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 certain…bewilderment? Or

moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps

and curiosity. It

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

still believe that I

feeling that settles in my gut. Surely he

doubt Karl made a big announcement about my

theory about

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

towards the house.

the

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

you,” I murmur, returning the hug with

look amazing,” she exclaims, pulling back to look

as it can, I

air before she

and Karl…” Her words trail

red. “No, no, nothing like that,”

to visit, that’s all.”

instantly regret my choice of words.

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

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

it, a part of me wonders

say softly. “It’s good to be

way back into the house, each step carrying a different

reach the top of the staircase, I

smirk

hear the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts

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

home. But before I know

a boss for five

sound of

to see Karl standing on the step below me. He has a knowing look on

a sparkle in

second, I’m transported back to a time when

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

avert my

gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and

of days.

him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful.

more work. I get

I’ve missed more than I care to admit. “Well, look,”

and now I’m

you

…

much since I