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 a certain…bewilderment? Or

meet, he abruptly steps away from the window and

a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It

garden, the ex-Luna now an unexpected

that I cheated on

dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my gut. Surely

a big

theory about

to go back inside, I take one

back towards the house. Just as I reach

and there stands Elsie, one of the maids I

and before I know

to see you,” I murmur, returning the hug

look amazing,” she exclaims, pulling back to look

well as it can,

in the air before she finally asks the question

and Karl…” Her words trail

“No, no, nothing like that,” I assure her.

to visit, that’s all.”

lips curl into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice

simply nods. “Well, it’s really nice to have you

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

to deny it, a part of me wonders

softly. “It’s good to

I make my way back into the house, each

the top of the staircase, I hear Karl’s

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

my phone and my thoughts snap back to the present. Reluctantly,

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

I get home. But

to be a boss for

the sound of footsteps approaches behind me.

around to see Karl standing on the step

sparkle in

for a split second, I’m transported back to a

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert my gaze. “Maybe a

from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant

without you for a couple of days. Just

grateful. He always had

No more work. I get

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

just finished up a couple of things here, and now I’m free until my meeting. How

you used to

…

much since I was last here three years