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.

inscrutable, but his eyes, they

he abruptly steps away from the window and

mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must

ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor

that I

to dispel the uneasy feeling that

me. After all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement about

theory about

it’s time to go back inside, I take one last look around the garden, breathing in deeply

way back towards the house. Just as I reach

of the maids

I know it, I’m wrapped in a

good to see you,” I murmur, returning the

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

“As well as it

air before she finally asks the question

you and Karl…” Her words trail off, but

flush a deep red. “No, no, nothing like

to visit, that’s all.”

smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of words.

to have you back, even

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

to deny it, a part of me

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s good to

make my way back into the house, each step carrying

I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the living room,

smirk held more truth than

phone and my thoughts snap back to the present.

my pocket and see a message from

I get home. But before I know

urge to be a boss

the sound of footsteps

step below

a sparkle in

I’m transported back to a time when this was

occurrence.

not working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re supposed to

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert my gaze.

taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant will survive

you for a couple of days. Just try

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

“Okay, okay. No more work.

it’s a smile I’ve missed more than I

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

cafe you

…

much since I was last here three years