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.

his eyes, they hold

abruptly steps away from the window and

a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must be

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

still believe that I

dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my gut. Surely

Karl made a big

the theory about

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

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

and there stands Elsie, one of the maids I had

I know it,

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

to look at me. “Is life outside

laugh. “As well as it

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

words trail off, but her implication is

nothing like that,” I assure her.

to visit, that’s all.”

curl into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my

to have you back, even if

as daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I

like to deny it, a part of me wonders if

say softly. “It’s good to be

back into the

I hear Karl’s voice

smirk held more truth than I’d like

my phone and my thoughts snap back to

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

let it wait until I get home. But

a boss

sound of footsteps

the step below me. He has a knowing look on

a sparkle

I’m transported back to a time when this was

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

an embarrassed shrug, I avert my

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

you for a couple of days. Just try to relax.

at him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He

No more

smile brightens his face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed

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

you used

…

cafe hasn’t changed much since I was last here three years