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Perhaps it was the guilt of having spent so little time with her daughter over the past several months–missing calls and being absent–but these last couple of days,” Veronica had noticed Sabrina gravitating toward her with the same clingy affection she’d shown when it had been just the two of them.
“Okay!” Sabrina’s excitement was palpable through the phone.
Phillip and his wife had departed to take Adrian to school, leaving Mary at home.
Veronica hesitated momentarily before responding with a flat, “Alright.”
Mary wasn’t convinced in the slightest. “If he continues neglecting his parental responsibilities like this, Ver, you need to take legal action. I’m serious–you should fight for full custody of Sabrina, no matter what it takes!”
“No,” Sabrina replied, her tone suddenly deflating. “Are you at Grandma’s house, Mom? I want to come too. Can you have dinner with me later?”
Veronica hummed softly in acknowledgment before asking, “Have you eaten dinner yet?”
“Mom!” The child’s voice bubbled with excitement.
“That sounds good,” Veronica agreed.
She made a beeline for Veronica the moment she entered. “Mom! I’m here!”
“Okay!” Sabrina eagerly replied.
She had barely settled into her chair when the landline telephone shattered the domestic peace with its shrill ring.
She stowed away her backpack and tablet before trailing after Veronica into the kitchen like a devoted puppy.
“Don’t worry about Sa,” Veronica assured her softly. “Cullen will make sure she’s properly looked after.”
Sabrina sat obediently at the dining table, watching expectantly as Veronica reheated the leftovers.
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Observing how Sabrina shadowed Veronica’s every move, Mary smiled warmly to herself, deciding to give mother and daughter their precious time together without interruption.
The moment they arrived at the Murray family home, Mary promptly exited the vehicle.
The family considered postponing their meal until Sabrina arrived, but Veronica insisted they continue eating without waiting.
Mary peered over at Veronica with curiosity. “Is that Sabrina on the phone?”
Just then, Veronica’s phone vibrated with an incoming call. Sabrina’s name flashed across the screen, but Veronica chose to ignore it.
Veronica knew instinctively who was calling. “I’ll get it,” she announced, rising from her seat before anyone else could volunteer.
Just as Veronica was about to end the call, she added, “Make sure to tell your father before you leave.”
Veronica straightened Sabrina’s slightly rumpled outfit and said in a measured tone, “I’ll heat up some dinner for you.”
Normally, Sabrina would complain about eating anything that wasn’t freshly made- leftovers rarely passed her discerning palate. But tonight was different; she ate everything with unexpected enthusiasm.
Approximately an hour later, Sabrina burst through the front door.
Veronica had barely pulled away from the hospital parking lot when Mary suddenly realized something was missing from the equation. “Cullen made it to the hospital, but what about Sabrina? Where did she end up?”
Between mouthfuls, she chatted animatedly with Veronica. “Mom, I went on an outing with Mr. Valerie and Cecelia today.”
Before Veronica could formulate a response, Mary’s face clouded over with disapproval.
Veronica sighed inwardly and confirmed, “Yes, it is.”
Veronica directed Sabrina to wait in the dining area while she prepared the food.
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Her phone began ringing again persistently.
“Does she want to see you?” Mary set down her utensils and approached. “If she wants to come over, tell Cullen to arrange transportation for her. We’ll make sure to save some food.”
“I will!” Sabrina promised.
Mary’s expression remained tense with dissatisfaction.
She made her way to the living room, and sure enough, Sabrina’s voice greeted her the moment she answered.
After a brief glance, Veronica still opted not to answer. Instead, she powered off her device completely and headed inside to join her family for dinner.
It was clear to Veronica that Mary was bothered by Cullen’s decision to leave Sabrina behind while he and Niall rushed to Cook’s bedside at the hospital.
Turning back to the phone, she said, “Alright, you can come over now.”
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