Veronica brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I need to head to work now. Your granny hasn't been feeling well lately and needs her rest. Once she recovers a bit, you can go visit her."

The truth was more complicated than that. Though Mary had never openly criticized Sabrina for growing close to Niall, since Rose's health began deteriorating, Mary seemed to have lost her usual vitality. Seeing Sabrina now—a constant reminder of the growing bond between her granddaughter and Niall—would only dampen Mary's spirits further.

Sabrina's eyes widened with genuine concern. "Granny's sick? Is it something serious? Mom, why didn't you tell me about this before?"

Veronica hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I didn't want to burden you with worry. That's why I kept it to myself." She gently unwrapped Sabrina's fingers from around her wrist. "It's getting quite late, and I have several matters that need my attention. Take care of yourself while I'm gone."

Though reluctant, Sabrina sensed her mother's urgency and released her grip. The moment she did, a familiar wave of abandonment washed over her.

"Mom, when did you become so busy all the time? You're even more swamped than Dad these days. When will you finally have time for me?" Her voice carried a note of desperation.

"I'm not entirely sure myself," Veronica admitted.

As the words left her lips, Veronica was reminded of the impending finalization of her divorce. Perhaps it was time to stop shielding Sabrina from this reality. Yet something held her back. If Cullen planned to marry Niall after their divorce was settled, surely he would find an appropriate way to break the news to their daughter. There was no need for Veronica to bring it up directly.

Sabrina's shoulders slumped. "...Fine. That's what you always say lately, Mom."

Veronica couldn't deny it—it had become her standard excuse. "I should be going now," she said softly.

"Okay," Sabrina whispered, defeat evident in her voice.

As Veronica took one final look at her daughter before turning away, she spotted Niall emerging from the restroom area. It was clear that Sabrina and Cullen had been waiting in the lobby for someone—undoubtedly Niall.

The unexpected encounter caught Niall off guard as well. When their eyes met, Niall's gaze turned frosty. Veronica, maintaining her composure, averted her eyes without a word and prepared to leave.

Sabrina, oblivious to Niall's appearance, grabbed her mother's hand once more, her large eyes pleading and filled with reluctance.

Though Veronica could feel the weight of her daughter's desire for her to stay, she gently disengaged herself. "Goodbye," she said with finality.

Recognizing her mother's determination, Sabrina finally withdrew her hand, her posture deflating slightly. "Mm, goodbye, Mom."

From his position at the side, Cullen observed Sabrina's struggle to let go of Veronica, yet he made no move to prevent her departure.

Veronica walked away without looking back.

Sabrina kept her eyes fixed on her mother's retreating figure, unwilling to break the connection until Veronica disappeared from sight.

Only then did Niall approach, ruffling Sabrina's hair affectionately before turning to Cullen, who had remained mostly silent throughout the exchange.

"It's getting quite late. Should we go get something to eat?" Niall suggested.

Cullen nodded. "Alright."

Sabrina, finally tearing her gaze away from where her mother had been, addressed her father in a subdued tone. "Dad, I'd rather eat at home tonight."

"That's fine," Cullen replied without hesitation. "We'll have dinner at home then."

With that settled, the trio departed from the hospital together, leaving behind the lingering tension of the encounter with Veronica.