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.

is inscrutable, but his eyes, they hold a certain…bewilderment? Or is is

abruptly steps away from the window and disappears

embarrassment and curiosity.

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

I cheated

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

Karl made a big announcement about my

theory about my nonexistent

to go back inside, I take one last

towards the house. Just as I reach

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

know it, I’m wrapped in

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

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

well as it can,

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

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

no, nothing like

to visit, that’s all.”

knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of words. But instead of

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

eyes, Karl and I could never

like to deny it, a part

softly. “It’s good to

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

staircase, I

a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth than I’d like

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

from Ethan. He’s asking a question about

should let it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing out a

be a boss for

responding when the sound of

standing on the step below me. He has a knowing

a sparkle

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

occurrence.

are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert

taking it from

without you for a couple of days. Just

grateful. He always had a knack for

“Okay, okay. No more work. I

I’ve missed more than I

now I’m free until my meeting. How about some

you used to

…

I was last here three