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.

is inscrutable, but his eyes, they hold

abruptly steps away from

of embarrassment and curiosity. It

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

still believe that I cheated on Karl

my head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in

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

theory about

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

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

one of the maids I had

light up, and before I know it, I’m wrapped

see you,” I murmur, returning the

back to look at

laugh. “As well as it

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

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

flush a deep red. “No, no, nothing like that,” I assure her.

to visit, that’s all.”

and I instantly regret my choice

nice to have you

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

it, a part of me

I say softly. “It’s

my way back into the house, each step carrying a different

the staircase, I

smirk

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

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

let it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing

be a boss for

halfway through responding when the sound of footsteps

step below

a sparkle in

moves closer, and for a split second, I’m transported

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

embarrassed shrug, I avert my

taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and

a couple of days. Just try to

partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He

No more work.

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

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

cafe you

…

much since I was last here