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 a certain…bewilderment? Or

the moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps away from the window

and

the ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in her former home. How

here still believe that I cheated on Karl with the

uneasy feeling that settles in

all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement about my return. I just hope that he

about

time to go back inside, I take one last look around

back towards the house. Just as I reach the patio door, it

the maids I had always been close

and before I know it, I’m wrapped in a

I murmur, returning the

look amazing,” she exclaims, pulling back to look at me. “Is life outside

“As well as it can, I

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

you and Karl…” Her words trail off, but her

no, nothing like that,” I assure her.

to visit, that’s all.”

instantly regret my choice of words. But

nods. “Well, it’s really nice to have you back, even if it’s just for a…

subtext is as clear as daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could never

a part of me wonders

softly. “It’s good to be

back into the house, each

staircase, I hear

smirk held more truth than

I hear the familiar ping of my phone and

and see a message from Ethan.

I should let it wait until I get home. But before I

urge to be a boss for five

responding when the sound of footsteps

the step below me. He has a knowing

a sparkle in his

for a split second, I’m transported back to a time when this was

occurrence.

not working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my

enjoying the weekend off.”

I avert my gaze. “Maybe

my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby,

of

partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had a

“Okay, okay. No more

face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed more than

now I’m free until my meeting. How about

cafe you used to

…

since I was