

A wave of relief washed over Autumn as she let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing slightly at the doctor’s reassurance.

I’ve faced so much turmoil lately. This baby is enduring it all alongside me.

Fear gripped her heart at the thought of something happening to the baby. She couldn’t shake the feeling that if anything went wrong, the Bennetts would never forgive her.

This arrangement was meant to be mutually beneficial. If she lost the baby, she would bear the blame, and they could easily morph into adversaries.

The Lopez Group had just begun its recovery. If they turned against her now, all her efforts would amount to nothing, leaving her dreams in tatters.

As they exited the infirmary, Owen walked ahead in silence, a wall of tension building between them. Autumn hesitated for a moment, then quickened her pace to catch up, her heart racing with uncertainty.

“I’m sorry…” she murmured, breaking the silence that felt suffocating.

Owen glanced at her, then quickly turned his gaze away, his expression betraying nothing. “It’s fine.”

Autumn felt a swell of uncertainty rise within her.

They weren’t close enough for her to decipher his feelings. Was he genuinely angry, or did he truly mean it was fine?

With no clear answer and her apology already given, she chose to remain silent, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them.

Today’s incident was purely accidental.

She never anticipated running into Mars here. What happened had happened. She owed Owen no explanation, but the tension lingered like a storm cloud overhead.

“Have you eaten?”

Recalling that she had come to deliver lunch, Autumn attempted to shift the conversation, hoping to lighten the mood.

“No,” he replied, his tone icy, sending a chill through her.

A wave of anxiety washed over her once more, tightening her chest.

He’s definitely upset. He was already hungry, and now he had to deal with all this chaos. Anyone would be irritated.

The pain, which she had previously overlooked, surged back to the forefront of her mind, causing her complexion to pale.

Owen looked at her with concern, his brow furrowing slightly. “Just bear with it,” he murmured softly, his tone soothing.

But his hands worked with relentless pressure, and beads of sweat formed on Autumn’s back from the discomfort. She bit her lip, stifling a cry, the pain becoming almost unbearable.

Fortunately, Owen finished quickly, his touch gentle yet effective.

Just as she thought the “torture” was over, he produced a small container of medicated oil, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

“More massaging?”

“Can we… not?”

Her eyes widened, and she barely recognized how soft her voice had become, almost like a child pouting, a hint of vulnerability creeping in.

Owen shot her a meaningful look, a fleeting smile tugging at his lips, softening the tension in the air.

“I’m just going to pat it in. No more massaging,” he assured her, his voice light yet firm.

Oh, so that’s all…

A blush crept up Autumn’s cheeks as she considered her tone from earlier, realizing how much she had let her anxiety slip through.

She dared not meet his gaze, lowering her head and allowing him to tend to her wrist, the warmth of his presence enveloping her.

As he applied the oil, a faint herbal scent wafted through the air, calming her racing heart.

Autumn felt her eyelids grow heavy, the drowsiness that had followed her since her pregnancy settling in like a comforting blanket.

Normally, she would feel on edge in a place as unfamiliar as Owen’s office, but as she began to relax, sleep beckoned her with a gentle promise of solace.

“If you’re tired, just sleep,” he said softly, his voice a soothing balm.

“I’ll be right here,” he assured her, a promise that wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

—

In the aftermath of the chaos, Mars Wright’s emotional tempest began to settle, replaced by a resolute clarity. The revelations surrounding Autumn and the lurking shadows of betrayal had ignited a fire within him, compelling him to confront not only the truths hidden within the Bennett Group but also the deeper truths about himself. The realization that he had been blind to Autumn’s struggles, and the stark contrast of Owen’s attentive care, forced him to reassess his priorities. As he stood before the imposing skyscraper, determination coursed through him; he was no longer just chasing light but was ready to embrace the darkness that came with it, seeking peace in the acceptance of his own shortcomings.

Meanwhile, Autumn found herself caught in the delicate balance of uncertainty and comfort within Owen’s presence. The gentle pressure of his hands on her bruised wrist was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had enveloped her life. In that moment, she allowed herself to lean into the warmth of his care, momentarily shedding the weight of her fears and doubts. The realization that she deserved kindness, even amidst the chaos, began to take root in her heart. As she felt the heaviness of sleep pulling her under, she surrendered to the solace of the moment, knowing that for the first time in a long while, she was not alone in her journey. Together, they stood at the threshold of a new beginning, where understanding could blossom amidst the shadows of their past.

—

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect a deepening of the emotional tension between Autumn and Owen as they navigate the aftermath of the recent incident. With Autumn’s vulnerability laid bare, the dynamics of their relationship will be tested in unforeseen ways. Will Owen’s protective instincts lead him to reveal more of his feelings, or will the shadows of their respective pasts continue to loom over them? As Autumn grapples with her burgeoning emotions and the weight of her responsibilities, the stakes will rise, forcing her to confront the reality of her situation and the choices she must make.

Moreover, Mars’s relentless pursuit of the truth will intensify, driving him to uncover the secrets that threaten to unravel everything he holds dear. As he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Autumn’s connection to the Lopez Group and the implications of the incident, the reader can anticipate a thrilling clash of wills. Will Mars’s fury lead him down a path of recklessness, or will he find clarity in the chaos? The tension between the three characters is set to reach a boiling point, promising revelations that could alter their lives forever. Prepare for unexpected twists and a gripping exploration of loyalty, love, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about.