Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 81: Home
Abby

The scent of mahogany and bergamot fills the air as I step into the room that was once mine—our

room, really.

I feel so drawn to the familiarity of it all; the embroidered curtains, the chestnut armoire that I remember

picking out myself, and the plush rug that used to cu shion my bare feet in the mornings. Every little

detail is still the same, just as I remember it. It’s uncanny, really.

My fingers trace the intricate patterns on the upholstery of the armchair near the window. It’s a bit

surreal, being back in this space. I mean, this was my sanctuary once. Our sanctuary. But now, it’s

filled with… bittersweet memories. Maybe more bitter than sweet.

I move to the dresser next. That’s when I see it: a photo of us, still sitting exactly where it used to be on

top of the dresser—Karl and I laughing at something, looking so young, so naive. My eyes widen

slightly as I gently pick it up. Did he have this picture up all this time?

As I hold the picture, something stirs in me. Tears begin to p rick the backs of my eyes, and I have to set

the frame back down with a ragged breath, laying the photo flat so I don’t need to look at it. Suddenly, it

feels all too stuffy in here, and I need to get out for a bit.

I make my way down the winding staircase and out through the large foyer, by pas sing the glances of a

few household staff. When I reach the back patio, I take a deep breath, as if I can finally breathe again.

Then, pushing open the door, I step into the garden, a sanctuary that I used to escape to when the

weight of the world felt unbearable.

The colors and smells envelop me instantly, filling my senses with a mix of nostalgia and tranquility.

Rows of roses, lavender, and daisies stretch out in front of me like an artist’s vivid canvas. I walk past a

bunch of lilies, their heads tilted towards the sun, and reach the jasmine vine that was always my

favorite. Leaning in, I take a deep sniff. Its scent is as intoxicating as I remember.

For a moment, I feel free from the memories and the speculation that my return is no doubt generating.

But then, feeling as though someone is watching me, I look up instinctively toward the mansion.

Overhead in a window, that’s where I see Gerald, the butler, staring at me through one of the back

windows.

eyes, they hold

steps away from the window

of embarrassment and curiosity. It

around the garden, the ex-Luna now an

believe that I

my head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my gut. Surely he was

made a big announcement about my return. I

about my nonexistent

one last look around the garden, breathing

I make my way back towards the house. Just as I reach the patio

there stands Elsie, one of the maids I had always been

and before I know it,

it’s so good to see you,” I murmur, returning the hug with just

she exclaims, pulling back to look at me. “Is life outside treating you

well as

air before she finally asks the question that I’ve been

you and Karl…” Her words trail

“No, no, nothing like that,” I

to visit, that’s all.”

curl into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my

really nice to have you back, even if it’s

her eyes, Karl and I could never just

deny it, a part of me

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s

my way back into the house, each step

the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting

Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth than

the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap

see a message from Ethan. He’s asking a

until I get home. But

urge to be a

through responding when the sound of footsteps approaches

step below me. He has a knowing look on his

a sparkle

moves closer, and for a split second, I’m transported back to a

occurrence.

to the phone in my hand. “You’re supposed

enjoying the weekend off.”

an embarrassed shrug, I avert my

for my phone, gently taking it from me.

a couple of days. Just try to relax.

at him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had a knack for cutting

more work.

smile I’ve missed more than I care

things here, and now

you used

…

much since I was last