The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 64

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

The voice that had just interrupted the silence belonged to a distant cousin, someone Autumn was expected to refer to as “Auntle.” Though they shared blood ties with the Lopez family, years of absence had dulled her memories to the point where she couldn’t even conjure a mental image of the woman’s face.

In his earlier days, Oliver Lopez had shown a certain generosity towards his relatives. Whenever someone approached him with a request for assistance, he would usually hand over something—be it cash or a favor.

However, everything changed after the death of Autumn’s mother. Following his marriage to his new wife, Oliver’s demeanor shifted dramatically. He became increasingly miserly, closing off the once open doors of his heart and wallet.

His new wife’s family, with their relentless demands and expectations, had pushed Oliver to sever ties with relatives from both sides.

The fallout was predictable.

Many were left fuming, watching the Lopez family’s wealth multiply while they received nothing in return. How could they not feel resentment? How could they not harbor jealousy?

Just a while ago, news had circulated that Oliver and Penelope were enjoying an extended vacation, while the rest of the family struggled daily to make ends meet. The thought alone festered in their minds, amplifying their bitterness.

Now, with an opportunity to poke fun at the couple, they would not let it slip by unnoticed.

【Something significant happened in the family, and you didn’t bother to inform us? We are family, after all. We may not be able to help financially, but we can offer a place for you to stay. My garage is entirely livable if you just tidy it up a bit.]

Immediately following the aunt’s message, Autumn’s uncle jumped into the fray.

【What’s going on, man? How could you not give us a heads-up when something this big happened at home?】

【Isn’t Cloudbreak Corporation thriving? How is it that Lydia doesn’t even have a place to call home? Running off to her sister and brother-in-law’s house is just inappropriate. You’re her parents; why aren’t you doing anything about this? It’s utterly embarrassing for the family.】

【And I remember Autumn is pregnant, right? The younger sister moving into her brother-in-law’s house while the older sister is expecting… well, we all know what that implies.】

The group chat erupted with a flurry of thinly veiled insults and outright sarcasm, buzzing with energy like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Oliver and Penelope were tagged repeatedly, their hearts racing as they feared the worst had occurred.

As soon as they opened the chat, they felt as if the ground had crumbled beneath them.

【What on earth are you all talking about! Lydia is in the hospital right now! Who said anything about her moving in with Autumn and her husband?】

The moment Oliver entered the conversation, the tension escalated dramatically.

Relatives quickly took screenshots of Autumn’s post and tagged Oliver, demanding his response.

Oliver, consumed by fury, chose not to engage with his insufferable relatives. Instead, he directed his ire straight at Autumn in the chat.

[Autumn Lopez, do you have any sense of decency as an older sister? Your sister is still in the hospital recovering, and here you are slandering her. Are you trying to make her life miserable on purpose?]

[Do you even comprehend the damage you’re causing to your sister?]

【Delete all this nonsense immediately, and you had better apologize to your sister properly!]

【And what if your sister wants to come stay with you? Aren’t you her sister? She sees you’re pregnant and wants to be there to support you—what’s wrong with that? Why make such a public spectacle of it?]

After Oliver unleashed his tirade, it wasn’t just Autumn who felt overwhelmed; even the relatives in the chat sensed he had crossed a line.

【What are you talking about? Oliver, I have to say something here. We all know Autumn has been the quiet, reserved one since childhood. Do you have any idea what kind of life she’s endured? The girl finally caught a lucky break, found a wonderful husband, and is pregnant. And now you two just have to swoop in and ruin everything?】

[Exactly. What kind of parents are you? Even if Lydia doesn’t understand, shouldn’t you? Does she think she’s still a child? She’s a grown woman; doesn’t she realize the need for boundaries? What does it say about her to move into a young couple’s home?]

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