Chapter 621

Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

In a voice just loud enough for the two of them, Josiah whispered, “The temperature in the mountains dips quite low. I noticed everyone brought their warm clothing. You should head back and change into yours soon. Even if it isn’t chilly now, it’ll serve as a good cover when the night sets in.”

Caught off guard, Lysander hesitantly admitted in a soft, awkward voice, “I’ve actually forgotten to bring

mine.”

Anticipating this, Josiah nodded understandingly. “Don’t worry, I’ve packed it for you. It’s in the luggage I brought up to your room.”

Over the days they had spent together, Lysander had found herself thanking Josiah more times than she could count. For a moment, she chose silence over repeating the same formalities, a silent acknowledgment of his thoughtfulness.

Josiah, recognizing the departure from her usual formality, couldn’t help but smile subtly, pleased by the personal connection that seemed to be deepening between them.

As the evening drew in, the temperature began to fall, and the day gave way to night much quicker than expected. By the time they reached the campsite, stars were just beginning to prick the velvety darkness of the sky.

The campsite, often deserted during this season, was entirely theirs for the night.

As Josiah set about pitching the tents with practiced efficiency, he kept in mind the responsibility Maverick had entrusted him with.

Despite being an amateur at camping, Maverick rolled up his sleeves and offered his help, “It looks like you could use a hand. Setting up a tent isn’t just about following the instructions; getting the frame right is the first step.”

Josiah, concerned about Maverick overexerting himself, quickly intervened, “Please let me handle this. You should take it easy.”

Off to the side, Maverick, seeing his wife and daughter busily preparing for the barbecue, leaned in closer to Josiah and whispered, “Jose, the medicine–you arranged for it to be delivered, didn’t you?”

Josiah nodded slightly.

Maverick smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes, “I thought as much. When the waiter unexpectedly brought it over as a gift, and it turned out to be medicine, I figured it was your doing.”

“Have you taken it?”

“I have, and honestly, it works wonders. I haven’t felt this pain–free in a long time.”

Maverick’s words were a stark reminder of the pain he had been silently enduring. As soon as he had received the medicine, he sought out water to take it, eager for even a moment’s relief.

Josiah considered Lysander’s request that had led to this moment and felt the weight of the responsibility she had placed in his hands. Yet, for the sake of both father and daughter, he kept his actions discreet.

As the evening progressed, the campsite came alive with the crackle of the barbecue and the soft chatter of

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Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

light and filled with anticipation for the night sky’s spectacle.

Finished

Despite the Milky Way being a year–round phenomenon, its visibility and brilliance were often at their peak in the summer. That night, their luck with the weather would determine their view.

Lysander stood beneath the expanding canopy of stars, hands closely joined, eyes closed in silent prayer, hoping for a clear view of the galaxy.

At precisely seven o’clock, perhaps in answer to her prayers, a swath of the Milky Way appeared, slicing through the night sky with its luminescent beauty, captivating everyone present.

Michelle, having never witnessed such a spectacle, clapped her hands in awe and exclaimed, “Is that the

Way? It’s absolutely stunning!”

Before she could dash forward for a closer look, Lysander gently pulled her back, cautioning her to watch her step.

Maverick and Laura, seizing the moment, had wandered closer to the celestial display, standing together in quiet reflection. Maverick, breaking from his usual reserve, wrapped an arm around Laura, his actions speaking volumes about his feelings.

Michelle, observing their intimacy, whispered to her sister, “I never knew Dad could be so romantic. No wonder Mom fell for him back then.

As Lysander watched her parents, emotion overwhelmed her, tears springing to her eyes. To conceal her feelings from Michelle, she quickly fabricated an excuse, “I think I’ve got something in my eye. I’m going to go check the tent for some tissues. You keep watching.”

“Should I get it for you?” Michelle offered.

“No, it’s close by. Just enjoy the view. I’ll be right back,” Lysander reassured her, needing a moment to compose herself.

“Oh, okay then.”

Engrossed in the beautiful scenery before her and her parents‘ loving bond, Michelle failed to notice anything unusual.

On the other hand, Josiah, ever attentive, followed Lysander to the sidelines. Observing her struggle to hold back tears, he handed her a pack of tissues he had prepared, “Use these. Once you’ve dried your tears, no one will be the wiser.”

Taking the tissues, Lysander managed a weak smile, her emotions raw as she faced the reality of her father’s illness, “I once thought I could handle the pain of loss, that I could stand strong in front of Dad. But the truth is, it’s impossible. Seeing them together, happy–it brings everything back. I can’t help but think of the day he’ll inevitably leave us,”

Maverick’s health had significantly declined, yet his determination to keep going was as strong as ever. It was difficult for Lysander not to fuccumb to feelings of pessimism under such circumstances. Even Josiah could offer little more than reassurance, telling her, “Mr. Maverick didn’t suspect anything. He thought the medicine was just something I’d managed to find.”

Lysander responded in a soff, subdued tone, “That’s better, at least. Now he won’t shy away from going to the hospital for painkillers, worried about being found out.”

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Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

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Finished

As she spoke, memories from her past began to surge within her, overwhelming her thoughts. “Becoming a doctor, one of the first harsh realities you face is death. I used to imagine how it might be if a family member passed away, thinking I was prepared. But I was naive. I believed there would be plenty of time to spend with them before such a day would come.”

She continued, “However, that day is coming much too suddenly. Any mental preparation I’ve made is proving to be completely inadequate. I won’t be able to fulfill the promise I had made to myself–to give them a better life.”

The weight of her guilt was crushing, making Lysander feel as though her heart was compressing into a

tight ball of remorse.

Josiah, seeing her distress, offered words of comfort at just the right moment, “This isn’t your fault, Lysander. No one chooses to fall ill.”

Her face drained of color. Lysander’s voice broke as she reflected, “But if I had just spent more time with them. I might have picked up on my father’s unusual behaviors sooner. Perhaps then I could have gotten him into treatment early on in his lung cancer.”

Reflecting on these thoughts now seemed futile; the time for what might have been had passed.

Lysander was overwhelmed with guilt, finding it nearly impossible to even look at her parents and sister, who stood together, enjoying the beautiful view.

Josiah, perceptive to the depth of her turmoil, gently suggested, “It’s not too late to spend more time with them now. At least it would allow Mr. Maverick to enjoy his final moments with the family he loves. Leave the company matters to me for now. I’ve handled them before, and I can keep things running smoothly.”

Reassured by his support, Lysander felt a weight lift slightly. “During this time, I’m relying on you.”

“Don’t worry,” Josiah responded confidently.

Yet, Lysander knew she needed to gather her strength quickly. “With Dad’s health fading. Mom and Michelle are looking to me. I can’t let them think that without Dad, we’d just fall apart.”

Seeing her resolve to take charge and keep her family united, Josiah felt a surge of admiration. “I believe in you, Lysander.”

Hearing his affirmation, Lysander allowed herself a moment of self–reflection, “Now, I am part of a large family. The love I receive is proportional to the number of goodbyes I must eventually face. I’ve come to terms with this reality. I’m ready to live fully, to cherish the time with my loved ones, and to minimize any regrets in the future.”

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