Chapter 0125
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 cus hion 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 pr ick 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

in here, and I need to get

out through the large foyer, bypa ssing

reach the back patio, I take a deep breath, as if I can finally

step into the garden, a sanctuary

the world

my senses with a mix

of roses, lavender, and daisies stretch out in front of me like an artist’s vivid canvas.

heads tilted towards the sun, and reach the jasmine vine that

sniff. Its scent is as intoxicating

and

though someone is watching me, I look up instinctively toward the

Gerald, the

windows.

inscrutable, but his eyes, they

abruptly steps away from

mix of embarrassment and curiosity. It must be odd

now an unexpected visitor in

I cheated on Karl

trying to dispel the uneasy feeling that settles in my gut. Surely

Karl made a big announcement about my return. I just hope

the theory about my

take one last look

back towards the house. Just

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255