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

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

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

ex-Luna now an unexpected visitor in

that I

trying to dispel the uneasy feeling

big announcement about my return. I just hope

about my nonexistent

one last look around the garden, breathing

Then, I make my way back towards the

one of the

light up, and before I know

good to see you,” I murmur, returning

back to look at me. “Is life

as

of silence hangs in the air before she finally asks the question that I’ve

and Karl…” Her words trail off, but her implication is

“No, no, nothing like that,” I assure

to visit, that’s all.”

curl into a knowing smirk, and I instantly regret my choice of words. But instead of

“Well, it’s really nice to have you back,

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

to deny it, a part of me wonders if

softly.

into the house, each step carrying a different weight,

reach the top of the staircase, I

does a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held

then, I hear the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts

a message from Ethan. He’s asking

But before I

to be a boss

when the sound of footsteps approaches behind

see Karl standing on the step below me. He

a sparkle in his

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

occurrence.

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

enjoying the weekend off.”

avert my gaze. “Maybe

gently taking it from

you for a couple of

him, partly exasperated but mostly grateful. He always

No more work. I get

smile I’ve missed more than I care

and now I’m free until my

you used

…

I was