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.

his eyes, they hold a certain…bewilderment?

the moment our gazes meet, he abruptly steps

flush creeps over my skin, a mix of embarrassment and

ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in her former

here still believe that I cheated on Karl with the

uneasy feeling that settles in my gut.

big announcement about

about

it’s time to go back inside, I take one last look

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

of the maids I had always been close

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

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

back to look at me. “Is life outside

“As well as it

she

and Karl…” Her words trail

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

to visit, that’s all.”

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

she simply nods. “Well, it’s really nice to have you back, even

daylight. In her eyes, Karl

deny it, a part of me wonders if

Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s

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

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

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

ping of my phone

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

wait until I get home. But before

urge to be a boss for five

through responding when the sound of footsteps

on the step below me. He

sparkle

second, I’m transported back to a time

occurrence.

working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my

enjoying the weekend off.”

avert

reaches for my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby, Ethan and the restaurant

a couple of days. Just

him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always had a knack for

No more work. I

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

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

you used to

…

much since I was last