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.

they hold a certain…bewilderment? Or

gazes meet, he abruptly steps

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

the garden, the ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in her former

still believe that I cheated

dispel the uneasy feeling that settles

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

theory about my nonexistent

inside, I take one last look

my way back towards the house.

there stands Elsie, one of the maids I had always been

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

murmur, returning the hug with just as

exclaims, pulling back to look at me. “Is life outside treating

laugh. “As well as it

she finally asks

you and Karl…” Her words trail off, but her

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

to visit, that’s all.”

a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of

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

is as clear as daylight. In her eyes, Karl

it, a part

softly. “It’s good to be

I make my way back into the house, each step

I reach the top of the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting from

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

the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap back to

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

wait until I get home. But before I know

be a boss

through responding when the sound of footsteps

Karl standing on the step

a sparkle in

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

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

shrug, I avert

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

you for a couple of days. Just try

grateful. He always had a knack for cutting

“Okay, okay. No more work. I get

face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed more than I care to admit. “Well, look,”

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

cafe you

…

changed much since I was