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.

face is inscrutable, but his eyes, they hold a certain…bewilderment? Or

our gazes meet, he abruptly steps away from the window and

of embarrassment and curiosity. It must

ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in her

I cheated on Karl

shake my head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my gut. Surely he was just

see me. After all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement

about

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

way back towards the house. Just as I reach the patio door, it

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

and before I know

you,” I murmur, returning the hug with just as much

pulling back to look at me. “Is life

well as it can,

moment of silence hangs in the air before she

trail off, but

like that,” I assure her.

to visit, that’s all.”

into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my

really nice to have

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

like to deny it, a part of me wonders

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s good to

way back into the house, each

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

leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more

I hear the familiar ping of my phone and

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

should let it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing out a reply, unable

to be a boss for five

halfway through responding when the sound of footsteps

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

sparkle in

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

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

embarrassed shrug, I avert my gaze.

my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant will survive

for a couple of days. Just try to

him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had

okay. No more

face, and it’s a smile I’ve missed

up a couple of things here, and now I’m free until my

you used

…

I was last here three years