277 RETURNED! edited (1/2)

She wore the same dress as her mother, but in green with the exact same pattern embroidered. She had about her a haughty air that Senja could sense even from afar. However, she veiled it pretty well behind the innocent smile on her red lips.

Carye and Rindy bowed to pay their respects to Elder Dam and Xiao Tianyao. Then Carye walked towards Senja and looked every bit motherly as she scrutinized Senja and her purple hair.

”Senja, what happened to your hair?” She raised her eyebrows in surprise and reached out her hand to touch her purple hair.

That's when Elder Dam gave her a brief explanation.

”She was found with her hair in that color. No need to fuss over it. The physician who checked her up said the color would fade away with time.”

Carye nodded in comprehension.

”Senja, you don't know how worried I was this past year that you went missing.” She spoke like a concerned mother. But, no one present could be fooled by the honey glazed words. Not even Senja for she knew too well it was a forked tongue doing the sweet talks.

Carye pulled her into her embrace and squeezed her so tight that Senja was breathless. If Senja hadn't known anything about this woman or sensed her vicious intent, she would've assumed that this stepmother truly loved her.

What a pity for Senja knew and would never give way to her bullying. Especially when she would be the object of their harassment.

When Carye tightened her grip like someone who wanted to crush her bones, Senja yelped. ”It hurts!!”

Abruptly Carye released her bone crushing hug and stepped back with surprise in her eyes.

Elder Dam frowned as Senja stroked both her arms grimly in a bid to soothe the pain.

”Carye, you know that Senja's body is not that strong.” Elder Dam said clearly dissatisfied.

Carye lowered her head to conceal the perplexity in her eyes. ”Carye apologizes. I am so excited to see Senja again that I foolishly forgot how delicate Senja's body is.”

On the other side Rindy walked towards Elder Dam and smiled sweetly. ”Grandfather, mother has been worrying about Senja and now that she has finally returned mother is very excited.” Afterwards she walked towards Senja and gave her a light hug. ”Welcome back my sister, and I like your hair color.” Her compliments sounded very sincere.