Three days into Sabrina's stay at the Murray residence, her phone rang as evening settled in. Veronica was in her room, the soft whirr of the hairdryer filling the space between them.
Sabrina's face lit up when she checked her screen. "Mom, Dad's calling!" she announced excitedly.
Veronica acknowledged with a gentle "Hmm," as Sabrina tapped the screen to answer, imdiately switching to speakerphone. "Dad!" she greeted enthusiastically.
"Have you had dinner yet?" Cullen's voice ca through clearly.
"Yes, I have!" Sabrina replied cheerfully.
After exchanging pleasantries, Cullen got straight to the point. "About tomorrow's outing with Niall that we planned - I'll be sending soone to pick you up shortly."
Despite the limited ti Veronica had spent with her due to work commitnts, these past few days had been blissful for Sabrina. The thought of leaving now made her hesitate.
"Dad, I don't want to—" she began, her voice trailing off as sothing crossed her mind. She paused, reconsidering, then continued in a softer tone, "Okay, but Dad, you have to co pick up yourself."
Cullen, ever indulgent of her whims, chuckled warmly. "Alright, I'll co get you personally."
After ending the call, Sabrina imdiately crossed the room and wrapped her arms tightly around Veronica. "Mom, I don't want to leave you..."
Veronica understood the unspoken truth. When Cullen had ntioned sending soone for her, Sabrina had instinctively wanted to refuse. If Veronica had to guess, Sabrina had only changed her mind because she didn't want to disappoint Niall. Even though she wasn't ready to part from Veronica, she was still considerate enough not to let Niall down.
With this realization, Veronica gently stroked Sabrina's hair. "Go pack your things now. Your dad will be here soon."
Her words were t with clear disappointnt. Sabrina clung tighter to Veronica's arm. "Mom, I already told you I brought lots of things this ti so I wouldn't have to pack again when I co for sumr break. It hasn't even been that many days and you've already forgotten?"
Veronica hadn't forgotten. She simply hadn't agreed when Sabrina first ntioned it days ago. By sumr, she and Cullen would likely be officially divorced, their interactions governed solely by legal agreents rather than familial bonds. But she kept these thoughts to herself.
"I rember," she said simply, encouraging Sabrina to gather her howork instead.
Shortly after Sabrina finished packing, Cullen's car pulled up outside. Though the Murray family harbored little affection for Cullen, both Mary and Phillip adored Sabrina. Despite their feelings toward her father, they joined Veronica to see the girl off.
Cullen stepped out of the car and greeted them with practiced politeness. "Madam Jayden, Mr. Murray."
It had been considerable ti since they'd last encountered him. In response to his greeting, they rely offered curt nods, withholding any verbal acknowledgnt.
Cullen then shifted his gaze to Veronica, who kept her eyes downcast as she instructed Sabrina, "Get in the car."
"Okay." Sabrina bid farewell to each Murray family mber before climbing into the vehicle with her father.
As they turned back toward the house, Mary clasped Veronica's hand. "It won't be long before you two officially file for divorce, right?"
Veronica confird with a simple nod. "Mm."
Mary sighed softly, offering a small smile. "That's probably for the best."
After their brief conversation, Veronica suddenly rembered sothing important and took the initiative to ssage Cullen.
"You should find a ti to talk to Sabrina about our divorce."
Unlike most children who might struggle with such news, Sabrina was different. Veronica believed she could handle it.
Cullen's reply ca shortly after: "Alright. I'll find the right ti to tell her."
Just as Veronica set her phone down to resu her work, another ssage arrived.
"If you have anything you'd like to add to our divorce agreent, feel free to have your lawyer contact mine. If it's reasonable, I'll agree to it."
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