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.

eyes, they hold a

the moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps away from the window and

mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must be odd for

ex-Luna now an unexpected

believe that I

uneasy feeling that settles in

me. After all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement about my return. I just hope that he

the theory about my nonexistent

inside, I take one last look around the garden, breathing in deeply

the house. Just as I reach

the maids I had always

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

see you,” I murmur,

look at me. “Is life outside treating you

as it can, I

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

Karl…” Her words trail off, but her implication

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

to visit, that’s all.”

instantly regret my choice of

she simply nods. “Well, it’s really nice to have you back, even if it’s just

as daylight. In her eyes, Karl

deny it, a part of me wonders

softly. “It’s

way back into the

the top of the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the living room, and

Maybe Elsie’s smirk held

the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap

it from my pocket and see a message from

home. But

a boss for five

the sound of footsteps approaches behind

standing on the step below

a sparkle in

second, I’m transported back to a

occurrence.

gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re

enjoying the weekend off.”

avert my gaze. “Maybe

from me. “Abby, Ethan

of days. Just try

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

No more

a smile I’ve missed more than

here, and now I’m free until my meeting.

you used to

…

changed much since I was last here three years