She wasn't balding, but the previously thick, luxurious dark hair had noticeably thinned out, losing its vital luster.
"Are you alright?" the grandmother whispered, her voice tightening with unshed tears.
Heena didn't flinch. She offered a perfectly composed, reassuring smile. "Of course, Grandma. I am completely fine."
"You..." the grandmother started to argue, but the words caught in her throat.
Instead of demanding the truth, the old Marchioness suddenly stepped forward and pulled Heena into a fierce, desperately tight hug.
Heena, who had been standing perfectly straight like a seasoned soldier, completely paused. The sheer, unconditional warmth of the embrace caught her off guard. Slowly, her rigid shoulders relaxed, and she wrapped her arms around the older woman, returning the hug.
"Wow, Grandma," Heena chuckled softly, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "What happened? Did you miss me that much?"
