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 hold a

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

flush creeps over my skin, a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must

ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in her

still believe that I cheated on Karl with

the uneasy feeling that settles in

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

about my

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

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

and there stands Elsie, one of the

light up, and before I know

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

look at me. “Is

“As well as it

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

words trail off,

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

to visit, that’s all.”

and I instantly regret my choice of words.

it’s really nice to have you back, even if

daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could never just be

deny it, a

softly. “It’s good to

the house,

staircase, I

a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk

of my phone and my

from Ethan. He’s asking

get home. But before

a boss

responding when the sound of

step below me. He has a knowing look on

a sparkle in

transported back to a time when this was

occurrence.

gesturing to the phone in

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert my

reaches for my phone, gently taking it from me.

you for a couple of days. Just try

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

okay. No more work. I

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

of things here, and now I’m

you used

…

cafe hasn’t changed much since I was last here