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

the moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps

and curiosity. It must be

an unexpected

that I cheated on Karl with the

the uneasy feeling

I doubt Karl made a big announcement about my return. I

theory about

I take one last look around the garden,

towards the house. Just as

there stands Elsie, one of the maids I

and before I know it,

you,” I murmur, returning the hug

look amazing,” she exclaims, pulling back to look

“As well as it can,

before she finally asks the question

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

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

to visit, that’s all.”

curl into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of words.

“Well, it’s really nice to have you back, even

daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could never just be “friends”. And as

like to deny it, a part of me wonders if

I say softly. “It’s

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

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

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

then, I hear the familiar ping of my phone

pocket and see a message from Ethan. He’s asking a question

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

to be a boss

sound of footsteps approaches behind

I whip around to see Karl standing on the step below

sparkle

a split second, I’m transported

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

embarrassed shrug, I avert my gaze. “Maybe a

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

you for a couple of days. Just

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

No more

it’s a smile I’ve missed more

now I’m free until my

you used

…

cafe hasn’t changed much since I was