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.

eyes, they hold a certain…bewilderment? Or is is

moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps away

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

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

that I cheated on Karl

uneasy feeling

After all, I doubt Karl made a big announcement about my

about

one last look

myself. Then, I make my way back towards the house. Just as I reach the patio

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

and before I know

it’s so good to see you,” I murmur, returning

back to look

laugh. “As well as it can,

hangs in the air before she

Karl…” Her words trail off,

no, nothing like that,” I

to visit, that’s all.”

smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of words. But instead

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

is as clear as daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could

deny it, a part

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s good to

my way back into the house, each

I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the living room, and

Elsie’s smirk held

familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap

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

I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing out

urge to be a boss

halfway through responding when the sound

step below me. He has a knowing

a sparkle in

split second, I’m transported

occurrence.

gesturing to the

enjoying the weekend off.”

avert my gaze. “Maybe

it from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant

of days.

at him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had

okay. No more work. I get

smile I’ve missed more

just finished up a couple of things here, and now

you used to

…

changed much since I was last here three years