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.

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

gazes meet, he abruptly steps away from the

flush creeps over my skin, a mix of embarrassment and

the garden, the ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor

that I cheated on

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

After all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement about my

about

time to go back inside, I take one last look

towards the house. Just as

one of the maids I had

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

to see you,” I murmur, returning the hug with

to look at me. “Is life outside

as it can,

she finally asks the question that I’ve

Karl…” Her words trail off, but her implication is

flush a deep red. “No, no, nothing like that,” I assure her. “We’re

to visit, that’s all.”

I instantly regret my choice of words.

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

Karl and I could

deny it, a part of me wonders if she’s

I say softly. “It’s good to be

my way back into the house, each step carrying

of the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the

a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk

of my phone and my thoughts snap

a message from Ethan. He’s

But before I know it,

a boss

when the sound of

around to see Karl standing on the step below me. He

sparkle in his

transported

occurrence.

are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert my gaze. “Maybe a

gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and

you for a couple of

but mostly grateful.

more work. I get

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

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

cafe you used

…

since I was last here three years