My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Rose's organ failure had been caught in its early stages, giving Kelsey and her medical team room to maneuver. After careful evaluation of her overall health and condition, they were able to implement several crucial adjustments to her treatment plan.

Their dedicated efforts paid off when they finally devised a regimen that could effectively stabilize her condition. The moment this news reached the Murray household, it was as though a weight had been lifted from everyone's shoulders. The suffocating anxiety that had enveloped the family for the past two weeks began to dissipate like morning fog under sunlight.

That evening, Mary's spirits soared so high that she insisted on preparing a special dinner to celebrate this turn of events. The kitchen came alive with delicious aromas as she channeled her relief and joy into cooking, creating a feast that symbolized their renewed hope.

After they had finished eating, Veronica joined Mary in the living room, both women still basking in the afterglow of good news. The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sudden ringing of Veronica's phone. When she glanced at the screen, she saw Sabrina's name flashing.

It had been over a month since mother and daughter had spoken to each other. The last time Sabrina had called, Veronica had just received the devastating news about Rose's organ failure. Her emotional state had been too fragile then to handle a conversation, so she had let the call go unanswered.

Now, as she stared at the screen, Mary gently encouraged her, "Answer it."

Though Mary didn't elaborate, Veronica understood the deeper meaning behind her words. Mary had noticed Veronica's reluctance to allow Sabrina to visit lately and had intuited the reason—Veronica feared that seeing Sabrina might stir up complicated emotions during such a difficult time. While Veronica had never explicitly blamed Sabrina for her closeness with Niall, encountering her during that dark period might have triggered feelings of resentment that would be difficult to control.

But now, with Rose's condition showing signs of improvement, Mary saw an opportunity for healing not just physical but emotional wounds as well.

Veronica looked at the name on her screen for a few more seconds before finally accepting the call.

On the other end, Sabrina had almost given up hope of reaching her mother. After her last unanswered call, she had planned to try again in a few days, but Cullen had advised her against it, explaining that Veronica was extremely busy. Though disappointed, Sabrina had respected this boundary.

But tonight, the longing to hear her mother's voice had become overwhelming. She decided to risk another attempt, and to her amazement, Veronica actually answered.

"Mom!" Sabrina exclaimed, her initial excitement quickly giving way to the emotional burden she had been carrying. "Mom, you finally picked up... You have no idea how much I've missed you lately..." Her voice cracked with emotion, revealing weeks of pent-up yearning.

Veronica lowered her gaze, carefully reining in her own complex feelings before responding in a measured tone, "Have you eaten dinner?"

"Yes!" Sabrina's spirit instantly lifted at her mother's concern. "Mom, when are you free? I can come tomorrow—no, I can come right now!"

"I have work tomorrow," Veronica replied evenly, "but if you want to come over, then come." She paused briefly before adding, "But ask your dad first. If he agrees—"

"He will agree!" Sabrina interrupted, unable to contain her excitement. "I'm going to pack my things now. Mom, wait for me!"

Before Veronica could say anything more, Sabrina had already hung up. She turned immediately to Cullen, who was sitting beside her, and announced triumphantly, "Mom said I can go see her!"

Cullen casually turned a page in his book before looking up at his daughter. "Got it. Do you need me to drive you?"

"Nope!" Sabrina replied, already in motion. She grabbed her stuffed animal Chelsea and raced upstairs to pack her belongings.

Minutes later, she bounded back down the stairs with her backpack, barely acknowledging Cullen as she sped past him in the living room.

"Dad, I'm heading out now!" she called over her shoulder, already halfway to the door.

Cullen turned slightly in his chair, watching his daughter's small figure as she prepared to leave. "Okay. Be safe. And good night," he replied calmly.

"Good night!" Sabrina's voice echoed back as she disappeared through the doorway, her heart full of anticipation for the reunion with her mother.