The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 59

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

**Chapter 59**

Autumn Lopez felt her hands clench into tight fists, the tension surging through her body like a tightly wound spring, poised to snap at any moment. The memories of Mars Wright lingered in her mind like an unwelcome ghost, refusing to fade despite her best efforts to dismiss him as nothing more than a scumbag. Each time she heard his voice, a familiar fire ignited within her, a blend of anger and frustration that threatened to consume her.

Years of shared experiences had left her grappling with the harsh reality of their relationship. The way he spoke to her—rude and dismissive—was something one would not even do to a stray dog. Yet, Mars had a remarkable ability to don different masks. When it suited him, he would shower her with charm and flattery, but once he had no use for her, he morphed into a viper, spewing venomous words that cut deep. To him, Autumn was merely a pawn in his game, stripped of dignity and boundaries, someone he could summon and dismiss at will.

As she reflected on their past, it became painfully clear that Mars had rarely shown her the respect she deserved in the workplace. Autumn had foolishly convinced herself that he was merely a professional, keeping their personal and work lives separate. Now, looking back, she recognized that notion as nothing more than a façade that had masked the truth of his disdain. Mars harbored a deep-seated resentment toward her for her growth and capability, one that had blossomed over the years to the point where she had outshone him in both competence and respect. Each opportunity he got, he sought to undermine her, ensuring everyone was aware of how easily he could manipulate Autumn Lopez into whatever shape he desired.

Did he truly not understand how deeply his words could wound? No, of course, he understood all too well. His infuriating self-assurance was rooted in the belief that no matter how much he verbally assaulted her, she would always remain tethered to him. That was the essence of his audacity. Yet, in his arrogance, he had overlooked a crucial truth: it was her unwavering love that had propelled him to his position at Cloudbreak Corporation. The moment she ceased to love him, he would be left with nothing.

“Secretary Autumn…”

The assistant’s voice trembled as he addressed her, his expression a mixture of concern and apprehension. He dared not defy Mars’s orders, so he cast a furtive glance at Autumn’s face, his voice barely a whisper as he conveyed the demand.

“Mr. Wright… Mr. Wright wants you to go to the hospital.”

Autumn nodded, exuding a nonchalant exterior, though a storm brewed within her. “Fine.”

Her resignation wasn’t finalized yet, and she had no desire to create a scene. Gathering her belongings with a swift motion, she prepared to call an Uber to the hospital.

“What about these documents…”

The assistant’s eyes widened with expectation, practically pleading as if to say, Since you’re heading to see Mr. Wright anyway, couldn’t you just take these files for him to sign?

Autumn, however, feigned ignorance to the urgency in his gaze. She maneuvered around him and the stack of files, her voice low but resolute. “That’s your responsibility. Remember, until my resignation is complete, I am the Executive Secretary, and you are merely an assistant. I am not obligated to do your work.”

“And once the paperwork is finalized, I will have no ties to Cloudbreak, and you will have no right to ask me for anything.”

“Do you understand?”

Autumn had never addressed a colleague with such authority before. Mars’s phone call had led many to believe that Autumn’s resignation was merely a fit of emotion. But witnessing her in this moment, they began to reconsider their assumptions. Could it be… she’s genuinely leaving? How else could they interpret her cold, detached demeanor? It was clear she was attempting to sever ties with everyone at the company.

“Should I go ask HR?”

One of her colleagues, unable to contain their curiosity any longer, suggested. Encouraged by the anxious glances from others, they quickly slipped out to seek answers from the HR department.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, everyone too agitated to focus on their work, anxiously awaiting news. The person returned swiftly, their expression one of uncertainty.

“So? What’s the verdict?”

Every heart raced, a collective anxiety enveloping the room.

It wasn’t that they had a particular fondness for Autumn; in fact, many of them coveted the Executive Secretary position. Yet, they couldn’t deny that for years, it had been Autumn’s coordination between their department and the Executive Office that had streamlined their work and ensured their annual bonuses were generous. If Autumn departed, they would be akin to a ship adrift without a rudder.

And they would bear the brunt of the fallout. They had already tasted that bitterness when Autumn had been on leave. So, more than their own prospects for advancement, they were concerned about whether their work lives would continue to function smoothly.

“I don’t know.”

Faced with their eager, expectant stares, the messenger shrugged, looking defeated. “The Director of HR said they’re not permitted to disclose changes in senior management ahead of time.”

At those words, several faces turned ashen.

“It’s over. That means it’s true.”

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