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

steps away from the window and disappears from

of embarrassment and curiosity. It must be odd

garden, the ex-Luna now an

here still believe that I cheated on Karl with

feeling that settles in my

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

about my

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

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

stands Elsie, one of the maids I had always been

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

murmur,

pulling back to look at me. “Is life outside

as it can, I

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

trail off, but

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

to visit, that’s all.”

into a knowing smirk, and I instantly

simply nods. “Well, it’s really nice to have you back, even if it’s just for a…

daylight. In her eyes, Karl and I could never just be

deny it, a part of me wonders if

softly. “It’s good to be

into the house, each step carrying a

the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice

smirk held

phone and my thoughts snap back

from Ethan. He’s asking

home. But before I know it,

to be a boss for

responding when the sound of footsteps approaches behind

I whip around to see Karl standing on the step below me. He has a

a sparkle

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

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

embarrassed shrug, I avert

for my phone, gently taking it from me. “Abby,

for a couple of days.

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

more work. I get

I’ve missed more than I care

just finished up a couple of things here, and now

cafe you used to

…

since I was last here three