The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 79

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

Autumn Lopez cast a bewildered glance at the bodyguard seated beside her. How could he possibly know whether Owen Bennett was eager to see the show or not? It was almost laughable how he suggested that Owen had been counting down the days, waiting with bated breath for this moment.

Autumn shook her head in disbelief. Did he really think she would let such an absurd notion inflate her ego? Their relationship was strictly professional, and she had no intention of letting her head get too big, especially not when it came to someone as busy and important as Owen Bennett. Why on earth would he care about the chaotic drama that seemed to follow the Lopez family like a shadow?

In all likelihood, Owen probably viewed their family’s troubles as nothing more than a comedic spectacle, an amusing little sideshow in his otherwise hectic life.

“I’ll think about it,” she finally replied, her voice tinged with reluctance.

Though internally she was grumbling, Autumn didn’t outright reject the idea. Perhaps the bodyguard was merely trying to lighten the mood with a joke. If she took his words too seriously, she would be the one looking strange, and she certainly didn’t want that.

“Then it’s settled. Next time there’s drama like this, Ms. Lopez, be sure to invite Mr. Bennett,” he declared with a tone that suggested he believed he was making a grand suggestion.

Autumn frowned slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. She wanted to ask him, “Are you for real?” but the words felt too forced on her tongue. Instead, she opted for silence, biting her lip to keep from voicing her incredulity.

The car continued its journey in a comfortable silence, the city’s sounds fading into the background. Autumn had envisioned the home-style restaurant the bodyguard mentioned as a quaint little hidden gem, perhaps a cozy courtyard nestled away in a quiet alley. So she was taken aback when they pulled up to a charming two-story villa on the outskirts of town.

“Ms. Lopez, please, go on in. Mr. Bennett is waiting for you,” the bodyguard instructed, clearly preparing to park the vehicle.

Autumn murmured an acknowledgment, briefly glancing at the time on her phone before stepping out. The villa had an air of nostalgia about it, appearing slightly dated from the outside, while the interior was adorned with vintage furniture that whispered tales of a bygone era. It was the kind of place that exuded an old-world charm, a beauty that only time could bestow.

“Are you here?”

The soft voice startled Autumn, and she turned to see someone sitting on the sofa. Before she could fully identify the person, they stood up, revealing their complete figure that had been obscured by the couch.

“You were waiting for me here?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise.

The ground floor felt eerily empty, save for a solitary coffee table. Nearby, on a sun-drenched terrace, flowers bloomed vibrantly, their colors a feast for the eyes. This didn’t feel like a restaurant at all; it felt more like a warm, inviting home.

“Mhm, let’s head upstairs. The food’s almost ready,” Owen Bennett replied, gesturing toward the staircase.

He paused at the bottom of the steps, allowing Autumn to catch up and walk beside him before they ascended together.

As they climbed, Autumn glanced at Owen, curiosity bubbling within her. “This is The Gourmet Kitchen?” she inquired softly, her tone reflecting both skepticism and intrigue.

Owen nodded slightly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Doesn’t quite seem like one, does it?”

Autumn chuckled lightly. “Not really.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of Owen’s mouth, and she found herself smiling back, a warmth blossoming between them.

“Many people think so. But the owner is quite stubborn. She serves guests whenever she feels like it, and sometimes she doesn’t even take money for payment,” he explained, his voice low and conspiratorial.

Autumn’s interest was piqued. “Doesn’t always take money?”

“You mean, you don’t necessarily pay for your meal with cash?” she asked, her eyebrows arching in disbelief.

“Exactly,” Owen confirmed, his expression serious yet playful.

Autumn’s eyes widened in astonishment. “A restaurant like that actually exists?”

“Yes, but she only takes regulars, and everything is done through word-of-mouth. Many people want to dine here, but the owner doesn’t feel like serving guests every day. Sometimes, you have to ask a week or two in advance if you want to eat here. And even with a reservation, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a table that day.”

The revelation left Autumn even more taken aback. To think there was a restaurant owner so delightfully spontaneous in Grand City. If word got out, people would likely roast her online until she was trending.

“And… people still come?” she asked, genuinely curious.

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