The Charming Ex-Wife

Chapter 626 You Need Me

It took Michelle a considerable amount of time to process Maverick’s words. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form the words, she burst into uncontrollable sobs. “Dad, no, how could this be? You always seem so strong and healthy, it can’t be possible!”

Maverick, witnessing his youngest daughter’s breakdown, felt a deep pang of sorrow. His lips trembled as he fought back his own tears.

In the past, he would have maintained a stoic, fatherly demeanor, but now, faced with his daughter’s raw grief, he felt an even greater distress than her own.

Lysander, observing her sister’s breakdown, moved to comfort Michelle. However, as she reached out to touch her sister’s hand, the overwhelming sense of her own grief sapped her strength, and she found herself unable to offer the support she intended.

Maverick, summoning his strength, spoke with a firm, albeit gentle voice, “Mich, you’re an adult now. Even though you’re still in school, you’re not a child. Crying won’t change our reality. In the future, I need you to help Lysa look after your mother. Try your best to manage, and importantly, try not to cause your sister any unnecessary worry, okay?”

His words, though harsh, carried an undeniable logic. For Michelle, struggling on the verge of collapse, it was a stark reminder that despite her despair, she needed to confront the reality of their family’s crisis. The gravity of her father’s illness and their situation forced her to realize that this was not the time for tears, especially since their mother was still unaware of the truth.

Upon seeing his younger daughter’s tears, Maverick’s expression softened, and he spoke in a gentler tone, “Let’s not tell your mother about this right now. I want to spend a few happy days with her. Is that okay?”

Michelle was overwhelmed by her tears, seemingly unable to hear anything else, teetering on the edge of an emotional breakdown.

Lysander hadn’t expected her father to be so reasonable. Gently helping Michelle to her feet, she said, “There, there, stop crying. If you keep crying, it’ll only make Dad feel worse.”

Maverick wiped the tears from his youngest daughter’s face and reassured her, “It’s all right. I’m still standing here just fine, aren’t I?”

No one could predict what the future held, but at that moment, Maverick longed to spend quality time. with his family. Even the words that had once made him feel awkward now came out effortlessly.

Michelle stopped crying, but it was clear that her emotions were still in turmoil. She looked as if her spirit had been crushed.

the campsite might not be safe. Taking the initiative, he addressed Lysander and Josiah, “All right, it’s getting late. I’ll take Mich back to her mother to rest. You

just as he used to when taking her

suddenly disappear, obediently let

to say a word. She simply nodded in silence and watched as they

light illuminating the direction of the camp. Lysander watched for a long time. Even after Michelle and Maverick

worried that bottling up her emotions could lead to trouble, voiced his concern, “Do you still feel like crying? I can

look at him, her voice strained as she said, “No need. My dad can still talk

couldn’t bear to see her in such a state. With a gentle voice, he

haven’t done enough for him,” Lysander replied, her voice filled with

so suddenly, you didn’t even have time to mentally prepare. The fact that you’ve managed to cope this far is already quite remarkable. As for Michelle, her quick recovery shows that she’s matured. She understands the need to keep

for Lysander to regain her spirits but couldn’t bring himself

could remain willful forever. Her sudden maturity only signifies that the person who allowed her such freedom is about

meant for Josiah but also

an instant comes with a cruel cost, something I’ve already experienced. I thought I could protect Michelle, allowing her to grow naturally without worries. But now, I see how arrogant I was. I forgot that everyone is alone;

to worry about Michelle’s future. With me around, no one would

heavy sigh. “I don’t even know whether to say thank you or

moments of resentment, bouts of hatred, and waves of regret. Despite the turbulent emotions, their lives had become so intertwined, much like a

”

a light that seemed shattered, mirroring the broken pieces of their past. His voice was incredibly soft, almost a whisper, as he said, “Lysander, even if you never forgive me, even if

was incredibly rational in acknowledging this fact and chose to embrace

she saw in his eyes. At that moment, she knew

feel like I’m using you,” she told him, her gaze drifting toward the depths

it’s better than being ignored. At least it shows that I still hold some value in your eyes. Even