His Beloved Ex-Wife

Chapter 632 Life Is Full Of Goodbyes When Josiah was on the phone, Lysander was right next to him. 90% Finished Seemingly worried she might overhear, Josiah didn't speak much throughout the journey and merely hummed in response. Over the past few days, Lysander had shed too many tears, but she could probably guess what had been said on the other end of the phone. Despite the heart-wrenching sorrow that still lingered within, she could no longer shed a single tear. After ending the call, Josiah hesitated for a moment before slowly crouching down in front of her. Gently taking her hand, he said, "I know how much you miss Mr. Thorne. But with the rising temperatures these past few days, if we continue to delay... Don't worry. I can arrange for Mr. Thorne's body to be temporarily stored in the morgue. Once you've calmed down a bit, I'll make further arrangements..." The morgue was shrouded in a chilling darkness, making it the most despair-inducing place within the funeral home. Maverick had always loved the hustle and bustle of life. He was not fond of places that felt lonely and cold. Naturally, Lysander couldn't bear to let her father remain in such a place. Her voice trembling, she said, "No need for that. Let's hurry. Are the arrangements at the funeral htoday or tomorrow?" Today," Josiah said somewhat reluctantly. “All right. You step outside for a moment. I'll join you shortly after I change my clothes." If Maverick were to see her in such a haggard state, he would undoubtedly be worried. She had to make herself presentable in order to bid him his final farewell. The luggage from the spa resort had already been delivered by Skylar. She selected the most plain set from it. After a quick freshening up, she unsteadily pushed open the door to the ward. Josiah was standing by, waiting for her. Seeing her pale face and her entire body leaning against the wall, looking as if she might collapse at any moment, he walked over and supported her. "Lysander." "I'm okay. I just feel a bit weak in the knees." The view in front of Lysander changed quickly, and she was no longer standing on the ground. But she always felt as if she was floating, so this wasn't new. Her heart felt emptier as if it didn't belong anywhere. Turning around, she was met with his resolute profile. She wasn't overly surprised. After a moment's hesitation, she allowed him to carry her out of the hospital, and he gently placed her in the passenger seat. Josiah leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her, then returned to the driver's seat to start the car. He drove exceptionally smoothly all the way, ensuring she didn't experience the slightest jolt. Ever since Maverick passed away, the color never returned to Lysander's face. She appeared even frailer 1/3 Chapter 632 Life Is Full Of Goodbyes Finished The funeral hwas situated next to the cemetery, in the remote outskirts far from the heart of Harborbrook. A mountain breeze was blowing all the way there. Josiah, fearing that Lysander might be affected by the wind, raised the car window and gently said to her, "Mdm. Molly, my mom, and the others already know about Mr. Thorne's situation. They are all waiting for you over there." He was worried that mentioning the nof the funeral hwould upset Lysander, so he intentionally glossed over it. Yet, a pang of pain still struck her heart. She looked toward the distant green mountains and asked, “How are my mom and sister doing?" Over the past few days, she had avoided meeting them. It wasn't that she didn't miss them, but rather, she feared that they would end up in a tearful embrace. Laura had already fainted twice, and Michelle, despite her young age, had to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of her mother. She didn't want to agitate their emotions further. Josiah tenderly responded, "Skylar has already brought them over." Lysander had no other questions left to ask. She simply stated with a sense of emptiness, "So, everything has already been set up and they're just waiting for me." Upon hearing her words filled with despair, Josiah wanted to offer scomfort, yet he feared it might backfire. So, he remained silent, simply focusing on maintaining a steady pace while subtly increasing the speed of the car. When they arrived at the funeral home, Susan, dressed all in black, was already waiting outside the main entrance. As soon as Josiah had parked the car, he assisted Lysander in getting out. Susan, with eyes full of concern, quickly approached them. She first embraced Lysander, choking back her tears as she said, "Poor child, I haven't seen you in a few days. How have you becso worn out?" She halted her upcoming words under the constant head shaking of Josiah. All she could do was wipe away her tears and gently pat Lysander's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. Lysander stood under the midday sun. For the first tin many days, she felt alive. However, a world without her father was unbearably cold. Despite the glaring sun overhead, she still felt a chill deep in her bones. Susan, clutching Lysander's hand, strolled beside her, flanked by Josiah on the other side. Along the way, she gently briefed her on the current situation. "Your mom couldn't bear the shock. The sight of your dad's remains was too much for her. She was overwhelmed with grief and fainted. Your sister is now mature enough to handle things. She is currently accompanying her in the lounge, waiting" Lysander mechanically nodded, not even clear about where she was heading. Josiah purposefully walked ahead to open the door for them. As they were passing the steps, he cautioned, "Be careful" Instinctively. Lysander lifted her leg at the sound of his words as if her soul had already taken the lead. It wasn't until she actually stood in the mourning hall and saw her father's portrait that she regained her senses and stumbled forward in a rush of emotion. 2/3 Chapter 632 Life Is Full Of Goodbyes 90% Finished The funeral was conducted in accordance with Maverick's wishes while he was alive, keeping it simple and humble. His i jasmine tea and fruit pastries were offered to the guests who had cto pay their respects, and a few pots of fragrant flowers were placed nearby. This intensely vivid scene, filled with the essence of everyday life, almost made one suspect that he had merely gone on a long journey and would return soon. Lysander gently lifted her hand to touch Maverick's mourning portrait. Her fingertips met the icy cold glass, and she instinctively recoiled, feeling that her father shouldn't be represented this way. Susan, with a heavy heart, walked over to her. She gently held her and said, "Lysander, I'm sorry for your loss. Lysander reached out to touch the picture in front of her once again, this ther hand lingering for at long tbefore she reluctantly pulled it away. She murmured, "My dad rarely took photos when he was alive. My mom toldthat he had been like this since he was young, so we only have group photos at home, none of him alone. This photo must have been taken from the group shot we took in the mountains a few days ago, right?" She withdrew her hand, looking toward Josiah who had been silently accompanying her. Josiah told Lysander the situation over here in a calm and composed manner. "Mrs. Thorne's health condition doesn't permit her to overwork herself, and Michelle has to look after her. I was also tied up at the hospital, so it was Mr. Howard who was responsible for communicating with everyone here. He mentioned that we needed a photograph of Mr. Maverick for his mourning portrait. After much thought, the only solution I could cup with was to crop one out." They did have an ID photo of Maverick, but his expression there was stern, and his appearance differed from the present. It was far less relaxed than the the had spent with his wife and daughters in the mountains a few days ago. Lysander gazed at the last photo of her father, his smile captured for eternity, and whispered, "Thank you." Josiah responded, "Don't worry about it." Lysander fell silent. It was unclear whether it was because she was too upset to speak, or she hadn't heard at all, or perhaps she had accepted his intentions. Susan, understanding her feelings, waited until she had regained scomposure. Then following the local customs of Harborbrook, she suggested, "Why don't you light a candle for your dad? Michelle and your mom have already done so. Josiah, you should light one too." "All right." X