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.

they hold a certain…bewilderment? Or is is something

the moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps

and

an unexpected visitor in her former

that I cheated on Karl

dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my

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

theory about my nonexistent

go back inside, I take one last look around the garden, breathing in

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

and there stands Elsie, one of the maids I had

eyes light up, and before I know it, I’m wrapped

I murmur, returning the hug with just

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

well as it can, I

she finally

trail off, but her implication is

a deep red. “No, no, nothing like

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

daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could

like to deny it, a

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s

I make my way back into the house, each step carrying a different weight, a

the top of the staircase, I

does a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth than

hear the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap back to the

see a message from Ethan. He’s asking a question about

it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m

to be a boss

when the sound of footsteps approaches behind me.

on the step below me. He

a sparkle in his

split second, I’m transported

occurrence.

working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my hand.

enjoying the weekend off.”

I avert my gaze. “Maybe

for my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and

for a couple of days. Just try to relax.

but mostly grateful. He always

okay. No more

his face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed more than I care to admit. “Well, look,” he

a couple of things here, and now I’m free until my meeting. How

you

…

since I was last here