Veronica wrapped up her conversation with Dario quickly and departed his office.
The drive to the villa felt longer than usual. When she finally arrived, Veronica made her way directly to Sabrina's bedroom, where she discovered Cullen seated at the small desk, absorbed in his work.
He raised his eyes when she entered. "You made it back."
She offered a quiet acknowledgnt.
Setting her purse on the dresser, Veronica approached Sabrina's bed with careful steps.
The little girl remained connected to an IV line, her face peaceful in sleep despite the subtle tension creasing her forehead. Veronica chose not to disturb her rest, instead turning her attention to Cullen.
"How is she feeling now?"
"The pain was intense when I first arrived ho, but the dication has helped significantly."
"That's a relief."
Veronica settled onto the nearby sofa, retrieving a book from her bag with the intention of reading while Sabrina recovered.
Cullen's voice broke the quiet atmosphere. "Have you had dinner?"
"Not yet."
Before he could respond, Sabrina stirred awake.
Her eyes widened with delight upon seeing Veronica. "Mom! You ca back!"
"I did."
Veronica closed her barely opened book and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Before she could say anything, Sabrina pushed herself upright and wrapped both arms around Veronica's neck.
"I missed you so much, Mom!"
The embrace caught Veronica off guard. She felt the child's small fra pressed against her, warm and real. After a mont's hesitation, she returned the hug, being mindful of the IV needle in Sabrina's arm.
The dication had worked its magic over the past hour. Sabrina's energy was returning, and with it ca her appetite.
"Mom, my stomach is growling."
Cullen remained at his desk, looking over at them. "I can have the kitchen staff prepare sothing."
Sabrina kept her arms around Veronica, lifting her head to et her gaze. "I don't want that. I want you to cook for , Mom."
Veronica glanced at the window, noting how dark it had beco. "It's getting late, sweetheart. Let's order sothing tonight, and I'll cook for you another day."
"Fine," Sabrina said with a small sigh. "But you have to eat with ."
"Of course."
The change in Sabrina's deanor was remarkable now that Veronica had returned. Her entire face seed to glow with happiness.
When the IV bag emptied, Cullen approached with gentle hands to remove the needle. Sabrina imdiately reached for Veronica, asking to be carried downstairs for their al.
As Veronica lifted her, she couldn't help but notice the changes. Sabrina felt heavier in her arms, and she appeared to have grown taller as well.
Could twenty days really make such a difference?
"Mom?"
Sabrina's soft voice pulled Veronica from her thoughts. The child had placed her small palm against Veronica's cheek, studying her expression with concern.
Veronica tightened her hold and carried Sabrina toward the stairs without explanation.
Cullen closed his laptop and followed behind them. When he saw Sabrina's radiant smile over Veronica's shoulder, he couldn't resist reaching out to gently pinch her cheek.
Sabrina was too content to complain about the gesture.
At the dinner table, she positioned herself right beside Veronica, chattering excitedly between bites about what she wanted for breakfast the following morning.
"I have so business to handle later, so I'll make those dishes for you next ti," Veronica said, observing that Sabrina had recovered well from her earlier discomfort.
Cullen's eyes shifted to Veronica at this comnt, though he remained silent.
Sabrina's expression fell. "But Mom, you're always working now. I don't want you to leave! You just got here!"
Seeing the disappointnt cloud Sabrina's features, Veronica felt a pang of guilt. These brief monthly visits hardly seed adequate.
She reconsidered her plans. "Okay, I'll spend the night here with you."
Sabrina's face lit up instantly. "And you'll take to school in the morning!"
Veronica took another forkful of food and agreed with a nod.
Dinner ended with Sabrina practically bouncing with excitent. She imdiately dragged Veronica upstairs, eager to share everything that had happened during their ti apart. She spoke animatedly about her new classmates, her favorite teachers, and all the activities she had been enjoying at school.
As Veronica listened to the steady stream of stories, she beca aware of a presence in the doorway. Cullen stood there, his shoulder resting against the fra, quietly observing their interaction.
She wondered how long he had been watching them.
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