The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 49

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

**Chapter 49**

The tranquil silence of the room was gently disrupted by the soft, indistinct murmur of voices, weaving their way into Autumn Lopez’s dreams. She instinctively fought against the heavy veil of sleep that enveloped her, attempting to pry her eyelids apart, but the weight of her exhaustion was a formidable foe. Just as she felt the edges of consciousness pulling her back, she was once again engulfed in the soothing embrace of darkness, a comforting sanctuary.

Owen Bennett remained a silent sentinel beside her, his gaze unwavering as he watched over Autumn. He was acutely aware of the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest, each breath a reminder of the fragile connection they shared. In the bustling world he had navigated as the head of the Bennett Group, he had learned to categorize people into two distinct groups: those he interacted with for business and those who fell outside that sphere.

Initially, he had viewed Autumn as a mere intersection of these two realms—a unique case that blurred the lines, primarily because of the child she carried. That unborn baby was the sole thread binding them, a connection forged not by choice, but by necessity. Once their arrangement concluded, he had anticipated that she would fade into the background, a forgotten name on the extensive list of his life’s dealings.

Yet, as the days turned into weeks, Owen found himself caught off guard by the realization that Autumn had transformed into something far more significant. She was no longer just a name or a fleeting image; she had become a complex individual, a category unto herself, rich with emotional layers he had never expected to uncover.

He lingered in the moment, captivated by her peaceful visage, before gently rising from his seat. As he draped a soft blanket over her slumbering form, he felt a sense of protectiveness wash over him. The warmth of the fabric enveloped her, and he couldn’t help but admire the way it accentuated her delicate features. Just as he turned to leave, he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor; a faint stirring as if she sensed his presence. She murmured softly, caught in the web of her dreams.

“What is it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the fragile atmosphere. He leaned closer, drawn to the slight furrow in her brow, a telltale sign of her discomfort. “Are you uncomfortable?”

Autumn shook her head, her lips moving silently, as if struggling to articulate thoughts that remained just beyond her reach. A wave of yearning coursed through Owen, an inexplicable urge to bridge the distance that separated them. Their breaths mingled in the quiet space, creating an intimate cocoon around them.

“Autumn?” he called softly, his voice a gentle caress against the stillness.

“Mmm—” she hummed, the sound barely escaping her lips, a sweet acknowledgment that sent a flutter of warmth through him. Just as he was about to delve deeper, a sudden, sharp knock reverberated against the office door, shattering the delicate moment they had shared.

The noise jolted Autumn from her slumber, her eyes snapping open wide with surprise. In an instinctual rush, they both shifted closer, their gazes locking in an unexpected intimacy that left them momentarily breathless. Autumn’s eyes widened as she took in the handsome contours of Owen’s face, so near that every detail was magnified. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and she instinctively tried to sit up, the remnants of sleep still clinging to her.

Owen, caught off guard by the abrupt shift, attempted to retreat, but it was too late; their heads collided with a dull thud, the sound echoing in the stillness. The impact shattered the remnants of Autumn’s drowsiness, leaving her dazed as she instinctively cradled her forehead, her mind a chaotic whirlpool of thoughts. Well, that’s one way to wake up… or maybe two, she thought wryly, a hint of humor breaking through her confusion.

Ignoring the dull ache forming in his own head, Owen reached out to steady her, concern etched across his features. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.

His gaze fell on her forehead, which was already beginning to redden from their collision. “Sorry, did I scare you?”

Autumn, still slightly disoriented, shook her head in response, her mouth opening as if to speak, but no words emerged. Just then, the knock echoed again, more insistent this time. Owen stood up and called out, “Come in.”

Julian Moore entered the room, his sharp instincts immediately picking up on the unusual tension that hung in the air. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he remained tactful, choosing to refrain from prying into the moment. Instead, he reported, “I spotted a few shady characters downstairs.”

Autumn’s heart sank at his words, the weight of anxiety settling heavily in her chest. “They’re probably waiting for me,” she replied, dread creeping into her voice. Knowing Mars Wright as she did, there was no doubt in her mind that he wouldn’t take this situation lying down. The image of him, his imagination running wild after seeing her with the CEO of the Bennett Group, filled her with disgust.

He was such a blatant opportunist, always seeking shortcuts despite his undeniable talent. If she hadn’t been at the helm all these years, Cloudbreak Corporation would have crumbled, losing its hard-earned reputation and profits.

“I’ll have someone take care of it,” Owen said dismissively, his tone clearly unconcerned about Mars and his crew.

Autumn quickly interjected, her voice firm and resolute. “It’s fine. I’ll just leave through the parking garage exit.”

“If they want to wait, let them wait,” she added, her determination evident. Constantly having the Bennett Group intervene on her behalf would only reinforce the notion that their relationship was serious. Until the divorce was finalized, she had no intention of dragging Owen into her tumultuous personal life.

After all, she understood that while one could run, one could never truly hide. She and Mars would have to confront their issues eventually, but the timing and manner of that conversation would be entirely up to her.

Owen, sensing the strength in her resolve, nodded in agreement. “Alright. Just say the word if you need anything,” he replied, his voice steady, though a hint of urgency lingered beneath the surface.

Autumn cast a glance at him, her thoughts racing back to the moment they had just shared. He had been so close. What was he about to say? The question flitted away before she could grasp it, and she opted for silence, realizing that probing into it would only complicate matters further.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify