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.

initiative, he addressed Lysander and Josiah, “All right, it’s getting late. I’ll take Mich back to

just as he used to when taking her to

terrified that her father might suddenly disappear, obediently let him lead

to say a word. She simply nodded in silence and

in darkness, with only a single light illuminating the direction of the camp. Lysander watched for a long time. Even after Michelle and Maverick disappeared from

you still feel like

her head to look at him, her voice strained as she said, “No need. My dad can still talk to me, and he can still take Michelle back to bed.

state. With a gentle voice, he began to comfort her, “You’ve already

enough for him,” Lysander replied, her voice filled

for Michelle, her quick recovery shows that she’s matured. She understands the need to keep her emotions in check for the sake of the family, rather than acting

regain her spirits but couldn’t bring himself to be too

failed miserably. “Truthfully, I wish Michelle could remain willful forever. Her sudden maturity only signifies that the person who

Josiah but also served as a

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; no one can accompany anyone forever. Parting is the norm.” Lysander took a deep breath and then said

I will also watch over her,” Josiah said. “You don’t need to worry

out a heavy sigh. “I don’t even know whether to say thank

years, a time filled with moments of resentment, bouts of hatred, and waves of regret. Despite the turbulent emotions, their lives had become so intertwined, much like a ball of yarn hopelessly tangled together. Over time, it had become impossible to distinguish who owed. whom for what, as their individual grievances had fused into

”

eyes reflecting 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 you never

incredibly rational in acknowledging this fact

saw in his eyes. At that moment, she knew he way speaking the truth, but she wasn’t sure if she

you,” she told him, her gaze drifting toward the depths of the forest. Her

being used, it’s better than being ignored. At least it shows that I still hold some value in your eyes. Even if it all ends up fruitless, at least I can say I gave it my all. Besides, I