The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 90

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

Margaret Bennett had a heart full of love for her grandson, Owen. As the matriarch of the Bennett family, she was known for her progressive views and unwavering respect for women’s rights. She had lived through eras of change and understood deeply the significance of a woman’s place in society.

So, when Ruby, her daughter-in-law, made disparaging remarks about Owen’s choice of partner, Margaret felt a surge of indignation. “What does it matter if she’s been married before? We’re living in the 21st century! Why are you so fixated on that?” she challenged, her voice steady but laced with disappointment.

Ruby’s expression hardened. “Are you implying that Owen has poor judgment?” she shot back, her tone sharp and defensive.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. “When you criticize Ms. Lopez, have you stopped to consider that she is the woman Owen has chosen to marry? Isn’t that what truly matters?”

Ruby choked on her words, momentarily at a loss. Owen Bennett was not just any man; he was the chosen heir to the Bennett Group, a legacy that had been built over generations. His talents were remarkable, evident even in his teenage years. Had he not been destined to inherit the family business, he would have been pursued by every significant player in the corporate world, his skills too valuable to ignore.

To suggest that Owen had poor taste in women was akin to declaring war on the very foundations of society, a battle Ruby was not prepared to wage.

“Oh, that’s not at all what I meant…” she stammered, her voice faltering. “I simply think it’s unfortunate for our Owen.”

She continued, her tone dripping with condescension. “With his status, he should have chosen someone from a family of equal standing. A partner of equal prestige would command respect and avoid the snide remarks that come with a mismatched union. A power couple is celebrated, but a strong man with a weak partner? That’s a recipe for scandal.”

Autumn, who had been quietly observing the exchange, shot Ruby a frosty glare. “If Ms. Lopez marries into this family, she will become the future matriarch of the Bennetts. Who would be foolish enough to gossip? Do they wish to make enemies of our family?”

Ruby felt the sting of Autumn’s words, realizing they were directed at her. A wave of anger surged through her, but she stifled it, knowing that Margaret’s influence loomed large over the family dynamics.

Margaret was the cornerstone of the Bennetts, a woman whose authority was respected by all, including her husband. Even Owen’s mother held her head high, empowered by Margaret’s strength. In stark contrast, Ruby had married into the Henderson family, where she was supposed to be the lady of the house. Yet, in truth, she was often the target of criticism from her in-laws, especially since her past health issues had left her childless.

The Hendersons had never truly accepted her, and she was acutely aware that if it weren’t for her ties to the Bennetts, she might have been cast aside long ago. The thought of her husband’s infidelities, with at least three mistresses on the side, gnawed at her. If one of those women had become pregnant, would she still be sitting here, maintaining her composure? No, she would have unleashed chaos, ensuring that if she couldn’t find happiness, no one else would either.

“There really aren’t many open-minded parents like Autumn left these days,” Ruby remarked bitterly, her jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. Though she had never met Autumn Lopez, the very thought of her filled Ruby with resentment. Why should she, a blood relative of the Bennetts, endure this life after marrying out, while a divorced woman like Autumn could freely enter the family?

No, Ruby thought, she needed a new strategy. She had to orchestrate a match between Ava Henderson and Owen Bennett, no matter what it took.

Autumn, keenly aware of the tension, caught a glimpse of Ruby’s icy demeanor but chose to remain silent. She understood that her children and grandchildren had their own paths to forge. As she grew older, it was time to step back and let the younger generation navigate their own destinies.

With Owen still absent, Ruby felt her presence was no longer necessary. She bid farewell and headed home, her mind racing with schemes. Determined, she picked up her phone and called Ava Henderson, intent on devising a foolproof plan to secure her place within the Bennett family.

Unbeknownst to Autumn Lopez, she was already accumulating enemies before she even had the chance to become Owen Bennett’s wife.

Meanwhile, Autumn noticed Mars Wright receive a call from the company’s front desk. Unfortunately, she had no way to communicate her need for assistance. Mars still possessed her phone, and despite her attempts to retrieve it, he had refused her requests. Left with no other options, she waited until Mars was distracted by a stack of supplements and borrowed a phone from a passerby. With a racing heart, she dialed 911, explaining her predicament in detail and urging them to send help immediately.

“What are you doing?” came Mars’s voice, cutting through her moment of urgency. Autumn’s hand trembled as she quickly ended the call and returned the borrowed phone, feigning nonchalance.

Turning around, she saw Mars approaching, burdened with shopping bags.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify