The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 62

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

Lydia’s gaze lingered on Mars, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and uncertainty. A slight pout formed on her lips as she tried to gauge his mood. “So, does that mean I can’t come? Please, don’t tell me you’re still upset about me not waking you up this morning.”

The air thickened with unspoken tension, a palpable weight that hung heavily between them.

If Lydia couldn’t even manage something as simple as this, what worth did she truly hold in his life?

Having her join him at the office while Autumn was on sick leave had been a breath of fresh air, a delightful escape from the monotony of their everyday existence.

But now, with Autumn preparing to return to work full-time, everything was shifting. If he allowed Lydia to step into that space again, the simmering tension that lay just beneath the surface would inevitably boil over.

Autumn was sharp; she would undoubtedly pick up on any strange vibes if they were all sharing the same workspace day after day.

Mars found himself unprepared for the possibility of Autumn discovering the truth about his complicated feelings for Lydia.

His hesitation was evident, his brow creasing in an internal battle. “Lydia, about this…”

A spark of resentment and jealousy flashed in Lydia’s eyes, igniting a fire within her.

Was he truly still wavering after everything they had shared?

This only confirmed the fears that gnawed at her insides.

Mars wasn’t as detached from his marriage as he led her to believe.

The thought that he might not even be ready to leave Autumn was a bitter pill to swallow.

With a heavy heart, Lydia lowered her gaze, her voice quivering with vulnerability. “I get it. I know I can never measure up to my sister; she’s always been so much more capable than I am. I can’t help you, and I just end up complicating everything. But I was genuinely worried about you, Mars. I thought that if I worked at the company, we could carve out more time together… Plus, my sister has been telling everyone at the office that she’s planning to quit. People are going to start asking questions…”

This revelation piqued Mars’s interest. “What do you mean by that?”

Lydia pressed on, her expression earnest. “My sister loves Cloudbreak and you. Why would she actually go through with quitting? But nobody at the company knows about her intentions. Once they start to panic, it might give her the leverage she needs to negotiate with you.”

Mars frowned, contemplating the implications of her words. “Your sister would never do that. She was just venting when she mentioned quitting…”

Lydia bit her lip, her eyes searching his. “But what if she really means it?”

“Mars, I’m not trying to stir up trouble in your marriage. It’s just… my sister is pregnant now. Childbirth is a monumental event for any woman, and she’ll have to raise the baby. How can you be sure she isn’t feeling anxious about the future? What if she’s trying to use this as leverage to get a little more from you, just in case?”

“Isn’t it true that everyone at Cloudbreak seems to listen to her more now?”

Mars’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, and Lydia sensed the cracks in his resolve.

She pressed on, “Look, Mars, it’s not like I’m desperate for a job. You know me; I’d rather be lazy and have fun. But with my sister’s pregnancy, we barely see each other anymore. I thought if I worked at your company, we could be together all the time.”

“Don’t you miss me? Remember that time in your office…”

A playful smile danced across Lydia’s face. “Have you really forgotten, Mars?”

Of course, he hadn’t forgotten.

That day in his office had been a whirlwind of passion, an intoxicating escape that lasted over two exhilarating hours.

The intensity had been so overwhelming that he had feared he might simply collapse from the pleasure.

Just the thought of it made Mars’s throat run dry.

A rush of excitement surged through him, stirring something deep within.

After that scare, it had been far too long since he had felt himself respond so eagerly.

He had even contemplated consulting a doctor, despite the blow to his pride.

But Lydia’s playful teasing reignited a spark of hope within him.

If a little thrill-seeking could resolve his “problem” without any medication, wouldn’t that be the ultimate victory?

He could satisfy his cravings and confront his issues head-on. Life couldn’t possibly get any better.

“I’ll think about it.”

Lydia knew Mars well. When he said that, it was as good as a promise.

A triumphant glimmer lit up her eyes.

She understood that no man could resist such temptation.

Wrapping her arms around Mars, she let her gaze drift toward the empty doorway of the hospital room.

Once she secured a position at Cloudbreak, she would ensure Autumn was out for good.

Lydia wanted Mars, she wanted the baby, and she craved the title of Mrs. Wright.

As she stepped into the elevator, a sudden realization struck Autumn—her phone was still connected to a call.

Instinctively, she brought it to her ear and whispered, “Hello?”

After all, words can lose their meaning when repeated too often.

She realized Owen probably wasn’t looking for more empty thanks.

Instead of meaningless words, she wanted to offer him a gesture of appreciation that he would truly value.

“Owen Bennett.”

Autumn suddenly called out his full name.

There was a brief pause on his end before he responded, “Go on.”

Stepping out of the elevator, she gazed up at the brilliant blue sky above the hospital, a smile forming on her lips as she asked, “Cloudbreak… do you want it?”

While Cloudbreak might not rival the Bennett Group, acquiring and integrating it would significantly bolster the Bennett Group’s business empire.

“If I wanted it, it wouldn’t be difficult.”

What Owen implied was clear: if he set his sights on Cloudbreak, the acquisition would be inevitable and seamless.

Autumn smiled knowingly. “I understand. But this time, I want to give it to you.”

“So, do you want it?”

In the Executive Office of the Bennett Group, the composed Owen Bennett, CEO of the Bennett Group, remained silent for a full three minutes before a soft, low chuckle escaped his lips.

“I do.”

A hint of warmth infused Owen’s voice. “If you’re the one giving it, then I want it.”

**Conclusion**

In the intricate dance of emotions that unfolded between Lydia, Mars, and Autumn, the weight of unspoken desires and hidden fears became palpable. Lydia’s longing for connection and validation clashed with the reality of Mars’s lingering ties to Autumn, leaving her feeling inadequate and vulnerable. As she navigated the complexities of her sister’s impending motherhood and her own aspirations, the prospect of securing a position at Cloudbreak transformed from a mere job opportunity into a lifeline. With each passing moment, Lydia’s determination to claim her place in Mars’s life grew stronger, igniting a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty that surrounded them.

On the other side of this emotional turmoil, Autumn found unexpected strength in her conversation with Owen. His unwavering support served as a balm for her insecurities, allowing her to reframe her perspective on her own worth and capabilities. The realization that she could assert her agency and influence the trajectory of her life and career, especially regarding Cloudbreak, marked a pivotal moment for her. As she embraced this newfound clarity, Autumn stepped into a brighter future, one where she could navigate the complexities of her marriage with Owen and the challenges posed by Lydia and Mars. In this delicate balance of ambition and love, both women began to carve out their paths, each chasing their own light while finding peace within themselves.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of “Chasing Light, Finding Peace,” readers can expect the tension between Lydia and Mars to reach a boiling point as they navigate the complexities of their feelings amidst the impending return of Autumn. With Lydia’s determination to secure her place at Cloudbreak, the stakes will be raised as she devises a plan to eliminate any obstacles in her path, including Autumn’s pregnancy and the potential fallout from their secret relationship. Will Mars finally confront his unresolved feelings for Autumn, or will he succumb to the allure of Lydia’s bold ambitions? As the dynamics of their relationships shift, the question remains: Can love truly conquer all, or will hidden truths unravel the delicate balance they’ve established?

Meanwhile, Autumn’s unexpected conversation with Owen Bennett will set the stage for a power play that could change everything. With Owen’s support and the prospect of acquiring Cloudbreak, Autumn finds herself at a crossroads—will she fight for her marriage and the life they’ve built, or will she embrace the possibility of a new beginning? As she grapples with her emotions and the implications of her decisions, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how Autumn’s newfound confidence will influence her relationship with both Owen and Mars. The intertwining fates of these characters are poised to collide, promising a mix of passion, betrayal, and unexpected alliances that will leave readers breathless.