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.

alone at the campsite might not be safe. Taking the initiative, he addressed Lysander and Josiah, “All right, it’s

led Michelle away, just as he used to when taking her to school as

that her father might suddenly disappear,

word. She simply nodded in silence and watched

with only a single light illuminating the direction of the camp. Lysander watched for a long time. Even

bottling up her emotions could lead to trouble, voiced his concern, “Do you still feel

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

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

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

cope this far is already quite remarkable. As 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

Lysander to regain her spirits but couldn’t bring himself to be too blunt with his

smile, Lysander tried to appear unaffected but failed miserably. “Truthfully, I wish Michelle could remain willful forever. Her sudden maturity only signifies that the person who allowed her such freedom is

words were not only meant for Josiah but also served

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; no one can accompany anyone forever. Parting is the norm.” Lysander took a deep breath and then said to Josiah, “I can’t be with her forever, so I can’t stop her from growing up.”

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

even know whether to say thank you or apologize to you anymore.”

lives had become so intertwined, much like a ball of yarn hopelessly tangled together. Over time, it had become impossible

”

voice was incredibly soft, almost a whisper, as he said, “Lysander, even if you never forgive me, even if you never fall in love with me, at least you

this fact

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

using you,” she told him, her gaze drifting toward the depths of the forest. Her voice carried a hint of

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 value