As soon as she emerged from the airport terminal and spotted Cullen and Niall waiting, Sabrina released Chelsea's hand and sprinted toward them. She launched herself into their welcoming arms, feeling the familiar comfort of home after her time away.
Once settled in the car, Sabrina eagerly dug through her little backpack, her small fingers searching for the treasures she'd carefully selected during her trip. With eyes bright with anticipation, she pulled out the gifts.
"Dad, Niall, I got you presents!" Her voice bubbled with excitement as she handed over the small souvenirs.
Niall accepted them with genuine appreciation, her hand gently tousling Sabrina's hair. "Thank you, Sa," she said with a warm smile that reached her eyes.
That evening's plans were already set. Cook was being discharged from the hospital, and Cullen had arranged for himself and Sabrina to join the family dinner at Dennis Estate. After dropping Niall off at her residence, Cullen instructed the driver to head toward their destination.
During the ride, Cullen immersed himself in work matters on his laptop, his fingers tapping rapidly against the keys. Sensing his concentration, Sabrina didn't interrupt, choosing instead to entertain herself quietly beside him.
When the car finally pulled up to the grand entrance of Dennis Estate, Sabrina's excitement couldn't be contained. She hopped out energetically, her backpack bouncing against her small shoulders as she darted toward the front door, calling out eagerly, "Mom! Mom!"
Cullen closed his laptop deliberately and stepped out of the vehicle. With a calm voice that betrayed no emotion, he said, "Your mom isn't here."
Sabrina stopped abruptly, her little feet skidding slightly on the driveway. She turned back, confusion etched across her face. "Huh? Mom's not here?" Her shoulders drooped slightly. "She's still busy?"
Cullen approached his daughter, his large hand coming down to ruffle her hair affectionately. "Maybe you should call and ask her."
"Okay," Sabrina replied, though her enthusiasm had visibly dimmed.
It had become a pattern lately—calling her mom only to be met with silence. When she was home, it wasn't quite so painful, but during her trip abroad, despite daily calls and video chats with Cullen and Niall, something essential had been missing.
The loneliness and homesickness had been overwhelming at times. During those first days overseas, it was her mom she missed most desperately. She had called every day, her small fingers dialing the number with hope, only to face disappointment each time when Veronica failed to answer.
Eventually, resignation replaced hope. She convinced herself that her mom must be too occupied with important matters to take her calls, and gradually, she stopped trying.
Before returning home, she had secretly hoped Veronica would surprise her at the airport. When Cullen mentioned he and Niall would come instead, Sabrina hadn't bothered calling her mother. She'd simply assumed Veronica would be waiting at the manor to welcome her back.
Now, standing in the driveway with reality sinking in, Sabrina suddenly lost the desire to make another futile attempt. What was the point? Her mother would probably be too busy to answer anyway.
All the excitement of coming home seemed to evaporate like morning dew under a harsh sun.
Cullen noticed the change in her demeanor. He crouched down slightly, gently pinched her cheek, and raised an eyebrow. "Are you crying?"
Sabrina pressed her lips together tightly, turning her face away from his scrutiny. "No, I'm not!" she insisted, though her voice betrayed her.
A knowing smirk played at Cullen's lips. "So, you've given up? You don't want to call your mom anymore?"
Sabrina remained silent, struggling with her conflicting emotions. After what seemed like forever, she whispered reluctantly, "N-No..." The truth was, despite everything, she still yearned to hear her mother's voice.
Cullen chuckled softly but didn't press the issue further. Instead, he simply reached out and lifted her into his arms. "Let's go inside," he said, his voice a comforting rumble against her chest.
Sabrina wrapped her small arms around his neck, burrowing into the safety of his embrace. The warmth radiating from him began to soothe the ache in her heart.
Inside the manor, the Dennis family had gathered, waiting to commence dinner. As Cullen entered with Sabrina in his arms, all conversation ceased, and all eyes turned toward them.
Cook's face transformed instantly, lighting up with genuine joy at the sight of her great-granddaughter. "Sa, you're back? Come here, let me have a good look at you."
Sabrina wiggled down from Cullen's arms and raced over to Cook. "Nana!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around the elderly woman.
Then, remembering her manners, she turned to acknowledge the others present. "Grandma, Aunt Aila, Uncle Leo," she greeted them politely.
Seraphine and Aila responded with cursory nods and halfhearted acknowledgments, their tones noticeably cool. Leo, however, reacted with unmistakable delight. He rose from his seat, scooped Sabrina up in a bear hug, and began playfully teasing her.
Sabrina's giggles filled the room as Leo tickled her sides and made silly faces.
Then, in a moment that seemed to freeze the air in the room, Leo cocked his head to one side and asked with casual curiosity, "By the way, Cull, where's Veronica?"