#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

abruptly steps away

creeps over my skin, a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must be odd for him

garden, the ex-Luna now an unexpected

that I cheated on Karl

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

made a big announcement about my return. I

about

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

way back towards the house. Just as I

Elsie, one of the maids I had always been

and before I know

so good to see you,” I murmur, returning the hug with just as much

pulling back to look at

laugh. “As well as

the air before she

words trail off, but her implication is

red. “No, no, nothing like that,” I assure her. “We’re just

to visit, that’s all.”

a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice

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

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

deny it, a part of me

softly. “It’s good to be

make my way back into the house, each step

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

Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth

of my phone and my

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

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

urge to be a boss for

when the sound

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

sparkle in his

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

occurrence.

gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re supposed to

enjoying the weekend off.”

I avert my

phone, gently taking it from

of days. Just try to relax.

grateful.

okay. No more work. I get

a smile I’ve missed

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

you

changed much since I was

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